Yellowstone National Park – An Ultimate Guide to Explore for First Time Visitors

Coming to the USA, there aren’t not only bustling cities and the top entertainment areas but also stunning national parks. One of them is Yellowstone National Park. So what’s there in Yellowstone for you to experience? Let’s follow The Broad Life to explore one of the biggest and most ancient national parks in the world!

About Yellowstone National Park

This is the world’s first and oldest national park. The Native Americans came to live here about 11,000 years ago. In fact, it has an area of ​​up to 8,983 square kilometers and stretches across many states including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Most of the area is located in the eastern corner of Wyoming.

With extremely majestic natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Yellowstone National Park is one of the famous tourist destinations that any person wants to visit once. Especially, Yellowstone National Park is actually situated above a giant ancient supervolcano. Indeed, it’s one of the largest supervolcanoes in the North American continent and one of the most terrible “time bombs” on Earth. Because it is located in the crater of a volcano, the park has many attractions:

• The geysers.
• Hot waterfall.
• Hole spewing gas from the crater.
• Hot mud areas.
• The natural ecosystem is extremely diverse.

Yellowstone National Park not only has a majestic natural landscape but also owns an extremely rich and diverse ecosystem with hundreds of species of wildlife, birds, and fish. Even, there are many rare species in danger of extinction. With 3 million visitors a year, Yellowstone is currently one of the most visited national parks in the world.

Directions to Yellowstone National Park

There are many directions to enter Yellowstone, corresponding to each direction is an entrance including the West Entrance, East Entrance, North Entrance, Northeast Entrance, and South Entrance. Among those, West Entrance is closer to most of the attractions in the park.

The Yellowstone entrance fee is $35 per vehicle. Therefore, for each car, no matter how many people, you only pay a $35 entrance ticket and you will have 7 days wandering in Yellowstone.

The Weather and Climate in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has short summers and very cold winters. From April to May is the springtime. However, you still need to keep warm because the weather is also cold. Yellowstone’s peak tourist season usually falls in the summer when a huge number of visitors come to the park. If you don’t like crowds, don’t go at this time.

Winter takes place from mid-December to March every year. This is the time when the weather is quite cold, so the number of visitors to Yellowstone National Park is the least. Thus, you will have more space and time to enjoy these wonderful and special experiences.

Top 5 Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

The vast Yellowstone National Park has plenty of amazing places to visit and things to do for visitors. On top of that, there are must-visit spots like Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots in Lower Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring in Midway Geyser Basin, and the most famous Old Faithful in Upper Geyser Basin.

Let’s see what’s there in Yellowstone National Park for you to experience!

1. Exploring the Beautiful Geysers

According to current statistics, there are about 300 geysers in Yellowstone National Park. Up to half of all hydrothermal geysers worldwide. Of which the most famous, the most beautiful must be said to be Old Faithful. This geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin. It erupts about 17 times a day. The water sprays from 30m to 55m high, creating a magnificent natural landscape that makes anyone visiting Yellowstone National Park surprised.

2. Admiring the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a beautiful canyon located in Yellowstone National Park. It is about 20 miles long and attracts visitors with its beautiful golden cliffs. It can be said that the Grand Canyon is currently one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Yellowstone National Park as well as in the whole United States.

3. Visiting Yellowstone Lake

Inside the area of Yellowstone National Park, USA, there are many beautiful lakes. In which the most beautiful and famous must be mentioned Yellowstone Lake. This is also the largest freshwater lake in North America by area. The lake has a depth of up to 2,357m. Not only has the majestic and poetic landscape, but Yellowstone Lake also possesses an extremely diverse ecosystem.

4. Camping at Yellowstone Park

One of the experiences that you should not miss when coming to this national park is camping. Indeed, Yellowstone is the largest camping site in the US with many different areas.

• Xanterra Parks and Resorts has 5 campsites: Madison, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, and Grant Village.
• The National Park Service has 7 campsites: Mammoth, Norris, Tower Fall, Indian Creek, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Lewis Lake.

The number of camping spots at Yellowstone is a lot. However, in the high season around July or August, if you do not book in advance, you will most likely not have a place to camp here.

5. Seeing Wild Animals

Yellowstone Park is currently home to about 300 species of birds, 67 species of mammals, and 16 species of fish. Among them are endangered species such as gray wolf, lynx, elk, and grizzly bear,… You will have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, and tigers at a very close distance. Nevertheless, you should not get too close to them and always follow the guide because the animals here are pretty aggressive.

Places to Stay in Yellowstone National Park

Your Accommodation Choices Outside the Park

If you’re looking for modern amenities like televisions, internet access, and air conditioning, your choice will be one of the accommodations just outside the park. There is a wide range of accommodation choices in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cooke City in Montana, and near Yellowstone East Entrance in Wyoming. Here are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations just outside the park:

I. West Yellowstone

• Less than a 2-minute drive from Yellowstone West Entrance, the pet-friendly Kelly Inn West Yellowstone offers impeccably clean rooms with bright round wood décor as well as a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. Rates include continental breakfast.
• The Cozy Yellowstone Cabin Located In Town with kitchenettes.
• Best Western Desert Inn with an indoor pool. It’s just 2 blocks from Yellowstone West entrance and within walking distance of restaurants.

II. At Gardiner

• About a mile from the Yellowstone North Entrance, Travelodge by Wyndham Gardiner offers clean rooms with free breakfast. Some rooms have a kitchenette.
• In addition to the complimentary breakfast, The Ridgeline Hotel features an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and saunas. It is just minutes from the North Entrance.

Besides that, the accommodations in Canyon Village are probably good choices because it’s near the attractions in Yellowstone. Yet, no matter where and what type of accommodation you choose, you should make a reservation in advance.

Hotels Inside Yellowstone National Park

On the other hand, if you can live without those, and have the time and money, I recommend staying at two or three different hotels in the park when you visit different parts of the park. You can choose from nine motels run by the park’s franchise, ranging from rustic cabins to hotel rooms. It’s never better than waking up in a new place every day.

Information about Yellowstone National Park

Unlike many national parks, Yellowstone offers a wide range of services for visitors within the park.

Restaurants

Snacks, dining, and cafeteria-style dining are available throughout the park. Some dining restaurants include the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room, the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room, the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room, and the Grant Village Lake House Restaurant.

Gas and Vehicle Service Stations

Stations offering both gas and vehicle repairs are located at Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, and Old Faithful.

Camping and Recreational Equipment Stores

Yellowstone general stores also stock items commonly required for camping and outdoor recreation.

Grocery Stores

There are a dozen Yellowstone general stores located in the park near the campground and accommodation. In addition to basic groceries and snacks, they also offer ATMs, gift items, clothing, and sporting goods.

Souvenirs and Bookstores

Yellowstone Association’s stores are located in Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, Madison, Mammoth, Norris, Old Faithful, and West Thumb.

Finally

America is indeed a lucky country because it is endowed by nature with many impressive natural landscapes. If you have the opportunity to travel around the US, you must definitely spend time exploring Yellowstone National Park. It will definitely be a trip with great experiences!

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