Yellowstone National Park

Perhaps you are wondering how you are going to see all of Yellowstone National Park during one short visit. It makes sense to question this, with the park stretching over 3400 square miles. But if you plan carefully to see all the attractions top-most on your list, you can make your vacation the best ever.

Yellowstone National Park is the largest park in the lower forty-eight states, in fact covering over 2 million acres. The first national park in the US system, it contains wonders that attract visitors from all over the world.

To fully enjoy the natural wonders here, you will need to carefully plan your vacation. You want to see as much as possible. Filled with fascinating mud pots and hot springs as well as shooting geysers, it can keep you busy for days seeing everything. Besides walking the boardwalks and viewing the bubbling hot waters, you will want to take time to see some of the most gorgeous waterfalls and rushing rivers as well.

At the top of your list will be Old Faithful Geyser. This famous landmark erupts about every 80 minutes, shooting steam and water into the air for around 5 minutes or longer. It's the most photographed of all geysers in the park, mostly because it's so predictable.

Other geysers you should be sure to see while in the Upper Geyser Basin are Beehive, Riverside and Grand geysers. Also view Morning Glory Pool with the fascinating colors that resemble… yes, a morning glory flower!

Move on to the Lower Geyser Basin where you can witness the colorful mud in the Fountain Paint Pots. These erupt just like geysers.

As you hike through Yellowstone, it can be very exciting when you spot some of the wildlife in their native habitat. You can see grizzlies and black bears, elk and moose. The best time to watch them is in the early morning and early evening when they feed.

There are lots of trails to choose from for some great hikes. All the trails you attempt can be done in one day. Fairy Falls is a trail just about 5 miles long and can be found in the area of Old Faithful. Mystic Falls is a little over 2 miles long but is a little more of a challenge than Fairy Falls trail.

You'll find temperatures will vary greatly here in the park, with highs in the summer in the 90s and getting down below zero in the winter. The best time of year to come is the spring when temperatures are more moderate.

In the warm months the best way to get around the park is on the Grand Loop Road. This highway is 142 miles of a figure eight through the middle of the park, but with a speed limit of 45, it can take a while to make it all the way around.

Another great destination is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, with its beautiful colors and the waterfalls and shapes of its rocks. It will be a breathtaking sight for the whole family.

You'll find maps at the Visitors Center as well as at the start of most trails. You will be asked for a small donation, on the honor system, so please help contribute to the printing of the maps. And don't litter! Keep our parks beautiful!