Yellow Stone National Park

Introduction:

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, holds the distinction of being the first and oldest national park in the world. Situated primarily in Wyoming, with extensions into Montana and Idaho, the park covers over 2.2 million acres of varied landscapes, encompassing geothermal features, abundant forests, and vast grasslands. Famous for its remarkable geothermal activity, Yellowstone features the well-known Old Faithful geyser and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk, making it a top choice for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Yellowstone’s exceptional blend of stunning landscapes, awe-inspiring geological formations, and diverse wildlife provides visitors with an unmatched opportunity to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of the wilderness.
_{^{Image source: Frank Kovalchek from USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons}}

How to Reach Yellow Stone National Park:

1) By Air:

Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, Montana:

• Closest airport to the park’s west entrance (about 2 miles away).
• Seasonal flights (typically May to October) from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming:

• Closest year-round airport to the park’s south entrance (about 60 miles away).
• Direct flights from several major US cities.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Bozeman, Montana:

• About 90 miles from the park’s north entrance.
• Offers year-round flights from various major cities.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho Falls, Idaho:

• About 110 miles from the park’s west entrance.
• Provides year-round flights from multiple locations.

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana:

• About 130 miles from the park’s northeast entrance.
• Offers flights from various destinations.

2) By Car:

From Salt Lake City, Utah (320 miles to West Yellowstone):

1. Take I-15 N to US-20 E.
2. Follow US-20 E to West Yellowstone.

From Denver, Colorado (500 miles to the East Entrance):

1. Take I-25 N to Casper, WY.
2. Continue on US-26 W to Cody, WY.
3. Follow WY-120 N and then US-14 W to the East Entrance.

From Bozeman, Montana (90 miles to the North Entrance):

1. Take I-90 E to Livingston, MT.
2. Follow US-89 S to Gardiner, MT.
3. Continue on US-89 to the North Entrance.

From Jackson, Wyoming (60 miles to the South Entrance):

1. Take US-191 N to Moran, WY.
2. Follow US-191/US-287 to the South Entrance.

3) By Bus:

Greyhound and Other Intercity Buses:

• The closest major cities (Bozeman, MT; Idaho Falls, ID; Jackson, WY) have bus services that connect to regional hubs. From these hubs, you can rent a car or use local shuttle services to reach the park.

4) By Train:

Amtrak:

• The nearest Amtrak stations are in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in various locations in Montana. From these stations, you will need to use a combination of bus or car rental to reach the park.

Top attractions near Yellow Stone National Park:

1. Old Faithful Geyser

^{_{Eugene Zelenko, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}}

Description: Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the world, known for its predictable eruptions. It erupts approximately every 90 minutes, reaching heights of 100 to 180 feet. The surrounding area also features the Old Faithful Inn, a historic lodge built in the early 1900s.

How to Reach:

• From the West Entrance: Enter via the West Entrance near West Yellowstone, MT. Follow US-20/US-287 South, then turn onto Grand Loop Road. Follow signs to the Upper Geyser Basin. It’s about a 30-mile drive from the entrance.
• From the South Entrance: Enter via the South Entrance near Grand Teton National Park. Follow US-191/US-287 North, then turn onto Grand Loop Road. It’s about a 40-mile drive from the entrance.

2. Grand Prismatic Spring

Description: Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. It’s famous for its vibrant colors, which are the result of microbial mats around the edges of the mineral-rich water.

How to Reach:

• From Old Faithful: Drive north on Grand Loop Road for about 7 miles. Look for the Midway Geyser Basin parking area. There is a boardwalk that leads you to the spring.
• From the West Entrance: Enter via the West Entrance and follow US-20/US-287 South, then turn onto Grand Loop Road heading east. The drive is about 21 miles.

3. Yellowstone Lake

Description: Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, sitting at 7,732 feet above sea level. It offers stunning views, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

How to Reach:

• From the East Entrance: Enter via the East Entrance near Cody, WY. Follow US-14/US-16/US-20 west, then turn onto Grand Loop Road south. It’s about a 27-mile drive from the entrance to the lake.
• From Old Faithful: Drive northeast on Grand Loop Road for about 30 miles.

4. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Description: This impressive canyon is up to 1,200 feet deep and features the dramatic Lower Falls, which drops 308 feet. There are several viewpoints, including Artist Point and Lookout Point, offering breathtaking views.

How to Reach:

• From Canyon Village: The canyon is easily accessible from Canyon Village. Follow signs to the North and South Rim Drives, which offer access to various viewpoints.
• From the West Entrance: Enter via the West Entrance and drive east on US-20/US-287, then turn onto Norris Canyon Road. The drive is about 40 miles.

5. Mammoth Hot Springs

Description: Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique area of hot springs on a hill of travertine. The springs create terraces of limestone deposited by the flowing hot water.

How to Reach:

• From the North Entrance: Enter via the North Entrance in Gardiner, MT. Follow US-89 South directly to the Mammoth Hot Springs area, which is about a 5-mile drive.
• From the West Entrance: Drive east on US-20/US-287, then north on Grand Loop Road. The drive is about 49 miles.

6. Lamar Valley

Description: Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is the best place in Yellowstone to view wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and bears.

How to Reach:

• From the Northeast Entrance: Enter via the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City, MT. Follow US-212 West to Lamar Valley. It’s about a 20-mile drive.
• From Mammoth Hot Springs: Drive east on Grand Loop Road and then north on US-212. The drive is about 29 miles.

7. Norris Geyser Basin

Description: The hottest and most dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone, featuring Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest currently active geyser, which can erupt to over 300 feet.

How to Reach:

• From the West Entrance: Enter via the West Entrance and drive east on US-20/US-287, then turn north onto Grand Loop Road. The drive is about 27 miles.
• From Mammoth Hot Springs: Drive south on Grand Loop Road. The drive is about 21 miles.

8. Hayden Valley

Description: Another excellent spot for wildlife viewing, Hayden Valley is home to large herds of bison, and you might also spot grizzly bears, elk, and wolves.

How to Reach:

• From Canyon Village: Drive south on Grand Loop Road for about 15 miles.
• From Fishing Bridge: Drive north on Grand Loop Road for about 5 miles.