Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was the world’s first national park. The park sits on top of an active volcano. Four million people visit the park each year, mostly in June, July, and August because temperatures are 70-80 degrees in the summer. Yellowstone is 3,472 miles long and is located mostly in the state of Wyoming.

Geology

Yellowstone National Park is known for its mudpots, geysers, and hot springs and includes 290 waterfalls and 500 active geysers. A geyser is a vent in the Earth’s surface that ejects hot water and steam. Mudpots are a pool of bubbling mud that resemble a mini volcano. Yellowstone has 1,000-3,000 earthquakes per year.

Wildlife

Yellowstone is home to hundreds of different animals including elk, moose, mountain lions, goats, mule deer, grizzly bears, black bears, Canada lynx, coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, bison, and more. Species of birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects also live in the park.

Things to Do

Yellowstone includes visitor centers, hotels, campgrounds, and picnic areas. There are hiking trails, boardwalks, and roads throughout Yellowstone. In the summer, people can explore, hike, bike, ride horses, fish, boat, swim, or watch wildlife. Winter activities include skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, and winter camping.

Fun Facts

In 2016, Yellowstone was home to 690 grizzly bears.

Forty one wild wolves from Canada and Montana were released into Yellowstone to help grow their population from 1995-1997. It has been successful and as of 2015, there were 528 wolves in Yellowstone. The northern range in Yellowstone is one of the best places in the world to watch wolves.

Most Yellowstone waters are dangerous so there are limited opportunities to swim.

Source: National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/