
2025 Yellowstone/Tetons National Parks
This summer, we set off on an epic month-long odyssey through the wilds of the American West, chasing landscapes, wildlife, and a few sparkling treasures. Our route carried us from Texas through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho — before winding back home via Colorado and New Mexico. Along the way, we visited many national parks and forests, state parks, and nature centers. We searched for Montana “Diamonds” on Judith Peak, unearthed sapphires at Gem Mountain, dug for crystals at Crystal Park, and cracked open a volcanic geode. At every stop, the land offered stories written in textures and colors.
Our cameras captured hummingbirds in Colorado, moose grazing in Idaho springs, fields of wildflowers, bison herds owning the roads of Yellowstone, and pelicans fishing in perfect harmony. Squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, elk, wolves, and even delicate orchids all made their way into our album. Each encounter felt like a gift.
From our base in Island Park, Idaho, we hiked mountain trails, wandered ghost towns, traced rivers and geyser basins, and searched for gemstones. We returned to Yellowstone National Park to visit areas of Yellowstone that we had visited in January 2025, as well as areas that were inaccessible during the Winter visit. In Yellowstone, we stood in awe at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the mighty Lower Falls. Near Grand Teton National Park, we rode the tram to the “Top of the World,” surrounded by jagged peaks and wildflower meadows. We traced the history of the land at Earthquake Lake, where an entire canyon shifted in one night. And in Wyoming, we thrilled at the sight of wild mustangs running free across the Pilot Butte desert.
The most unforgettable moment? Val bottle-feeding brown bear cubs at Yellowstone Bear World. With tiny paws clutching the bottle and soft fur brushing her hands, it was pure magic — the kind of story that becomes legend in a lifetime of adventures.
This journey wasn’t just about the many miles traveled or photos taken; it was about rediscovering wonder, slowing down to notice life’s intricate details, and celebrating the wild beauty that surrounds us. And as always — the road calls, and we can’t wait for our next adventure.
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Our Adventure Route: Texas → New Mexico → Colorado → Wyoming → Montana → Idaho → Wyoming → Colorado → New Mexico → Texas
[1] Barn Swallow chicksRest Area, Des Moines, NM
[2] Broad-tailed HummingbirdCastlewood Canyon State Park, Franktown, CO
[3] Broad-tailed HummingbirdCastlewood Canyon State Park, Franktown, CO
[4] Spotted TowheeCastlewood Canyon State Park, Franktown, CO
[5] Orange-tipped Woodborer on Prickly Pear Cactus flowerCastlewood Canyon State Park, Franktown, CO
[6] Woodland PoppymallowCastlewood Canyon State Park, Franktown, CO
[7] Purchased a Las Choyos Coconut Geode (from Chihuahua, Mexico) and had it cracked openColorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
[8] Val Kerns imprisoned with Sundance Kid (Harry Longabauch)Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center, Cheyenne, WY
[9] Don Kerns with giant volcanic geodes (10+ feet in diameter) poised to fall from cliffPictograph Cave State Park, Billings, MT
[10] Leafcutter Bee on a Mexican Hat flowerPictograph Cave State Park, Billings, MT
[11] Cabbage White butterfly on a wild mustard flowerPictograph Cave State Park, Billings, MT
[12] YuccaPictograph Cave State Park, Billings, MT
[13] Final resting place of Susan Kerns (and her cat, Mia) [as well as Lily Kerns' in 2015]Judith Peak, Lewistown, MT
[14] Searching for "Montana Diamonds"(actually double terminated, quartz crystals)Judith Peak, Lewistown, MT
[15] Digging for "Montana Diamonds"Judith Peak, Lewistown, MT
[16] Young Mule Deer that hides under the Lodge's porchJudith Peak Lodge, Lewistown, MT
[17] Double Wood Burl on a tree rootJudith Peak Lodge, Lewistown, MT
[18] Don & Val Kerns searching for sapphiresGem Mountain Sapphire Mine, Philipsburg, MT
[19] Mountain Striped Ground SquirrelBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Dillon, MT
[20] Crystal Park Picnic and Mineral Collection AreaBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Dillon, MT
[21] Crystal Park Picnic and Mineral Collection AreaBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Dillon, MT
[22] Crystal Park Picnic and Mineral Collection AreaBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Dillon, MT
[23] Northern FlickerBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Dillon, MT
[24] Digging for crystals in Crystal ParkBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Dillon, MT
[25] Our "Rockhounding Haul" - Montana Diamonds, Crystals, and SapphiresMontana
[26] Bear [captive] and Val & Don KernsGrizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[27] Bald Eagle [captive]Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[28] Gray Wolf [captive]Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[29] Grizzly Bear [captive]Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[30] Grizzly Bear [captive]Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[31] Rough Legged Hawk [captive]Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[32] Ground Squirrels [captive]Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[33] Ground Squirrel resting on a log [captive]Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[34] American River Otter [captive]Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT
[35] Gibbon FallsGibbon River, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[36] Morning steam plumesYellowstone National Park, WY
[37] Multi-colored microbial matsYellowstone National Park, WY
[38] Mineral terraces with multi-colored microbial matsGrand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[39] Reflections in mineral terraces with multi-colored microbial matsGrand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[40] Turquoise PoolMidway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[41] Bison relaxing next to Dome Geyser and the Upper Geyser Hill TrailYellowstone National Park, WY
[42] Nuphar LakeNorris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[43] Sunrise at Norris Geyser BasinYellowstone National Park, WY
[44] Sunrise at Norris Geyser BasinYellowstone National Park, WY
[45] Old Faithful Geyser (with Bee Hive Geyser in the foreground)Yellowstone National Park, WY
[46] Mud potYellowstone National Park, WY
[47] "Ghost Trees" killed (and preserved for decades or centuries) by embedded silica from geyser spray/mistYellowstone National Park, WY
[48] Lion Group & Heart SpringUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[49] Orchidoid OrchidsUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[50] Plume ThistleYellowstone National Park, ID
[51] Lewis FlaxUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[52] Steel Bridge PoolFairy Falls Trailhead, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[53] South Scalloped Spring with multi-colored microbial matsUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[54] Oblong Geyser along Firehole RiverUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[55] Firehole RiverUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[56] Chromatic PoolUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[57] Upper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[58] Heart SpringUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[59] Utah HoneysuckleUpper Geyser Hill Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[60] Ornate Checked Beetle on Rocky Mountain GeraniumFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[61] Val Kerns preparing for the hikeFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[62] Fields of wildflowersFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[63] White LupineFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[64] Yellow SalsifyFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[65] Plume ThistleFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[66] LupinesFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[67] Arrowleaf BalsamrootFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[68] Yellow WarblerFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[69] Nesting Tree SwallowFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[70] Tree SwallowFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[71] Tree SwallowFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[72] Tree SwallowsFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[73] Tree SwallowsFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[74] Savannah SparrowFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[75] Savannah SparrowFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[76] Elephant's-head LousewortFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[77] Blister Beetle on False DandelionFlat Ranch Preserve, Island Park, ID
[78] Landslide from 7.5 Yellowstone earthquake on August 17, 1959 (blocked Madison River and killed 28). Earthquake Lake Geologic Area, Cameron, MTNOTE: Contrary to family folklore, no cause-and-effect relationship has been identified between the earthquake and Don Kerns’ birth 7 days earlier.
[79] Utah HoneysuckleEarthquake Lake Geologic Area, Cameron, MT
[80] Dew-covered grassesYellowstone National Park, WY
[81] Indian PaintbrushWest Yellowstone, MT
[82] Gray Wolf hunting for small game on a foggy morningYellowstone National Park, WY
[83] Small Elk herdMadison River, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[84] Bison and nursing calfYellowstone National Park, WY
[85] Steamy Bison BreathYellowstone National Park, WY
[86] Bison near steam ventsYellowstone National Park, WY
[87] Bison sticking tongue out at touristsYellowstone National Park, WY
[88] Sky reflections in marshSouth Rim Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[89] Elk ThisleYellowstone National Park, WY
[90] Upper Yellowstone FallsYellowstone National Park, WY
[91] Twinberry HoneysuckleYellowstone National Park, WY
[92] Lower Yellowstone FallsYellowstone National Park, WY
[93] Western ChipmunkYellowstone National Park
[94] Lower Yellowstone FallsYellowstone National Park, WY
[95] Bison and nursing calfYellowstone National Park, WY
[96] Lower Yellowstone Falls RainbowYellowstone National Park, WY
[97] Lower Yellowstone Falls RainbowYellowstone National Park, WY
[98] Western ChipmunkUpper Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[99] Yellowstone River CanyonYellowstone National Park, WY
[100] Western TanagerYellowstone National Park, WY
[101] Morning view of Grand Prismatic SpringYellowstone National Park, WY
[102] Grand Prismatic SpringYellowstone National Park, WY
[103] Golden-mantled Ground SquirrelNorth Rim Trail, Yellowstone River CanyonYellowstone National Park, WY
[104] Grand Prismatic SpringYellowstone National Park, WY
[105] Mineral terraces with multi-colored microbial matsGrand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[106] Don & Val Kerns at Grand Prismatic Spring OverlookYellowstone National Park, WY
[107] Mineral terraces with multi-colored microbial matsGrand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY
[108] Blurry mistake (dead tree with moss/lichens) - but that's why it is so interesting, unique, and beautiful!Yellowstone National Park, WY
[109] Yellowstone LakeYellowstone National Park, WY
[110] Viceroy ButterflyYellowstone National Park, WY
[111] Kepler CascadeYellowstone National Park, WY
[112] Fairy FallsYellowstone National Park, WY
[113] HawksbeardYellowstone National Park, WY
[114] Fairy FallsYellowstone National Park, WY
[115] Sawtell PeakCaribou–Targhee National Forest, Island Park, ID
[116] Silver LakeHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[117] Spotted Flycatcher with wasp in its beakHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[118] Spizella SparrowHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[119] American Pelicans fishing as a groupSilver Lake, Harriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[120] Sawtell Peak & Henry’s Fork CalderaCaribou–Targhee National Forest, Island Park, ID
[121] Yellow SalsifyBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[122] American Robin (juvenile)Big Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[123] FireweedBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[124] Timothy GrassBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[125] Moose (female)Big Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[126] Ring-billed Gull floating on clear spring waterBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[127] LupineBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[128] Common CowparsnipBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[129] Pine SquirrelBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[130] Foxtail Mulga GrassBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[131] Duskywing Skipper on False DandilionBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[132] Moose (female)Big Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[133] Western White ClematisBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[134] "Three Canadian Geese walk onto a bar..." 😀Big Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[135] MonkshoodBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[136] Ring-billed GullBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[137] Field Chickweed (also known as Mouse-ear Chickweed)Big Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[138] Lesser Canary GrassBig Springs State Park, Island Park, ID
[139] GoatsbeardHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[140] Blue HeronHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[141] Oxeye DaisyHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[142] Soaring OspreyHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[143] Ground SquirrelHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[144] Trumpeter Swan and cygnetsHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[145] Great Spangled FritillaryHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[146] Ground SquirrelHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[147] Yellow WarblerHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[148] Swallows gathering mud for nestHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[149] Swallow gathering mud for nestHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[150] Osprey with chick in nestHenrys Lake State Park, Island Park, ID
[151] Brown Bear cub [captive]Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg, ID
[152] Brown Bear [captive]Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg, ID
[153] Brown Bear cub [captive]Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg, ID
[154] Brown Bear cub [captive]Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg, ID
[155] Val Kerns feeds Brown Bear cub named "Dixie" [captive]Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg, ID
[156] Grand TetonsGrand Teton National Park, WY
[157] Grand TetonsColter's Bay, Grand Teton National Park, WY
[158] Jenny LakeGrand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, WY
[159] Jackson LakeColter's Bay, Grand Tetons National Park, WY
[160] Plume ThistleJackson Hole, WY
[161] Grand TetonsGrand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, WY
[162] Grand TetonsGrand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, WY
[163] Val & Don Kerns at "Top of the World"Jackson Hole, WY
[164] Grand TetonsColter's Bay, Grand Teton National Park, WY
[165] "Quick Draw" Val KernsGrand Teton National Park, WY
[166] Grand TetonsGrand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, WY
[167] Western Wood-PeweeJackson Hole, WY
[168] Don & Val KernsJackson Hole, WY
[169] Greater FritillaryJackson Hole, WY
[170] Grand TetonsGrand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, WY
[171] SunflowersJackson Hole, WY
[172] Grand TetonsGrand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, WY
[173] White-crowned SparrowJackson Hole, WY
[174] Grand TetonsGrand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, WY
[175] Western Cone Flower [captive]Upper Mesa Falls, Ashton, ID
[176] Yellow-bellied MarmotLower Mesa Falls, Ashton, ID
[177] Yarrow [captive]Upper Mesa Falls, Ashton, ID
[178] Volcanic canyon wall covered in Red LichensUpper Mesa Falls, Ashton, ID
[179] Tent Moth CaterpillarLower Mesa Falls, Ashton, ID
[180] Lower Mesa FallsAshton, ID
[181] Wester Red Columnbine [captive]Upper Mesa Falls, Ashton, ID
[182] Garter SnakeLower Mesa Falls, Ashton, ID
[183] Maltese-CrossUS Post Office, Island Park, ID
[184] Bluegreen waters of Wade LakeCameron, MT
[185] Water droplets on a leafHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[186] Mariposa LilyHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[187] Goat’s Beard seed head from a Western SalsifyHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[188] Timothy GrassHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[189] American Robin (juvenile)Harriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[190] Orchard GrassHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[191] Val & Don Kerns in front of a field of wildflowersHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[192] White Mariposa LilyHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[193] Pale SnaketailHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[194] Fireweed with honey beeHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[195] Mariposa LiliesHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[196] WildflowersHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[197] Heartleaf ArnicaHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[198] Indian Paintbrush & LupineHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[199] HawksbeardHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[200] Eight-spotted SkimmerHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[201] Narrow-winged DamselflyHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[202] Narrow-winged DamselflyHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[203] Dot-tailed Whiteface DragonflyHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[204] Brown-headed Cow BirdHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[205] Hairy ClematisHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[206] Clouded Yellow butterfly on Oxeye DaisyHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[207] Goat’s Beard seed head from a Western SalsifyHarriman State Park, Island Park, ID
[208] Immature Douglas-fir coneMedicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Centennial, WY
[209] Showy MilkweedRexburg, ID
[210] Shrubby CinquefoilsBoyd Skinner Park, Pinedale, WY
[211] Western Hound’s TongueVictor, ID
[212] Crested WheatgrassPilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Green River, WY
[213] Crested WheatgrassPilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Green River, WY
[214] Crested WheatgrassPilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Green River, WY
[215] Redtop GrassRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[216] Crested WheatgrassPilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Green River, WY
[217] Rugged mesas and buttesPilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Green River, WY
[218] Pronghorn AntelopePilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Green River, WY
[219] Wild MustangsPilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Green River, WY
[220] Mountain Bluebird (female)Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Green River, WY
[221] Grazing MooseMedicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Centennial, WY
[222] Mirror LakeMedicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Centennial, WY
[223] Mirror LakeMedicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Centennial, WY
[224] American AstersMedicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Centennial, WY
[225] Don & Val Kerns at Mirror LakeMedicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Centennial, WY
[226] Rocky Mountain Marsh-MarigoldMedicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Centennial, WY
[227] Bear LakeRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[228] Pine SquirrelRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[229] Bear LakeRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[230] Yellow-bellied MarmotAlpine Ridge Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[231] Dragonfly flies over drowned treeRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[232] Bear LakeRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[233] A titled look at Bear Lake (while falling off the rock)Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[234] Anicia Checkerspot on SunflowersRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[235] Bear LakeRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[236] Colorado Black-notched Bumble Bee on Western GoldenrodRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[237] Fly on a Violet AsterRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[238] Alpine lakeRocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[239] Stellar's JayBear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
[240] We don't recommend this picnic spot! 😀
[241] Sandhill CraneEarthquake Lake Geologic Area, Cameron, MT
[242] Canadian Goose Gosling x 5 Earthquake Lake Geologic Area, Cameron, MT