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Yellowstone National Park
Mostly located in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho as well. The world’s first national park, 2.2 million-acre Yellowstone National Park is a land of geysers and hot springs; mud pots and fumaroles; meadows; dramatic canyons; and pine-scented forests. Shaped by a volcano, thermal features, glaciers and earthquakes, it’s a sanctuary for the continent’s largest population of elk and the continent’s oldest, largest herds of wild bison, as well as both grizzly and black bears. In short, it promises a North American safari for the ages.
Drawing people from all corners of the world to appreciate its unique hydrothermal and geologic features, Yellowstone contains roughly half of the world’s active geysers, as well as one of the planet’s largest, almost-intact temperate zones.
The Flora And Fauna
Complex and wondrous, the ecosystems of Yellowstone National Park protect a wide array of terrestrial, aquatic and microbial life, including the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. That includes eight ungulate species — bighorn sheep and mountain goats among them — as well as seven large predators: The Canada lynx, mountain lions, coyotes, black bears, grizzly bears, wolves and wolverines.
From resident and migratory birds to fish like the Yellowstone cutthroat trout; amphibians, such as chorus frogs; and reptiles that include the prairie rattlesnake and rubber boa, it’s a feast for the eyes — and senses.
Of course, plant life is no less fascinating here, with vegetation that overlaps species typical of the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains to the east and intermountain region to the west. In addition to three endemic species — Yellowstone sand verbena, Yellowstone sulfur wild buckwheat and Ross’s bentgrass — you’ll find mountain and common juniper, quaking aspen and cottonwood as well.
The Weather
Given most of the park lies at 6,000 feet or higher above sea level, climactic unpredictability can lead to sudden changes in weather, including wild temperature swings and rain or snow any month of the year. Spring and fall see temperatures between 30 F to 60 F during the day, dipping to teens or single digits at night. Come summer, temperatures can reach 80 F at lower elevations, cooling off as mountain regions do at night. With an annual average of 150 inches of snow (though high elevations can see double that), sub-zero temperatures are common in winter. The lowest recorded temperature? A bone-chilling -66 F.
The Hikes, Drives and Viewpoints
Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
There’s no way around it — you have to walk the 1.5-mile, out-and-back Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, which gradually climbs 105 feet from the Fairy Falls Trailhead for a bird’s eye view of Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. More than 120 feet deep and located in the Midway Geyser Basin, it radiates exceptionally hot water — and a rainbow’s worth of color — from its center.
Upper Geyser Basin & Old Faithful Observation Point Loop
Equally must-do is the 4.9-mile Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop. Reached behind the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, it’s the best trail for viewing the park’s hydrothermal features and specifically the most predictable geysers, including Old Faithful, Daisy, Riverside, Castle and Grand. Be sure to check the geyser times board above the ranger’s desk before heading out. From Observation Point, you’ll glean the Historic Old Faithful District, most of the steamy geyser basin and the star of the show, Old Faithful.
Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek & Little Firehouse Loop
Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop total 3.5 miles, revealing 70-foot Mystic Falls, a geothermally heated waterfall; the Biscuit Basin, where boardwalks are flanked by colorful springs; and the Little Firehole River at an elevation of 7,264 feet.
Fairy Falls Trail
Easy, flat and meandering, the 4.8mile Fairy Falls Trail affords views of its spectacular water feature about 2.5 miles in. One of Yellowstone’s tallest, it’s situated in a bear-populated area, so be sure to bring bear spray and engage in conversation as you go.
Yellowstone Falls, Crystal Falls & Inspiration Loop
Take the 6.4-mile hike to Yellowstone Falls, Crystal Falls and Inspiration Point for classic Upper and Lower Yellowstone vantage points, including an aerial view of rugged, deep Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Mammoth & Hot Springs Trails
Not to be missed are the Mammoth and Hot Springs Trails, the features’ volcanic heat source still somewhat of a mystery. Although the beautiful, colorful terrace steps do not have any high-spouting geysers, the region does contain the world’s greatest collection of hot springs comprised of travertine deposits. These “living sculptures” can be seen by walking a series of boardwalks or — if you’re crunched on time — from your car window on Upper Terrace Drive.
