Hike to Fairy Falls

Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010. After getting up and having our daily coffee we looked outside to see what the weather would be for this day. We decided to get on the bike and drive over to the Midway Geyser Basin. Our goal was to see the Grand Prismatic which is the largest hot spring in the U.S., the third largest in the world. The spring is 300 ft across and the depth is 160 ft. with a temperature of 188 degrees. So we hopped on the bike and drove about 65 miles to the Fairy Falls Trail. Most people will drive to the basin, park their car, then walk on a boardwalk over to the hot spring. Little do they realize that when you are at ground level all you see is the steam rising from the hot spring. One of the perks of working in the park is that you find out where the best hiking trails are, as well as the best viewing area for most attractions. We parked the bike at Fairy Falls, only a few yards form the Midway Geyser Basin. From there it is about 1-1/2 miles before you come to a very steep hill. Here is where you begin the hike upwards, stepping over rocks, tree roots, fallen trees, etc. After several stops to catch our breath we finally made it to the top! We are above the trees and as we look down on the most beautiful hot spring anyone will ever see, the whole experience becomes spiritual. We are looking down on what can only be Gods' handiwork. Sitting on top of this hill, gazing down into this hot pool with its vivid colors is something one could do all day. We debated whether we wanted to continue down the hill and off to Fairy Falls which was at least another 2 miles away. Claire felt that we had hiked enough. However, I concluded that we may not ever get another chance to view the Fairy. So we both agreed and off we went hiking to Fairy Falls, an additional 2 more miles. This trail traverses behind the midway geyser basin for 1 mile, then cuts upward, between the twin buttes and a spray geyser for 1.5 miles. It wasn't long before we thought we would never get there! We were hot, tired and anxious, not entirely sure we had made the right choice to keep on going. After all, some place with the word Fairy in it probably was rather small and will it really be worth it? Also we knew that there was no magical way back to the bike which was several miles back. Pushing onwards, like the brave hikers we tried to be, an hour later we finally made it to Fairy Falls! What a pleasant surprise it turned out to be! The falls are 197 ft. high coming off the Madison Plateau. The water shoots off the cliff, plunging about one third down until it strikes the rocks, then continues cascading down to the bottom, into a pool of water. Once again, another memorable and spiritual moment. Although the hike was very warm and tiring our final reward was a gentle cool mist mixed with the sound of falling water. For a moment you felt at peace on earth. Yes, God has created a wonderful place that we have been blessed to experience. After resting a bit it was time to head back, oh yes, another 2 - 3 miles. Was I tired? You bet. Did my feet hurt? Absolutely! At this point I wished I had listened to Claire and not pushed on to hike to Fairy Falls. We struggled but we made it back, singing and laughing all the way. Nothing felt better than to put our tired rumps on that hot black leather seat of the bike again! We headed on back to the RV park. When we got to West Thumb, however, we saw a nice bull elk, lying along side of the road. It was as if he was saying, "it's pretty awesome here, eh?". West Thumb is on the southern end of Yellowstone Lake and about 25 miles from our little home in paradise. Once there we settled into our chairs, too tired to eat, too tired to watch TV. Bed sure looked good. Are we glad we did this hike? You betcha. We have about 5 weeks left and the weather will start to change. Fall is around the corner. September could bring snow, the elk will start bugling calling for their mates. Life is an adventure and we are blessed to have had the opportunity to live this adventure for the past three years. Thank you God for your wonderful, amazing creation and for giving us the ability to enjoy a little corner of it. Yellowstone is a Garden of Eden.