Amazing pic. and damn weird as I had a totally awesome dream last night about Yellowstone. And visiting Yellowstone is still a dream of mine. Atleast Ive been to the other pic of yours. Bryce.
Thanks, and sorry to everyone for the double post. I modified some of the words in the original post, and thought it was just going to save it there.
Yes, Yellowstone. Wow....you have been dreaming about it! I think it will live up to the dream. The touristy areas are what they are (and are cool), but it's just the vibe of the entire area that makes it special. It is so large, SO rugged, and wild....despite being in a PARK Upon arrival, you are almost instaneously transformed into that state of mind (esp. if you go very early in the morning, before most get there). There are bison throughout, but the Lamar Valley has big herds. The steam from the water in almost every part of the Park provides an otherworldly feel.
Spend several days if you can...and explore every nook and cranny. And, as an added bonus....take a drive over Beartooth Pass, just over the border to Montana from Yellowstone. I think the most beautiful (PAVED) drive in the lower 48.... from a GRAND VISTA standpoint (with VERY honorable mention to Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, and Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park). In summer it is carpeted with wildflowers, and unlike the other two roads I mentioned....not crowded.
If you are planning to go this year, call ahead about access restrictions/construction. They had devastating floods several weeks ago, and there was signficant damage to roads, etc. There's a video on YT that has some live footage of the carnage....akin to an over the top Hollywood movie...but all so real, unfortunately.