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Description:
Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, making it America's first national park. The park encompasses the site of a large caldera created from a series of massive volcanic eruptions, the last of which occurred over 640,000 years ago. This volcanic activity has given rise to a myriad of interesting geothermal features, the most famous of which is Old Faithful, an impressive geyser rising 30-55 meters high. Other notable geothermal features include Castle Geyser, the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Morning Glory Pool (also a hot spring), the Mammoth Springs, as well as countless other geysers and fumaroles. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, bison, elk and wolves.
Getting there:
Located in the northwest end of South Dakota, there are numerous entrances to the park. It can be approached from from Montana via West Yellowstone, Gardiner and Red Lodge, and from Wyoming via Jackson, Dubois and Cody.
D.g. H. says...
Added Oct 9, 2008
Yellowstone is a wildlife and natural wonder paradise. One one hand you've got geysers and hot springs worthy of a visit, and on the other you have some of the most accessible wildlife in all of North America.Now, don't be fooled about doing a 1-2 day quick trip here. This place is HUGE. I've been to many parks, and was glad I had 4 full days for my first trip. I just scraped the surface in terms of seeing geysers and hiking trails, but managed to drive the 'loops' for amazing wildlife spotting. The two best spots for potentially seeing the main draws - wolves and grizzlies, plus other wildlife are Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.If you're heading to Lamar Valley, the Northeast Pass is a beautiful drive to Cooke City. Try to stay at Roosevelt if you want ot spend time in that area, it's quick access, with great food at the lodge. (Great is relative, as the food options are mediocre for the most part, as the accom and food is controlled by Xanterra).It can be crowded in the summer, but because it is so big, not a big deal.For a first visit, drive the loops and check out Old Faithful or Morning Glory or other geysers. IMO Old Faithful is not the most impressive, but it is famous.If you ahve longer, do some hiking and visit Lower/Upper Falls or Mt. Washburn.To enjoy it all, you definitely need to stay a week or longer! If camping, sites can book up fast, but even in summer you can usually snatch one up without a reservation at some less popular campsites such as Norris, but watch out for Bison at night, they roam free and are hard to see!The drive from Mammoth to Tower Falls is a great one too, and Mammoth Hot Springs is a great little town with Elk everywhere, it is surreal.Just remember that these animals are totally wild. Even though Bison are everywhere, they are fast and can be aggressive. People take this for granted every year and suffer the consequences.Head to the Tetons further south if you have time!
Anne G. says...
Added Oct 12, 2008
The first and one of the best National Parks in the United States! The scenery is unbeatable and the wildlife viewing opportunities unparalleled. If you get a chance to visit Yellowstone I recommend either doing a back-country trip or going during the winter. Getting just a little off the beaten path will give you a chance to really experience Yellowstone's wilderness without all the crowds. And, during the winter the park is nearly empty and the wildlife is easily visible, we saw fox, bison, wolves, etc. There are opportunities for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. The geysers in the winter are also quite a treat. There is also the opportunity to visit some of the hot springs, while it is snowing out!! Try the Boiling River. Absolutely fantastic!
