Midway Geyser Basin to Yellowstone Lake

On my way early, to Midway Geyser Basin, otherwise known as grand prismatic spring. I scored a parking space, as they are in high demand throughout the day. At times you have to park on the road, and walk a mile just to get to the trailhead. I was there at about 9 a.m. for the half mile boardwalk throughout these most dramatic and the hottest springs here in Yellowstone.

I never noticed it before, and over heard someone talking that the best view was from a trail on the other side of the springs where you could climb up a slight hill to have a downward view. Sometimes it pays to eaves drop, getting some tips and pointers. 

He mentioned a parking lot down the road having to cross the bridge over the river. From the drive there, it looked like it was going to be quite far, but I had to give it a shot. Fortunately the trail was flat and easy, except for the very end, going straight up the hill. People would say, oh it's worth it, it's beautiful, and so that kept me motivated to keep going. It's a two and a half mile hike. Finally, I did make it, and it was a gorgeous view, and I had never seen it like this in the past, so I felt pretty accomplished. It was comfortably overcast, though the colors of the spring were so bright blue, aqua, turquoise, orange, gold, and the white steam cloud going straight up. I was so glad I was able to get this view. It was amazing.

From there I went on to Firehole Lake drive, for several other look outs and boardwalks. This time Jo Jo came along in his kangaroo pouch, and got some more stranger love. I witnessed an older man trip on the walk, and he went straight down. He was lucky to remain on the boardwalk. He was fine, but I had been concerned myself about a trip, since the walks are well worn wood, quite weathered, creaky, jumpy, spongy, warped, and the nails were, in many cases, sticking up a 1/2" or more! If you didnt carefully pick up your foot, you were down. No joke, as there is no railing, and you could topple into the boiling hot springs. Can we get a multi billionaire, like the Amazon owner, to replace and repair all of these walks? Its a bit unsettling to have seen this level of deterioration, and I am sure its a never ending maintenance job. With so many visitors, its extreme wear and tear. Some walks were already replaced with the newer synthetic boards, but most were plain old wood. 

It had gotten pretty warm at this stage, so I headed to my campsite, checked in, and fortunately was within a very short trail down to Yellowstone Lake from my campsite. I was the only one on this particular beach for a few hours and enjoyed every moment, taking a cool swim. It was so relaxing and pristine. I really felt fortunate that I could spend my last evening in Yellowstone on such a beautiful and wonderful note. I will miss this park!






































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