Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The five Road Logs start with the gateway communities and sights outside the park, and then
follow the approach roads and then the entrance roads onto the Grand Loop Road. Consult
The latter map is color-coded to match the tops of the pages in the Road Log chapters. In the
Road Logs, pairs of mileage indications show the distance in miles from an entrance station
or major junction, as well as the distance from the other direction. Mileage figures are general
guidelines; park road improvements sometimes change distances. Metric equivalents for the
distances are provided in the introduction to each road segment and on the maps.
Destinations you encounter along the way are described in detail as you come to them. In
the hydrothermal areas, I describe only the most readily visible, historically interesting, and
fascinating geysers and hot springs. Since geysers are notoriously changeable, eruption details
are kept somewhat general. While no one can predict where to see wild animals, you'll find
hints for finding them on some of the maps and in the Living Things chapter. Also note that
you won't necessarily find a certain animal or plant near a feature bearing its name.
After the Road Logs come chapters on Yellowstone's geologic past, its human history, and
its flora and fauna. Practical help for planning your trip is found in the Travel Tips chapter
and in the facilities and campgrounds charts. Before the index you'll find a suggested reading
list, a chart of 56 recommended short walks, and a glossary of terms.
New to the fourth edition: This update of
Yellowstone Treasures
more thoroughly reflects
my lifelong interest in geology. The truly remarkable geology of Yellowstone is the foundation
of all the phenomena you see and experience, from the black glassy sand underfoot to the
towering lodgepole pines above.
Best Sights of Yellowstone
We all have our own reasons for loving the park, and rating natural phenomena is subjective.
Still, for the first-time visitor I've arranged some of the outstanding features by type, and,
within each type, in order of appearance in the Road Logs.
I've only included predictable geysers, although this excludes many thrilling ones. All gey-
sers in the list below are in Upper Geyser Basin except Great Fountain Geyser, which is on
Firehole Lake Drive in Lower Geyser Basin.
Ratings:
** Don't miss!
* Worth making time for or taking a detour
Geyser eruptions
Rangers at Old Faithful post predictions for these six geysers. Riverside, Castle, and Daisy
Geysers are accessible by wheelchair or bicycle.
