United States • UNESCO World Heritage Site
Yellowstone National Park: Geysers, Geothermal Wonders & Wildlife
World's First National Park & North America's Largest Supervolcano
Inscribed: 1978
Category: Natural
ID: #28
What Is Yellowstone National Park and Why Visit?
A massive volcanic hotspot created Yellowstone's geothermal landscape over 2.1 million years through three catastrophic eruptions that shaped the caldera visible today, forming North America's largest active supervolcano system. This ongoing volcanic activity powers 10,000 hydrothermal features including Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring's rainbow-colored bacterial mats, demonstrating Earth's most concentrated geothermal display. The Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition's 1870 exploration and Thomas Moran's paintings convinced Congress to establish Yellowstone as the world's first national park in 1872, pioneering global nature conservation while protecting extraordinary wildlife populations including bison, grizzly bears, and reintroduced wolves across pristine wilderness ecosystems.
Why It Matters
Yellowstone demonstrates outstanding universal value through exceptional geological processes and superlative natural phenomena. It contains the world's greatest concentration of geothermal features while providing essential habitat for threatened species including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.
How to Visit Yellowstone National Park
Essential information for visiting this destination
How to Get to Yellowstone National Park
Fly to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC, 90 kilometers south) for closest access, or Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN, 135 kilometers north) offering more flight options from major U.S. cities. Salt Lake City (540 kilometers) provides alternative hub with onward car rental for visitors combining Yellowstone with other regional destinations. The park features five entrance gates accessible from Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, with the North Entrance near Gardiner remaining open year-round while other entrances close during winter months (November-April). Personal vehicle access provides essential flexibility for exploring dispersed attractions across the park's 8,983 square kilometers, as public transport inside the park is limited to seasonal shuttles at Old Faithful and Canyon Village areas only.
Best Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park
West Yellowstone and Gardiner gateway towns offer numerous hotels, motels, and lodges with dining options and tour operators, requiring advance booking 6-12 months ahead for July-August peak season when accommodation becomes extremely limited.
Historic park lodges including Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel provide iconic experiences with central locations reducing driving time, though amenities remain modest and WiFi limited or absent in many locations, reflecting the wilderness setting and preservation priorities.
Campgrounds inside the park accommodate RVs and tents at twelve locations, with reservations opening one year in advance and selling out quickly for summer months at popular sites near major attractions like Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake.
Where to Eat Near Yellowstone National Park
Park lodges serve American fare including elk burgers, bison steaks, and trout sourced from the Greater Yellowstone region, with dining rooms at Old Faithful Inn and Lake Hotel offering sit-down meals requiring advance reservations during peak season.
Gateway towns provide diverse restaurants from casual diners serving hearty breakfasts to steakhouses specializing in Montana beef and wild game. Food trucks operate in West Yellowstone during summer months offering quick meals for day trippers exploring the park.
Pack picnic supplies from gateway town supermarkets as dining options within the park remain limited and distances between facilities exceed 30 kilometers in many areas, making self-catering convenient for flexible exploration.
Yellowstone National Park Entry Fees & Tour Prices
Park entry costs $35 USD per vehicle (7-day validity), $30 USD motorcycles, $20 USD per person for cyclists/hikers. America the Beautiful annual pass $80 USD offers excellent value for multi-park trips. Guided wildlife tours cost $110-165 USD for half-day safaris in Lamar and Hayden Valleys viewing wolves, bears, and bison. Full-day expeditions cost $200-350 USD including lunch and transport. Winter snowcoach tours (December-March) cost $150-250 USD accessing Old Faithful while roads remain closed. Photography workshops cost $350-650 USD for multi-day programs. Summer ranger-led programs offer free educational walks and evening talks. Backcountry permits cost $3 USD per person per night plus $25 USD reservation fee. Campgrounds $15-32 USD nightly. Historic lodges $120-400 USD per night depending on location and season.
What to Bring to Yellowstone National Park
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation from remote wilderness areas is essential, as nearest advanced trauma centers are located 90-135 kilometers outside park boundaries with potential for serious wilderness medical emergencies requiring expensive emergency transport. International eSIM cards provide data connectivity in gateway towns and limited service near major park visitor centers including Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs, though coverage is extremely limited inside the park. Download offline maps and park information before entering wilderness areas for navigation and safety. Satellite communication devices provide emergency contact capabilities for backcountry hiking in areas without mobile coverage.
The United States uses Type A and B electrical outlets (120V), requiring adapters for European and British devices. Pack bear spray (required for backcountry hiking), binoculars for wildlife viewing, and layered clothing for variable mountain weather with temperatures ranging from 5-25°C during summer months.
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Visitor Information
Everything you need to know for your visit
What to Bring
Bear spray (required for backcountry hiking), binoculars for wildlife viewing, layered clothing for variable mountain weather (5-25°C summer range), waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection including hat and sunscreen, water bottles, high-energy snacks, and offline maps as mobile coverage is limited throughout the park.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible boardwalks at major geothermal features including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs. Accessible viewpoints at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone including Artist Point. Most visitor centers offer accessible facilities. Battery-operated wheelchairs available at Canyon and Old Faithful areas. Contact park ahead for specific accessibility arrangements.
Safety Tips
Maintain minimum 23 meters from bison and elk, 91 meters from bears and wolves--animals have caused serious injuries. Never leave boardwalks near thermal features where boiling water exceeds 93°C. Carry bear spray when hiking backcountry. Altitude sickness possible above 2,400 meters--acclimate gradually. Weather changes rapidly requiring layered clothing. Rangers enforce safety regulations.
Natural Wonders of America's First National Park
Must-See
Upper Geyser Basin & Old Faithful
Experience the world's highest concentration of geysers, with over 150 active geysers within 2.5 square kilometers. Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 56 meters high. The extensive boardwalk connects spectacular features including Castle Geyser's massive sinter cone, Grand Geyser reaching 60 meters as the tallest predictable geyser, Morning Glory Pool's brilliant blue depths, and Riverside Geyser arcing over Firehole River. The basin demonstrates the full spectrum of hydrothermal activity from quiet hot springs to explosive steam vents.
Pro tip: Check predicted eruption times at the visitor center then explore the entire 2.5km basin loop before returning for Old Faithful--Grand Geyser and Castle Geyser are equally spectacular with far fewer spectators, revealing dozens of colorful thermal features most tourists miss.
Must-See
Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
Marvel at America's largest hot spring displaying extraordinary rainbow colors created by heat-loving bacteria forming concentric rings of orange, yellow, and green around the deep blue center. Water temperature approximately 70°C supports different thermophilic microorganism communities creating nature's most spectacular extremophile demonstration. The elevated boardwalk and overlook trail provide perspectives from ground level and above, allowing visitors to appreciate both intimate bacterial mat details and the grand scale of this geological masterpiece. Steam rising creates ethereal atmospheres during cooler mornings.
Pro tip: Hike the 20-minute Grand Prismatic Overlook trail before noon on clear days--morning light eliminates steam obscuring colors, and the elevated perspective reveals the full rainbow spectrum impossible to appreciate from ground-level boardwalks where you're too close to see complete concentric color rings.
Must-See
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Discover one of North America's most spectacular canyons, carved by the Yellowstone River through ancient volcanic rock. The Lower Falls plunge 94 meters into a vivid canyon displaying yellow and orange hues from iron oxidation in hydrothermally altered rhyolite. Multiple viewpoints including Artist Point offer dramatic perspectives of the 32-kilometer canyon with depths exceeding 300 meters. Canyon walls tell geological stories through exposed lava layers and hydrothermal alterations. Hiking trails provide canyon rim and bottom-level perspectives, while Upper Falls offer additional spectacles. The combination of waterfalls, colorful formations, and forest-covered walls creates memorable landscapes.
Pro tip: Arrive at Artist Point by 7am for dramatic sidelight on Lower Falls and empty viewpoint--by 9am parking fills completely and the classic postcard view becomes crowded with tourists, making unobstructed photography nearly impossible during peak summer hours.
Recommended
Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching
Explore America's Serengeti for exceptional wildlife viewing in the park's most expansive valley. Lamar Valley's open grasslands create ideal habitat for large mammals including bison herds numbering hundreds, elk, pronghorn, wolves, and grizzly bears. The valley's flat terrain and sparse vegetation allow unobstructed viewing across kilometers of pristine wilderness. Dawn and dusk provide optimal times when animals are active, while spring brings newborn calves vulnerable to predation. Gray wolf reintroduction restored predator-prey dynamics, offering rare opportunities to observe wild wolf packs hunting cooperatively. Bring quality binoculars and remain patient for unforgettable wildlife encounters in this extraordinary natural setting.
Pro tip: Arrive at Lamar Valley pullouts by 6am during May-June when wolf pups emerge from dens and bears with cubs are most active--look for clusters of cars with spotting scopes marking wildlife sightings, and bring quality binoculars as animals often remain 200+ meters distant for safety.
Recommended
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Witness distinctive geothermal features where hot water creates cascading travertine terraces unlike anywhere else in Yellowstone. Calcium carbonate terraces grow constantly as mineral-laden water flows downhill at rates up to several centimeters daily. Thermophilic bacteria add vibrant orange, brown, and green colors to white travertine, creating stunning contrasts. Upper and Lower Terrace boardwalks provide access to formations including iconic Minerva Terrace and Liberty Cap. The constantly evolving nature means each visit reveals different active areas, demonstrating geology in real-time. Dramatic contrasts between white terraces, colorful bacteria, and evergreen forest create exceptional photography opportunities.
Pro tip: Walk both the Lower and Upper Terrace loops during late afternoon when sidelight creates dramatic shadows accentuating the terraces' three-dimensional formations--the constantly changing thermal features mean active areas shift seasonally, so ask rangers which terraces currently flow most vibrantly before choosing your route.
Historical Context
Indigenous Heritage (11,000+ years ago - 1872)
Native American tribes including Shoshone, Crow, and Blackfeet utilized Yellowstone seasonally for hunting, collecting obsidian for tools, and incorporating thermal features into spiritual practices for millennia before European exploration. Archaeological evidence reveals continuous human presence across thousands of years in this sacred landscape.
Exploration and Discovery (1807-1871)
Early explorers including John Colter brought tales of geysers dismissed as tall tales. The 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition and 1871 Hayden Geological Survey with Thomas Moran paintings provided scientific documentation convincing Congress of the region's exceptional nature.
First National Park Establishment (1872)
President Grant signed legislation on 1 March 1872 establishing Yellowstone as "a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people," creating the world's first national park and pioneering protected natural areas globally.
U.S. Army Management (1886-1918)
The U.S. Army administered Yellowstone for 30 years, establishing infrastructure, protecting wildlife from poaching, and ending thermal feature vandalism. Fort Yellowstone at Mammoth served as headquarters while cavalry patrols enforced early conservation regulations throughout the park boundaries, laying foundations for professional protected area management.
National Park Service Era (1916-present)
The National Park Service assumed management in 1918, developing visitor facilities, roads, and interpretation programs while implementing modern wildlife management approaches. The 1988 fires, initially controversial, demonstrated natural fire cycles' ecological importance for forest regeneration and ecosystem health across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
UNESCO World Heritage Designation (1978)
Yellowstone became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978, recognized for exceptional natural phenomena including the world's greatest geothermal feature concentration and outstanding ecosystems supporting megafauna populations. This international recognition highlighted the park's global significance for nature conservation.
Wolf Reintroduction and Ecosystem Restoration (1995-present)
Gray wolves returned after 70-year absence, restoring predator dynamics and triggering trophic cascades improving riparian habitat, stream ecology, and ecosystem health. This landmark conservation program demonstrated apex predators' importance in wilderness conservation and became a model for ecosystem restoration efforts worldwide.
Conservation
Current Status
Comprehensive management programs protect Yellowstone's geothermal wonders and wildlife ecosystems through scientific research, ecosystem-based management, international cooperation, and balancing preservation with sustainable public access to this natural heritage.
Challenges
- Climate change affecting snowpack, wildfire patterns, and temperature-sensitive species including cutthroat trout and whitebark pine ecosystems
- Invasive species including lake trout in Yellowstone Lake decimating native cutthroat trout populations, with cascading effects on grizzly bears and other wildlife
- Balancing visitation exceeding 4 million annual visitors with ecosystem protection, requiring infrastructure improvements and visitor management strategies
- Chronic wasting disease threatening elk and deer populations across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with potential impacts on predator-prey dynamics
Conservation Efforts
- Advanced monitoring systems tracking geothermal activity, volcanic conditions, and climate impacts while identifying vulnerable species and implementing resilience strategies for changing environmental conditions
- Intensive invasive species control including lake trout suppression in Yellowstone Lake using gill netting operations removing over 4 million invasive fish
- Ecosystem-based wildlife management maintaining natural predator-prey dynamics through wolf reintroduction and allowing natural population regulation processes
- Collaborative Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem partnerships coordinating management across 20 million acres with multiple agencies protecting migration corridors and seasonal habitats
- Sustainable tourism infrastructure improvements including boardwalk renovations, visitor centers, and transportation systems reducing environmental impacts while enhancing visitor experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely--Yellowstone showcases the world's greatest concentration of geothermal features with over 500 geysers including Old Faithful, rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring, and exceptional wildlife including bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. As the world's first national park, it offers unparalleled natural wonders and wilderness experiences.
Park entry costs $35 USD per vehicle for 7 days. Budget travelers spend $150-250 daily including gateway town lodges. Mid-range visitors spend $300-500 daily with park lodges and restaurants. Luxury experiences cost $600-1,000+ with historic lodges and guided tours.
Yes, book 6-12 months ahead for July-August peak season. Park lodges sell out quickly when reservations open. Gateway town hotels fill months in advance during summer. Campground reservations open one year ahead and sell out within days for popular sites near Old Faithful.
May through September offers full road access with July-August providing warmest weather but largest crowds. Late April-May features excellent wildlife viewing during calving season with newborn bison and elk, while September-October offers autumn colors and fewer visitors.
Yellowstone offers exceptional wildlife viewing with bison, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and eagles. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley provide best opportunities, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Plan 3-4 days minimum for major highlights including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and wildlife viewing. Spend 5-7 days for comprehensive exploration including backcountry areas and multiple geyser basins.
Historic park lodges including Old Faithful Inn offer central locations requiring 6-12 months advance booking for summer. Gateway towns West Yellowstone and Gardiner provide more availability with dining and tour options. Twelve campgrounds accommodate RVs and tents throughout the park.
Pack layered clothing for variable mountain weather, waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, bear spray for hiking, binoculars for wildlife, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks. Download offline maps as mobile coverage is limited throughout the park.
Yellowstone is safe when following regulations. Stay on boardwalks near thermal features where ground can collapse and water exceeds boiling point. Maintain minimum 23 meters from bison, 91 meters from bears. Carry bear spray when hiking backcountry trails.
Fly to Jackson Hole Airport (90 km south) or Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (135 km north). Rent a car for essential flexibility exploring the park's dispersed attractions. Five entrance gates accessible from Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, with North Entrance open year-round.
Yellowstone is the world's first national park, established in 1872 to protect extraordinary geothermal features and wildlife. Famous for Old Faithful geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, supervolcano geology, and North America's largest concentration of wild bison, grizzly bears, and wolves.
A massive volcanic hotspot created Yellowstone over 2.1 million years through three catastrophic eruptions forming the supervolcano caldera visible today. Ongoing volcanic activity beneath the park powers 10,000 hydrothermal features including geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles.
The 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition and 1871 Hayden Geological Survey with Thomas Moran's paintings documented Yellowstone's extraordinary geothermal features. Congress established it as the world's first national park in 1872 to preserve these natural wonders for future generations, pioneering global conservation.
Gray wolves returned to Yellowstone in 1995 after 70-year absence, restoring predator-prey dynamics and triggering trophic cascades that improved riparian habitat, stream ecology, and overall ecosystem health. This landmark conservation program demonstrated apex predators' importance in wilderness restoration.
Yes, Yellowstone sits atop an active supervolcano with a caldera measuring 55 by 72 kilometers. The last major eruption occurred 640,000 years ago. Current volcanic activity powers the park's geothermal features, with continuous monitoring by USGS tracking volcanic conditions and earthquake activity.
UNESCO World Heritage Criteria
Inscribed in 1978, this site meets 4 of UNESCO's 10 criteria for Outstanding Universal Value
VII
Criterion (vii): Contains superlative natural phenomena
Yellowstone contains superlative natural phenomena through the world's greatest concentration of geothermal features including over 10,000 hot springs and more than 500 active geysers like Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring's extraordinary rainbow colors, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone's dramatic 94-meter waterfalls plunging into vivid gorges.
VIII
Criterion (viii): Outstanding geological processes
The park represents an outstanding example of Earth's geological processes through the active Yellowstone supervolcano caldera measuring approximately 55 by 72 kilometers, ongoing geothermal activity revealing subsurface volcanic forces, and exceptional geological features documenting volcanic, hydrothermal, and glacial processes shaping our planet over millions of years.
IX
Criterion (ix): Outstanding ecological/biological processes
Yellowstone demonstrates outstanding ecological processes through five distinct life zones spanning from desert to boreal forest across 1,500 meters elevation, while wolf reintroduction restored complete predator-prey dynamics creating trophic cascades that fundamentally transformed ecosystem health, making this a global model for wilderness conservation.
X
Criterion (x): Contains threatened species
The park provides essential habitat for threatened species including the world's largest wild bison population approaching 5,000 individuals, recovering grizzly bear populations, gray wolves reintroduced in 1995, and endemic species like Yellowstone cutthroat trout, while protecting North America's most complete temperate ecosystem megafauna assemblage.
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Last updated: 2 November 2025