Yellowstone National Park: Geysers, Wildlife, and Wide-Open Wilderness

Yellowstone is wild. It’s loud with geysers, quiet with forests, and full of life from every corner — bison herds, grizzly bears, wolves, elk, even the occasional fox trotting past. It’s the first national park in the world, and still one of the most awe-inspiring.

Most visitors come for the geysers — but Yellowstone is much bigger than that. With more than 2.2 million acres, the park stretches across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It has its own canyons, lakes, waterfalls, and mountain passes — plus thousands of thermal features.

A Groundbreaking Beginning

Yellowstone was established in 1872, the first area ever set aside by a government to be protected as a national park. Early explorers like Ferdinand Hayden and painter Thomas Moran helped convince Congress it was worth preserving. Today, it’s part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest nearly-intact temperate ecosystems on Earth.

Can’t-Miss Spots

If it’s your first time, start with the basics:

Old Faithful – erupts about every 90 minutes; the viewing area can get crowded, but it’s worth seeing once

Grand Prismatic Spring – a hot spring with intense color bands; get the best view from the nearby overlook trail

Lamar Valley – early morning or dusk is best for spotting wolves, bears, and bison

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – colorful canyon walls and two huge waterfalls

Less crowded gems:

Norris Geyser Basin – active, strange, and always changing

Blacktail Plateau Drive – a quieter dirt road with good chances for wildlife

Shoshone Lake via DeLacy Creek Trail – a quieter day hike with lake views

Pro Tips for Visitors

Stay bear aware — carry bear spray and know how to use it

Start your day early — wildlife is more active and parking is easier

Weather changes fast — bring layers, even in summer

Expect traffic — bison and construction both cause delays

Stay on boardwalks — the ground can be thin near thermal areas

Yellowstone Fast Facts

The park has over 10,000 hydrothermal features — geysers, mudpots, hot springs, and fumaroles

It sits atop a supervolcano and experiences frequent small earthquakes

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America

It’s home to 67 species of mammals, including wolves and grizzlies

Gear for the Backcountry and Beyond

Whether you're walking the geyser boardwalks or heading into bear country, it’s nice to take a piece of the park home:

Yellowstone National Park Camo Hat – durable, trail-ready style

Yellowstone National Park Hat - Richardson 122 – breathable and structured for all-day wear

Yellowstone National Park Hat - Yupoong 6606 – clean, low-profile design for everyday use

Plan Your Trip

Before you head out, visit the official Yellowstone site for road status, campground availability, and safety notices. Yellowstone is a place where you feel small — in the best way. Give yourself time to explore it slowly.