Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States. Situated in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, this beautiful and sprawling area of natural wonders has something for everyone.
First, let’s start with the basics. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, making it the first national park in the United States. As designated by the US Congress, Yellowstone is unique in its particular combination of wilderness and geothermal wonders, including stunning Mammoth Hot Springs, majestic waterfalls, and steaming geysers.
Take a walk through the stunning landscapes and past multicolored hot springs found in the Midway Geyser Basin, or out to the Grand Prismatic Spring where the brilliant hues of blue and green are best seen from the heights above. Spend the day exploring the vast backcountry trails, which offer some of the most stunning views of the Northern Rocky Mountains. If a guided tour is more your style, there are plenty of those to choose from.
For a true wilderness experience, there are plenty of backcountry campsites and cabins to be rented throughout the park. A camping trip to Yellowstone can range in experience, depending on the types of activities you’d like to do. From hiking and climbing, to fishing and wildlife viewing, the options are many and varied.
While there are several activities to take part in during the summer season, winter is perhaps the best time to visit Yellowstone. With its white winter wonderland, it’s a magical place, offering some of the best skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and photography opportunities in North America.
It’s also important to note that in order to get the most out of your visit, a Yellowstone park pass is required. This pass can be purchased at any of the Park’s five entrances for a single day or for a longer period of time.
No trip to Yellowstone is complete without a stop at one of its many roadside attractions. The best of these include the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Tower Fall, Artist Point and Khaki Falls. Yellowstone is also home to some of the world’s largest elk herds, so bring your camera and be prepared to be mesmerized.
If your visit is more cultural than nature-oriented, definitely check out the historic Old Faithful Inn and Yellowstone Museum. Known for its stunning architecture and excellent displays and exhibits, this museum is a must for anyone wanting to understand the long and storied history of the Park.
In the end, no matter how you plan to spend your time, Yellowstone National Park boasts so much to do, see and explore. From spectacular nature views and vibrant wildflower fields, to amazing wildlife and geothermal wonders, Yellowstone is truly something to behold and highly worth the trip.
