Yellowstone National Park Things to Do Tips by where2next

Where the Buffalo Roam Wildlife Review

It's good to see that wildlife is free to roam around the park. If you are driving along the road and see many cars stopped for apparently no reason, it may be because there is a bear or buffalo wandering nearby. However, be careful when getting out to film as one never knows what a bear or buffalo is likely to do. While at the park, I stopped to see what folks were looking at - turns out it was a buffalo. So I stepped out of my car with my camcorder and started to shoot. After 15 seconds I noticed the buffalo stopped eating, and looked my way. Apparently, I did not look that appetizing as the buffalo then just went out its way. For a moment though I was ready to run away!

Hot! Geysers/hot springs Review

One surprise in the park is the amount of geothermal activity. In addition to this field, there were several more areas in the park each unique in their own way. There are mud pots, sulphur pools, and interesting rock formations. This photo was taken in the early morning.

Bear Tooth Pass Wildlife Review

This mountain road is located on the North East part of Yellowstone. I exited the park this way as this route had been described as a scenic byway. The road has many sharp curves so if you go this way make sure your tires have enough tread. The route itself was pretty cool. I drove through in August, and along the way were small lakes and several areas where snow had not melted. The pass runs into Montana. If one is traveling back east across Wyoming, there is a road that one can take to get back onto the main interstate.

"The Early Bird, Gets the Worm" Wildlife Review

Sorry about these cliches!

This photo of deer grazing was taken in the early morning (hence this is why the photo is a bit dark). It was an unplanned surprise as I was just had woke up early and decided to drive for an early breakfast. When talking recently to a ranger, it was mentioned that some wildlife, such as deer or moose, often also graze (i.e. have breakfast!) around sunrise. So set your alarm clock early if you would like to possible see some wildlife.

Another advantage of being up early is that one can avoid the crowds.

Photo or Video? Old Faithful Review

This tip is mainly about photography in the park. Old Faithful, like many other areas in the park, is a great site to take a picture or to shoot video. When I was here I chose to try and shoot both a video as well as to take photos. In retrospect, I should have just focused (no pun intended) on photography. (the photo isn't the best of Old Faithful, however I have great video). Some new digital camcorders allow one to capture stills from the video. That said, it would probably be good to check the resolutionbefore you go so you know afterwards whether "stills" from the video would make good photos.

"A Watched Pot Never Boils" Geysers/hot springs Review

The above old cliche applies to waiting for a geyser to erupt. I think for one geyser I waited, and waited, and waited, and then finally left to go see something else. I would strongly recommend that you bring a book, postcards to write, or the like, along with you when you go see geysers. Old Faithful does have a pretty good timetable, however for others in the park when they will erupt is not so precise. Some erupt and then lay dormat for years!