Yellowstone National Park

About

Yellowstone National Park is located primarily in northwestern Wyoming, with portions extending into Montana and Idaho in the United States. Covering approximately 3,472 square miles (8,991 sq km), Yellowstone is the first national park in the world and one of the most influential protected areas in conservation history.

Established in 1872, the park protects a vast landscape of geothermal features, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife-rich valleys. It lies south of Gallatin National Forest and adjoins Grand Teton National Park to the south. Together, these protected lands form the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest intact temperate ecosystems on Earth.

Yellowstone National Park is best known for its extraordinary geothermal features. The park contains more than half of the world’s active geysers and hydrothermal systems. Visitors from around the globe come to witness the eruption of Old Faithful, explore colorful hot springs such as Grand Prismatic Spring, and observe bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.

Beyond its geothermal wonders, Yellowstone offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, boating, photography, and scenic driving. Its combination of geological marvels and abundant wildlife creates one of the most memorable visitor experiences in the world.

The geography of Yellowstone National Park is shaped by powerful volcanic forces. The park sits atop the Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest active volcanic systems on Earth. Massive eruptions over thousands of years helped create the landscape seen today. Elevations range from approximately 5,300 feet (1,615 meters) to over 11,300 feet (3,445 meters), producing a wide variety of ecosystems. The park contains mountain ranges, alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, deep canyons, and expansive lakes.

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Dense forests of lodgepole pine dominate much of the landscape, while sagebrush plains, wetlands, and grasslands provide important habitat for wildlife. Rivers such as the Yellowstone and Snake originate within the region and support critical ecological processes throughout the American West.

Wildlife within Yellowstone National Park is among the most impressive in North America. The park is home to the continent’s largest concentration of free-ranging mammals in the lower forty-eight states. Visitors frequently encounter American bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Predators include gray wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, coyotes, cougars, and wolverines. The successful restoration of wolves has become one of the world’s most celebrated conservation achievements.

Birdlife is equally diverse, with bald eagles, golden eagles, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, osprey, and numerous migratory species inhabiting the park. Native fish, amphibians, reptiles, and countless smaller organisms contribute to the park’s remarkable biodiversity.

Yellowstone National Park protects one of the most significant natural landscapes on Earth. It safeguards globally important geothermal systems, vast wildlife habitats, critical migration corridors, and ecosystems that function largely as they did centuries ago. Conservation efforts focus on preserving ecological integrity while protecting threatened species and maintaining natural processes across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

The park is often compared to Serengeti National Park and Kruger National Park because of its scale, wildlife abundance, and global significance. Yet Yellowstone’s combination of geothermal wonders, large mammals, and wilderness landscapes remains unmatched anywhere in the world. Today, it stands as a symbol of conservation and a reminder of the importance of protecting nature for future generations.

Photos

Things to See

Featured

It is hard not to find a highlight in Yellowstone National Park almost every time you turn around. The park is renowned for wildlife sightings with the Yellowstone bison herd being the largest in the United States. Wildlife is only the icing on the cake with all that the park has to offer.

Hiking the trails to the Lower Falls, the boarded trail around the Grand Prismatic Spring, or any of the other numerous trails around geothermal features is amazing. Yellowstone is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America and it doesn’t take long to see why.

There is a roughly a figure 8 road the navigates around the park. This drive is an incredibly scenic drive by itself and provides opportunities for spotting wildlife as well. The figure 8 drive also delivers you the majority of geothermal features that can be explored with boarded trails around them.

Yellowstone National Park Trails

Yellowstone National Park is one of those places where so much of it can be experienced from the road with short stops and easy short hikes to experience the abundant natural wonders that are experienced across the park boundaries. However, hiking is one of the best ways to experience the splendor of Yellowstone in a more intimate and personal manner.

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Trail

This is an easy boardwalk loop trail and around the natural phenomenon known as Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. The out and back trail leads along with the hot spring while also out to a vista viewing point. It covers a distance of 1.6 miles (2.57 km).

Upper Geyser Basin

This 4.5-mile (7.24 km) loop trail meanders amongst the hot springs out to an observation point to view Old Faithful. There are views of the river and chances to see wildflowers and wildlife. The trail is paved and wheelchair and stroller friendly.

West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail

This is another easy 1-mile (1.6 km) loop trail that circles around the active thermal geyser. The trail also travels along with scenic views of Yellowstone Lake. It is the largest lake at high elevation across anywhere in North America.

Canyon Rim North Trail

This is a 7.9-mile (12.71 km) trail with an ascent of 1,148 feet (349.91 m) out to Inspiration Point. This is one of the most photographed spots in the national park. The scenic landscape has been the inspiration for many paintings and gallery photographs. This is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the waterfall is one of the most picturesque in the country.

Avalance Peak Trail

This is a challenging 4.7-mile (7.56 km) trail that ascends up 2,073 feet (631.85 m) to one of the most striking panoramic views in the park. The mountain range from the lookout is breathtaking. The trail is rocky with steep inclines while offering chances to see wildlife.

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 105 feet (32 meters)

Description: Starting from the Fairy Falls Trailhead, this short hike leads to a breathtaking overlook of the Grand Prismatic Spring, showcasing its vibrant colors from above. The trail offers a unique perspective of the park’s largest hot spring, with panoramic views of the Midway Geyser Basin.

Uncle Tom's Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 0.7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 500 feet (152 meters) via stairs

Description: This trail consists of a series of steep stairs and platforms leading down to a viewpoint of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, offering close-up views of the powerful waterfall. It’s a strenuous return climb, but the spectacular sight of the falls makes it worthwhile.

Mystic Falls Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2.4 miles loop with an elevation gain of about 550 feet (168 meters)

Description: The trail begins at Biscuit Basin and winds through a lodgepole pine forest to the scenic Mystic Falls, a beautiful waterfall on the Little Firehole River. Hikers can extend their hike to include a loop for elevated views of the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful.

Lone Star Geyser Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: This easy, flat trail follows an old service road along the Firehole River to the Lone Star Geyser, a cone geyser that erupts approximately every 3 hours. The trail offers a peaceful walk through forests and meadows, with the chance to witness an eruption without the crowds.

Mount Washburn Trail

Rating: Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,400 feet (427 meters) from Dunraven Pass

Description: This popular trail takes hikers to the summit of Mount Washburn, offering panoramic views of the park, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and distant mountain ranges. The trail is well-maintained, with wildflowers and wildlife sightings along the way. The summit features a lookout tower and interpretive exhibits.

Park Protection

Yellowstone National Park was created to protect an extraordinary combination of geothermal features, wildlife, forests, rivers, and mountain ecosystems centered around the Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world. The park provides critical habitat for numerous species of conservation concern, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. It also supports the largest free-ranging bison herd on public land in the United States, along with wolves, elk, moose, pronghorn, and hundreds of other wildlife species.

The park is globally significant for protecting more than half of the world’s known geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Famous landmarks such as Old Faithful represent geothermal processes found in few places on Earth. Together, Yellowstone National Park safeguards unparalleled geothermal resources, intact wildlife ecosystems, critical watersheds, and one of the most important natural landscapes in the world.

FAQ’s

Yellowstone National Park is primarily visited for its world-famous geothermal features, abundant wildlife, dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the world’s first national park and remains one of the most iconic protected areas on Earth.

Visitors come to witness erupting geysers, colorful hot springs, roaming bison, wolves, bears, alpine scenery, and some of the most extraordinary geological features found anywhere in the world.

Yellowstone National Park supports approximately 67 mammal species and is considered one of the premier wildlife viewing destinations in North America.

Some of the most notable animals found in Yellowstone National Park include:

American Bison
Elk
Moose
Pronghorn
Mule Deer
White-tailed Deer
Bighorn Sheep
Mountain Goat
Gray Wolf
American Black Bear
Grizzly Bear
Mountain Lion
Bobcat
Coyote
Red Fox
River Otter
American Beaver
Mink
American Marten
Wolverine
Fisher
Long-tailed Weasel
Ermine
Porcupine
Snowshoe Hare
White-tailed Jackrabbit
Yellow-bellied Marmot
Hoary Marmot
Uinta Ground Squirrel
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Least Chipmunk
Uinta Chipmunk
Red Squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel
Deer Mouse
Meadow Vole
Long-tailed Vole
Water Shrew
Masked Shrew
Northern Pocket Gopher
Big Brown Bat
Hoary Bat
Silver-haired Bat
Little Brown Bat
Long-eared Myotis
Long-legged Myotis
Fringed Myotis
Yuma Myotis
Pallid Bat
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat

Yellowstone contains the largest continuously free-ranging population of American bison in the United States.

Current estimates generally range between 4,000 and 6,000 bison, depending on the season, annual reproduction, winter mortality, and management actions. The population fluctuates from year to year but is typically maintained within this range.

Interesting facts:

Yellowstone bison are considered the only continuously wild, free-roaming bison population in the lower 48 states.
They descend from a small remnant population that survived the near-extinction of bison in the late 1800s.
Adult bulls can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg).
During summer, large herds are commonly seen in:
- Lamar Valley
- Hayden Valley
- Firehole River Area

Yellowstone currently supports approximately 90–120 wolves living in roughly 8–12 packs, although numbers vary annually.

Important context:

Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995–1996 after being absent for nearly 70 years.
The original reintroduction involved 31 wolves from Canada.
The park’s wolf population has fluctuated considerably over time.
The broader Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem contains more wolves than the park itself.

The best places to see wolves are:

Lamar Valley
Slough Creek
Soda Butte Valley
Hayden Valley

Wolf viewing is generally best at dawn and dusk.

Yellowstone National Park is home to more than 300 bird species. Its forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, and grasslands support a tremendous diversity of birdlife.

Some of the most popular birds seen in Yellowstone National Park include:

Bald Eagle
Golden Eagle
Osprey
Peregrine Falcon
Prairie Falcon
American Kestrel
Northern Goshawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Great Horned Owl
Northern Pygmy Owl
Boreal Owl
Common Raven
Clark’s Nutcracker
Gray Jay
Steller’s Jay
Black-billed Magpie
Mountain Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
American Dipper
House Wren
Rock Wren
Mountain Bluebird
Western Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Townsend’s Solitaire
Cedar Waxwing
Bohemian Waxwing
Pine Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak
Pine Siskin
Red Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Yellow Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
MacGillivray’s Warbler
Western Tanager
Black-headed Grosbeak
Hairy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Trumpeter Swan

Yes, Yellowstone National Park is absolutely worth visiting and is widely considered one of the greatest national parks in the world.

The park offers unmatched geothermal features, extraordinary wildlife viewing, dramatic waterfalls, mountain scenery, alpine lakes, extensive hiking opportunities, and fascinating geological history. Few places on Earth combine such a diverse range of natural wonders within a single protected area.

The primary hesitation is that Yellowstone is extremely popular during summer, and major attractions can become crowded. However, the park’s immense size means visitors can still find solitude away from the busiest areas.

Yellowstone contains approximately 10,000 geothermal features, representing the largest concentration of geothermal activity anywhere on Earth.

These include:

Geysers
Hot springs
Mud pots
Fumaroles (steam vents)
Travertine terraces

Of those geothermal features:

Approximately 500 are active geysers.
This represents roughly half of all active geysers on Earth.

1. Old Faithful

The world’s most famous geyser.

Erupts approximately every 60–110 minutes.
Eruptions typically reach 100–180 feet (30–55 m).
One of the most predictable natural phenomena in the world.

2. Grand Prismatic Spring

The most photographed geothermal feature in Yellowstone.

Largest hot spring in the United States.
Third-largest hot spring in the world.
Famous for its vivid blue, green, yellow, orange, and red colors created by heat-loving microorganisms.

3. Mammoth Hot Springs

Known for:

White travertine terraces.
Constantly changing formations.
Unique appearance unlike any other geothermal area in Yellowstone.

4. Norris Geyser Basin

The hottest and most dynamic geothermal basin in Yellowstone.

Features:

Extreme temperatures.
Frequent geothermal changes.
Home to Steamboat Geyser.

5. Steamboat Geyser

The world’s tallest active geyser.

Can erupt over 300 feet (91 m).
Taller than Old Faithful.
Eruptions are unpredictable.

6. Artist Paint Pots

Famous for:

Bubbling mud pots.
Colorful mineral deposits.
Excellent examples of Yellowstone’s hydrothermal diversity.

7. West Thumb Geyser Basin

Unique because:

Geothermal features sit directly beside Yellowstone Lake.
Some hot springs occur beneath the lake itself.

Yellowstone by the Numbers

Feature	Approximate Number
Geothermal Features	~10,000
Active Geysers	~500
Percentage of World’s Active Geysers	~50%
Bison	~4,000–6,000
Wolves	~90–120
Mammal Species	67
Bird Species	300+
Size of Yellowstone	2.2 million acres

No other national park in the world combines such a large concentration of geothermal features with free-ranging bison, wolves, grizzly bears, and extensive wilderness, which is one reason Yellowstone remains one of the most famous protected areas on Earth.

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is from June through September.

Typical conditions include:

June: 35–75°F (2–24°C)
July: 40–80°F (4–27°C)
August: 40–80°F (4–27°C)
September: 30–75°F (-1–24°C)

During this period:

Most roads are open.
Wildlife viewing is excellent.
Hiking trails are accessible.
Visitor services operate fully.
Geothermal areas are easily accessible.

September is especially popular because of cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and elk rut activity.

You can drive around Yellowstone in a day and see a lot of what it offers, but you are not really experiencing the what makes the park so special. You have to get out and explore.

Most visitors should plan for 3 to 5 days.

1 day: Major geothermal highlights.
2–3 days: Geysers, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
4–5 days: Comprehensive exploration of the park.
6+ days: Extensive hiking, photography, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Because Yellowstone covers more than 2.2 million acres, longer visits are highly recommended.

Yellowstone National Park spans portions of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

The closest airports include:

Yellowstone Airport – seasonal service.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport – approximately 1.5 hours from the North Entrance.
Jackson Hole Airport – approximately 1 hour from the South Entrance.
Yellowstone Regional Airport – approximately 1 hour from the East Entrance.
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – approximately 2 hours from the West Entrance.

Most visitors follow this route:

Fly into Bozeman, Jackson, Cody, or Idaho Falls.
Rent a vehicle.
Enter through one of Yellowstone’s five entrances.
Explore the park via the Grand Loop Road system.

Grand Loop Road

The park’s primary roadway is:

Grand Loop Road

This figure-eight-shaped road connects most major attractions and covers approximately 142 miles (229 km).

Old Faithful

The park’s most famous attraction is:

Old Faithful

Highlights include:

Predictable geyser eruptions.
Visitor center and exhibits.
Historic lodging.
Extensive geothermal features.

Old Faithful typically erupts approximately every 90 minutes.

Grand Prismatic Spring

One of Yellowstone’s most photographed locations is:

Grand Prismatic Spring

Known for:

Brilliant rainbow colors.
Massive size.
Unique microbial mats.
Spectacular aerial-like viewing areas.

Yellowstone Lake

Another major attraction is:

Yellowstone Lake

This lake is:

The largest high-elevation lake in North America.
Surrounded by mountain scenery.
Popular for boating and fishing.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

One of the park’s most dramatic landscapes is:

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Highlights include:

Colorful canyon walls.
Scenic overlooks.
Powerful waterfalls.
Outstanding photography opportunities.

Lamar Valley

The best wildlife viewing area is often considered:

Lamar Valley

Visitors frequently observe:

Wolves.
Bison.
Bears.
Coyotes.
Pronghorn.

Many wildlife enthusiasts refer to Lamar Valley as “America’s Serengeti.”

Travel Times

Typical travel times include:

Bozeman to North Entrance: approximately 1.5 hours.
Jackson to South Entrance: approximately 1 hour.
West Yellowstone to Old Faithful: approximately 1 hour.
Old Faithful to Canyon Village: approximately 1.5 hours.
Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley: approximately 1 hour.
Driving the entire Grand Loop Road: approximately 4–7 hours without major stops.

Visitors should allow extra time because wildlife sightings, traffic congestion, and road construction frequently affect travel times.

Several organizations help protect and support Yellowstone National Park:

National Park Service – manages Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone Forever – the park’s official nonprofit partner supporting education, research, and conservation.
National Park Foundation – supports projects throughout the National Park System.
Greater Yellowstone Coalition – supports conservation throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Indigenous communities including the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, Crow Tribe, Blackfeet Nation, and numerous other Native nations with longstanding cultural connections to the region.

Sources

All Trails, Best Trails in Yellowstone National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/wyoming/yellowstone-national-park, retrieved July 2020.
Britannica, Yellowstone National Park, https://www.britannica.com/place/Yellowstone-National-Park, retrieved September 2019.
Lonely Planet, Yellowstone National Park, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/rocky-mountains/yellowstone-national-park, retrieved September 2019.
National Geographic, Everything to know about Yellowstone National park,https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/yellowstone-national-park/, retrieved September 2019.
National Geographic, Complete National Parks of the United States, National Geographic Publishing, Washington DC.
National Geographic, Guide to the National Parks of the United States, National Geographic Society, 2003.
National Geographic, National Parks of North America, Canada-United States-Mexico, National Geographic Society, 1995.
Travel Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, https://www.travelwyoming.com/national-parks-and-monuments/yellowstone, retrieved September 2019.
UNESCO, Yellowstone National Park, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/28/, retrieved September 2019.