One of my all-time favorite overnights in the woods on National Park land was at Heart Lake in Yellowstone. Out and back, the trail is about 17 miles. It winds through beautiful pine forests, burn scars, creek crossings, and long stretches of fine sand, losing and gaining elevation along the way. You'll find ample wildlife, beautiful meadows, and incredible views the whole way. The thing I loved most about it was the geyser basin. As you near the lake, you drop into the basin, where you are met with a variety of thermal features such as bubbling mud pots, vibrantly colored thermal pools, and spitting and sputtering geysers.
It's all the excitement that draws the crowds into much of the park, but in the quiet solitude of the backcountry. If you pay close enough attention, you'll even find my favorite landmark in the entire park. A small stream that is close enough to the thermal area to be well-heated, but not so close to be dangerously hot. It is the most incredible place for a soak!
There are several secluded campsites around the lake itself, all of which require a backcountry permit, so make sure to have that lined up before planning a trip. Grizzlies are abundant in the area, so do your research and know how to behave in their territory. Heart Lake in Yellowstone, Wyoming is truly a slice of heaven. Prepare your backcountry stay appropriately, and you will not be disappointed!
