Discovering America's Best Idea: A Journey Through 63 National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone, established in 1872 as the world's very first National Park. I've had the incredible opportunity to visit this park twice.  The enormity of this place is mind-boggling!

Yellowstone, spans over 2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. With five entrances, Yellowstone stands as one of the most popular parks, drawing about 3.3 million visitors annually, securing its place among the top 10 most-visited parks.

Getting up before sunrise was our trick to beat the crowds and catch the park at its finest. Watching the wildlife stirring, the active steam rising from the ground, and the peacefulness before the rush of people—it's like nature's special morning show. My stays in Jackson Hole and Big Sky were great, but next time, staying inside the park would be ideal for maximizing time and being close to all the attractions.

When Yellowstone comes up, Old Faithful springs to mind. This famous geyser erupts predictably, every 35 to 120 minutes, shooting water and steam typically to heights between 100 to 185 feet in the air. But there's more than just Old Faithful to explore—like the Grand Prismatic Spring, the biggest in the U.S. and third largest globally. Its vivid blue center surrounded by vibrant orange, green, and yellow hues is simply breathtaking.

The bubbling mud pots and hissing steam vents at Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin are truly extraordinary. Amidst these natural marvels, you're left pondering whether something so incredible could actually exist. It's a mesmerizing experience, marveling once again at nature's magnificent artwork.

Mammoth Hot Springs feels like stepping into another dimension—it's that unique! Mammoth Hot Springs' unique terraces are formed by the constant flow of hot water, leaving behind special and always changing rock formations made from minerals.

Encountering wildlife here was unforgettable. Seeing my first moose, known as Hollywood, was a delight; he got his name for being the most photographed moose around the south entrance. The bison causing traffic jams here are much more fascinating than enduring NYC traffic, and watching elk roam through the park is an incredible sight too.

Despite two visits, it feels like we barely scratched the surface. But that's the beauty of Yellowstone—it's a place that keeps calling you back, promising new adventures and discoveries each time. Speaking of discoveries, our exploration extended beyond the park's boundaries, introducing us to a delightful surprise in the Pacific Northwest.

Our first introduction to huckleberries left a lasting impression. Spotting a sign advertising huckleberry smoothies and shakes intrigued us. But what exactly are huckleberries? These petite, red and purple berries are cousins to blueberries and cranberries, boasting a sweetness that merges the best of both worlds. It was a delightful surprise, discovering this Pacific Northwest gem, becoming one of my favorite treats in the region.

At the Olive B's bistro in Big Sky, a Frozen Huckleberry Key Lime Pie stole the show. The combination of a graham crust, huckleberry port, and heavenly whipped cream created a dessert that lingers in my thoughts, making my mouth water at the mere memory.

Another standout treat awaited us upon checking into our hotel—a warm welcome courtesy of Béquet Gourmet Caramels. These caramels, undoubtedly the finest I've ever tasted, outshone typical souvenirs like t-shirts or magnets. Bringing home these delicious treats felt like sharing a piece of our delightful journey.

While staying in Big Sky, I arranged a memorable two-hour horseback ride with Canyon Adventures for my mom and me. We ventured through the Gallatin National Forest, discovering the beauty of Montana in a unique way—crossing rivers, navigating hills, and relishing the panoramic scenery. Even the scenic drive from Bozeman to Big Sky was breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the magnificent landscapes Montana has to offer.