If you subscribe to the notion that national parks are America’s best idea, you need to visit ground zero. Not only is Yellowstone the country’s oldest national park, it’s also still as wild as they come.
In this 2.2 million-acre park—larger than some states—the very ground bubbles and steams, fueling the highest concentration of geysers in the world. Wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, bison, and wolverines endure here, thanks to the park’s vast protected habitat. Mountains overlook enormous waterfalls, trout-filled rivers, quiet lakes, and the most remote landscapes in the lower 48. You could spend a lifetime exploring Yellowstone National Park and still discover something new every time you visit.
No wonder Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is among Yellowstone’s biggest fans. A respect for wild places has been part of the brewery’s DNA since founder Ken Grossman named it after one of the country’s most iconic mountain ranges. That legacy continues this spring as the brewery features a special collection of its flagship Pale Ale dedicated to four national parks, Yellowstone included. (The other three are Big Bend, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite.)
The beer hasn’t changed, but the artful limited-edition packaging shines a spotlight on these iconic parks. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is backing that up with a donation to the National Park Foundation to support wildlife and habitat conservation. “Our national parks are a jewel that we need to preserve,” Grossman says. “Connection to nature is really critical. I think it’s our legacy to preserve those places forever.”
Amie Engerbretson, professional skier and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. ambassador, agrees. “The national parks are where you see the very best that Mother Nature has to offer,” she says. “And they’re so accessible, it makes it possible for all people to see some of the coolest places in the world.”
With so much to see and more than 1,100 miles of trail, it can be hard to decide exactly where to spend your time in the park. Here’s our guide to Yellowstone’s can’t-miss spots to hike, camp, explore, and “cheers!” a day well spent.
Best Day Hike
Lone Star Geyser
It’s not just the backcountry geyser—a 45-footer erupting from a 12-foot-high mineral cone every three hours or so—that makes this five-mile round trip such a pleasant way to spend a few hours. It’s the flat, shady trail that traces the Firehole River through a conifer forest. The trail is partially paved (you can even bike most of the way to the geyser) and a welcome break from the crowds just down the road in Upper Geyser Basin. But yeah, catching a water show in relative solitude is a nice perk.
Pale Ale moment: From the trailhead, walk next door to the Kepler Cascades overlook and tip one back while listening to the triple-tiered waterfall.
Best Backpacking Trip
Heart Lake
Kick back on the pebbly beach surrounding this out-there lake for a day or two, scoping for trumpeter swans, elk, grizzlies, and wolves in the daytime hours and getting dazzled by the stargazing at night. The out-and-back from the Heart Lake Trailhead is a shade over 17 miles total, but you’ll want to tack on the seven-mile round-trip side hike to the summit of 10,308-foot Mount Sheridan. From the top, you’ll spy Heart Lake, as well as Yellowstone, Lewis, and Shoshone lakes, with the Absaroka Range rising regally on the skyline. Tip: For the best shot at your preferred itinerary, sign up for the early access permit lottery.
Pale Ale moment: Evening in camp, fire crackling in the foreground, Heart Lake just beyond.
Best Peak Hike
Avalanche Peak
Short, sweet, and steep is what you get on this 4.2-mile round-trip hike on the park’s east side. The trail huffs up 1,000 feet per mile, traversing talus slopes and narrow ridgelines en route to a dizzying view of Yellowstone Lake. Target July or August for this strenuous trip. Before then, the trail will probably be snow-covered; after that, grizzly bears start to show up looking for whitebark pine nuts (always be bear alert and carry bear spray in Yellowstone National Park).
Pale Ale moment: Post-hike, from the trailhead, cross the road and grab a picnic table next to pretty little Eleanor Lake.
Best Campground
Slough Creek Campground
The Lamar Valley in the park’s northeastern corner is wildlife central, with excellent chances of spotting resident wolf packs, bison, elk, and bears. Animals are early risers, and you should be, too—an easy task when you’re sleeping right in the thick of the Lamar. This quiet 16-site creekside campground also offers trout fishing and easy access to the Slough Creek Trail.
Pale Ale moment: Pop up your camp chair on the rocky beach and enjoy a creekside happy hour.
Best Ski
Riverside Ski Trail
Tour through quiet conifer forests, along the wide Madison River, and across meadows with views of the Madison and Gallatin ranges on this 7.7-mile lollipop loop out of the gateway town of West Yellowstone. From the park boundary, glide through the woods for one mile, then turn right to ski the shorter Upriver Loop. When you return to the junction, continue north to explore the Downriver Loop’s waterfront views.
Pale Ale moment: Hang out under the evergreens east of the trailhead—just make sure not to step in the ski track.
Best Old Faithful View
Observation Point
From this overlook above Upper Geyser Basin, just a short distance from the boardwalk, you can watch Old Faithful erupt, far removed from the geyser’s famous crowd scene. Walk the first part of the boardwalk, then peel off on the Observation Point Trail to the switchback a half-mile up the hill. Return the way you came for a 1.6-mile round trip.
Pale Ale Moment: Yellowstone offers overnight options for every budget and preference. Relocate to a lodge, cabin, or campground (make reservations early), and “cheers” America’s first national park.
Note: It’s always smart to check the park website before your trip for conditions and safety information, as well as where alcohol consumption is permitted.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., founded by Ken Grossman in 1980, is a pioneer in craft brewing. With breweries in California and North Carolina, it’s known for quality ingredients, innovation, and sustainability. Popular beers include Pale Ale, Hazy Little Thing, and Torpedo. Learn more at sierranevada.com.
The post The Beer Drinker’s Guide to Yellowstone appeared first on Outside Online.
