| Yellowstone National Park | |
|---|---|
| Entrance sign to Yellowstone National Park | |
| Location | Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44.6°N, 110.5°W |
| Area | 3,468.4 sq mi (8,983 km²) |
| Established | March 1, 1872 |
| Visitors (latest) | 4.5 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a vast protected wilderness in the western United States, spanning the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It was established on March 1, 1872, making it the **first national park in the world**.
The park is renowned for its **geothermal features**, **wildlife**, and expansive **natural beauty**.
Geothermal Wonders
Yellowstone contains more than half of the world’s geysers, including the iconic:
- Old Faithful – a regularly erupting geyser
- Grand Prismatic Spring – known for its vibrant rainbow-colored waters
- Boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs
These features sit atop a **supervolcano caldera**, making the park a unique geological hotspot.
Wildlife
Yellowstone is home to an incredible diversity of animals, including:
- Grizzly bears
- Wolves
- Bison – the only place in the U.S. where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times
- Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles
Geography and Ecosystems
- Over 3,400 square miles of mountains, forests, rivers, and canyons
- Contains the headwaters of the **Yellowstone River**
- Features the stunning **Yellowstone Lake** and **Yellowstone Falls**
- Diverse ecosystems include alpine meadows, pine forests, and volcanic plateaus
Cultural and Historical Significance
- Originally inhabited by Native American tribes for over 11,000 years
- Visited by the **Lewis and Clark Expedition** and later surveyors
- Became a national park through an act of Congress signed by **President Ulysses S. Grant**
Tourism and Accessibility
- Over 4 million people visit annually
- Accessible by car through five entrance gates
- Offers hiking, camping, photography, guided tours, and educational visitor centers
Fun Facts
- The Yellowstone Caldera is one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world
- Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90 minutes
- Yellowstone contains over 290 waterfalls and 900 miles of hiking trails