Yellowstone National Park: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Lamar Valley (Day 4)

This was the last full day in Yellowstone National park before we headed back east. While we would have liked to have been able to stay longer we needed to be able to get back in a reasonable time and learned out lesson about straight shooting the whole trip. To make the most of it, we had one big goal: The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone…but then Nick got an idea.

We had heard amazing things about the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. I had read about it and inspiration point on every blog, planning guide, and map that the internet had to offer. They told me it was a must see. While I listened to them and put it on the list, I will line up and be the 1 billionth blogger to tell you it is a must see. The two waterfalls, the sheer scale, and the path that follows the rim of the Canyon is truly amazing. Also worth stopping at is the visitor’s center which will remind you about the super volcano with a horrifying supersize map and volcano eruption guide. It will make you question why you are standing there 100% of the time.

With the afternoon wide open, Nick had an awful idea… lets go drive through Lamar Valley with binoculars and look for a bear. Let me be perfectly clear. I do not look for bears. I do not hope for bears. I do not want a bear. I do not like them, Sam I Am. This whole blog gets its name from my life long fear of bears and the many bear safety briefings I give my friends every camping trip. As good friends do, they taunt me for it. The reality is I have a healthy respect for the power of a bear. I like them in there space just fine, but not in mine.

Well we did not see any bears on this trip to Lamar Valley. What we did see though was worth the trip! Herds and herds of Bison and Prong Horns. It was stunning to see!

The binoculars were a great choice. Highly recommended for any trip into Yellowstone, but definitely in Lamar Valley! We eventually ate lunch at a pull off, just over the Montana border.

Now for a little secret. For years everyone had been on my case, telling me the bear is my spirit animal, so I made a little deal with the universe. If I saw a Bear on this trip, I would accept that as the case. After not seeing one the whole time, I thought I had lucked out. But, I should have known the sense of humor the universe has tendency to have. As we drove out of the park the next day, we saw this big guy cross the road. I can no longer deny it. My spirit animal is undeniable and unBEARable.

I’d like to say thank you so much to my 3 loyal readers and anyone who has followed me through this first series. I have one more post about Yellowstone National Park with my final thoughts and advice, then we will be looking to the future National Park Targets for 2024: Shenandoah and Acadia National Parks. Hopefully as the blog grows and I get better at this, you all can come along with me as I continue my spiral into the wild.