Established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone inspired the creation of parks and preserves throughout the world. No place better represents the national park ideal.
Yellowstone is a land full of natural treasures including geothermal features, petrified forests, free-flowing rivers, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to one the last remaining wild bison herds in the country, the largest elk herds in the world, and a full complement of predators including grizzly bears and wolves. Three major river systems—the Snake, Missouri, and Green—that originate here support renowned trout fisheries. Recognizing these values, the United Nations has declared Yellowstone a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
The East Entrance to Yellowstone, located 52 miles west of Cody, is open for the summer season from May to November depending on weather conditions. Some over-snow travel is allowed through the East Entrance in the winter.
PARK HIGHLIGHTS
• Yellowstone is home to 61 mammal species, 322 bird species, and roughly 1,100 native flowering plant species.
• Visitor centers are located at Fishing Bridge, Canyon, Old Faithful, Grant, Norris and Mammoth. Many campgrounds and visitor centers offer educational programs and ranger-led talks and walks.
• Visitors can enjoy many activities in Yellowstone, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, bird watching, geyser gazing, paddling, horseback riding, biking and winter sports. Permits are required for fishing and backcountry camping.
• There are more than 1,100 miles of trails in Yellowstone. Roads and facilities make up less than three percent of the park, while the rest is managed as wilderness.
• The Lamar Valley in the Northeast corner of the park is a popular destination for wildlife viewing. This is one of the best places in the park to catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear or a wolf.
• Yellowstone is home to 61 mammal species, 322 bird species, and roughly 1,100 native flowering plant species.
• Visitor centers are located at Fishing Bridge, Canyon, Old Faithful, Grant, Norris and Mammoth. Many campgrounds and visitor centers offer educational programs and ranger-led talks and walks.
• Visitors can enjoy many activities in Yellowstone, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, bird watching, geyser gazing, paddling, horseback riding, biking and winter sports. Permits are required for fishing and backcountry camping.
• There are more than 1,100 miles of trails in Yellowstone. Roads and facilities make up less than three percent of the park, while the rest is managed as wilderness.
• The Lamar Valley in the Northeast corner of the park is a popular destination for wildlife viewing. This is one of the best places in the park to catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear or a wolf.
ABOUT THE LAKE AREA
• Yellowstone Lake is North America’s largest high-altitude lake.
• More than 14,000 years ago, the lake formed within a caldera left behind in the wake of a massive volcanic eruption. Scientists say the hot spot under Yellowstone Lake is still active and unpredictable.
• Fishing Bridge is an excellent spot to observe fish.
• Boaters should be prepared for adverse conditions on the lake.
• Yellowstone Lake is North America’s largest high-altitude lake.
• More than 14,000 years ago, the lake formed within a caldera left behind in the wake of a massive volcanic eruption. Scientists say the hot spot under Yellowstone Lake is still active and unpredictable.
• Fishing Bridge is an excellent spot to observe fish.
• Boaters should be prepared for adverse conditions on the lake.
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