Yellowstone National Park
Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park is world
renowned for its wildlife, its plants, and especially for the
Old Faithful geyser found in the Upper Geyser Basin. Yellowstone
has been called “a window on the earth’s interior” due to
its rainbow colored hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles
(steam pots).
Although predominantly in Wyoming, parts of Yellowstone
stretch into Montana and Idaho. It rest on a high plateau
surrounded by considerably larger mountains with elevations
ranging from 5,134 feet at it its north entrance to 8,859
feet at Dunraven Pass. The Yellowstone topography ranges
from pines and shrubs in the thermal regions to mountains
and near-high deserts.
When you visit Yellowstone, be sure to stay several days as it is best experienced at a leisurely pace. The 2.2 million acre park has numerous opportunities to become better acquainted with nature. While at the Park, be sure to hike at least one of the trails-they are as short as ˝ a mile on easy terrain to long trails which can be steep and challenging. Other “must do” activities include exploring at least one of the geyser basins, learning about the Park’s history, and taking some time to kick back and relax in the scenic vistas. Wildlife is abundant in Yellowstone. You may see eagles, trumpeter swans, pronghorn antelope, grizzly and black bear, grey wolves, buffalo, elk and so much more. Just remember, it is not safe to approach any of the animals.
Depending on your interest, there are several Outfitters in the area who are happy to make your Yellowstone visit the grand adventure of a lifetime. A few suggestions are: Greater Yellowstone Expeditions (307-527-6316), the Grub Steak Expeditions, LLC (307-527-6316), the Callowishus Park Touring Company (307-413-5483), Wyoming Photo Tours (307-587-7300) or the Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools (307-733-2623).
For more specific information on Yellowstone N.P. check out the links below where you'll find the best lodging, camping, tours, and more for Yellowstone.
Open: Late April to October & mid December to February. From mid October to late April the only entrance open to wheeled vehicles is the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City to the North Entrance at Gardiner.
Yellowstone Visitor Centers
Yellowstone Lodging
Yellowstone Campsites
Horseback Riding in Yellowstone
Yellowstone Tours
Top Things to do and See in Yellowstone
Snowmobiling Wyoming
Yellowstone Entrance Fees
| Private, noncommercial automobile |
|
$25 (7 days, both Yellowstone and Grand Teton) |
| Motorcycle |
|
$20 (7 days, both parks) |
| Single entry (foot, bike, ski, etc.) |
|
$12 (7 days, both parks) |
| Yellowstone–Grand Teton Pass |
|
$50 (valid one year from date of purchase) |
| Senior Pass |
|
$10—for U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who are 62 or older. |
| Access Pass Free |
|
for citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who have been determined to be blind or permanently disabled and present such documentation. |
| America the Beautiful Pass |
|
the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
$80 Valid for one year from month of purchase. These prices may change |
For additional information on park rules and regulations check out: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/index.htm
Photo Credits: Old Faithful by Kango.Com
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