Yellowstone National Park

America’s oldest National Park, established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park has always been one of the U.S.’s most visited parks and a favorite with guests of all ages. You don’t need to be a nature lover to enjoy Yellowstone. The sights are so amazing that even a city dweller will be awed by the natural beauty of this park, located mostly in Wyoming but also stretching into portions of Montana and Idaho.

This 2.2 million-acre park attracts about 3 million visitors each year, and chances are that when some of those millions return for a second visit, the park is likely to be different than during their previous trip. Geologists, who dub the park a geologic “hot spot,” say that’s because it’s constantly changing and continuously providing visitors with new experiences.

Activities and Attractions

People come to Yellowstone for lots of different reasons. Some just come to see the sights, such as the Old Faithful Geyser, the most famous and regularly-erupting of the 300+ geysers located throughout the park. Others head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a 20 mile long, (up to) 1,200 feet deep, and, in some spots, 4,000 foot wide canyon that is absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to bring a camera and catch a picture of the magnificent Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon. 

Other must-sees include The Hayden Valley, the best place to view the park’s diverse wildlife including bison, elk, and a host of waterfowl and birds. The terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs are also intriguing, formed by a combination of heat, water, limestone, and a rock fracture system through which hot water can reach the earth's surface. These colorful terraces are a photographer’s delight.

Those looking for more active pursuits have a variety of activities from which to choose. Hikers will find more than 1,100 miles of paved and unpaved trails throughout Yellowstone National Park. Day hiking or extended hikes are possible, but those who venture out should always be aware of the potential of encounters with wild animals and the possibility of swiftly changing weather. Always hike with a buddy and inform a ranger of your plans. Equestrian aficionados can book guided horseback riding excursions in many areas of the park.

In the summer, tours of Yellowstone’s many waterways are available but canoeing, kayaking, or rafting are best accomplished with the help of someone who knows the park well. Fly fishing is also popular but is restricted in some areas due to wildlife concerns. 

In the winter, which can be unpredictable, guests can enjoy backcountry skiing, snowmobiling (in certain sections of the park), and snowshoeing.

Where to Stay

Accommodations are plentiful inside Yellowstone National Park. A dozen different campgrounds are located here, all with flush toilets and some with showers and dump stations. If you prefer something less rustic, consider the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel, built in 1891 and recently refurbished, or the Old Faithful Inn, a National Historic Landmark. Outside the park, numerous options are available.

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is in spring or fall, especially if you want to avoid the summertime crowds, made up mostly of families eager to explore the park. You’ll need to pack a variety of clothing and it’s best to layer if you plan to be out and about for most of the day. Midday temperatures, even in the summer, rarely climb over 80 degrees but nights can be very cold and spring snowstorms have been known to occur. Always bring hats, sunscreen, light rain gear, and good walking shoes. Leave your pets at home as the presence of a domestic animal in your car, cabin, or RV can attract bears.

How you reach Yellowstone National Park will depend on which entrance you choose but the North Entrance is the only one open to cars year-round. This entrance is accessible via Route 89 south from the town of Bozeman, MT. 

Contact:
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168
307-344-7381