Yellowstone National Park
America’s first National Park, Yellowstone National Park’s 2.2 million acres are renowned for geothermal activity, natural splendor and a wealth of recreational activities.
- Located at the border of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
- Explore the many geothermic wonders, including the famous Old Faithful Geyser and Morning Glory Pool.
- Home to some of the best wildlife watching and fly fishing in the West.
- Open year-round for adventure in all seasons.
Overview
Yellowstone National Park is known first and foremost for its geysers, hot springs and mud-pots. In addition to these geothermal wonders, Yellowstone National Park is a diverse area that encompasses a variety of different ecosystems. With elevations ranging from 5,000-11,000 feet above sea level and everything from forests to river and wetlands to prairies, there’s no shortage of places to explore and things to do.
Directions
There are five entrances into Yellowstone National Park:
- The North Entrance is located in Gardiner, Montana along US-89.
- The Northeast Entrance is just west of Silver Gate, Wyoming along US-212.
- The East Entrance is about 50 miles west of Cody, Wyoming along US-16/20/14.
- The South Entrance is at the north end of Jackson Hole Valley along US-89/26.
- The West Entrance is in West Yellowstone, Montana, where US-20 and US-191/287 meet.
Seasons
While Yellowstone National Park is open year-round, the North and Northeast Entrances are the only two entrances open to cars year-round. The other entrances close from mid-November and reopen in mid-December to over-snow traffic. All entrances and roads begin reopening to bicycles and cars again in mid-April.
If you’re flying, the closest airports are in Bozeman, Butte and Billings, Montana; Cody and Jackson, Wyoming; and Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Activities
Yellowstone National Park is home to beautiful camping, river running, hiking and some of the best fly fishing in the West. The major scenic attractions are located on the Grand Loop Road, including Upper Geyser Basin (home to Old Faithful), Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lake Yellowstone. The Grand Loop is 142 miles long and can have heavy traffic, so be ready to take your time and enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the way.
