A revered treasure in the heart of the American West, Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking testament to the astounding beauty and power of nature. As the world's first national park, established in 1872, Yellowstone has captured the imaginations of generations with its iconic geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes that stretch across parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

Spanning over 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park is home to a remarkable array of geological wonders, including the world-famous Old Faithful geyser, the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, and the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The park sits atop a massive volcanic hotspot, which fuels its extraordinary collection of geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.

Yellowstone's diverse ecosystems support an incredible array of wildlife, making the park one of the premier destinations for nature enthusiasts. Iconic species such as bison, elk, grizzly bears, and gray wolves roam the park's expansive landscapes, while its rivers and lakes teem with native fish, including the Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The park's rich mosaic of habitats, from lush forests and rolling meadows to stark volcanic badlands, provides sanctuary for countless plant species, contributing to Yellowstone's unmatched biodiversity.

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park can partake in a wide range of recreational activities that showcase the park's natural wonders and rich cultural history. Over 1,000 miles of trails wind through the park's varied landscapes, offering opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. The park's rivers and lakes provide excellent fishing, boating, and scenic paddling opportunities, while its geothermal areas invite exploration and wonder. Winter brings its own unique charm, with activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

The historic communities of West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City serve as gateways to Yellowstone National Park, offering a variety of accommodations, dining options, and local attractions. These vibrant towns, steeped in the history and charm of the Old West, ensure that every visitor can experience the park's legendary beauty and wonder in comfort and style.

MUST SEE SITES

1. Upper Geyser Basin: This impressive basin located in the heart of Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the park's most famous geysers, including Old Faithful, Castle Geyser, and Grand Geyser. Visitors can explore the area via several hiking trails and enjoy the stunning views of the geysers and surrounding wilderness.

2. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: This breathtaking canyon located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park offers visitors a chance to witness the power and beauty of nature up close. Visitors can hike along the trails that lead to the canyon's rim and enjoy the stunning views of the Yellowstone River as it winds its way through the canyon.

3. Mammoth Hot Springs: This unique geological area located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park offers visitors a chance to witness the park's unique thermal features up close. Visitors can hike along the boardwalk that leads through the hot springs and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

4. West Thumb Geyser Basin: This beautiful basin located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake offers visitors a chance to see some of the park's most beautiful geothermal features up close. The basin is known for its unique features, including the Fishing Cone and the Abyss Pool, and visitors can explore the area via several hiking trails.

5. Grand Prismatic Spring: This stunning hot spring is one of the largest in the world and features a rainbow of colors caused by different types of bacteria. Visitors can explore the area by hiking one of the park's trails or taking in the stunning views from the overlooks.

GETTING THERE

The most popular ways to arrive at Yellowstone National Park are by car and air. If you're driving, the park can be accessed via several entrances, including the north entrance near Gardiner, Montana, the west entrance near West Yellowstone, Montana, and the south entrance near Jackson, Wyoming.

The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park is the Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming, which is about an hour away by car. The airport offers flights from several cities, including Denver and Salt Lake City. Another option is the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which is about two hours away by car and offers more flights and destinations year-round.

Whether you're interested in hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, Yellowstone National Park has something for everyone.

GATEWAY COMMUNITIES

The towns of West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City-Silver Gate serve as the primary gateway communities to Yellowstone National Park, offering various accommodations, dining options, souvenir shops, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park can find various lodging options in the surrounding communities, including hotels, motels, lodges, and vacation rentals. Additionally, there are several campgrounds and lodges available within the park.

CAMPGROUNDS

Yellowstone National Park offers a range of developed campgrounds, with 12 campgrounds providing over 2,000 campsites. Some campgrounds accept reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities vary by campground, but many offer restrooms, drinking water, and picnic areas.

WEATHER/CLIMATE

Yellowstone National Park has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures can range from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can dip well below freezing. Visitors should be prepared for potential rain, snow, and rapidly changing weather conditions.

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Numerous recreational opportunities await visitors at Yellowstone National Park, including hiking, wildlife viewing, geyser watching, and fishing. The park offers over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, providing opportunities to explore diverse landscapes, from geothermal features to alpine lakes. Popular hikes include the Upper Geyser Basin, Mount Washburn, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Wildlife viewing is popular, with a variety of species such as bison, elk, and wolves inhabiting the park. Visitors can also enjoy geyser watching, with Old Faithful being the most iconic.

VISITOR CENTER

Yellowstone National Park has several visitor centers, including the Old Faithful Visitor Center, the Canyon Visitor Center, and the Grant Visitor Center. These centers provide information about the park's history, ecology, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Rangers are available to offer guidance and answer questions. The visitor centers are open daily during the visitor season, with reduced hours and services during the off-season.