Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, is
only a short distance from Big Sky, Montana. This park is alive with
more than 10,000 geysers, hot spring and mud pots. The opportunities
for wildlife viewing are endless. Cinnamon Lodge & Adventures will
guide you to all the best locations and will help you maximize your
time in Yellowstone National Park.
Starting Point for both tours is Cinnamon Lodge & Adventures
Entering
through West Yellowstone, you will first head to the Fountain Paint
Pots. This unique location is a great place to see all types of thermal
features. Then a trip through the Firehole Canyon in route to Old
Faithful. Old Faithful is the world’s most famous geyser. Once you have
seen her clear her throat, you can head into the Old Faithful Inn. This
100 year old historic inn is a remarkable log structure built with
native logs.
After crossing the Continental Divide you will see Yellowstone
Lake. This huge body of water is 20 miles long by 14 miles wide.
Yellowstone Lake occupies the southeast section of the Yellowstone
Caldera. Along the shore you will see thermal vents and hot springs
giving evidence of the lakes volcanic activity. Watch for eagles
soaring overhead looking for fish in the lake.
From Yellowstone Lake you’ll be driving through Hayden Valley, one of
the best wildlife viewing spots in the park. Watch for wolves, grizzly
bears, bison, elk, and many others as you slowly drive through the
valley. On the other side of Hayden Valley you will see the Grand
Canyon of the Yellowstone. This canyon, filled with dramatic color and
shape, is an amazing account of the parks geologic history. You will
see incredible waterfalls spilling hundreds of feet over the lip of
volcanic rock. In cold weather you can see puffs of steam coming from
the canyon walls, once again revealing Yellowstone’s turbulent history.
Entering
through West Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs will be the first stop.
This is one of the most striking thermal features in Yellowstone. The
stark white travertine terraces in the Mammoth area are often mistaken
for snow. After a hike down the terraces, head for the Lamar Valley
which is considered by many to be “the Serengeti of North America”.
Along the way keep a close eye out for antelope, bison, coyotes, bears
and the always popular gray wolf. The Lamar Valley is where the gray
wolf was reintroduced in 1995, making Yellowstone the most intact eco
system in the temperate world. This is arguably the best place in the
world to see wolves in the wild.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before your next stop, Norris Geyser
Basin. The Norris Geyser Basin is alive with colorful hot springs and
geysers bursting with steam. Steamboat, the largest active geyser in
the world, is included in the Norris Geyser Basin.
On the way back to Big Sky, watch for wildlife. You never know when you’ll get the chance to see a grizzly up close.
Our spectacular location in the upper Gallatin Canyon is the perfect
jumping off spot for a lifetime of outdoor recreation. Cinnamon Lodge
and Adventures can help you make the most of your Montana vacation.
World class hiking, mountain biking, rafting, flyfishing, and horseback
riding can all be arranged through expert outfitters. For those who
prefer to go it alone, the access from our Lodge second to none.
