What a difference a day makes….the storm had passed, but it was a cold morning with fresh snow drifts.

We actually had sun!!!

Not far from the West entrance we started Share the Road time with bison, bison everywhere. The key to a winter bison jam, is go slow and easy.

Bison are “smart” and know where just where to stand…on the hot spots.

We were so thankful for the nice weather, after the storm the previous day. We were especially thankful that we had made it safely out of the park after we saw one of the snow vans off the road. It is understandable how the accident happened, as the previous day, had been a blinding snow storm.

We had still wanted to try and make it to Canyon, but the road/trail along the lake was closed due to drifting, so we decided to take our time at Old Faithful. We were the only visitors there!!

We lucked out, as Old Faithful was predicted to erupt within in 10 minutes. We hurried outside (we were the first foot prints in the morning snow. We were on the correct side for the wind to blow the steam away…lol

We then explored the visitor center and watched a movie… Wyatt loved the interactive exhibits.

When we returned to the sleds, the ravens had unzipped our bags and eaten half of our lunch. We thought we had everything secure, but they are smart!! We were glad that the commissary was open!!

After lunch, we headed to Kepler Cascades, which is a short distance from Old Faithful at the bottom of Craig Pass. Kepler Cascades is on the Firehole River and has an overall height of 150 feet over multiple drops. The cascades were named in 1881 by Park Superintendent Norris, in honor of the 12 year old son of Wyoming’s territorial Governor. Wesley Hoyt and his son Kepler had visited the park with Mr. Norris as their guide. It is cool to learn how places in Yellowstone got their name.

Next stop was Black Sand Basin…in the winter the bison will always be near the hot springs, as the snow melts and exposes the grass for them to eat.

Our fearless leader and the rest of our crew

One option of visiting YNP in the winter, is to take a vintage show coach tour. We have been told that they can be abit noisy as they are the original snow coaches.

Bison are fairly docile in the winter, but still need lots of caution when passing them. You allow them to dictate, where and when you will pass.

Biscuit Basin…the rule for hot springs is “blue is bad for you”. Blue water is very acidic and hot!!

Jewel Geyser is one of our favorite geysers. It is small but it erupts every 7-8 minutes.

Yellowstone is such a varied landscape in the winter.

Our next stop was Grand Prismatic. We laughed because, in the summer you have to wait an hour just for a parking spot.

We were walking on the boardwalk, but with all the snow, it looks like we are walking somewhere we shouldn’t be.

Unfortunately the wind was blowing the steam back onto us, but it made for an amazing walk.

We did get a very brief glimpse of the hot spring.

Near the Firehole River is Excelsior Geyser Crater. This was created when the geyser exploded in 1886, creating the crater. The crater discharges 4000 gallons for hot water every minute into the river.

At Fountain Paint Pots, we could not keep the ravens out of our bags, even with clips. A snow coach guide told us that the pair is known as Bonnie and Clyde…lol. Cindy stayed in the parking lot to “guard the snow machines.

Fountain Paint Pots…this area contains, hot pools, geysers, and mud pots. The road used to drive past the mud pots, but an earthquake in 1959 near Hebgen Lake, which altered the area. Several new hot springs were created.

West of Fountain Paint Pots, on the flats, is the place where most snowmobilers take a picture.

Along the Firehole River, we saw some Trumpeter Swans that had eaten well during the winter…they were huge.

The Firehole River was simply stunning

Just before Madison Junction we saw a coyote just meandering up the road. He had absolutely no interest in us. This was the second coyote we saw. Part of our group also saw a grey fox.

We stopped at the Madison warming room and enjoyed hot chocolate from the concessioner.

This is the only place in Yellowstone National Park, where you can see 3 states. You are standing in Wyoming, looking across Montana, and can see Mt. Sawtelle in Idaho.

We continued toward the West entrance of the Park.

On the way home, we were still in awe of how much snow West Yellowstone, Montana had. So much snow, that they are piling the snow on top of other piles.

What an amazing trip!!! We didn’t make it to Canyon, but will try for another non-commercial permit next year. Someday, we will get the family to see the waterfalls in the winter.