Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The day we drove through Yellowstone, we mapped out three key sights along our path through the park. The main road in the park is a big loop, which was confusing at times because there would be arrows pointing in both directions, informing us that Old Faithful was a either left or right turn. It just depended on how long of a drive we wanted before we arrived. We decided to save Old Faithful for last, even with potential afternoon crowds, because it was the farthest away from our point of entry on the park loop road. Our first sight of the day was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. 

This was my first grand canyon! I'm sure it's tiny compared to Arizona's version, but it was still quite rugged and impressive. We parked in a fast-filling lot and walked a mile and a half down a trail to a waterfall viewpoint partway down the canyon wall. Knowing Jay's fear of heights, I asked him how he was feeling regularly throughout our hike. In response to my first inquiry, he said "my fear of heights is in full force." He walked slowly and cautiously the whole way, and never went too close to any ledges, railing or no. 

Amber was brimming with morning energy after our 2 hour car ride, and she took off down the trail with her signature hopping and leaping around. Unfortunately, this was not the type of trail that allowed energetic five year olds to scamper safely. It was on the edge of a canyon! Plus, Amber did not scoot demurely to the side and turn her face away whenever people passed us. She was more apt to run headlong into their stomachs--not a comfortable prospect, even in a non-pandemic situation. Jeff ended up carrying Amber on his shoulders for most of the hike. Every time Jeff lowered Amber to the ground and she peered over the edge of the canyon, Jay got very concerned. 

Rose carried our small camera and took pictures whenever her artistic eye caught something. She enjoyed the hike until we were climbing back up the side of the canyon. At that point she started begging for a rest. The altitude and the steep trail did make for a rather breathless quarter mile, but she made it up just fine. I did break my you-bring-it-you-carry-it rule and carried the camera for Rose in order to boost her spirits and stave off ridiculously-reluctant-Rose taking too firm a hold. If that version of Rose were to set in this early in the day, our time in Yellowstone would be miserable. Both of our daughters are forces of nature in their own unique ways. It can be difficult to manage all of that intensity!

This was an informative sign: "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Eroded in decomposed rhyolite lava rock. Width varies from 1500 to 4,000 feet. Depth varies from 750 to 1200 feet. The lower falls is 1/4 mile away."

Solid as rock, all of it.

Slowly but surely, Jay wended his way.

Jeff has amazing balance, carrying 40+ pounds on his shoulders and walking on the edge of a cliff.

The rhyolite was glowing in the sunshine.

Jay, annoyed that Rose stopped right in front of him for a picture, but unwilling to pass her on the outside closer to the edge of the dropoff.

The closer we got to the viewpoint, the more people we saw. After this hike we decided to wear masks at all other stops in Yellowstone. Not much social distancing was happening!

We had to wait our turn to take a picture at the viewpoint.

So rugged!

That's Jay's concerned hand reaching for Amber while she leaned to look over the edge.

Amber wanted a turn with the camera.