Yellowstone Park - Morning Drive

On day 3 of our Yellowstone trip we checked out of Mammoth Springs Hotel, had a quick bite of break fast and took off on a forenoon drive in anticipation of animal sightings. We did spot a few elk at a distance but they were half hidden amongst shrubs and could not get a clear view. We spotted a coyote who was leisurely rambling along a big valley but was too far out to get a good camera shot. We also saw some bisons grazing on the mountain slopes but again at a considerable distance. Overall a disappointing morning in terms of animal sightimg. But views of the pines,the sagebrush & other flora plus the spectacular hills,mountains & valleys was panoramic.
After driving for about an hour or so we reached the Yellowstone Nothern Range self guiding trail. We decided to park the car in a nearby pull out and walk on this trail which is a 1/2 mile accessible loop. There is a convenient wide board walk and benches are located at intervals to rest and enjoy the views. The Northern Range is home to a large variety of plants,shrubs and animals.
Yellowstone,s most common tree is the Lodgepole pine. Miles and miles of these tall straight trees grow close together. Lodgepole Pine forests require fire to survive.It helps control disease & insects and fire is essential for new Lodgepole pines to grow.When the forest canopy burns, the ash fertilizes the soil. Sunlight can reach the ground, seeds quickly germinate & new pines begin to grow. After the self guided tour we headed back to Mammoth Springs for lunch.

The morning drive

Coyote Crossing

Pick up Van with Boat Trailor

Mira reading instructions for self guided tour

Cool Shaded Boardwalk surrounded by pines

Benches to sit, view & relax

Burnt tree trunks from forest fire

Fresh Lodgepole Pines growing from the ashes

Dry Brush at the onset of winter

Sand Dunes on hill slopes

Narrow stream meandering through the valley

Mammoth Springs View (White color)

Mammoth Springs - Close up view

Dry Sagebrush