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Discover Colorful Yellowstone National Park … Why you Should Visit this Park Today

Are you thinking about going on a camping trip? Yellowstone National Park is the best place to go.

Yellowstone National Park is considered one of America’s most picturesque and diverse national parks. Established on March 1st, 1872, it is a protected area with natural beauty, a wild ecosystem and a distinct display of geothermal forces.With a size of more than 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park has become an increasingly popular tourist destination because of its remarkable scenic features and treasures. This includes a collection of active geysers, colorful hot springs, mud pots, lakes, numerous waterfalls, mountains, forests and herds of wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park scenic view

Did you know?

  • 96% of the park lies in Wyoming, 3% in Montana and 1% in Idaho.
  • Yellowstone National Park has the world’s largest concentration of geysers, more than half of the world’s active geysers.
  • The world’s largest recognized caldera (45km by 75km – 27 miles by 45 miles) is located within the park.
  • Wolves, grizzly bears, elk, moose, wapiti, and bison can be found in the park.
  • The park has five entrances: the South has the Lewis River Canyon; the East, Sylvan Pass; the West, the Madison River Valley; the North, Paradise Valley; and the Northeast, the spectacular Beartooth Pass.
  • Yellowstone Park is a designated World Heritage Site and designated Biosphere Reserve.
  • Approximately 5% of the park is covered by water, 15% is grassland, and 80% is forest

Top 10 activities to try at Yellowstone National Park

Watch Old Faithful Geyser Erupt

Yellowstone National Park Old Faithful Geyser

The main attraction of the park and one of America’s most iconic landmarks, it spouts from 130 to 180 feet high, expelling around 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of boiling water. It offers an impressive view from any angle on the path surrounding it. Allow at least two hours for Old Faithful because eruptions occur approximately every 94 minutes and can be as close as 60 minutes apart. Verify with the visitor center for the predicted eruption schedule.

Take a Photo at the Grand Canyon

Yellowstone National Park Grand Canyon
One of the most impressive sights in Yellowstone National Park and probably the most popular photo op, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is a sight you would not want to miss. This 23-mile long stunning canyon is up to 1,200 feet deep and 4,000 feet wide, with only one trail from rim to base. The three waterfalls: Lower Falls, Upper Falls and Crystal Falls, are considered must-see sites.

Explore and Enjoy the Grand Prismatic Spring

Yellowstone Grand-prismatic-spring
Grand Prismatic Spring is a natural hot spring located halfway between the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. It is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the three largest natural hot springs on the planet. The center of Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring steams at 199° Fahrenheit (93° Celsius), and the spring is approximately 90 meters wide and 50 meters deep. This popular attraction in Yellowstone is known for its wide array of colors that change throughout the seasons. However, no matter when you visit, the center sparkles in a deep blue azure which reflects contrasting colors on its outer edges.

Try Fishing at Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone National Park Lake

Yellowstone Lake is a 132 square mile lake located one hour east of West Yellowstone. Formed when glaciers melted into a caldera, this lake is one of the world’s largest Alpine lakes and the largest body of water in Yellowstone Park. Along the shoreline of the lake, moose, elk, waterfowl, and other wildlife animals are often seen. The lake has an abundant supply of trout making it an excellent place for fishing. Aside from fishing, Yellowstone Lake is also perfect for boating and scenic lake cruises, hiking, and camping.

See the Wildlife at Hayden Valley

Yellowstone National Park Hayden Valley

Strategically located in Yellowstone National Park, Hayden Valley is the place to go and see real wildlife. As you roam around this valley, you are likely to encounter herds of scattered elk, bison and occasionally, grizzly bears. Near the river, there are waterfowl, Canada geese, pelicans, and ducks.
It is recommended to take one of the marked trails for a better chance to see the wild animals.

Join the Grizzly Bear Excursion

Yellowstone National Park Grizzly Bear
A four-day Pelican valley Grizzly Bear excursion includes hands-on lessons on bear biology, safe camping techniques, and conservation. Offered by the Yellowstone Association Institute, this excursion involves two guides to escort up to eight travelers (beginners included) to grizzly bear territories and to search for scats and tracks.

Swim in Yellowstone’s Boiling River

Yellowstone National Park Boiling River

If you have more time, plan on taking a dip in the Boiling River and relax in a natural hot tub. Yellowstone’s Boiling River is a must-stop spot located in the Mammoth area of the park, 2.9 miles south of the North Gate. The water temperature in the river is comfortable enough to bathe in making it a great place to soak and relax while appreciating the natural beauty of Yellowstone.
Go during the day as the river is closed during night time.

Spot Wolves at Lamar Valley

 Wolf Lamar Valley
Though remotely located in the northeast corner of the park, Lamar Valley is the number one destination for viewing wolves and a must-visit area for serious wildlife watchers. This extensive valley is also home to coyote, elk, bison, and grizzly bears.
Tip: Bring binoculars and hit the trail early to increase your chances of spotting wolves. The best times for visitors to likely spot wolves are at dawn or dusk.

Take a Safe Selfie with the Bison

Yellowstone National Park bison
Bison can weigh more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg) and are considered to be the largest land mammal in North America. Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived unceasingly since prehistoric times. These massive beasts roam around the park’s grassy plateau and use their heads like a plow to push snow aside in search of food.
Caution: People should not get too close to the animals to avoid any unpleasant accidents. Take a selfie but remember to stay at least 75 feet (23m) away from the bison.

Camp

yellowstone-national-park-camping
If you are interested in camping, Yellowstone National Park is the ideal place to do just that. The park has 12 campgrounds and over 2,000 campsites to choose from. Whether it’s tent camping, vehicle or RV camping, there are sure ways to enjoy camping at Yellowstone.
Make your reservations early and check for opening and closing dates of the facilities.

Things you should know

Best Time to Visit

yellowstone-national-park-spring
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is April to May or from September to November. These seasons have lesser crowds and mild weather conditions. In mid-July to mid-August, there are big crowds because the kids are out of school and the weather is warm enough to sleep outside. July and August are the most popular months to visit.

Connectivity
Yellowstone National Park phone service

Cell phone service is available in over 50 percent of the park. Coverage is currently provided by five low towers in the park, servicing Old Faithful, Mammoth, Grant Village, Canyon, and Tower-Roosevelt, as well as along the road corridor between Mammoth and Gardiner, Montana.
There is no free wireless internet within Yellowstone National Park.
(Source: http://www.yellowstonepark.com/cell-phone-wifi-yellowstone/)

Pets

Yellowstone National Park Pet policy
Pets are not allowed on trails or boardwalks, in the backcountry or hydrothermal basins. Where allowed, pets must be leashed and remain within 100 feet (30.5 m) of a road or parking area. Do not leave a pet unattended or tied to an object. Owners must bag and dispose of pet waste. (Source: http://yellowstone.net/intro/top-10-things-to-know/)

Planning for a Camping Trip in Yellowstone National Park

  • Get a map and plan your route.
  • Stop in at a visitors’ center. There are five across the park for a free map and advice about the best bets for a hike and opportunities to spot wildlife.
  • Check for opening and closing dates for facilities inside the park.
  • Make your reservations early! Campsites are on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Overnight camping of any type (tent, vehicle, or RV) outside designated campgrounds is not permitted.
  • Campsite occupancy is limited to 6 people per site.
  • Camping is limited to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day (first Monday in September)
    In 2015, four million people visited Yellowstone National Park. This park is a treasure that continuously inspires and motivates travelers from around the world.

Resources:

https://www.nps.gov
http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com
http://www.yellowstonenationalpark.com

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