Why Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone, the world's first national park
On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
For thousands of years before the park was established, this area was a place where Native Americans hunted, fished, gathered plants, quarried obsidian, and used the thermal waters for religious and medicinal purposes. Federal law requires the National Park Service to consult with Yellowstone’s associated tribes on a government-to-government basis on decisions which affect resources that are significant to tribes.
Plan your visit
My favorite things to do in Yellowstone
See bears
Yellowstone is home to two species of bears: grizzly bears and black bears. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of few areas south of Canada where these two bear species coexist.
Bear Safety:
Park regulations require that people stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears.
What I like about it
All of Yellowstone is bear habitat so you can see bears at any point during your visit; from the deep country to Old Faithful but most commonly you will spot one in Mammoth Hot Springs.
See wolves
Yellowstone is wolf country. Since 1973, the Rocky Mountain Wolf was listed as an endangered species with three recovery areas designated in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Wolf Safety:
Park regulations require that people stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) from wolves.
What I like about it
The wolves are such elegant creatures to admire. You can see them walking alongside bison. They maintain balance in the Yellowstone ecosystem. You can see them in the Northern Range of the park.
See natural hot springs
Yellowstone was set aside as the world’s first national park because of its hydrothermal wonders. There is an immense volcano with molten magma right under a large portion of the park!
Hot Spring Safety:
Don't touch it! Water can reach temperatures of 400℉ causing severe bodily harm.
What I like about it
The park contains more than 10,000 thermal features, including the world’s greatest concentration of geysers as well as hot springs, mudpots, and steam vents such as the famous Old Faithful geyser.