Yellowstone National Park was the country’s first national park. Most of the park is in Wyoming, though parts extend into Idaho and Montana. It’s a popular destination for camping, wildlife sightings and to see the park’s top attractions, such as Old Faithful geyser. The park is 2.2 million acres, so consult the Yellowstone National Park map to maximize your time here.
Yellowstone National Park Lodging
There are nine lodges in the park, ranging from hotel-style accommodations to rustic cabins. Yellowstone National Park camping options are plentiful, with 12 easily accessible campgrounds to accommodate tents, cars and RVs. Backcountry camping is also available.
Yellowstone National Park Weather
The park is open year-round, though a number of roads close during winter. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, when temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees during the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. In winter, the park is much quieter. Temperatures drop below freezing and snow is common. In spring and fall, temperatures vary widely—from freezing to 60 degrees—and the weather can change quickly. It can be warm and sunny and suddenly start raining or snowing, so bring appropriate gear for all weather.
Yellowstone National Park Animals
Many visitors to Yellowstone come to see the park’s wildlife. Yellowstone has the largest bison population in the world, so it’s the best place to see the large mammals. You can also spot grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, wolves, deer, bighorn sheep, a wide range of birds and more.
Yellowstone National Park Facts
- Did you know there’s a Yellowstone National Park volcano? It’s one of the largest active volcanoes in the world.
- Yellowstone is home to one of the highest waterfalls in North America, and Lake Yellowstone is the largest high-altitude lake on the continent.