Yellowstone National Park, the First U.S. Park

Park Features About One Half of World's Known Geothermal Features

Feb 12, 2009

Yellowstone National Park was the first U.S. national park created. It offers a combination of dynamic thermal features, Rocky Mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.

A plume of hot magma under the Earth’s crust, combined with Yellowstone’s geologic diversity, creates a dynamic array of geothermal features at Yellowstone National Park, such as the famous Old Faithful and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces.Within the park are about one half of all the world’s known thermal features, including geysers and hot springs as well as bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, known as fumaroles.

Wildlife at Yellowstone National Park

Wolves were reintroduced into the park in 1995 and since then have developed a cult following second only to the park’s grizzly and black bears, which create “bear jams” during the heavy summer traffic.

The Northern Range of the park has been aptly called the American Serengeti, and it’s no wonder with the abundance of bighorn sheep, bison, pronghorn, deer, elk and moose seen there. And don’t forget the coyotes, foxes, bobcats, lynx and mountain lions. Yellowstone has the highest concentration of mammals in any state but Alaska, according to the park service.

Learning Programs and Guide Services

The vast majority of park visitors just drive through the park to enjoy roadside wildlife and top features, including the Yellowstone River Waterfall. But Yellowstone takes on a whole new dimension via guided learning programs. Park rangers give interpretive nature and history lectures throughout the park. And seasonal Lodge and Learning programs are available from the Yellowstone Association Institute.

Other Activities include hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, boating, fishing, skiing, snow shoeing and camping.

Attractions Nearby Yellowstone National Park

Majestic Grand Teton National Park and the John D Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway border Yellowstone’s southern entrance. Several hours to the east of Yellowstone is Bighorn Canyon National Recreational Area, straddling Wyoming and Montana.

Visitors may also want to soak in the hot spring-fed thermal pools at Chico Hot Springs Resort in Pray, Montana. The resort has an excellent restaurant and day guests are welcomed to use the mineral-rich open-air pools for a small fee.

Yellowstone National Park Admission and Operating Hours

Basic admission is $25 per vehicle for a 7-day visitor pass to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Although Yellowstone is open every day of the year, operating hours for visitor centers vary by seasons and not all roads are open year round. Park guides suggest you plan your visit carefully.

Allow several days to explore the 2.2 million-acre park, which is both a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

Directions and Lodging Info for Yellowstone National Park

The rectangular-shaped park is in the northeast corner of Wyoming, just overlapping Montana and Idaho, and can be approached from multiple directions.

Lodging is available in the park through Yellowstone National Park Lodges or in towns near the park’s five entrances.

The copyright of the article Yellowstone National Park, the First U.S. Park in Wyoming Travel is owned by Kathy Hagood. Permission to republish Yellowstone National Park, the First U.S. Park in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.