We spent Independence Day 2022 driving through Yellowstone National Park.
It was a very quick trip (we devoted most of the weekend to Grand Teton NP) and we decided to drive through Yellowstone to make our way to Island Park.
It was a very quick trip (we devoted most of the weekend to Grand Teton NP) and we decided to drive through Yellowstone to make our way to Island Park.
I wanted to see the iconic view of Grand Prismatic Spring.
Just south of the Grand Prismatic Spring turnoff is the trailhead for the Fairy Falls. Take the Fairy Falls trail for about a mile and you will arrive at the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook. This overlook offers an amazing view of the Spring. It was a beautiful clear day to see the fantastically colorful waters of the spring.
Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. The spring's diameter is 370 ft and it has a depth of 160 ft and a discharge of 560 gallons per minute. The water of the spring is incredibly vivd blue, but there are also other colors: red, orange, yellow, and green.
The multi-colors of the spring are a result of microbial mats around the edges of the mineral-rich water. The amount of colors depends on the ratio of chlorophyll to carotenoids and also depends on the temperature gradient in the runoff. The center of the pool is completely lifeless due to the extreme heat. The water reaches a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Grand Prismatic Spring is an incredible sight that every visitor to Yellowstone should see.
Grand Prismatic Spring was our only major stop for this quick visit. But we did briefly stop at some other springs and hang out by the river. We also saw a few bison.
We enjoy every minute we spend in this wonderful National Park. Especially on the celebration of our Nation's independence.
For more info on Yellowstone: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
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