The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain range in North America. Every year, its scenic areas draw millions of tourists from all over the world. Yellowstone National Park stands out among other natural wonders as the world’s first established national park back in 1872, setting a precedent for conservation worldwide. Yellowstone sits atop the Yellowstone Caldera, one of the world's largest active volcanic systems. The underlying volcanic heat results in the most substantial concentration of geothermal features on the planet. Two of the most famous of these are the Old Faithful, a geyser known for its regular soaring eruptions, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, a massive hot spring characterized by its bright, vivid colors, the result of microbial mats around the edges of the mineral-rich water. Yellowstone is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including large mammals such as bison, elk, bears and wolves, supported by diverse ecosystems ranging from dense forests to alpine meadows. Just south of Yellowstone is the Grand Teton National Park, a park renowned for its dramatic Teton Range, a series of sharp peaks that rise abruptly from the valley floor, framed by clear blue skies and pristine glacial lakes. I’ve been wanting to visit these natural features for long, and when I least expected, the chance presented itself. Friends came along and I missed the golden hours, but being surrounded by people I cherish compensated for the missed opportunities.