Introduction
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It is located in the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park is known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and bison. In this article, we will explore the different states that make up Yellowstone National Park and the attractions in each one.
What states is Yellowstone National Park located in?
Yellowstone National Park is located in three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The majority of the park is in Wyoming, with smaller portions in Montana and Idaho. The park covers an area of over 2 million acres, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States.
Wyoming
Wyoming is home to the majority of Yellowstone National Park. The park’s most famous attraction, Old Faithful, is located in the western part of Wyoming. This geyser erupts every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet in the air. Other popular attractions in Wyoming include the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is a 20-mile long canyon with stunning views and hiking trails, and the Norris Geyser Basin, which is the hottest and most active geyser basin in the park.
What is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a 20-mile long canyon that was carved out by the Yellowstone River. It is located in the western part of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The canyon is known for its stunning views and hiking trails. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon or take a trail down to the bottom to see the river up close. There are also several waterfalls in the canyon, including the Upper and Lower Falls.
Montana
Montana is home to the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. The park’s largest lake, Yellowstone Lake, is located in Montana. This lake covers over 130 square miles and is the largest freshwater lake above 7,000 feet in North America. Other popular attractions in Montana include the Lamar Valley, which is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Mammoth Hot Springs, which are a series of hot springs and terraces that are constantly changing.
What is the Lamar Valley?
The Lamar Valley is located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park in Montana. It is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for wolves and bison. Visitors can take a guided tour or drive through the valley to see these animals up close. The Lamar Valley is also home to several hiking trails and picnic areas.
Idaho
Idaho is home to the western part of Yellowstone National Park. The park’s western entrance is located in Idaho. This entrance is open year-round and provides access to several popular attractions, including the Firehole River, which is a popular spot for fishing and swimming, and the Madison River, which is known for its fly-fishing opportunities. Other popular attractions in Idaho include the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, which is a scenic drive that takes visitors past several waterfalls, and the Harriman State Park, which is a popular spot for camping and hiking.
What is the Firehole River?
The Firehole River is a popular spot for fishing and swimming in Yellowstone National Park. It is located in the western part of the park in Idaho. The water in the river is warm, which makes it a popular spot for swimming. Visitors can also fish for trout in the river, although there are certain areas where fishing is not allowed. The Firehole River is also home to several hot springs, which heat the water in the river.
Conclusion
Yellowstone National Park is a unique and beautiful destination that spans three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Each state has its own attractions and opportunities for visitors to explore. Whether you are interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the park, there is something for everyone in Yellowstone National Park.
What is the best time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park?
The best time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park depends on what you are interested in seeing and doing. The park is open year-round, but some roads and attractions may be closed during the winter months. The summer months are the most popular time to visit, but they can also be crowded. The spring and fall months offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but some attractions may not be open. Winter is a unique time to visit the park, with opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing.