Yellowstone National Park
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Yellowstone and what is it famous for?
This is the first national park in the world (established in 1872) in northwestern Wyoming, with the west into Montana and Idaho. It just sits on a volcanic hot spot, so all its hydrothermal magic comes from there.
What must be seen there?
Old Faithful geyser, which erupts about every hour and a half with almost clockwork punctuality, and Grand Prismatic, the largest hot spring in the US with crazy colors. In total, the park has more than two-thirds of all geysers on the planet, plus the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with the Lower Falls (about 94 meters).
What animals can be found here?
Bison (there are several thousand here and they regularly cause traffic jams), grizzly and black bears, wolves, elk and huge herds of wapiti. Keep your distance - the bison only looks slow.
When is the best time to go and how to get there?
In summer, all roads are open, so this is the most convenient time for cars; in winter, the park is accessed by snowmobiles or snowcoaches. There are several entrances - northern through Gardiner (Montana), western through West Yellowstone, southern and northeastern.
Is it true that there is a supervolcano under the park?
Yes, the Yellowstone caldera was formed after a catastrophic eruption about 640 thousand years ago. It is this underground heat that feeds all geysers and hot springs - you should not worry every day, but admire the consequences for sure.
