Yellowstone National Park became the first national park in the United States of America on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone is located largely in the northwest corner of Wyoming, but also extends into Montana and Idaho.
Wildlife
Yellowstone National Park is home to nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals. Two of the best locations in Yellowstone National Park for viewing wildlife are Yellowstone river valley, and Lamar river valley.
The Grizzly Bear((Ursus arctos horribilis) is one example of a mammal that you may see in the park, particularly in The Hayden Valley, and Lamar Valley. Grizzly Bears are so named because because of their “grizzled” hair. Grizzly Bears eat a variety of food including fish, berries, and hoofed mammals.
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is one of the many species of birds that live in Yellowstone National Park. The Bald Eagle can be seen near water; they eat fish, and waterfowl.
Lodging
Yellowstone National Park Lodges operate nine lodges in the park with more than 2,000 rooms. All are open from late spring through fall, but only Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins are open in the winter.
Camping
Yellowstone does not allow car camping or overnight vehicle parking in pullots, parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated campground.Yellowstone National Park offers 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 established campsites. Mammoth Campground is the only campground opened year round. The park requires campsites to be reserved in advance.
Picnicking
There are several picnic areas found throughout the park; there are 4 rules that visitors must follow when eating in the park:
- Never feed wild animals, including birds and squirrels
- Store all food when not in use
- Use stoves and fire properly
- Do not camp in picnic areas
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Restaurants
There are restaurants, cafeterias, snack shops, ice cream counters, coffee counters, and bars located in Yellowstone National Park.
Recreation
Yellowstone offers about 10 bicycle trails:
- Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail
- Bunsen Peak Loop Bike Trail
- The Old Gardiner Road Bike Trail
- Riverside Bike Trail
- Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail
- Lone Star Geyser Bike Trail
- Old Faithful Lower General Store to Morning Glory Pool Bike Trail
- Natural Bridge Bike Trail
- Old Lake Road Bike Trail
- Mount Washburn Bike Trail
Yellowstone National Park also offers hiking trails. The park provides boat rentals at Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake; The park also offers guided boat tours, and during the winter months Yellowstone NP offers guided tours of the park either by snowmobile or snowcoach.
Visitor Centers
There are several visitor centers found through out Yellowstone National Park. The visitor centers display informative exhibits that will help visitors become oriented in the park. The Albright Visitor Center is just one of the parks visitor centers; the Albright Visitor Center offers information about the wildlife and history of Yellowstone National Park.
Service Animals
Animals that have been properly trained to assist people with disabilities are allowed on park grounds, but they must be leashed.
To reserve lodging at Yellowstone National Park, click here.
To book a campground click here.
