The Yellowstone National Park is a national park in Wyoming with small parts in Montana and Idaho.
background
The park is open all year round. During the winter months, however, large areas and stretches are not accessible or only accessible under special conditions.
history
The world's first national park was opened in 1872. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on September 8, 1978.
landscape
The park is located on a geologically active but dormant supervolcano or in its filled caldera. Because of this, there are many hot springs and geysers in the park.
Flora and fauna
Around 80% of the park is covered with coniferous forests. Around 15% are grass areas and around 5% are water areas.
Numerous animals can be observed. Small and large herds of bison and individual animals can be found away from the streets and paths, but also often on them.
Smaller and larger groups of deer move in close proximity to humans.
Black bears and grizzlies can be seen with their cubs, especially in early summer.
Moose are less common.
climate
Due to the location on a high plateau, there are very cold (around –20 ° C), snowy winters and warm (up to 30 ° C), dry summers. Due to the high location, night temperatures can drop to freezing even in midsummer. A warm jacket should be kept ready just in case.
Weather-wise best travel times: late May / early June and mid-August / late September. However, the park has seen so much visitor numbers in recent years that whoever has this freedom should avoid the American summer vacation period (July August).
getting there
In the street
- From Salt Lake City it is approximately 320 miles north on Interstate I15, from Idaho Falls on US Highway 20 to the west entrance.
- It is approximately 530 miles from Denver. Northwest 350 miles on Interstate I80 via Laramie, from Rock Springs northbound 160 miles on US Highway 191 to the intersection with US Highway 89. From there, continue north through the Grand Teton National Park for another 25 miles to the south entrance.
By plane
The nearest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), on the southern edge of the city Grand Teton National Park. From there you can go through Grand Teton National Park to the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
By train
no train connection
Fees / permits
- 30 USD for private cars, valid for 7 days. A combination ticket that is also available for the Grand Teton National Park applies, costs $ 50. If you want to visit other national parks, you should have in mind that it costs $ 80 Interagency Annual Pass which gives you free access to almost all American national parks for 1 year (but not to state parks, because they have nothing to do with the national parks). (Status: Summer 2016)
- 12 USD for two-wheelers and hikers (from 16 years), valid for 7 days, also for the Grand Teton National Park
mobility
The park has a well-developed network of roads. The main paths run in the shape of a figure eight, so that round tours are possible. The whole park cannot be "created" in one day. At least 3 days should be planned in addition to the arrival.
Main places:
- Mammoth
- Visitor center, hotel, gas station, shopping facilities, restaurant, medical care
- Norris
- Madison
- Old Faithful
- Visitor center, Old Faithful Inn, Gas station, shopping, restaurant
- West Thumb & Grant Village
- Visitor center, hotel, gas station, shopping facilities, restaurant
- Lake, Bridge Bay & Fishing Bridge
- Visitor center, hotel, gas station, shopping facilities, restaurant, medical care
- 1 Canyon Village
- Visitor center, hotel, gas station, shopping facilities, restaurant
- Tower Roosevelt
- Visitor center, hotel, gas station, shopping facilities, restaurant
Tourist Attractions
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Thermal activities
- 1 Norris Geyser Basin
- 2 Upper Geyser Basin with Old Faithful
- 3 Midway Geyser Basin
- 4 Roaring Mountain
- Mammoth Hot Springs
landscape
- 5 Yellowstone Lake
- Yellowstone River Canyon and if
- 6 Gibbon River and if
- Firehole Canyon
- Madison River
- 7 Dunraven Pass
- 8 Hayden Valley
- 9 Lamar Valley
Preparations
plants
The flora is very diverse. There are 186 known species of lichen. Some of the approximately 2,000 plant species in the park are endemic. There are 12 different tree species. Of the over 60 wildflower species, 12 are orchids.
activities
- hike
- There are numerous hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park, e.g. in the area around the Old Faithful, at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mt.Washbourne, Bunsen Peak.
shop
- Food farm, 701 Scott St W, Gardiner. The largest supermarket in Gardiner.
- Food roundup, 107 Dunraven St, West Yellowstone (in the town center). The largest supermarket in West Yellowstone.
eat
There is a self-service restaurant near the Old Faithful.
Drink
Take plenty of water with you, because you can hardly drink the hot water there.
accommodation
Camps in the park
Outside the park
The next accommodations outside can be found in West Yellowstone (West entrance) and Gardiner (North Entrance), with a slightly larger selection in West Yellowstone. Both places are in close proximity to the park entrances. If you don't mind a half hour drive, you can also go in Island Park stay.
With all hotels in this region you have to expect to pay more for the extravagant location than for the quality of the gastronomy.
security
Beware of bears! The ubiquitous buffalo are at least as dangerous, from which, if you are at ease, keep a safe distance, even by car. Please observe the safety instructions that can be found at all visitor centers, camping and rest areas and in the brochures!
trips
- The Grand Teton National Park adjoins immediately to the south.
Web links
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm (en) - Official website of Yellowstone National Park
