Part 7: Yellowstone Lake, Dragon's Mouth, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

After Old Faithful, we drove southeast over to Yellowstone Lake and relaxed on the shore a bit. Such an incredible view and so peaceful!

Yellowstone lake

Justin (in his junior ranger vest) playing on the shore of Yellowstone Lake

Justin and Dave exploring the beach of Yellowstone Lake

All the black specks are crushed obsidian (cooled lava glass). Yellowstone abounds with it! Apparently the Native Americans used to come from all over to quarry the obsidian from the area. They used it for arrow heads and knife blades

After our respite at the lake, we drove on and experienced more sulfuric activity. Even looking at these pictures brings the distinctive rotten egg aroma back to my nostrils! Dave particularly enjoyed the Dragon's Mouth.

Mud Volcano (see picture below)

Bubbling mud pit (Mud Volcano)

Dragon's Mouth Spring (see picture below)

Senses are assaulted arriving at the Dragon's Mouth: one hears the roaring/hissing of the steam escaping, sees the steam and bubbling sulfuric water, smells rotten eggs, and one's face is gently misted. A magical place!

The Dragon's Mouth

More hot springs and mudpots surrounding the Dragon's Mouth

We saw wolf tracks through one of the drier patches of mud

We drove on to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. I love the majestic waterfalls and river raging through the canyon. I was newly amazed at the beauty of colors of the canyon walls as well. Justin's passion for rocks has piqued my interest and awakened a thirst for knowledge about the causes of the geologic beauty around us.

The Lower Falls

The Lower Falls and Canyon

The canyon walls were incredibly colorful (the pictures don't do them justice). So much coral, red, and yellow.

Almost back to our campsite and we saw a nervous runner. I was getting ready to open our door in case he needed the safety of our car, but the bison just continued crossing as if no one was there.

Click here to continue reading about our Yellowstone adventures.