Page Updated: March 06, 2024
Yellowstone National Park
He’s Lee - I'm V. He's quiet, funny, and intelligent. I’m impatient, determined and super awkward. He’s the yang to my yin and my best friend in life. If I’m taking the leap, there’s no one else I’d rather have by my side.
Plains Bison - Yellowstone National Park WY
Blanketing the Yellowstone Caldera (aka the Yellowstone Supervolcano) of northwestern Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park offers unparalleled chances to observe some of the most unique hydrothermal features in the world while witnessing some of North America’s most extraordinary wildlife.
Yellowstone was signed into existence in 1872 becoming the first national park in the world.
Though Yellowstone dips into the states of Idaho and Montana, more than 95% of the park’s 2,221,766 acres is situated in the state of Wyoming.
More than 10,000 hydrothermal features are found in Yellowstone.
Yellowstone averages around 2000 earthquakes a year — most undetectable by humans.
Scenic Drive
Yellowstone is huge, and as such, there are multiple scenic drives into the park. Beartooth Scenic Highway, Paradise Valley, Gallatin Valley, and Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway are all popular routes with different landscapes.
Within Yellowstone is Grand Loop Road. The 140 mile path forms a figure 8 in through the heart of the park and passes popular sites like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake. Because of its length, and because the wildlife doesn’t obey traffic laws, driving Grand Loop Road in one sitting could be an all day affair. Even more so if you get out and explore.
Visitors wanting to witness Lamar Valley — and who didn’t enter the park via the Northeast Entrance Road (HWY 212) — will need to take a 15 mile detour from Tower Junction to the Lamar Valley Trailhead to pass through the valley.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to avoid crowds in Yellowstone. I’ve read only 10% of visitors leave the boardwalks during their visit and only half of those venture more than a mile from their car.
With 1000 miles of hiking trails available in the park, there are big rewards for visitors seeking secluded ways to experience the park. Wildlife like bison, big horn sheep and deer are all over the place. And with landscapes from rugged mountains to grassy meadows and some of the worlds most remarkable hydrothermal features scattered throughout the park, there’s hike for everyone.
Camping
There are 12 campgrounds within Yellowstone, and all campsites — with the exception of first come-first served mid October through April 1 in Mammoth Campground — must be reserved in advance.
No overnight vehicle parking —including cars— is allowed in parking lots, picnic grounds, pullouts or roadside.
For current info, news, and updates on all things Canyonlands - including fees, permits, and closures - visit Yellowstone National Park at nps.gov
2021 SEP
We had 4 days/3 nights booked for our first trip to Yellowstone National Park. You’d think that would be enough time. It wasn’t! Visit 2021
