After leaving the town of Mammoth on September 21st, we continued on over the top of the upper loop, toward Tower Junction.
This area is much more arid than the heavily forested southern regions of the national park.
A lone buffalo strolls down the center line of this high mountain road, making it difficult for traffic from either direction to get around him.
After several minutes, though, there was an opportunity for passing.
After getting around the buffalo and through construction delays around Tower Junction, we continued on to the Canyon area, this time to enjoy the views of Lower Yellowstone Falls and the canyon from the South Rim.
Lower Yellowstone Falls from Artist Point
Lower Falls
A view up the canyon in the other direction, from Artist Point
From the Canyon area, we then headed back toward the West Entrance Road, where we hoped to enjoy some elk viewing on our way back to our lodging in West Yellowstone.
On the way, we passed this Chocolate Pot hot spring along the Gibbon River.
These "ducks in a row" were at one of the elk viewing areas along West Entrance Road.
We did see lots of elk later that evening, but that will have to wait for a future post. Stay tuned!
