Two Great Safaris in the USA: Yellowstone and Badlands National Parks

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Heart Spring received its name because of the heart-like shape of the crater. It is 8x13 feet and has a depth of 16 feet. Heart Spring has had temperature fluctuations from 150-202°F. This wide range of temperature has allowed microbial growth to form varicolored patterns. This spring is typical of many of Yellowstone's thermal springs. Nearly 10,000 thermal features exist in Yellowstone and many are alkaline hot springs similar to Heart Spring in size and appearance. One feature which distinguishes each is the bright, colorful cyanobacteria and algae which grow along the edge of run-off channels. Each spring has its unique pattern. Photo: Nurin Merchant. Copyright.

Yellowstone’s Heart Spring received its name because of the heart-like shape of the crater. It is 8×13 feet and has a depth of 16 feet. Heart Spring has had temperature fluctuations from 150-202°F. This wide range of temperature has allowed microbial growth to form varicolored patterns. This spring is typical of many of Yellowstone’s thermal springs. Nearly 10,000 thermal features exist in Yellowstone National Park and many are alkaline hot springs similar to Heart Spring in size and appearance. One feature which distinguishes each is the bright, colorful cyanobacteria and algae which grow along the edge of run-off channels. Each spring has its unique pattern. Photo: Nurin Merchant. Copyright.

For individuals and families who are planning on a road trip in the USA during the coming summer, Simerg recommends 2 trips that will live in your memories forever. If there is one national park that my daughter and I would absolutely recommend for its diversity and God gifted natural wonders, then it has to be Yellowstone. Canyons, geysers, rivers, wildlife…and much more…all come together in this vast and exciting natural space. It may be noted that Yellowstone’s majestic neighbour, the Grand Teton National Park, is also worth a visit. It is dominated by stirring mountain peaks and exciting wild life.

A magnificent view of the Tetons with the moose in the foreground. Photo: Nurin Merchant. Copyright.

A moose crosses a pond in the Grand Teton National Park where towering peaks dominate the landscape for miles. Photo: Nurin Merchant. Copyright.

Your safari to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton will be fun-filled, as well as educational and exciting. If you take your children with you, young and old alike, they will build an enormous appreciation, respect and love for nature, inspired by the natural phenomenon that they will witness at Yellowstone. Both the national parks offer excellent accommodation and great food!

Further to the east in the Dakotas, another National Park, the Badlands, is worth a visit, with a suggested two-day trip to the Needle’s Highway, Rushmore Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial. You will be fascinated by the Park’s natural wonders and the astonishing memorials built with human ingenuity.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Pwershot A200.

The following links provide comprehensive information and breathtaking pictures of the Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Badlands National Parks, and also include coverage of my visits to cities and towns which were either part of my itinerary or simply appeared on-route.