Yellowstone National Park Overview
Yellowstone National Park, nestled across the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and the land. Its rich history, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring attractions make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Ninety-six percent of the park resides in the state of Wyoming. The other 4 percent are in Idaho and Montana. The Yellowstone Caldera is the second largest in the world, with a huge magma chamber underneath the park.
The human history of Yellowstone extends back more than 11,000 years. Archeological sites, trails, and oral traditions reveal evidence of early human presence. Tribes like the Tukudika (also known as Sheep Eaters) inhabited the region, leaving their mark on the landscape. European Americans began exploring the area in the early 1800s, with Osborne Russell recording visits in the 1830s. The first organized expedition to Yellowstone occurred in 1870.
In 1872, President Grant officially established Yellowstone National Park, becoming America's first national park. The arrival of the railroad in 1883 facilitated easier visitor access, allowing people to witness the park's wonders firsthand. The US Army managed the park from 1886 to 1918, and automobiles were permitted within its boundaries in 1915. The creation of the National Park Service in 1916 marked a pivotal moment in Yellowstone's management.
Yellowstone spans more than 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Within this vast landscape, visitors encounter geysers, hot springs, canyons, forests, rivers, lakes, wildlife habitat, and high-elevation backcountry. Visitation changes year to year, so use official NPS statistics and current-condition pages for the latest planning context.
Wildlife is abundant within the park’s boundaries. There are almost 6,000 buffalo, which can almost always be seen in the Hayden Valley during the summer. Grizzly bears, black bears, elk, and iconic bald eagles can be found within the park. Wolves were reintroduced in 1995 and now play a vital role in the ecosystem. A recent census puts the wolf population at 124 wolves.
Yellowstone boasts approximately half the world's active geysers. Among them, Old Faithful steals the show, erupting with predictable regularity. The park's geothermal areas also feature bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming fumaroles. The geyser basin is a must see.
Carved over millennia, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is a breathtaking geologic wonder. Its vibrant hues and thundering waterfalls captivate visitors. The pristine Yellowstone Lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offers tranquility and stunning vistas.
For more information see the park's Wikipedia page.
Day Hikes
Yellowstone National Park has hundreds of miles of trails ranging from short boardwalk routes to remote backcountry travel. Popular first-visit areas include the Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Overlook, and viewpoints around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Use the official NPS hiking pages for current trail, wildlife, thermal-area, and bear-safety guidance.
Mary Mountain-Nez Perce trail starts off the Grand Loop Road on the north side of the Hayden Valley. The actual trail is 20.4 miles (33 kms) from start to finish, however, I really enjoy the hike to Mary Lake and back which is approximately halfway. The trail takes you through a meadow, past a thermal basin to Mary Lake. As you approach the thermal basin, you will encounter a hot stream. You can explore the thermal area but do not approach the mud pots, etc. During the hike expect to see bull bison and possibly other wildlife. This trail is not heavily hiked and is not on the NPS site.
Fairy Falls trail to Spray and Imperial Geysers is impressive. Along the way, you will have great views of the geyser basin and Fairy Falls, which is 200 feet (61 m) high. The hike is 5.4 miles (8.7 km) with only a couple hundred feet of elevation gain. The trail to Fairy Falls can be heavily traveled. Do not let this stop you; keep going, because most people stop at the falls and do not normally continue to the geysers.
Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn starts at Dunraven Pass, which is north of Canyon Village, and leads to the summit of Mount Washburn. You'll traverse through diverse landscapes, including meadows, forests, and rocky terrain. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of neighboring mountains and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The trail is 6.8 miles (10.9 km) and has an elevation gain of 1,394 feet (424 m). See the NPS site for more information.
Lamar River Valley to Cache Creek begins at the Lamar River Trailhead, approximately 15 miles (24 km) east of Tower Junction on the Northeast Entrance Road. This trailhead is sometimes referred to as the Soda Butte Trailhead. The trail forms a "Y," allowing hikers to explore the upper Lamar Valley, often called the "American Serengeti." As you walk, you'll encounter sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains to the east and the Lamar Valley to the west. The Lamar Valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, pronghorn, elk, bears, and even wolves. The hike is an out-and-back route, covering approximately 8.6 miles (13.8 km) with an elevation gain of 785 feet (239 m).
Bunsen Peak in Mammoth Hot Springs trailhead is located at the entrance of Old Bunsen Peak Road, approximately 5 miles south of Mammoth, just south of Golden Gate, across from the Glen Creek trailhead. The hike is an out-and-back route, covering approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km) to the summit. The climb is fairly steep, ascending some 1,300 feet (396 m) over the two-mile ascent. Bunsen Peak offers some of the best short hikes in Yellowstone in terms of mountain views. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, bears, deer, and squirrels along the way. See the NPS site for more information.
Yellowstone National Park Backpacking
Backpacking in Yellowstone requires careful planning because wildlife, thermal areas, river crossings, snow, fire activity, and campsite availability can affect routes. Overnight stays require current backcountry permits and compliance with NPS food storage and safety rules. Use the official NPS backpacking and regulations pages before choosing a route.
Lamar Valley to Pelican Valley trail is around 34 miles (55 km) with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet (427 m). The Lamar Valley has incredible wildlife. The trail is only open from July to early November due to bear activity. Plan on three nights.
Black Canyon of the Yellowstone is between 22 to 26 miles (35 - 42 km), depending on the trail. It is not the easiest hike, with an elevation gain of 3,052 feet (930 m), but the views of the Yellowstone River and wildlife are worthwhile. There are four trailheads; we prefer the Tower Junction parking lot because it has fewer tourists. This is a point-to-point hike, so you will need a vehicle at the other end. Plan on two nights.
Fishing
Yellowstone fishing rules are detailed and can change by season, water body, species, equipment, closures, aquatic invasive species inspections, and safety conditions. Do not rely on a short summary for regulations. Check the official NPS fishing page for current permits, seasons, area exceptions, native fish conservation rules, equipment restrictions, and boating requirements before fishing.
Many fishing areas are also bear habitat. Carry bear spray where recommended, make noise, store food properly, and follow current NPS wildlife-safety guidance.
Wildlife Viewing
Yellowstone is the top national park to view wildlife. Animals usually feed early in the morning or in the evening. The Hayden Valley is one of the top spots to see wildlife. Make sure you bring a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope. Also, most people with scopes are usually willing to point out wildlife to you. The NPS website has a section of where to go to see individual species.
Bison, bear jams happen often, especially in the Hayden Valley. Use the numerous pullouts to view the wildlife, never park your car on the road. Also, bison are huge and can be aggressive. Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all wildlife. Bears and wolves are the exception, stay 100 yards (91 m) from them.
Reduce bear-conflict risk by making noise on trail, staying alert, carrying bear spray where recommended, storing food properly, hiking in groups when possible, and never getting between a bear and cubs.
Campgrounds
There are twelve campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. Five are reservable through Yellowstone National Park Lodges and seven through recreation.gov. The NPS site has a detailed list of all the campgrounds. Only one, Fishing Bridge, has electrical hookups. We personally like Canyon and Fishing Bridge, which allows hard-sided RVs only.
Below are links to the different campgrounds courtesy of the national park system.
Reservable through Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village and Madison
Reservable through recreation.gov
Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek and Tower Fall
Yellowstone National Park Lodging
Lodging inside Yellowstone is operated by concessioners and is highly seasonal. Use the official NPS lodging page and concessioner links for current opening dates, services, room types, and reservation information.