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Yellowstone National Park

📍 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
Yellowstone National Park
1 photos
4.8/ 5.0
★★★★★

Introduction

Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the world’s first national park, spanning Wyoming, Montana and Idaho across about 8,983 km². Sitting atop a supervolcano, it holds one of Earth’s most active geothermal systems — Old Faithful geyser, the rainbow-hued Grand Prismatic Spring, bubbling mud pots and steam vents. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake and countless waterfalls shape a dramatic plateau, while bison, grizzly bears, wolves and elk roam free, making it a living showcase of North American wilderness.

✨ Highlights

1
Old Faithful
The park’s most famous landmark erupts every ~90 minutes, shooting water 30–55 m high. The visitor center posts minute-accurate prediction times, and several other geysers surround the Upper Geyser Basin.
2
Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the U.S. and third largest in the world, about 100 m across. Heat-loving bacteria paint its edges in rings of red, orange, yellow and green — Yellowstone’s iconic “eye of Earth.”
3
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
A golden canyon cut by the Yellowstone River, ~300 m deep, with the powerful Upper and Lower Falls. Artist Point is the classic photo spot.
4
Mammoth Hot Springs
Terraced white travertine formations built up over centuries by mineral-laden hot springs, constantly shifting shape, near the North Entrance.
5
Yellowstone Lake
One of North America’s highest-elevation lakes at ~2,357 m. The West Thumb Geyser Basin sits right on its shore, where hot springs meet the cold lake.
6
Wildlife Watching
One of the few places to see bison, grizzly bears, wolves and elk in the wild. Lamar Valley, the “American Serengeti,” is the top spot for animal viewing.
7
West Thumb Geyser Basin
A lakeside thermal area on the west shore of Yellowstone Lake, where steam rises off springs meeting the water — an easy and photogenic walk.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Season：May–Sep (roads open, wildlife active; winter offers snowshoeing & snowmobiling)
→Suggested Duration：2–4 days
→Five Entrances：South (toward Yellowstone Lake), North (Gardiner), West (West Yellowstone), East, and Northeast (Cooke City)
→Getting Around：Self-drive the loop road; free shuttle buses run in summer between major sights
→Lodging：Nine in-park lodges and campgrounds (book months ahead); hotels in West Yellowstone and Gardiner nearby
→Cell Service：Most of the park has no signal — download offline maps in advance

💡 Tips

• Check the daily eruption schedule at the Old Faithful Visitor Center to plan your route.
• Keep safe distances: at least 100 m from bison and bears, 25 m from other wildlife — never feed or approach them.
• Stay on boardwalks and marked trails in geothermal areas; the ground is fragile and the water is lethal.
• Mountain weather changes fast with big day-night swings — pack warm and rain layers even in summer.
• Fuel and supplies are limited and pricey inside; fill up and stock water/food before entering.
• Speed limits are low and animals cross roads — drive cautiously, especially at night.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Yellowstone National Park?

Check the daily eruption schedule at the Old Faithful Visitor Center to plan your route. Keep safe distances: at least 100 m from bison and bears, 25 m from other wildlife — never feed or approach them.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.