After yesterday’s epic day in Yellowstone National Park, today was decidedly more chill. Daniel and I were feeling tired and spent a good portion of the day hanging out by one of Yellowstone’s many rivers. We also got to see Gibbon Falls and the Artist Paintpots.
Just chillin’ by Madison River in Yellowstone National Park
Misadventures in Finding a New Campsite
We started the day by looking for a new campsite. Our 2-day reservation at the Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park was coming to an end. We had lucked into one of the few coveted “deluxe forest back-in” sites but it was only available for two days. The only other campsite open for the rest of the week didn’t have hookups and wasn’t as nice.
As Daniel and I aren’t big fans of the RV park scene, we decided to try our chances at a National Forest Service Campground. So we got up early and drove over to the Baker’s Hole Campground to check it out. We weren’t the only ones with this bright idea and found ourselves circling the campground with some other RVs, waiting for people to leave.
After about half an hour of this we gave up. We had hoped to set up at a new campsite and go back to sleep as we were both exhausted. Daniel and I headed into Yellowstone, found a nice little spot by the Madison River, and went back to bed.
Our “deluxe forest back-in” camp site. That’s the National Forest behind us (although our neighbor was immediately to the right just out of the frame).
National Forest land behind our camp site at the Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park
An Afternoon by the River
I woke up at noon feeling groggy and disoriented. It took me a moment to remember where we were. Oh yeah! We’re in Yellowstone! Nice!
We pulled out our camp chairs and proceeded to lounge by the Madison River for the next few hours.
The Madison River
Daniel gets his feets wet
Daniel coaxes me into the water
Daniel gets his swim shorts wet
Artist Paintpots
We considered driving to the Lamar Valley on the northeastern corner of the park, but rejected the idea. The Lamar Valley is supposed to be great for wildlife viewing, but we were looking at a 4-hour round-trip drive. Neither of us had the energy for that.
So we headed to the Artist Paintpots instead, which was much closer.
Overview of the Artist Paintpots area
Artist Paintpots
More Artist Paintpots
This one glooped mud into the air. It was pretty neat.
Most of the trail took place on a boardwalk
Gibbon Falls
On the way to the Artist Paintpots, we pulled over to check out Gibbon Falls. It’s not as impressive as the mighty Yellowstone Waterfall in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, mind you, but it is still pretty magnificent.
Gibbon Falls
Back at the Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park
So we are back at the Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park for the night. It’s not so bad, all things considered. I’m enjoying the laundry room and showers. Also, the staff here is really helpful.
Daniel has decided to order a new camera online. This presents an interesting challenge because it requires having a shipping address. The staff here is happy to receive the package, even though it will arrive after we leave. We are about to head down the the Grand Tetons for a few days and then plan to swing by here on our way back up to I-90.
Fingers crossed this all works out as planned! It will be so nice for Daniel to have a camera again.
Our new camp site
Where are we now?
We are parked by the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park!
Date: July 19
Great American Road Trip Status: Day 14
Location: West Yellowstone, MT
Miles Today: 66.5
Total Trip Mileage: 1605.4
For more details on our Great American (Socially Distanced) Road Trip, see my previous posts:
- Day 13: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Day 12: Welcome to Yellowstone
- Days 10 & 11: Boondocking Near Yellowstone
- Day 9: Garnet Ghost Town
- Day 8: Going-to-the-Sun Road
I’m so……I was gonna say jealous, but covetousness is a drag. Let me just say, I’m so glad you two are getting to live this, and my prayer is that you will be covered, healthy and joyful the whole way.
Thanks Rod! ☺ï¸