Mammoth Hot Springs - Yellowstone National Park, WY Review

Mammoth Hot Springs is the most northerly lodging in Yellowstone National Park. It was once an an army base, a fort established to maintain order in Yellowstone in its early days. 

Those who have ever lived on military base will see the signs, buildings that look like barracks and officer housing. Our lodgings were in a cabin a short walk from the main lodge builidng and the dining room. It was comfortable in a spartan fashion. One of the nicer features was a porch with chairs that invited us to sit and enjoy the compound on which the cabin faced.

It would not be fair to criticize the quality of the furnishings or the space in which they are provided. After all, this is a National Park, not a five-star resort. So, it was comfortable enough and good value for the money.

The dining room has an interesting interior design with an Art Deco tone to it. The food was unexceptional. Breakfast was a disappointment when the eggs were delivered cold to the table After a complaint to the hostess upon leaving, the eggs were warm when served the second day. There was a breakfast buffet but it was not appropriate for us.

The real attraction of Mammoth Hot Springs, however, is the natural phenomon it is named for. The terraces and tiers of hot springs detritus, with extraordinalry colors and structures, is one of nature's masterpieces. Walkways allowed us to walk above the deposits and watch their bubbling mystery up close. This attraction is an easy walk from the lodge.

Equally as fascinating was a group adult elks that gathered on the lawn in front of and next to the lodge. These huge beasts show little fear of the humans watching them. There were a senior buck and five does in his harem. The Park Rangers work very hard, and successfully, to keep humans away from the animals. This is for the benefit of both. A startled buck can attack a human and a human can compromise the animal's ability to exist in the wild.

Nevertheless, it is quite remarkable to see these giants up close. 

There also is a stable at the resort, with docile riding horses. Guided rides are available at a very reasonable rate.

If you are up for America's most amazing natural attractions, Yellowstone National Park should be on your must-do list.

Mammoth Hot Springs a perfectly suitable base from which to enjoy it.