Yellowstone National Park- Waterfalls and Wildflowers Galore! Photos of the acclaimed Porcelain Pools

In August I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful western side of the Yellowstone National Park on my way to a family reunion. The sights were some of the most amazing I had ever experienced in my life. The raw untouched nature baffled me, and this kind of virgin land is difficult to find anywhere in the United States. The power I felt standing at the brink of the lower calls was unmatched even to visits to Niagara. The surrounding canyon was glorious. Sheer rock carved by torrential waters lead to an ancient river steadfastly flowing below. Though the park was packed with summer visitors, the sights were easy to peruse and if one area was crowded a short drive took you to an entirely new adventure. Wildflowers were prevalent this time of year and in full bloom.

Old Faithful Geyser only 5 minutes from eruption

Yellow Thrush on the river bank

Cascading waters of Yellowstone's Lower Falls

Pink Clover

Purple Fleabane

Colorado's State flower the Columbine (this one's purple)

 The Porcelain Basin, named for the white deposits of Siliceous Sinter (aka geyserite), is an expanse of thermal fields. It smells strongly of sulfur for miles around due to the sulfuric gasses and acid that seep from deep underground(see top of post for video). Super heated water laden with minerals aids in the growth of bacteria leading to the various colors found within the pools. Since its opening, the Porcelain Basin has claimed hundreds of lives due to the fragile nature of the crust around the pools. Walkers beware!

Porcelain Pool "Dead man's pool" Dubbed for its high heat

Large Expanse of super heated waters in the Porcelain Basin

Trees can be seen growing from these crystal clear Pools

Petrified wood lies in the heat of this pool

Honey suckle growing off a cliff near Lower Falls

Incredible fish pond in Boulder, Colorado and Wildflower Pics!

After a 3 mile hike along a dried up river in the mountains to the west of Boulder, CO I come upon a waterfall. Upon dissent I view at the bottom of the fall a pool held there by sticks and logs. The video shows and explains the wonder that followed!
Link to video on my you tube channel:Click here to view the video

Below are some pictures I took on the hike along with species info.

A mountain daisy, I believe a Fleabane- Edible but tastes gross. Seen growing right next to fish pool out of a rock.

Red Elderberry- Poisonous and pretty gross (not fatal)

Squaw Peak at sunset

This past week I took a quick trip to squaw peak around 6:45 pm to catch the gorgeous sunset and dusk hours on the mountain. A twenty minute hike to the top from the outlook takes you to the summit where you can catch some truly spectacular views.

10 minutes to sunset the Utah Valley looks amazing, Utah Lake reflecting the sunlight was spectacular!

The southern slopes off of Squaw peak showing their incredible fall colors.

BYU and UVU, though small, can be seen in this photo of the southern area of the valley.

A purple daisy seen growing on the hard pan slopes of the mountainside.

The sun through the orange leaves of a fall oak.

Mt, Timpanogos and Big Baldy can be seen from Squaw Peak to the North. Truly Glorious.

WIldflowers in the Fraser Experimental Forest

Fairy Slipper Orchid

Saw and photographed these gorgeous wildflowers in Fraser Experimental Forest in July 2016.

Saw this right off the trail!

Fairy Slipper Orchid

Amazing view of the mountainside 100 yards below Bottle Peak summit