Porcelain Basin landscape within the larger Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park / Rebecca Latson
On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the first national park in the United States and in the world, heralding an era of protecting and preserving not only the unique landscapes, wildlife, and history at Yellowstone, but also elsewhere within the nation “For The Benefit And Enjoyment Of The People.” Located in parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, this national park is truly deserving of the distinction, as evidenced by an annual visitation of approximately 4 million people during each of the past five years.
What makes this iconic national park so special?
Within its 2.2 million acres (>890,000 hectares) is the world's greatest collection of geothermal displays, with more than 10,000 geysers, hot springs, mudpots and fumaroles. There are thick lodgepole pine forests, aspen glades, and vast rolling meadows. Mountains rise more than 11,000 feet (3,353 meters) above sea level, while the canyon cut by the Yellowstone River plunges more than 1,000 feet (305 meters). Nicknamed “North America’s Serengeti,” there are nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals—including seven native ungulate (hoofed) species and two bear species. Wolves, bears, and bison are some of the most sought-after views by visitors looking for examples of a truly wild America.
Evidence of a human presence ranges as far back as 8,000 years, but it’s believed people may have roamed this park’s landscape for a little under 11,000 years, after the end of the last glacial period when ice sheets blanketing the terrain began their ultimate retreat as the climate warmed. Between 1807-1808, mountain man John Colter, former member of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery, is believed to be the first person of European descent to enter what is now Yellowstone National Park. Fantastic tales of his explorations caused an unbelieving public to nickname the area “Colter’s Hell.” And indeed, later expeditions did encounter a steaming, hellish landscape of acidic springs, bubbling mud, geysers shooting hot water and vapor hundreds of feet into the air, and an ever-present odor of brimstone (sulfur).
Nowadays, paved roads offer easy reach to seven different thermal basins, visible expressions of Yellowstone’s subterranean volcanic machinations:
More than 900 miles (1,448.4 kilometers) of hiking trails may be accessed from these geyser basins as well as roadside parking areas and overlooks. In addition to trails, Yellowstone offers a plethora of other outdoor activities including fishing, boating, horseback riding, biking, ranger programs, guided tours, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowcoach tours, and snowmobiling. Don’t forget to pack your camera when you visit because the park’s landscape and wildlife provide incredible opportunities for stellar photography.
While you could ostensibly spend the day driving the 142-mile scenic Grand Loop Road to see the park’s iconic attractions, you’d need to start very early in the morning and continue late into the evening. It’s a much better idea to stay a night or two at one of Yellowstone’s historic lodges or pitch a tent/park your RV directly beneath the stars at one or more of the park’s campgrounds and spend at least another day (preferably more) of exploration.
With 2.2 million acres to discover, it might be a little overwhelming trying to decide how to negotiate Yellowstone – especially if you’ve never visited before. This Traveler’s Checklist might help you with your park plans.
Traveler’s Choice For: Geology, hiking, backpacking, paddling, families, wildlife, photography
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