The World's First National Park
An Indian legend tells us…long ago when Coyote was making the world, Grizzly Bear was Chief of all the country that is Yellowstone. Coyote subdued Grizzly Bear and put Golden Eagle in charge, and he said, "This place will be a treasure of the people…voices will be proud of this place."
The world's first national park contains more than two million acres of steaming geysers, crystalline lakes, thundering waterfalls, and panoramic vistas, as well as a remarkable diversity of mammals, birds and fish.
People visit Yellowstone National Park from every state and many other countries, speaking different languages…And they are proud of the treasure that is Yellowstone.
What You'll Find
Old Faithful Geyser - The geyser as famous as Yellowstone itself, was given its name because of the regularity of its eruptions. Old Faithful Geyser erupts about every 63 to 75 minutes, 3,700-8,400 gallons of water are discharged during an eruption, and the temperature is 204 degrees F. One of the first people who saw Old Faithful Geyser wrote: "We emerged from the woods opposite Old Faithful just as it was giving vent to its internal motion. From that time our spirits rose and all our personal woes and sufferings were forgotten." We hope the same happens to you!
Yellowstone Lake - Yellowstone Lake is one of the world's largest natural fresh water lakes. The lake covers 136 square miles and is 20 miles long by 14 miles wide, and also, has 110 miles of shoreline. The lake has the largest inland population of cutthroat trout in North America, which is an exciting challenge to every fisherman.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River - The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is 800 to 1200 feet deep and up to 4000 feet wide. Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River falls 308 feet into the Canyon. This is the largest waterfall in Yellowstone National Park. The golden hued canyon walls and waterfalls will show you the true power of nature.
Mammoth Hot Springs - These famous travertine hot springs are located near Park Headquarters not far from Gardiner, MT. Mineral-laden hot water from deep beneath the earth's crust finds its way to the surface and builds tier upon tier of cascading terraced stone. Begun 8,000 years ago, the sculpting of the terraces continues as thousands of gallons of water deposit up to two tons of limestone daily. You will be able to watch nature in action.
Norris Geyser Basin - To many this is the most exciting thermal area in the park. Hundreds of geysers, pools, and hot springs are located in two basins that comprise Norris, Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. The hottest and most active geyser area in Yellowstone has a subsurface water temperature of 700 degrees F. Because of the extreme temperature and the mixed chemistry of acid and alkaline the Norris Geyser Basin changes more than any other place in Yellowstone. Norris Geyser Basin is also home to the world's tallest geyser, Steamboat, which can go as high as 380 feet.
General Park Information
Yellowstone National Park is open daily in the summer. Park interior roads close for the winter season the first Sunday of November; open to over-the-snow tracked vehicles in mid-December through mid-March; and reopen for vehicular travel in mid-April or May, weather permitting. Call ahead for opening dates. The road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Cooke City, Montana is open year round (plowed in winter).
Access is limited in November and April due to weather conditions. For road construction and general information call 307.344.7381.
The Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is 78 miles from Cody, Wyoming via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY 296), and 52 miles from the East Entrance via the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (US 14-16-20).
How to Get There
Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming just 52 miles west of Cody on Highway 14-16, & 20. Other entrances into Yellowstone are Highway 89, 287 & 191 in Wyoming, and 20, 287, 191, 89 & 212 in Montana.
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