The first of its kind in the world, Yellowstone National Park is a designated World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
Situated mostly in Wyoming, the massive and world-famous terrain also stretches into Montana and Idaho. Carpeted by lush forest and wide expanses of grassland, the park is larger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined.
Yellowstone National Park is characterized by iconic geological features, from the colossal Yellowstone Lake to Old Faithful—one of more than 300 mesmerizing geysers erupting on schedule.
The park also houses other natural wonders, including stunning waterfalls, an active volcano, and a sea of petrified trees.
Visitors to the park can expect to observe countless species of wildlife thriving in their natural habitat.
There are 67 species of mammals in the park, including two species of bears. Guests also enjoy rare sightings of threatened and endangered animals, from the Canada lynx to the gray wolf, and over 300 species of birds.
The park is steeped in a rich history shaped by human stories, many dating back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of the first Europeans, the area was home to or frequented by peoples from the Salish, Kiowa, and Lakota Sioux tribes. Ancestors of the Crow may also have traveled into Yellowstone during the 17th century.
Between 1804 and 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled within 50 miles of the park’s boundaries. A gold strike northwest of Yellowstone attracted more activity in the area in 1862, and it was established as the world’s first national park in 1872 by the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act.
Today, Yellowstone National Park finds its way onto the bucket lists of hikers, nature-lovers, and adventure-seekers from all over the planet.
The majestic landscape now draws in nearly 5 million annual visitors. Park guests bask in the natural allure of the area and enjoy a range of other activities, from cycling and mountain biking to horseback riding.
Those seeking a thrill relish ziplining, white-water rafting, and a range of winter sports in the park. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with nature in the way of fishing, stargazing, swimming, boating, and simply walking through areas of abundant beauty.
The park has a selection of accommodation choices to suit every style, itinerary, and budget, along with select dining outlets and other park facilities.
Whether you’re staying for days or weeks to explore the wilderness in all its magnificence, or popping in to see the main sights only, Yellowstone National Park is a life-changing experience.
Yellowstone National Park – Everything You Need to Know
Yellowstone National Park Stats
- Size: (2,221,766 acres/898,317 hectares)
- Season: All year round (with restrictions in winter and early spring)
- Highest mountain: Eagle Peak (11,358 feet/3,462 meters)
- Tallest waterfall: Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River (308 feet/94 meters)
- Largest lake: Yellowstone Lake (20 miles long, 14 miles wide, 141 miles of shoreline, maximum depth of 410 feet)
- Number of campsites: 12 (more than 2,000 campsites)
- Number of picnic areas: 52
- Number of trails: More than 900
Guide to The Regions Of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park can be divided into four main regions which can be broken down into eight areas: Tower-Roosevelt and the Northeast; Canyon Village; Fishing Bridge, Lake Village and Bridge Bay; Madison and West Yellowstone; Norris Geyser Basin; Old Faithful; Mammoth Hot Springs and the North; and West Thumb, Grant, and the South.
