After wrapping up our Mammoth tour, we made our way back down the now-familiar route to Canyon Village. Along the way, we paused at Tower Fall, taking extra time to soak in the surrounding scenery, starting with the waterfall itself.
During our walk along the trail to the falls, we spotted an interesting little creature—a woolly bear caterpillar—minding its own business.
A nearby roadside pullout offered a striking view of the Yellowstone River winding past Tower Fall.
Looming above the area is the impressive volcanic basalt formation known as Overhanging Cliff, casting its shadow over the viewpoint.
After leaving Tower Fall, we headed up Dunraven Pass toward Mount Washburn, pausing at several lookout spots in hopes of spotting a rare bear or wolf.
Although we faced a few letdowns along the way, our patience paid off when a coyote appeared just a few metres from the lookout!
We were thrilled as we watched him trot down the hillside and disappear into the tall, dry grass—blending in so seamlessly he was nearly impossible to spot.
At the next scenic stop, we had another memorable wildlife encounter—this time with a massive bison bull. Unfazed and determined, he stayed his course, bringing traffic to a standstill in classic Yellowstone fashion.
The bison slowly made his way toward the lookout where we were parked, grazing as he went. He strolled directly beside and in front of our car, paused to scratch himself against the wooden barriers, and then calmly continued up the hill.
Although we felt a bit uneasy being so close to such a massive animal—especially one known for its temper—we kept a respectful distance, and he paid us little mind. It was yet another incredible wildlife moment we’d been hoping for since the day began.
As we began our descent into Canyon Village, we made time for one final lookout stop. From this vantage point, we could take in the dramatic ravine of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with the distant, snow-capped peaks of the eastern ridge of the Yellowstone Caldera stretching across the horizon—a fitting end to our day of exploration.
