Yellowstone National Park is one of the oldest and most popular National parks in the USA. It is famous for its geothermal wonders. There are countless geysers, volcanoes, hot springs, and mud pots in Yellowstone National Park giving us useful insight into the unpredictable geothermal activity which is constantly happening below the surface of the Earth. The park is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and trekking opportunities that are bound to leave you awestruck.
Yellowstone National Park is massive and planning a trip there is never easy. There is so much to see and experience that you need at least 3 to 4 days to cover the best. The park changes its landscapes dramatically with changing seasons. The National Park is partially closed for many months, with summer being the best time to visit the park if you want to enjoy all the facilities the park has to offer.
However, winter has a lot to offer the visitors. The snow-covered mountains and trees provide a flamboyant background to the vivid attractions of the park. The winter sports and sparse crowds add to the charm of the place. So visiting in winter is always an option. Before planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, it makes sense to know some fun facts so that you are better prepared for what you will be experiencing in the popular park.
1. Yellowstone National Park is the oldest and probably the best-known park in the USA and was established by the U.S. Congress on March 1, 1872. It served as a model for the establishment of future national parks and protected areas around the globe. The park has been popular since then and has always received a steady flow of visitors.
2. The park can be accessed through 5 entrances and 446 miles of road. The entrances are called - North Entrance, Northeast Entrance South Entrance, East Entrance, and West Entrance. Airports are closest to the South and East entrances of the park. The distance between the gates spans miles, so one should research carefully before choosing the entry and exit gates.
3. The park is located on top of the Yellowstone Caldera, a massive volcanic system. Although it's considered dormant, it's also referred to as a supervolcano due to its potential for catastrophic eruptions. These massive eruptions have occurred several times in the past and could have global implications.
4. It covers an area of 3472 square miles and measures 54 miles east to west and 63 miles north to south. It includes about 290 waterfalls and 1,000 trails. Impressive, isn't it?
5. Yellowstone National Park is really well spread out and covers three states. It is 96% in Wyoming, 1% in Idaho, and 3% in Montana.
6. There are 10,000 hydrothermal features in the national park which include hot springs, geysers, fumaroles, and mud pots. One of the most well-endowed regions of the world to explore.
7. More than half of the world's geysers are located in the massive park. The park has 500 geysers out of which 300 are active. That gives you an idea of the vastness and the beauty of the park.
8. Old Faithful is the most famous geyser on Earth. It erupts to a height of around 100-180 feet and eruption happens every 92 minutes on average. Other popular geysers are Castle and Grand geysers.
9. The vibrant colors in some of the hot springs are caused by heat-loving microorganisms called thermophiles. These microorganisms create different pigments that result in the striking hues seen in the hot springs.
10. Yellowstone experiences 1000-3000 minor earthquakes in a year. The park sits on top of an active volcano that erupted 64,000 years ago. If that doesn't make you interested in visiting the national park, nothing in the world will.
11. The highest point of the park is 3,462m at Eagle Park. Who wants to climb the massive peak?
12. Abundant and varied wildlife can be found in Yellowstone. There are 67 species of mammals, 285 species of birds, and 16 species of fish in the massive park. Visitors flock to see the Grizzly bears, black bears, and wolves. If you have patience and visit the park at the correct time, the sighting of bears is very much possible
13. Two endangered species live in the park - Canada lynx and Grizzly bears. Go to the park to spot them now, before they disappear from the face of the earth.
14. There are nine hotels/lodges within the park premises. You need to book them well in advance if you want to stay within the park premises, especially during the summer. If the accommodations within the park are too expensive, there is nothing to worry about. Many affordable options are available in the periphery of small towns and villages of the Yellowstone National Park.
15. The park has a rich history involving Native American tribes, early explorers, and pioneers. Some historic lodges and structures can still be visited, offering a glimpse into the past.
16. There are 900 historic buildings, 1800 archeological sites, and 72,000 museum items. Not possible to explore everything but it is good to know the details.
17. Much of Yellowstone is at a high elevation, with the park's highest point being Eagle Peak at 11,358 feet (3,462 meters). The park's unique geography and elevation contribute to its diverse ecosystems.
18. The park has 1000+ species of flowering species and 225 species of invasive plants. If you are a plant lover, you are going to have a whale of a time looking for the beautiful species.
19. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America. It's situated at an elevation of around 7,733 feet (2,357 meters) and remains partially frozen for much of the year.
20. The East Entrance road over Sylvan Pass is one of the park's most challenging to maintain due to heavy snowfall. This road is often closed during the winter, but it provides access to some breathtaking winter scenery when open.
21. Around 4 million visitors visit Yellowstone every year and more than half of them visit the park in the summer. If you want to escape the crowds and the high cost, you can visit during the winter months of November and December.
22. Fire plays a vital role in shaping Yellowstone's landscape. While wildfires can be destructive, they also clear out underbrush, promote new growth, and maintain the health of certain ecosystems. Controlled burns are sometimes used to manage a fire's impact.
Remember that while visiting Yellowstone, it's essential to follow park rules and guidelines to ensure the safety of both visitors and the park's delicate ecosystems.