Yellowstone Lake, Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge to Canyon Village

Yellowstone National Park
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> Lake, Bridge Bay and Fishing Bridge to Canyon Village

Lake, Bridge Bay and Fishing Bridge to Canyon Village

Length: 16 miles
Picnic Areas: 4
Self Guided trails: 1

The road between fishing bridge and Canyon Village runs parallel with the Yellowstone River. The views from this portion of the park are tremendous as the river runs along the roadway on the East and the vast Hayden Valley lies beautifully on the West. In addition to the beauty and wildlife to be witnessed along Hayden Valley there are also some tremendous mud pots.

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Features to see along the road (From South to North):

Lehardy Rapids – These rapids are 3 miles North of Fishing Bridge and are the exact spot where Yellowstone Lake ends and Yellowstone River begins

Mud Volcano - Mud volcano is located on the west side of the road and there is a walking trail for viewers to guide themselves around the features. Mud volcano releases a mud spring, sometimes referred to as Dragon's Mouth Spring. The water from below the cavern can reach temperatures of 180 degrees F and when it splashes up out of the cavern it can be heard and steam billows from the opening of the cavern- much like the images we have of fire breathing dragons. The youngest geological feature in this area is called Black Dragon's Caldron. The caldron was "born" in 1948 when the force of its initial eruption blew a hole in the earth and displaced fully mature trees up to 100 feet. Since 1948, with intermittent eruptions and earth quakes, the caldron has moved 200 feet south of its original "birthplace."

Sulphur Caldron – This caldron is one of the most acidic thermal features of the entire park, boasting a pH of 1.3. The caldron can be viewed from a staging area on the side of the road.

Hayden Valley- This is prime area for spotting wildlife of all varieties. Keep your binoculars handy for viewing: Antelope, Bison, Grizzlies, Trumpeter Swans, White Pelicans, and Canada Geese.