The United States is full of beautiful parks , Yellowstone National Park is the first natural park in the country. This is also considered the most famous and beautiful park in the world. Discover why Yellowstone Park is so exceptional through 10 of its best places.
Yellowstone is an American national park created in 1872 and located in the northwest of Wyoming at an average altitude of 2400 m. Extending over a little less than 900,000 hectares, Yellowstone Park is world famous for its geysers , its hot springs and its reserve of many large mammals (grizzly bears, coyotes, wolves, bison, elk, etc.). No less than 3 million curious people come to discover Yellowstone Park each year.
Summary
- 1/ Yellowstone Lake
- 2/ The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- 3/ Mount Washburn
- 4/ The West Thumb Geyser Basin
- 5/The Norris Geyser Basin
- 6/ The Grand Prismatic Spring
- 7/ The Old Faithful
- 8/ The Hayden Valley
- 9/ Mammoth Hot Springs
- 10/Lamar Valley
1/ Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is 32 km long and 23 km wide. It offers exceptional views over the entire park. Beneath its surface are geysers and canyons that descend more than 120 m deep. Fishing and navigation are authorized and it will thus be easy to enjoy this unique mountain atmosphere, coupled with a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
2/ The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
This imposing and beautiful canyon has been carved over centuries by the Yellowstone River. The two waterfalls of the canyon, Upper Falls and Lower Falls, offer exceptional views and by its colors and its size, the whole of the canyon forms a unique spot in the world.
3/ Mount Washburn
Named after explorer Henry Washburn, Mount Washburn is one of the park’s most prized landforms. Two hikes provide access to the summit culminating at more than 3100 m. The walks will not be complicated and will allow you to admire unique panoramas in the world over the entire Yellowstone Park. You will even be able to see some mountain animals such as bears or even Rocky Mountain goats during your walk.
4/ The West Thumb Geyser Basin
This geyser located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake is one of the smallest in the park. Prior to 1911, the geyser was used by fishermen who plunged their catch directly into boiling water to cook the fish alive. The West Thumb Basin also includes several other geysers, mud pools and hot springs such as The Abyss Pool, the deepest spring in Yellowstone. The place is so named because the first explorers of Yellowstone Lake described it as a hand. The western part was therefore named The West Thumb.
5/The Norris Geyser Basin
Yet another geyser, but this time with different characteristics. It is the oldest geyser in the park, the hottest and it even has acidic properties. The Norris is separated into two sections: the Porcelain Basin, and the Back Basin. The Back Basin has in its area the Steamboat Geyser which is in fact the largest geyser in the world. The Steamboat can spit water rising over 120m high. The Norris Geyser Basin forms a very dynamic place with many eruptions and which constantly undergoes changes and then offers a magnificent and unforgettable natural spectacle.
6/ The Grand Prismatic Spring
This 70°C heated pool is the largest hot spring in the United States. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, all the curious go there to contemplate the incredible and brilliant colors of the basin. Its breakdown into blue, green, yellow, orange and red colors makes the basin an essential and extremely rare place. These are thermophilic organisms (certain bacteria) that give the place these bright colors during geothermal processes. It is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the park… not to be missed under any circumstances!
7/ The Old Faithful
The famous geyser, the most visited place in the park! Located in the Upper Geyser Basin, the geyser is simply stunning. Like the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Old Faithful is one of a kind thanks to its extraordinary colors that come straight out of a science fiction movie. During your trip to Yellowstone Park, do not forget to visit the most famous geyser in the world, it is well worth the detour!
8/ The Hayden Valley
The Hayden Valley is one of the best places to observe wildlife in the park. It happens very frequently to observe buffaloes, elk, bears and pronghorns (American antelopes). The valley offers many hikes to admire the beautiful panorama of the park and observe the wildlife of the valley more closely without disturbing.
9/ Mammoth Hot Springs
This limestone building is very popular with visitors. Its unique colors and its warm and stony atmosphere make it a unique place in the world. It is not uncommon to observe elk around this exceptional hot spring. In short, a unique place once again not to be missed.
10/Lamar Valley
Much like the Hayden Valley, the Lamar Valley offers stunning scenery throughout the park and makes it easier to spot Yellowstone’s wildlife. Many herds of buffalo reside in the valley, but also some wolves, coyotes, bears, antelopes and elk. A word of advice, if you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear or a wolf, go to the valley early in the morning or very late in the evening.
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