Yellowstone National Park
| Yellowstone National Park | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|300px|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 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