Kalpanthakalam
My small steps in photography
Monday, March 27, 2017
Sunday, March 13, 2016
UPPER GEYSER BASIN and WEST THUMB GEYSER BASIN
Located south of Norris Geyser basin,Upper Geyser basin has around 410 geysers. The predictable
geysers found here includes Old Faithful, Castle geyser, Grand Geyser, Daisy geyser and Riverside
Geyser. The Upper Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s largest geyser basin and is positioned in between
the Old Faithful area and Biscuit Basin road . It is home to the world’s largest single
concentration of hot springs. The whole geyser basin occupies only one square mile.
geysers found here includes Old Faithful, Castle geyser, Grand Geyser, Daisy geyser and Riverside
Geyser. The Upper Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s largest geyser basin and is positioned in between
the Old Faithful area and Biscuit Basin road . It is home to the world’s largest single
concentration of hot springs. The whole geyser basin occupies only one square mile.
Several geyser group can be found here like Sawmill group, Giant group, Myriad group, Grotto
group, Morning glory group, Biscuit basin and Black sand basin. The most famous geysers here is
the Old faithful geyser. Less popular ones include Giantess geyser, Doublet pool, Solitary Geyser,
Observation point, Plume geyser, Beehive geyser, Heartspring, Lion group of geysers, Sawmill
geyser, Grand geyser, Crested Pool and Castle geyser. North section of Upper geyser basin consist
of Beauty pool, Chromatic spring, Giant geyser,Comet geyser, Splendid geyser, Punch Bowl spring,
Daisy geyser, Grotto geyser, Riverside geyser, Fan and Mortar geyser, Morning glory pool and
Biscuit basin - Sapphire pool
group, Morning glory group, Biscuit basin and Black sand basin. The most famous geysers here is
the Old faithful geyser. Less popular ones include Giantess geyser, Doublet pool, Solitary Geyser,
Observation point, Plume geyser, Beehive geyser, Heartspring, Lion group of geysers, Sawmill
geyser, Grand geyser, Crested Pool and Castle geyser. North section of Upper geyser basin consist
of Beauty pool, Chromatic spring, Giant geyser,Comet geyser, Splendid geyser, Punch Bowl spring,
Daisy geyser, Grotto geyser, Riverside geyser, Fan and Mortar geyser, Morning glory pool and
Biscuit basin - Sapphire pool
Old Faithful is the most famous geyser at Yellowstone National Park. This is a cone geyser which
erupts water to a height of 106 to 185 ft at an interval of 90 mts with a margin of error of 10 mts.
erupts water to a height of 106 to 185 ft at an interval of 90 mts with a margin of error of 10 mts.
It is not connected to any of the thermal features in Upper geyser basin . It was the first geyser to be
named in Yellowstone park and was named in 1870 by the Washburn expedition team. The
team explored the region of northwestern Wyoming that two years later became Yellowstone
National park. Due to its reliability it got the name Old Faithful which was once called as
“Eternity’s Timepiece” because of the regularity of its eruptions.
Around 3700 (1.5 mts ) to 8400 ( 4.5 mts) gallons of hot water are expelled during eruption which
depend on the duration of ejection . Split cone geyser and tea pot geyser sit adjacent to Old faithful.
In the early days of the park, Old Faithful was once degraded and often used as a laundry. Garments
placed in the crater quiescence are ejected thoroughly washed when eruptions take place. Linen and
cotton fabrics were undamaged while woolen cloths torn to shreds.
depend on the duration of ejection . Split cone geyser and tea pot geyser sit adjacent to Old faithful.
In the early days of the park, Old Faithful was once degraded and often used as a laundry. Garments
placed in the crater quiescence are ejected thoroughly washed when eruptions take place. Linen and
cotton fabrics were undamaged while woolen cloths torn to shreds.
Constructed in 1903–1904, and situated next to Old faithful geyser is the Old Faithful Inn, a historic
landmark. It is constructed largely using locally obtained materials including lodge pole pine and
rhyolite stone, This multi-story log lobby is flanked by long frame wings containing guest rooms.
This is the largest log hotel in the world and an example of "Golden Age" of rustic resort
architecture, a style which is also known as National Park Service rustic. It is unique in that
it is one of the few log hotels still standing in the United States.
West Thumb Geyser Basin is situated between Old faithful and Fishing Village.West Thumb is a
originally a caldera within a caldera. It derived its name from the thumb-like projection of
Yellowstone Lake and the name was given by the 1870 Washburn expedition team. Fishing cone
and Abyss pool are the most popular features here.
Lake-shore group, Lower group and Potts Hot spring are the major groups of geysers at West
thumb. Blowhole Spring , Lone pine geyser, Occasional geyser, Overhanging geyser,Abyss pool,
Beach geyser,Big cone, Black pool, Blue funnel spring, Fishing cone,Hill side, King geyser, Lake
shore geyser, Ledge spring, Percolating spring, Perforated pool,Roadside steamer, Surging spring,
Twin geyser, Mercurial geyser, Resurgent geyser are a few of the named features at West Thumb geyser basin.
Overlooking Yellowstone river, West Thumb geyser basin has around 84 geysers. There are two
loops at West Thumb geyser basin. The Inner Loop is 1/4 mile and fully accessible while the Outer
Loop is 1/2 mile and has steep grades on both sides. Mimulus Pool and Painted pots are seen just at
the entry. Mimulus Pool seen here has a bluish green color with a smooth texture appearance.
Perforated pool got its name from the high number of vents visible on the bottom of the pool. Hot
pools in many shades of blue are sprinkled throughout West Thumb Geyser Basin. Many of the areas
here are closed to public entry. It is believed that a massive explosion has created this basin.At the
Fisherman's Geyser, now fairly covered by the lake, was once used by Fishermen to cook their fish.
Absaroka range, early known as Yellowstone range, border the West thumb basin. It is a sub range
of Rocky Mountain and forms the core of the Yellowstone region of the Central Rockies. Stretching
across Montana- Wyoming border for about 240 km, it constitute the eastern boundary of
Yellowstone National Park along with Paradise Valley Mountain and the western side of the Bighorn Basin.
History says that around 150,000 years ago a volcanic explosion formed this small caldera, now
known as West Thumb Geyser basin.Underwater hot springs and geysers keep some areas of West
Thumb free of snow in winter. With Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Range of mountains
Along the northwest corner of Yellowstone Lake there are three park villages (Bridge Bay, Lake
Village, and Fishing Bridge) which offer a variety of services and activities. It has hotel, visitor
center, campground , gas station and lodge. Fishing bridge is considered as the northern boundary of
Yellowstone river. Fishing Bridge was named after the original bridge in 1902,when it was a
popular fishing spot in the park. Tons of cutthroat trout fishes flocks through the water, which can be
watched from the bridge railings.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most amazing national park in the world. From the first
encounter by John Colter (1804-1806), a member of Lewis-Clark expedition team, the park now
witness around 3,000,000 visitos per year. All resources and archaeological remains found here are
protected by federal law. While protecting the natural, historic and cultural resources here, safety of
the visitors is equally important. Always follow the rules and regulations and seek the aid of rangers
(known as Spread eagle men ) when needed. Keep this priceless jewel of nature remain unimpaired
for future generations.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN with GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING
Midway geyser basin seen alongside the Firehole river, is situated between the Upper and Lower
geysers basin . It is also home to one of the two largest geysers of Yellowstone National Park.
In early days it was known as "Hell's Half Acre". The major geysers groups found here
geysers basin . It is also home to one of the two largest geysers of Yellowstone National Park.
In early days it was known as "Hell's Half Acre". The major geysers groups found here
are Excelsior geyser group, Flood group and Rabbit creek group .
A hot spring is the result of geothermally heated ground water coming out through cracks in earth's
surface. Unlike geysers which have obstruction resulting in their eruption, hot springs is
unobstructed. It creates a cycle of hot water rising, cooling and falling . Flood Group and Rabbit
Creek group in Midway geyser basin has no trails leading to it . This geyser basin have many
unnamed features . Flood group consist of Flood geyser, circle pool and West flood geyser.
Egeria Springs and silent pool are the prominent ones in rabbit creek group.
unnamed features . Flood group consist of Flood geyser, circle pool and West flood geyser.
Egeria Springs and silent pool are the prominent ones in rabbit creek group.
Firehole River is a part of Missouri river system and is one of the two major tributaries of Madison
river. It was named as firehole by early tappers due to steam rising from the water . It contain three of
Yellowstone's major waterfalls like Kepler cascades, Firehole falls and the Cascades of Firehole in Firehole canyon.
Yellowstone's major waterfalls like Kepler cascades, Firehole falls and the Cascades of Firehole in Firehole canyon.
The river is surrounded by geothermal features which empty water into it resulting in high
temperature of the river water. The river also contain dissolved chemicals and minerals from the
geothermal features of Yellowstone. It is a fishing mecca and is famous for fly fishing. Brown trout
and Rainbow trout are mostly seen in this temperate water.
geothermal features of Yellowstone. It is a fishing mecca and is famous for fly fishing. Brown trout
and Rainbow trout are mostly seen in this temperate water.
In 1880's, Excelsior geyser was considered as one of the largest geyser in the world . Due to the
violent eruptions, the internal plumbing system got damaged resulting in gas leakage and loss of
thermal energy. It is a productive thermal spring these days with a discharge of around 4000 to 4500
gallons of water per minute at a temperature of 199 degree Fahrenheit flowing directly into Firehole river.
violent eruptions, the internal plumbing system got damaged resulting in gas leakage and loss of
thermal energy. It is a productive thermal spring these days with a discharge of around 4000 to 4500
gallons of water per minute at a temperature of 199 degree Fahrenheit flowing directly into Firehole river.
Last major eruption of Excelsior geyser was in 1985, reaching to a height of 300 ft. But due to
powerful eruptions its internal plumbing system got damaged and now it is seen only as a productive
hot spring . Excelsior Group contain Excelsior Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring and Indigo
Spring. Numerous vents boil and churn the water within the crater and cover it in a dense layer of steam .
powerful eruptions its internal plumbing system got damaged and now it is seen only as a productive
hot spring . Excelsior Group contain Excelsior Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring and Indigo
Spring. Numerous vents boil and churn the water within the crater and cover it in a dense layer of steam .
In June and July, purple fringed gentians are common here and bloom on the barren ground
surrounding this pool. This is also known as Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian and is the official
flower of Yellowstone National Park. This park flower is also named as Thermalis after the hotspring.
surrounding this pool. This is also known as Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian and is the official
flower of Yellowstone National Park. This park flower is also named as Thermalis after the hotspring.
The Grand prismatic spring was first officially described by Ferdinand Heyden in 1871 , the leader of
first federally funded exploration team of Yellowstone . According to him "Nothing ever conceived
by human are could equal the peculiar vividness and delicacy of color of these remarkable prismatic
springs. Life becomes a privilege and a blessing after one has seen and thoroughly felt these
incomparable types of nature's cunning skill." . The most stunning view in the entire Yellowstone
National park is the Grand Prismatic Spring.
National park is the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Grand prismatic spring has a diameter of 370 ft and depth of 121 ft . It discharges 2100 liters of hot
water per minute. This is the largest hot spring in United Nation and third largest in the world.
Frying Pan lake in Zealand is the largest hot spring in the world followed by Boiling lake in
Dominica. Grand prismatic spring is named for its striking colors which match the rainbow
Dominica. Grand prismatic spring is named for its striking colors which match the rainbow
dispersion of white light by an optical prism .
The rainbow colors are the result of single celled pigmented microbial called Archae in the microbial
mats, which grow around the mineral rich water. The amount of color depend on the chlorophyll to
carotenoids and also based on temperature which favors one archae over another. During summer the
prominent colors are orange and red while in winter they are dark green. The center of pool is blue
and sterile due to extreme heat.
Opal pool at Midway geyser basin is a fountain type geyser though behave as active hot spring.
Eruptions reach at a height of 30 ft to 70 ft. It is the largest active geyser at Midway geyser basin .
It completely drained out in 2005 and refilled as a vivid green pool in 2008.
Eruptions reach at a height of 30 ft to 70 ft. It is the largest active geyser at Midway geyser basin .
It completely drained out in 2005 and refilled as a vivid green pool in 2008.
Turquoise pool is a pool with milky white bottom and gem like blue colored water. The dissolved
minerals add an opalescent iridescence. It maintains an underground connection with Excelsior
geyser.It is evident when Excelsior is active, the water in Turquoise pool get lowered and took
nearly an year to recover.
Many geysers here are ignored due to absence of trail system and limited visibility from the
road. The present half mile boardwalk trail runs part way around the Grand Prismatic spring and
past two much smaller pools (Opal and Turquoise) and to the adjacent crater of Excelsior Geyser.
In thermal areas the ground may be only a thin crust above boiling hot spring or scalding mud. There
is no way to guess a safe path as new hazards can bubble up overnight. Hence it is always advised to
stay on board walk
Camera : Canon t5
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
LOWER GEYSER BASIN , YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Geyser is a geological feature in which a spring is characterized by intermittent discharge of water
ejected turbulently, accompanied by steam. Geysers are usually found near active volcanic areas
where there is proximity of magma. Intense heat, water and plumbing system are the three ingredients
for a geyser. Geysers occur when water passes through fissures and cracks on earth surface and
contact with the hot rocks at a depth of 6600 ft and get boiled. Boiling of the pressurized water result
in the geyser effect of hot water and steam ejecting out through the vent on geyser surface .
ejected turbulently, accompanied by steam. Geysers are usually found near active volcanic areas
where there is proximity of magma. Intense heat, water and plumbing system are the three ingredients
for a geyser. Geysers occur when water passes through fissures and cracks on earth surface and
contact with the hot rocks at a depth of 6600 ft and get boiled. Boiling of the pressurized water result
in the geyser effect of hot water and steam ejecting out through the vent on geyser surface .
Geysers can be classified as Cone geyser and Fountain geyser. Cone geyser erupts from mound of
volcanic rock (siliceous sinter or geyserite ) and erupt in steady jets. While fountain geyser erupts
from pools of water in a series of intense or violent burst. Geysers only persist in places where
volcanic rhyolite rock dissolves in hot water and form mineral deposit (siliceous sinter or geyserite)
inside the slender plumbing system of the vent. The minerals thickens the inner walls of the cracks. The specific colors of geysers can be attributed to micro living organisms which thrive in extreme weather conditions.
volcanic rock (siliceous sinter or geyserite ) and erupt in steady jets. While fountain geyser erupts
from pools of water in a series of intense or violent burst. Geysers only persist in places where
volcanic rhyolite rock dissolves in hot water and form mineral deposit (siliceous sinter or geyserite)
inside the slender plumbing system of the vent. The minerals thickens the inner walls of the cracks. The specific colors of geysers can be attributed to micro living organisms which thrive in extreme weather conditions.
Geysers exist only in few places in the world and Yellowstone has the highest concentration of it.
Valley of Geysers in Russia have the second largest geyser concentration in the world and it is the
only place in Eurasia having geyser. El tatio Chile, Taupo Volcanic zone Newzealand and Iceland
are the other places in the world where one can see geysers. Geysers found in solar system are
known as Cyrogeysers and the ejections from such geysers are mainly nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
Valley of Geysers in Russia have the second largest geyser concentration in the world and it is the
only place in Eurasia having geyser. El tatio Chile, Taupo Volcanic zone Newzealand and Iceland
are the other places in the world where one can see geysers. Geysers found in solar system are
known as Cyrogeysers and the ejections from such geysers are mainly nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
Lower Geyser basin is the largest geyser area in Yellowstone. It extend over 12 sq miles and is
located north of upper and midway geyser basin on the grand loop road . Lower basin posses a large
variety of thermal features like mud pots, geysers, pools, springs and fumaroles. The .5 mile
Fountain Paint pot trail gets visitors up close to attractions like Great Fountain geyser, Silex spring,
Celestine Spring, Fountain Paint pot, Leather Pool Morning Geyser, Jet Geyser, Clepsydra Geyser and Red Sprouter.
variety of thermal features like mud pots, geysers, pools, springs and fumaroles. The .5 mile
Fountain Paint pot trail gets visitors up close to attractions like Great Fountain geyser, Silex spring,
Celestine Spring, Fountain Paint pot, Leather Pool Morning Geyser, Jet Geyser, Clepsydra Geyser and Red Sprouter.
Thermal features of Lower Geyser Basin are scattered and fall under several groups like Fountain
group, Kaleidoscope group, Fire hole Lake group, White dome group, White creek group, Black
warrior group, Sprinkler group, thud group , Imperial Group and so on. All geysers seen here
belongs to any of these group.
group, Kaleidoscope group, Fire hole Lake group, White dome group, White creek group, Black
warrior group, Sprinkler group, thud group , Imperial Group and so on. All geysers seen here
belongs to any of these group.
Great fountain geyser is the only predicted geyser in the lower basin. Located in the Firehole lake
area of Lower geyser basin, Great Fountain Geyser erupts every 9 -15 hrs up to a height of 23 to 67
mts. Sometimes it also exhibit a wild phase behavior pattern which make it sometimes unpredictable.
area of Lower geyser basin, Great Fountain Geyser erupts every 9 -15 hrs up to a height of 23 to 67
mts. Sometimes it also exhibit a wild phase behavior pattern which make it sometimes unpredictable.
Silex Spring is a blue pool rimmed with white silica. Silex is a Latin word meaning silica , a major
component of rhyolite, the volcanic rock found abundantly at Yellowstone. The water here is too hot
which is evident by the blue color of the pool . Thermophiles which survive this hot water is seen in
yellow color on the rippling runoff water surrounding the pool. The orange color seen here is due to
the presence of these heat loving bacteria.
A deep blue color pool called celestine pool can be seen here. Beside it is another pool called Leather
pool, that resemble leather due to the thick mats of brown thermophile. The pool lost its brown color
after the1959 earthquake that created high temperature and killed all its bacteria.
pool, that resemble leather due to the thick mats of brown thermophile. The pool lost its brown color
after the1959 earthquake that created high temperature and killed all its bacteria.
Morning Geyser is a seldom active but one of the largest geyser in the Fountain area and one of the
largest geysers in the world. Its last period of activity longed for one week in 1994. Twig Geyser is
another major geyser and first of the regularly erupting geysers on this trail. Jet Geyser plays in the
hours leading up to an eruption from Fountain Geyser while Spasm is a small geyser right next to
the boardwalk. Sizzler is a small geyser and erupted from a cracks in the sinter. More recently it has
started forming a crater
Bacteria Mats is another interesting feature at Lower Basin. Here a vast area is seen in thick colors
which means the presence of thermophiles. The green , brown orange colors are due to the activity
of cynobacteria which can survive in 167 degree F. They become yellow or green at hot temperature
but become orange, rust or brown colored when water cools. Colors can also vary due to stress such
as intense sunlight of midsummer.
which means the presence of thermophiles. The green , brown orange colors are due to the activity
of cynobacteria which can survive in 167 degree F. They become yellow or green at hot temperature
but become orange, rust or brown colored when water cools. Colors can also vary due to stress such
as intense sunlight of midsummer.
Fountain Paint Pot is a type of thermal feature called a mud pot or mud volcano . It has the odor of
rotten eggs due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. The acid and microorganisms dissolve the
rocks into clay and mud. Mud pots usually appear in white or grey but also appear in red or pink
due to the presence of iron oxides and minerals. Mud pot is a natural double boiler. In early summer
they are thin and watery and become thick by late summers. The mud is composed of clay minerals
and fine particles of silica. Rocks found here is rhyolite composed primarily of quartz and feldspar.
Acid in the steam and water breakdown feldspar into a clay mineral called Kaolinite .
rotten eggs due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. The acid and microorganisms dissolve the
rocks into clay and mud. Mud pots usually appear in white or grey but also appear in red or pink
due to the presence of iron oxides and minerals. Mud pot is a natural double boiler. In early summer
they are thin and watery and become thick by late summers. The mud is composed of clay minerals
and fine particles of silica. Rocks found here is rhyolite composed primarily of quartz and feldspar.
Acid in the steam and water breakdown feldspar into a clay mineral called Kaolinite .
Red Sproutter is another attraction at Yellowstone. The 1959 Hebgen lake earthquake, which was one
of the strongest and deadliest earthquake in history, created many new geysers and cracks in
Yellowstone National Park including the Red Sproutter. It exhibit the behavior of geyser, fumarole,
hot spring and mud pot. During early summer its pool splashes red colored muddy water and in late
summer and fall it changes into a hissing fumarole.
Yellowstone National Park including the Red Sproutter. It exhibit the behavior of geyser, fumarole,
hot spring and mud pot. During early summer its pool splashes red colored muddy water and in late
summer and fall it changes into a hissing fumarole.
Lodge pole pine is the common variety of trees find in Yellowstone. A group of Lodge pole pine
trees seen at Lower basin are pioneers that did not survive. Silica presence in the basin has
penetrated the trees and hardened their base which slowed their decomposition.
There are many dormant geysers in Lower geyser basin which take our attention only when it is
active. Jelly Geyser erupts in a range of 10 mts to more than an hour and last for less than a
minute. Clepsydra ,meaning water clock in Greek, is another geyser which erupts to a height of 45 ft.
It was a predictable geyser which erupted every three minutes before the earthquake of 1959. Lower
Geyser Basin is one such area where one can witness all kinds of thermal features in one area
including active geyser, dormant geyser, pools, mud pots and fumaroles.
active. Jelly Geyser erupts in a range of 10 mts to more than an hour and last for less than a
minute. Clepsydra ,meaning water clock in Greek, is another geyser which erupts to a height of 45 ft.
It was a predictable geyser which erupted every three minutes before the earthquake of 1959. Lower
Geyser Basin is one such area where one can witness all kinds of thermal features in one area
including active geyser, dormant geyser, pools, mud pots and fumaroles.
Camera : Canon t5
Sunday, December 13, 2015
TOWER FALLS AND GRAND CANYON YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Yellowstone's main road is the Grand Loop road which serpentine's 142 miles around Yellowstone
like an inscribed circle on the very heart of the park. This loop connects visitors to every classic gem,
from Mammoth Hot Springs near the North Entrance to Fountain Pots and Old Faithful near the
West and South Entrances. The scenic drive offers splendid view of rivers, waterfalls, meadows,
forests, cliffs, canyons, geysers and a myriad of wildlife
Grand Loop road is a primary road system in the Yellowstone National Park that covers 140-mile
(230 km) . The road was originally planned by Captain Hiram Chittenden of the US Army Corps
of Engineers in the early days of the park, when it was under military administration. It provide
access to the major geothermal areas of the park, including the Upper, Midway and Lower Geyser
Basins, Mammoth Hot springs, Tower Fall, Grand Canyon of the Yellow Stone and lake Yellow Stone
On grand loop road, Columnar basalt cliffs formations overhangs the road at Junction Butte Basalt .
Basalt is a common extrusive igneous or volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic
lava exposed at or very near the surface of a planet or moon. It is less than 20% quartz and less than
10% feldspathoid by volume, and where at least 65% of the feldspar ( mineral with the presence of
alumina and silica ) is in the form of plagioclase.
Columnar Basalt flows formations can also be seen while approaching the Tower falls. Basalt is one
of the most common rock types in the world . It is used in construction ( building blocks ) making
cobblestones for road pavements, (from columnar basalt) and in making statues. Heating and
extruding basalt yields stone wool, which is said to be an excellent thermal insulator.
Tower Fall is a waterfall on Tower Creek on the northeastern region of Yellowstone National Park.
It is located in the Tower- Roosevelt section of the Grand Loop Road at Yellowstone.This scenic
waterfall with an impressive 132 foot drop is surrounded by vibrant green moss . A paved pathway
with signboards takes you from Tower falls store area to an overlook point and provides a
perspective view of the falls. The overlook point is approximately 300 ft above the yellow stone river.
Tower Fall was originally called as Little falls by fur trappers. This chastely beautiful water falls was
renamed as Tower falls by one of the members of Wash burn party in 1870 due to the tower shaped
pinnacles ( volcanic rocks) surrounding it. Almond Gunnison in 1883 wrote " Great towers, shapely
as cathedral spires, rise on either side with slender fingers like the minarets of a mosque strangely
colored forming a royal setting for the water which from 200 ft above falls into a the boiling chasm.
Surroundings are much like Minnehaha falls only here is greater majesty".
The Canyon Village area of Yellowstone is one of the most majestic areas found within the Park
boundaries.Canyon Village is located in the center of the park. Three roads lead to Canyon: Norris is
12 miles to the west; Tower Falls is 19 miles to the north; and Lake Village/Fishing Bridge is 16
miles to the south. Canyon Village is a base camp for exploring the Grand Canyon of the
Yellowstone River, one of the most popular features in Yellowstone National Park.
The canyon offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous . Uncle Tom's trail having 300
steps takes 500 ft down to the canyon from where Lower fall is clearly visible. South Rim trail
stretches to 3.2 miles takes you to two view points of the Upper falls ( 109 ft down) from where Old
Canyon Bridge is also visible. From the left overlook a glimpse of Crystal falls is also visible.
Another trail which begins at the Grand view parking area is the half mile Grand view Loop trail.
South Rim is a partially paved trail which begins at Wapiti Lake trail head on South Rim Drive near
Chittenden Bridge. It run parallel and connect the Wapiti lake trial head with Uncle Tom's Point and
Artist Point ( 1.75 miles or 2.8 km). The trail offers striking viewpoints of both falls and canyon
North Rim trail takes you to the brink of Lower Falls. Depending on the weather 5,000 to 60,000
gallons of water plunges from a height of 308 ft to yellow stone river. North Rim trails drops to 600
ft and it is not recommended for people with poor health conditions. Another major trail is Red Rock
trail which drops to 500 ft and takes the hardy visitor closer to lower falls . The canyon was a barrier
to early travel, but became a destination for visitors when roads made the park more accessible.
North Rim trail takes you to the brink of Lower Falls. Depending on the weather 5,000 to 60,000
gallons of water plunges from a height of 308 ft to yellow stone river. North Rim trails drops to 600
ft and it is not recommended for people with poor health conditions. Another major trail is Red Rock
trail which drops to 500 ft and takes the hardy visitor closer to lower falls . The canyon was a barrier
to early travel, but became a destination for visitors when roads made the park more accessible.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is roughly 20 miles long, measured from the Upper Falls to
the Tower Fall area.This unique natural treasure has a depth of 1200 feet and 1500 to 4000 ft width.
Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River add to the grandeur and make it looks like a
enormously painted mural. Upper falls viewpoint, Artist point (one of the most photographed view
points), Look out point, Red Rock Point, Grand View point and Inspiration Point are view points
which offers a spectacular view of the Grand canyon. Puffs of steam mark the hydro thermal feature
in the canyon walls and the streaking hues along the canyon walls are surreal.
The Upper Falls is upstream of the Lower Falls and is 109 ft. high. It can be seen from the Brink of
the Upper Falls Trail and from Uncle Tom's Trail. The Lower Falls is 308 ft. high and can be seen
from Lookout Point, Red Rock Point, Artist Point, Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, and from various
points on the South Rim Trail. Lower falls is also known as Great fall or Grand falls of Yellowstone.
The Lower Falls is often described as being more than twice the size of Niagara, although this only
refers to its height and not the volume of water flowing over it. The volume of water flowing over the
falls can vary from 63,500 gal/sec at peak runoff to 5,000 gal/sec in the fall.
A third falls is located at the canyon between the Upper and Lower falls. Crystal Falls is the outfall
of Cascade Creek into the canyon. It can be seen from the South Rim Trail just east of the Uncle
Tom's area. This silky 130 ft water falls bounds through pine trees towards the Yellowstone river.
The Yellowstone river snakes through the canyon as it rushes downstream which also cause erosion
when flowing through soft and less resistant rocks thus increasing the depth and width of the
canyon .Yellowstone river is a tributary of Missouri river with a length of 692 miles and the largest
high altitude mountainous river in North America.
Yellowstone river rises in northwestern Wyoming in the Absaroka Range. It is the largest and major
rivers at Yellowstone National Park, though its origin is outside the park. It is also the longest
undammed river in the contiguous North America and thus retain the natural habitat characteristics
and flows. The other major rivers at Yellowstone are Bechler, Firehole, Gallatin, Gardner, Gibbon,
Lamar, Lewis, Madison and Snake river.
Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon is not as big as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but the beauty and
grandeur is nonetheless breathtaking. The present canyon is estimated to be 10,000 to 14,000 years
old. This recent geologic feature is believed to be the result of erosion rather than glaciation. The
canyon village complex is a part of the Mission 66 project in the park. The Visitor center which
opened in 1957 is also located 1/8 mile southeast of Canyon Junction in the Canyon Village complex.
rivers at Yellowstone National Park, though its origin is outside the park. It is also the longest
undammed river in the contiguous North America and thus retain the natural habitat characteristics
and flows. The other major rivers at Yellowstone are Bechler, Firehole, Gallatin, Gardner, Gibbon,
Lamar, Lewis, Madison and Snake river.
Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon is not as big as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but the beauty and
grandeur is nonetheless breathtaking. The present canyon is estimated to be 10,000 to 14,000 years
old. This recent geologic feature is believed to be the result of erosion rather than glaciation. The
canyon village complex is a part of the Mission 66 project in the park. The Visitor center which
opened in 1957 is also located 1/8 mile southeast of Canyon Junction in the Canyon Village complex.
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