YELLOWSTONE

Established in 1872,Yellowstone National Park is not just the first national park in the United States but also the world’s first. The park uniquely spans three states: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park lies on top of a volcano and the surrounding areas is literally ahotbed of geothermal activity. It also home to large mammalian wildlife like grizzly bears and elk roaming among lively streams, spectacular waterfalls, and mysterious petrified forests. Explore some of the parks hiking trails or go horseback riding in the backcountry to fishing in the lake.

TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT

1.OLD FAITHFULL GEYSER

The geyser is the most famous one out of 500 geysers in the park. Daily eruptions averaging around 130 feet high and at times clearing 180 feet happen approximately every hour and a half. At the height of the heated pressure the geyser erupts and spewing out water and steam at over 93 degree Celsius. For the more adventurous travelers they can hike to the Observation Point to view the Upper Geyser Basin.

2.TOWER ROOSEVELT

Roosevelt Lodge was built in 1920 on the northern edge of the Park. Highlights of the area is the Tower Fall, the Petrified Tree and south-east is the the Specimen Ridge, with the remains of a number of fossil forests superimposed on one another.

3.YELLOWSTONE LAKE

The lake is the largest freshwater lake in North America. Hot springs, geysers and canyons that are up to 120 meters deep are laying beneath the lakes surface. The lake is also home to several different species of fish, such as the cutthroat trout and longnose suckers. Both fishing and boating are allowed on the lake (permits required). Accommodation can be booked in the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, which was originally built in 1891, or the Lake Lodge Cabins.

4.TOWER WATERFALL

With a height of over 130 feet the waterfall is one of Yellowstone Park most scenic waterfalls. A perpetual rainbow is seen when the sun’s rays reflect off of the icy water spray at the fall’s descent.

5.NORRIS GEYSER BASIN

The hottest and oldest as well as a rare acid geyser in Yellowstone - it sits on a large volcano that happens to lie at an intersection of earthquake fault lines. The geyser is divided into two sections, the Porcelain which contains hundred of geothermal features in a concentrated area and the Back Basin’s attractions are spread out. The Steamboat Geyser is the Back Basin’s most impressive feature and can shoot water 120 meters in the air. The Norris Geyser Basin is a very dynamic area where change is the norm.

6.HAYDEN VALLEY

This most popular valley to see wildlife is post card pretty and sits astride the Yellowstone river. Large herds of buffalo can often be seen grazing on this valley’s meadows, and it’s not uncommon to spot elk, pronghorn antelopes and bears, as well. Hikers can reach the area via two different trails, The Hayden Valley Trails and The Mary Mountain Trail. It is likely that you can encounter herds of elk, bison and water fowls will Caution must be taken when hiking in the valley, as bears often roam in this area.

7.MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS

Divided into two sections, the Upper and Lower Terraces with each section containing numerous hot springs and a variety of numerous formations. The hot water flows over travertine terraces, creating a beautiful but otherworldly scene. Often you will spot elk hanging around the visitor center – but it will be safer to give them a wide berth as the males can be quite dangerous.

8.LAMAR VALLEY

The park is located in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone and provides some of the best wildlife viewing. The valley is home to large herds of buffalo and if you are lucky you might spot some wolves. In the valley once one of the park’s most famous packs, the Druids, resided. Other wildlife can be seen on regular basis such as the pronghorn antelope, elk, coyotes and bears. Bears and wolves can be best observed either early in the morning or late in the evening.The spectacular views of the mountains coupled with the sparkling nature of the river make this spot perfect for day hiking and overnight camping.

OTHER PLACES TO SEE

1. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Centre
   
2. Lower Geyser Basin
   
3. Mount Washburn
   
4. Grand Prismatic Spring
   
5. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
   
6. Mud Volcano
   
7. Black Dragon’s Cauldron
   
8. Dragon’s Mouth Spring
   
9. Sulphur Caldron
   
10. Red Rock Point
    
11. Artist Point
    
12. Minerva Terrace
    
13. Norris Museum
    
14. Echinus Geyser
    
15. Fountain Paint Pots
    
16. Firehole Lake Drive
    
17. Fountain Flats
    
18. Giantess Geyser
    
19. Beehive Geyser
    
20. Biscuit Basin
    

The best way to get around Yellowstone is by car, especially as there is no public transportation system. Several companies offer guided bus and shuttle tours from park to park.

The best time to visit Yellowstone is July and August as the weather is warm enough to sleep outside. April and May is also a good time because the weather and mild.