The landscape of the USA makes for some absolutely unforgettable experiences. Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon or hearing the roar of the Niagara Falls are things everyone should do at least once. Another is to head to big sky country and walk on top of a volcano so huge that for many years geologists never realized what they were actually dealing with. For quick access to this experience of a lifetime, be sure to book a stay at one of the Yellowstone motels.
Founded in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is not only the oldest of its kind in the world but is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of almost 3,500 square miles. The park is located mostly in Wyoming but since it's in the northwestern corner of the state, its boundaries cross state boundaries so that Montana and Idaho have their own bits of parkland too.
The most iconic feature of the park is Old Faithful. As its name suggests, this volcanic geyser erupts faithfully every 91 minutes or so. On average the boiling water shoots about 145 feet up in the air during an eruption, which lasts several seconds. It may not be the park's most impressive geyser but it's certainly the one you're guaranteed to see erupt. The park's visitor center has the estimated times for eruptions.
Old Faithful and Steamboat Geyser are not the only geysers in the park. In fact, there are over a thousand. There are also many thermal pools and bubbling mud to be seen. The reason for all this geothermal activity is that the entire Yellowstone is in fact the caldera of a very, very big volcano. You'll find boardwalks all along the geothermal areas. Don't stray from these paths because if you do, there is only a very thin, very breakable crust between you and scalding hot water that will kill you.
The thermal pools and geysers great reasons to visit but the popular park also offers much, much more. The landscape here is astonishingly beautiful and a favorite among landscape photographers. You'll be able to admire and take dramatic pictures of mountains, meadows, rivers, canyons, lakes, waterfalls and a petrified forest, among others.
Most visitors get around by car but in spring there is a car free week when cycling is just heavenly. Trips on horseback or hikes are popular ways of exploring too. Many different species of wildlife live within park boundaries, among them bison, deer, moose, elk, mountain lions, bears and wolves. The park is also home to many bird species.
Because the national park is one of the most popular in the USA, accommodation options within its boundaries fill up very quickly. This is why staying just outside of park borders is often a better option. Gardiner along the northern boundary and West Yellowstone along the western boundary are the two main gateway towns and offer plenty of motels.
The busiest time to visit is during the summer months and you'll have to book your accommodation well in advance. Fall and winter are less crowded but winter can be very cold. However, visiting during this time means that you can also try snow sports such as skiing.
Founded in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is not only the oldest of its kind in the world but is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of almost 3,500 square miles. The park is located mostly in Wyoming but since it's in the northwestern corner of the state, its boundaries cross state boundaries so that Montana and Idaho have their own bits of parkland too.
The most iconic feature of the park is Old Faithful. As its name suggests, this volcanic geyser erupts faithfully every 91 minutes or so. On average the boiling water shoots about 145 feet up in the air during an eruption, which lasts several seconds. It may not be the park's most impressive geyser but it's certainly the one you're guaranteed to see erupt. The park's visitor center has the estimated times for eruptions.
Old Faithful and Steamboat Geyser are not the only geysers in the park. In fact, there are over a thousand. There are also many thermal pools and bubbling mud to be seen. The reason for all this geothermal activity is that the entire Yellowstone is in fact the caldera of a very, very big volcano. You'll find boardwalks all along the geothermal areas. Don't stray from these paths because if you do, there is only a very thin, very breakable crust between you and scalding hot water that will kill you.
The thermal pools and geysers great reasons to visit but the popular park also offers much, much more. The landscape here is astonishingly beautiful and a favorite among landscape photographers. You'll be able to admire and take dramatic pictures of mountains, meadows, rivers, canyons, lakes, waterfalls and a petrified forest, among others.
Most visitors get around by car but in spring there is a car free week when cycling is just heavenly. Trips on horseback or hikes are popular ways of exploring too. Many different species of wildlife live within park boundaries, among them bison, deer, moose, elk, mountain lions, bears and wolves. The park is also home to many bird species.
Because the national park is one of the most popular in the USA, accommodation options within its boundaries fill up very quickly. This is why staying just outside of park borders is often a better option. Gardiner along the northern boundary and West Yellowstone along the western boundary are the two main gateway towns and offer plenty of motels.
The busiest time to visit is during the summer months and you'll have to book your accommodation well in advance. Fall and winter are less crowded but winter can be very cold. However, visiting during this time means that you can also try snow sports such as skiing.
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