Visiting Yellowstone National Park

buffalo

Established in 1872 as America’s very first national park, Yellowstone is truly a sight to behold. Each year, over 3 million visitors come to experience its awe-inspiring views, fascinating wildlife, unique natural features, and opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and other exciting activities. Many of these visitors are repeat guests who return again and again to enjoy the park’s splendor.

When the U.S. Congress established the park “for the preservation of its many wonders” and “for the enjoyment of the people,” they could hardly have predicted that Yellowstone would become one of America’s most-visited vacation destinations. The 2.2-million-acre park spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho (though 96% is in Wyoming), and is as friendly as it is mysterious, breathtaking yet simple. It is, in all senses, a back-to-nature destination that will leave you in awe.

Yellowstone’s beauty lies in its constant change. Located in one of America’s geologic “hot spots,” the park is considered one of the world’s last “intact temperate ecosystems,” according to geologists. This means that all its major species of plants and animals are still thriving.

Recently, however, critics have pointed out the public’s poor treatment of the park and criticized the National Park Service for allowing large crowds, especially during the summer. The crowds have certainly taken their toll, so visitors should be mindful and exercise care to ensure that this amazing park remains preserved for generations to come.

Planning a Yellowstone Visit

The best and most popular times to visit Yellowstone National Park are during the spring, summer, or fall. However, around a quarter of a million brave visitors also venture into this rugged terrain each winter to experience its natural beauty.
The closest major airport to Yellowstone is in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, several smaller airports serviced by major airlines are much closer to the park. For instance, Billings, Montana, about 120 miles from Yellowstone, is served by Delta, Horizon, Northwest, and United. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, only 60 miles away, is served by United and American Airlines.

Many individuals and families choose to drive to the park, often making stops at other incredible Western U.S. national parks, like Grand Teton, which lies just south of Yellowstone.

Once you’ve decided how to get there, accommodations are next on your list. Since you can’t fully experience the park in just one day, booking a place to stay is a must. Yellowstone offers several in-park accommodations, such as the beautiful Lake Yellowstone Hotel (built in 1891 and refurbished in 1990) and the historic Old Faithful Inn, a National Historic Landmark. More rustic accommodations, such as cabins, are also available. In addition, numerous hotels, inns, B&Bs, campgrounds, and lodges can be found outside the park.

If you plan to visit during the summer, be sure to make reservations for accommodations, including campgrounds, well in advance. The park service operates a few first-come, first-served campsites, but they tend to fill up quickly during the busy months.

Packing for Your Trip

The weather in Yellowstone can be unpredictable. While summer temperatures rarely exceed 80°F during the day, nights can still drop to freezing. Spring is equally unpredictable, and it’s not unusual to experience a freak snowstorm that dumps over a foot of snow. Therefore, it’s important to pack clothing suitable for various weather conditions. Always bring long pants and a jacket, even in the summer, and don’t forget hats, sunscreen, and very comfortable walking shoes. Rain gear, such as lightweight rain ponchos, will also come in handy.

When packing, remember to leave your family pet at home. Dogs and bears are natural enemies, and the presence of a dog in your car or cabin can attract bears, putting your family at risk.

What to See

There’s so much to explore in Yellowstone’s 3,472 square miles (8,987 square kilometers) that deciding where to begin can be overwhelming. If it’s your first visit, here are some must-see attractions:

  • The Visitor Centers – Yellowstone has 8 visitor centers throughout the park. Each center, located in different sections of the park, offers exciting documentaries, museum artifacts, beautiful artwork, and other fascinating displays. Some of the visitor centers are also historic buildings, designated as National Historic Landmarks.
  • Old Faithful and other geysers – The most famous geyser in the U.S., Old Faithful is known for the predictability of its eruptions. However, visitors should remember that Old Faithful erupts according to its own schedule, typically for 1 ½ to 4 minutes, every 35 to 90 minutes. Rangers are available in the area to answer questions. Additionally, there are 299 other geysers in the park to discover, with maps available to help you find them.
  • Mammoth Hot Springs – The terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs, where the park’s headquarters are located, are a breathtaking sight. These terraces are formed by a combination of heat, water, limestone, and a rock fracture system that allows hot water to reach the earth’s surface. The result is a colorful, constantly changing series of terraces that offer amazing views and are perfect for photographers.
  • The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – This magnificent canyon is nearly 20 miles long, up to 1,200 feet deep, and in some places, 4,000 feet wide. Though smaller than the “other” Grand Canyon, it is still a breathtaking sight. Don’t miss The Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon, one of the park’s most-photographed features.
  • The Hayden Valley – If you want to see wildlife, this is the place to be. As you drive through the valley, you’re likely to spot herds of bison, elk, an occasional bear, and a variety of birds and waterfowl. Keep your camera ready!
  • Tower Fall – This 132-foot waterfall is a must-see, often depicted in paintings of Yellowstone. You can take a short, steep hike to the base of the falls, which are also popular in the winter with cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Activities

For those looking to stay active, there’s no shortage of things to do in Yellowstone:

  • Hikers can explore over 1,100 miles of trails, both paved and unpaved. While there are plenty of day hikes, some trails cater to more extended journeys. Be aware that hiking in Yellowstone carries risks, including unpredictable weather, cold water, and wildlife encounters. Always check with a ranger station before heading out and consider hiking with a buddy.
  • Exploring Yellowstone’s waterways is a fun but sometimes dangerous activity. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to safely explore by kayak, canoe, float tubes, or motorized boat.
  • Fly fishing is particularly popular in the park. Due to wildlife concerns, there are various restrictions, but by following the rules, anglers can enjoy fishing for wild trout in Yellowstone’s beautiful waters.
  • Horseback riding is available at various locations throughout the park. Visitor Centers can provide information on stable locations.
  • Winter sports like backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are popular during the colder months. Skiers usually travel at their own risk, but snowmobilers can enjoy guided tours (snowmobiles are only allowed in certain areas of the park).

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.