Mammoth is located just south of the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. An ever-popular destination and named for their Mammoth Hot Springs, a main attraction in the area, their geothermal springs are a natural marvel. Ever changing, these travertine formations rapidly grow, with hot water rising through limestone layers and depositing white chalky minerals – that make for excellent photo opportunities – on the surface. Visitors can meander through the trails that highlight these massive structures.
Moving forward, what other natural wonders does the area of Mammoth hold? In short, an abundance, including:
- Gardner River and Gardner River Canyon – This breathtaking canyon runs along the north entrance in Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs. The canyon highlights colorful sandstone walls and thick vegetation, including willows, junipers, cottonwoods and Douglas fir trees. Eagles, bighorn sheep, osprey and kingfishers are popular wildlife sightings in the area.
- 45th Parallel Bridge and Boiling River – Located exactly halfway between the hot Equator and frigid North Pole, the 45th parallel lies on the same lines as Bordeaux, Venice, Belgrade, the northerly Japanese islands, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Ottawa. Warm clouds of steam characterize the nearby Boiling River. It is one of the few areas where bathers are permitted during daylight hours.
- Mt. Everts – Named for Truman Everts, an avid explorer during the 1870 Washburn Expedition, this gentleman lost his party and survived Yellowstone’s temperamental wilderness for 37 days before being rescued. His story was published in Scribner’s Monthly Magazine, and is one of the best-known wilderness survival stories.
- Bunsen Peak – Named in honor of Robert Wilhelm Bunsen, the German physicist responsible for creating the “Bunsen burner,” he also pioneered geyser research. At 8,564 feet high, the peak offers a trail that begins at the Golden Gate. An alternative route includes trekking the old Bunsen Peak Road, which is frequently used by mountain-bikers, hikers and wintertime skiers.
- Fort Yellowstone – Home to the permanent post, Fort Yellowstone, this guardhouse dates to 1891. Even today, Fort Yellowstone is the headquarters for Yellowstone National Park.
- Roosevelt Arch – The northerly entrance was the first major access point for visitors in the early 1900’s. President Theodore Roosevelt placed the cornerstone for this arch, which is inscribed with “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
- Archaeological Finds – This area is known for the Bannock Indian Trail, Obsidian Cliff quarry site, the old Gardiner post office, Native American roasting pits and several wickiups, otherwise known as wigwams or teepees.
- Albright Visitor Center and Museum – Open daily, this museum highlights several historic points in the park’s history, including Native Americans, mountain men, early exploration, Army services and early National Park services.
Conveniently located near the West Yellowstone exit, Yellowstone Holiday features vacation cabins near Yellowstone National Park, as well as boating at Hebgen Lake and spectacular RV parks in West Yellowstone.