I can’t even begin to describe just how much I love Yellowstone. It’s my happy place. A place filled with beauty, wildlife, and a lot of amazing memories. As a child we would visit my grandparents in Provo, Utah just about every summer. Those visits usually lasted a week or two and in that time we would sneak off to Yellowstone for a few days, being that it’s only 6 hours away. We went there as part of our honeymoon and now that we live less than 12 hours away, we go when we get the chance. Going there always brings me joy and relaxation. This time, our trip would bring all of that and hopefully a few hikes as well.

This time we decided on Memorial Weekend to beat the summer crowds and enjoy much of the wildlife (black bear, grizzlies and wolves) that are more prevalent before the summer heat hits. One of most amazing visits occurred in May and it’s stuck with me since.

Family of 4 plus food, hiking gear and more all packed in!

So after several weeks of planning and prepping, I packed the car up on Tuesday night and made sure we were ready to roll after school and work Wednesday. We had a long drive that night and then more driving Thursday before reaching our destination.

The drive on Wednesday was an easy one. The weather over the passes was cloudy but perfect and the sunset along the Columbia River Gorge was stunning. We stopped for dinner and arrived at our destination for the evening pretty late, but it meant we were that much closer to our destination the following day.

Love where I am going but love where I am coming from.

Sunset along the Columbia Plateau

The following day we were up bright and early, ok… more like we slept in a bit and grabbed breakfast at the hotel in the last 30 minutes it was available. We needed it. Within 10 minutes of being on the road we had our first official wildlife sighting. Off of the highway along a beautiful creek stood a big bull moose grazing in the willows. I love moose! So far this trip was off to a great start!

After stops for lunch, gas and potty breaks we finally made it to Gardiner Montana and our lodging for the weekend. Once settled, we drove into the park for the first time this year. Even now, I still get giddy.

Day light quickly fading over Swan Flats

The last of the day as the sun sets behind Electric Peak

Light was quickly fading so we had enough time to drive through Lamar Valley up to Pebble Creek and back and then up to Swan Flats. There we sat and ate our dinner, listening to the night time noises start, and we watched the sun set over Electric Peak.

This is how it should always be.

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