On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the world’s first National Park. The park’s vast 2.2 million acres preserve an intact ecosystem with bountiful wildlife that inspired its nickname of the American Serengeti. It’s also filled with unique geological features, like a geothermal area that contains almost half of the world’s active geysers and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
Yet, despite all this, some of the region’s most unique attractions are hidden beyond the gates of Yellowstone National Park.
Hot Springs State Park
The U.S. Geological Service says more people have died from Yellowstone National Park’s hot springs than bear and bison encounters combined. Due to safety concerns, the park prohibits visitors from entering its geothermal features. However, Hot Springs State Park is just an hour south of those staying in the Yellowstone gateway town of Cody.
Hot Springs State Park is far enough from the Yellowstone Caldera that it doesn’t experience geyser eruptions, extreme heat, or highly acidic water. More than 1.8 million gallons flow over a colorful calcium carbonate terrace daily at 128 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a beautiful sight, especially from the Bighorn River’s swinging footbridge.
But unlike the National Park, Hot Springs boasts a public bathhouse where guests can enjoy a warm, pleasant soak in 104-degree water.
Blackwater Natural Bridge
Yellowstone has its own share of bridges, including a hiker suspension bridge that crosses the deep chasm of Hellroaring Creek and the aptly named Yellowstone Natural Bridge accessed by the titular trail.
But another natural wonder just outside the park might top them all: the Blackwater Natural Bridge.
The hike to Blackwater Natural Bridge begins just east of Buffalo Bill’s historic hunting cabin, Pahaska Tepee. Unlike the bridges in Yellowstone, this requires a backcountry hike deep into the Shoshone National Forest. The region, also known as Wyoming’s most mysterious natural wonder, boasts challenging trails that keep out all but the most ardent hikers.
Even when you finally glimpse the bridge, there’s no clear approach to its base. Perhaps someday, somebody will survey the arch and prove or disprove its status as the world’s largest natural bridge.
The Ghost Town of Kirwin
In the early part of the 20th century — around when Buffalo Bill Cody hunted from Pahaska — about 200 people lived in the high mountain town of Kirwin. The rugged place sat 40 miles from modern-day Meeteetse amid surrounding steep mountains with harsh winters.
William Kirwin, the town’s namesake, found gold in 1885, and prospectors soon followed. The mining never panned out, and a spring 1907 avalanche marked the population’s mass exodus. Some later attempted to resettle in the area, including Amelia Earhart, who had a cabin built there before her disappearance.
It looked like Kirwin, too, would disappear off the map, but the Forest Service stabilized the historic buildings in the summer of 1999.
Today, visitors can roam the ghost town, hike high mountain trails, or just enjoy a scenic ride on jeep roads into the mountain. For travelers without a vehicle capable of making the journey, tour companies in Meeteetse will take guests up and explain the history along the way.
Heart Mountain Interpretive Center
More tragic and mysterious than the fall of Kirwin are the events that took place at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center during World War II. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, which led to the forced removal of 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry. “Evacuees” arrived at Heart Mountain from California, Washington, and Oregon. Heart Mountain Interpretive Center says that “by the time Heart Mountain closed in September 1945, a total of 14,997 had been confined there.”
The Heart Wyoming Foundation preserved this dark page in American history to prevent it from repeating itself. Today, the center is an award-winning National Landmark.
Dome Yoga
Wide-open skies and otherworldly geothermal features make Yellowstone appear simultaneously futuristic and timeless. Glamping at the Pure Heart Retreat perfectly captures this feeling. Accessible only by foot, their 23-foot-wide glamping domes harmoniously fuse modern comfort and wild nature.
The dark skies and quiet days create a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, but no visit is complete without practicing the ancient art of yoga in a modern all-glass geodesic dome.
Yellowstone has many unique accommodations, but Pure Heart Retreat’s domes raise the bar.
Yellowstone’s Hidden Secrets
About four million people come to Yellowstone every year to visit the park’s old faithful attractions for good reason. There’s no better place on Earth to see geysers and bison herds. Take a moment to consider the hidden side of Yellowstone and if it’s worth adding an extra day or two to your trip to embark on your journey of discovery.
