Yellowstone National Park is a renowned natural wilderness with an incredibly diverse scenic landscape. Trek over mountains and grassy plains, past waterfalls and volcanic regions. Explore rare ecosystems and spot roaming bears and grazing bison.
The park was officially protected in 1872 to preserve the 890,308 hectares (2.2 million acres) as a natural retreat and recreational area.While the last volcanic eruption was 640,000 years ago, evidence of its existence can be seen bubbling just beneath the surface. See steam vents, geysers, mud pools and heated water pools. Go for a walk along the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs to see a cluster of hydrothermal features.
The park’s most popular attraction is Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts approximately 17 times throughout the day. Watch in wonder as boiling water and steam spill into the air in explosions that can last up to several minutes. Intervals between eruptions range from 60 to 120 minutes. Check times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Explore other attractions in the area, including the 150 geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin, a 2.59-square kilometre (1-square mile) area where the Old Faithful is located.
Yellowstone’s canyon is approximately 32 kilometres (20 miles) in length and in some places, over 305 metres (1,000 feet) in depth. One of the best ways to explore the park and its canyon is to hike along one of the 1,770 kilometres (1,100 miles) of trails. Choose a graded trail to suit your fitness level. The most popular hikes can be found around Old Faithful, the Geyser Hill Loop and in the canyon region.Skilled hikers might consider climbing the 425-metre (1,400-foot) Observation Peak trail to see the views overlooking Old Faithful Village.
Yellowstone National Park is open year-round. The five entrances to the park pass through the Grand Loop Road, a trail that links many of the main attractions in the park. Be aware that some areas can close due to heavy snowfall in winter.For details of services, amenities and activities, check the Yellowstone pages on the official website of the U.S. National Parks Service.
