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Yellowstone National Park

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Animal habitat
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Yellowstone National Park (United States)

Weather…

Yellowstone National Park was established on March 1, 1872, and is widely recognized as the world's first national park. Covering nearly 3,500 square miles across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it sits atop a massive volcanic caldera, often referred to as a supervolcano. The park is home to more than half of the world's geotherms, including over 500 active geysers, with Old Faithful being the most renowned due to its predictable eruptions. Large colorful hot springs, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring, add to the area's surreal geological landscape. Beyond its geothermal features, Yellowstone serves as a crucial sanctuary for North American megafauna, supporting populations of grizzly bears, gray wolves, free-roaming bison, and elk. Its geography includes the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, high-altitude lakes, and dense coniferous forests. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains a global symbol of wilderness conservation and attracts millions of researchers and tourists every year.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-12-11-7-3410151491-7-12
Rain mm817577828170374052697991

📋 Practical info

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Best season
Best travel time is May to October when roads are snow-free and wildlife most active. Spring sees newborns, autumn is elk rutting season.
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Best time of day
Early morning and dusk are best for wolves, bears and elk. Most animals rest in shade during midday.
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Etiquette
Keep at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other animals. Never feed wildlife, store food securely.
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What to bring
Binoculars, telephoto camera and bear spray are essential gear. Sturdy hiking boots and layered clothing recommended.
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Getting there
Yellowstone is accessible by car through several entrances; nearest airport is Bozeman, Montana. Shuttle buses run on main routes inside park.
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What to expect
Yellowstone is huge; plan at least three days to see main sights. Wildlife is not guaranteed but patience and early rising pay off.

Geography

Coordinates
44.42800, -110.58850

Facts

  • Established on March 1, 1872, by President Ulysses S. Grant.
  • Home to over 500 active geysers, more than anywhere else.
  • The Yellowstone Caldera measures roughly 34 by 45 miles.
  • Supports the largest free-roaming bison herd in the U.S.
  • Grand Prismatic Spring is the third largest hot spring in the world.
  • Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Grand Teton National ParkGrand Teton National Park27 km · SEExplore →
Teton RangeTeton Range31 km · SEExplore →
West YellowstoneWest Yellowstone58 km · SExplore →
BozemanBozeman70 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Yellowstone National Park (5)

West Thumb📍 landmark

A bay in Yellowstone Lake, part of the West Thumb area.

Pumice Point🌿 nature

A pumice rock viewpoint at West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake.

Overlook🌿 nature

A scenic overlook within the national park with expansive views of the landscape.

Thumb Geyser📍 landmark

A geothermal geyser in the West Thumb Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, on Yellowstone Lake.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit?
June to September is handy, as most roads are open for travel.
Do I need a car in the park?
Yes, the park is vast and can only be efficiently explored by car or tour provider.
How close can you get to the animals?
Always keep a safe distance (at least 23m for bison, 90m for bears).
Is there good mobile coverage?
No, mobile phone coverage is very spotty in many parts of the park.
Are there enough accommodations in the park?
Accommodations are often booked months in advance, so reserve early.
Yellowstone National Park: where is it located?
Yellowstone National Park is located in United States.
Yellowstone National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include West Thumb, Pumice Point, Overlook.
Yellowstone National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Yellowstone National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Yellowstone National Park was established on March 1, 1872, and is widely recognized as the world's first national park.
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North America
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Nearby cities

Cheyenne — Yellowstone National Park (United States)
Cheyenne
The capital of Wyoming, known for the Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world's largest outdoor rodeo.
West Yellowstone — Yellowstone National Park (United States)
West Yellowstone
The primary western gateway to Yellowstone National Park in Montana.
Bozeman — Yellowstone National Park (United States)
Bozeman
A dynamic university town and the primary gateway to Yellowstone National Park, surrounded by majestic mountains.

More places

Grand Teton National Park — Yellowstone National Park (United States)
Grand Teton National Park
Stunning mountain range and rich wildlife south of Yellowstone.
Teton Range — Yellowstone National Park (United States)
Teton Range
A prominent, young mountain range with steep peaks.
Bighorn Mountains — Yellowstone National Park (United States)
Bighorn Mountains
A mountain range in northern Wyoming.