Escaping the Daily Routine in Yellowstone

Getting face to face with nature can help people put things in a better perspective, especially in times of stress. That’s why a national park like Yellowstone is such a popular travel destination these days. People are encouraged to leave their cell phones at home and really detach from their electronics. But if being out of contact with the outside world only creates more stress, you don’t have to! Yellowstone has cell phone reception in 50 percent of the park, which is not only very convenient in case of an emergency, but it is also ideal for booking transportation and accommodations on the go.

All you need to start your trip is a full fuel tank, a small list of phone numbers of accommodations in the park, and a charged phone with enough credit (you can use online mobile topup to get some extra credit quickly). With all this, you have the freedom to choose your destinations as you go. Here is some inspiration for a Yellowstone trip:

The Old Faithful

Yellowstone has the largest concentration of geysers in the world. Most of them are very active, which results in steaming and spraying spectacles.The Old Faithful is the most famous of all Yellowstone geysers, because its eruptions are very predictable. This geyser erupts about 17 times per day, so there is a good chance you get to see the water rise up to 100-180 feet in the air!

Wildlife

A large park like Yellowstone can make people feel lonely. But you’re never alone in this park. You’re actually surrounded by Yellowstone’s most famous wild inhabitants: bears, wolves and bisons. But also elks, coyotes, river otters, moose or wild horses live in this national park. If you encounter them, take the time to admire the power and beauty of this variety in wildlife you most likely will not encounter anywhere else in the United States!

The Yellowstone Lake

The Yellowstone Lake is one of the more popular areas in the park. While the lake itself is ideal for boating and fishing, the surrounding area is great for spotting moose. Find lodges and cabins at the 110 miles long shore of this lake or visit the oldest still operating hotel: The Lake Yellowstone Hotel. This charming hotel was completely renovated in 2014, but still has no televisions or radios in the rooms. Just like in the 19th century, when the hotel was built, you’ll have to go to the common rooms to watch or hear the news. Here you can also socialize with other travelers.

Yellowstone’s petrified forests

Centuries of volcanic activity left their marks on the Yellowstone area. One of the most impressive marks are the petrified trees in the northern part of Yellowstone. Centuries ago, these trees were completely covered in volcanic sediment. Instead of decomposing, the organic material of the trees was petrified because of the lack of oxygen. What is left now, is a forest of stone trees standing there as they were thousands of years ago. The most fascinating is that even the smallest organic detail of the trees is replicated in the minerals.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Of all sights in Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon offers the most breathtaking view. The canyon is twenty miles long and 1,200 feet deep in some places. At the Lower Falls the water plunges 308 feet into the Yellowstone River. The Upper Falls, further upstream, are 109 feet tall. What especially catches the eye are the colored rocks in the canyon walls. Because of the temperature of the old geysers, the chemistry of the iron in the rocks changed, resulting in beautiful pink and yellow rocks.

Whether you visit Yellowstone to drive around in your own car, take a guided tour or go hiking, this national park offers a lot of opportunities to escape your daily routine. When someone asks you how your day was when you get back from Yellowstone, you can tell them about bears, lakes, waterfalls and fossils instead of the usual complaints about traffic jams and business meetings. That sounds a lot better, doesn’t it?