August 2, 2025
It was partly cloudy as we drove away from Deerlodge, MT. At 9 AM it was 62 degrees. We traveled 222 miles to West Yellowstone, MT via I-90 to S 287.
After a few miles, we passed a sign indicating a Historic Landmark. In the distance we could see a smoke stack. What is it? It was the Anaconda smelter Stack. The tallest surviving masonry structure in the world. It is 585 feet high. It was built in 1918 as part of the Washoe Smelter of the Anaconda copper Mining Company in Anaconda, Montana. (the town where authorities are still conducting a manhunt for a shooting suspect). The smoke stack was too far to get a good photo with my camera.
Highway 287 was full of breath-taking “Big Sky”views, authentic ranches from 19th century America, hay fields (so much hay), ghost towns, talc mines and mountain passes.
We made a pit-stop along the road and it turned out to be a historical site – The Bozeman Trail. Just off the road, we could see the remains of the trail. A very interesting stop!
We continued through the Madison River Valley and passed through Ennis, MT. Ennis is home to “Big Sky” Adventure, blue ribbon fishing, and old western culture.
Continuing on this scenic drive we passed Quake Lake. Quake Lake is a gorgeous lake made from a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that took place in 1959. Next, we passed Hebgen Lake. Hebgen Lake is a reservoir created by the Hebgen Dam. It is known for the 1959 earthquake that formed Quake Lake downstream, and for its recreational activities.
We arrived in West Yellowstone, at the Grizzly RV Park at 2:02…right on time for the 2PM check-in time!
Located at an elevation of 6,666 feet West Yellowstone, Montana is the West entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Here tourism is the economic mainstay of the town and they have been hosting visitors since before the turn of the last century.
On our way into town, we passed the West Yellowstone “Rod Run Car Show”. After setting up the RV, Ken walked to the car show. He wasn’t gone long, because it started raining and the car owners started closing up their cars.
The rain was quick and afterwards we decided to venture into the park. We both have a senior pass to the National Parks, so we were able to pass right through the gate. Shortly, we noticed cars and people along the road. As we passed by an open meadow we spotted some Elk in the distance. As usual, cars were stopped and people out all over.
In the Madison area we drove the 2 mile Firehole Canyon Drive. The road was a one-way drive through a beautiful canyon along the Firehole River and past Firehole Falls, a 40-foot waterfall. We have seen people swimming in this area on previous trips, but not today. I think we might have been the only car on the road!
As we approached the Midway Geyser Basin, we decided to stop. This is one of the most popular places in the park and cars fill the parking lot and line the road. We discovered that late in the day, it is much easier to get a parking spot. There was still a large crowd as we walked along the boardwalk.
The Excelsior Geyser Crater was first. This geyser crater is a 200×300 foot crater that constantly discharges more than 4,000 gallons of water per minute into the Firehole River.
We continued on the boardwalk to the Grand Prismatic Spring. This is the gem that everyone wants to see! It is the largest hot spring, 200-330 feet in diamer and more than 121 feet deep. There was so much steam rising, that it makes it very difficult to get a good photo. Photos like the ones seen in ads and literature are aerial photos.
As we drove back towards town we hoped to see some wildlife. The Elk were still in the meadow, but, in the distance.
We have 4 more days to tour YNP!
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