The park is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, including iconic species like grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and moose. Yellowstone's successful wolf reintroduction program in 1995-96 helped restore natural ecosystem balance. The park maintains one of the largest wild bison herds in North America, with populations exceeding 4,000. Over 300 bird species have been documented, including bald eagles and trumpeter swans. The park's waters support native fish species like the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Many species migrate seasonally within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which spans approximately 18 million acres.
Yellowstone's diverse ecosystem supports over 1,350 native plant species, ranging from dense forests to alpine meadows. The dominant tree species is the Lodgepole Pine, covering roughly 80% of the park's forested areas. Other significant species include Douglas Fir, Engelmann Spruce, and Whitebark Pine. The park features unique thermophilic plants that thrive in geothermal areas, creating colorful bacterial mats. Wildflowers bloom abundantly in summer, with species like Indian Paintbrush and Yellow Bell adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The park's vegetation has shown remarkable resilience following the 1988 fires that affected 36% of the park.
Yellowstone sits atop a supervolcano, with its dramatic landscape shaped by three major eruptions over the past 2.1 million years. The park contains about half of the world's geothermal features, including over 10,000 hydrothermal sites and more than 500 active geysers. The famous Old Faithful geyser exemplifies the park's remarkable geothermal activity. The area continues to experience frequent earthquakes, with an average of 1,000-3,000 seismic events annually. The park's unique geology includes vast calderas, colorful hot springs, mudpots, and travertine terraces, all powered by a massive magma chamber lying just a few miles beneath the surface.
Established in 1872, Yellowstone became the world's first national park, setting a precedent for global conservation. Native Americans inhabited the region for over 11,000 years before European explorers arrived. The Washburn-Langford-Doane expedition of 1870 led to the park's establishment, though early skeptical reports of its geothermal features were dismissed as fantasy. The U.S. Army managed the park from 1886 to 1918, establishing Fort Yellowstone and laying groundwork for modern park management. The National Park Service took over in 1918, and Yellowstone has since become an icon of America's natural heritage, receiving millions of visitors annually and serving as a model for national parks worldwide.
Old Faithful, erupting approximately every 90 minutes, remains the park's most famous attraction. The Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, displays stunning rainbow-like colors. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, carved up to 1,200 feet deep, features dramatic waterfalls and colorful rock walls. Mammoth Hot Springs showcases elaborate travertine terraces created by mineral-rich thermal waters. The Yellowstone Lake, North America's largest high-altitude lake, covers 136 square miles. The park's extensive network of hiking trails spans over 900 miles, offering access to backcountry geysers, pristine lakes, and spectacular viewpoints. The historic Old Faithful Inn, completed in 1904, stands as a masterpiece of rustic architecture.
Yellowstone experiences dramatic seasonal variations with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F (-18°C), while summer days typically range from 70-80°F (21-27°C). Spring and fall are brief transitional seasons marked by unpredictable weather. The park receives significant snowfall from November through April, with some areas accumulating over 10 feet annually. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and visitors should always be prepared for sudden weather changes regardless of season. Elevation plays a major role in weather patterns, as the park ranges from 5,282 to 11,358 feet above sea level.
USA
44.4280°, -110.5880°
March 1, 1872
8983
Yellowstone is America's first national park and home to the world's largest collection of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The park hosts diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Its most famous feature is Old Faithful geyser, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes.