yellowstone national park virtual tour

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Yellowstone Webcams and Virtual Experiences

You don’t have to visit yellowstone to hear its beautiful animals, see old faithful erupt live and see a geyser basin..

Even if you can’t travel to the park right now, you can still see, hear and experience what’s happening in the park, thanks to some amazing technology like Yellowstone webcams, Google Earth and audio recordings. Here are some of our favorite ways to feel like we are in the park.

Watch Yellowstone’s Webcams

Look for wildlife, weather conditions and how many people are driving into the park at its North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana. Roosevelt Arch is in the background in this webcam . See all 9 webcams at  www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm

Learn more about Old Faithful .

Fly to Yellowstone from Your Couch

Fly via Google Earth right now to the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone, home to Steamboat Geyser, the tallest geyser in the world at 300–400 feet and Echinus Geyser (pH 3.5 or so), some of the area’s most popular features. If you can’t be there now, this is a really fun way to go on a quick virtual trip to the park.  earth.google.com+

Listen to Yellowstone’s Animals and Geysers Now

If you want to hear Yellowstone’s animals and geysers, you can listen to this amazing sound library  www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/sounds.htm created by the National Park Service and Montana State University as part of their Acoustic Atlas project. You can hear red-winged blackbirds reverberate across Swan Lake lake amidst the sounds of boreal chorus frogs and sandhill cranes, the low groans of grizzly bear and dozens of others.

Learn why these sounds were recorded .

Park Noises Put to Music

Alleviate stress and anxiety when you listen to an audio postcard from the park. These soundtracks are great to share with someone who loves Yellowstone and needs a distraction from the COVID-19 24-hour news cycle. They offer sounds of the park with music to provide a window into life in Yellowstone. www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/audiopostcard-springcomposition.htm

View Gorgeous Photo Galleries

Get inspired by browsing our extensive photo collection including seasonal photo blogs by professional photographers Dave Shumway, Grant Ordelheide and Jeff Vanuga, plus “How To” articles for improving your own shots.

Other Resources

For more webcams, virtual tours, photo galleries, apps, videos, and other digital content at www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/ .

Popular on Yellowstone National Park

Get a free Yellowstone trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information.

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Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone national park virtual tour in 360°.

How To Watch 360° Videos & Photographs Using Any Device

After relocating 31 grey wolves to the park in 1995, there were approximately 100 of these amazing animals to be found in January 2020.

The largest bison population on public land is resident here and has been since prehistoric times. A 2021 count estimated the population at around 5450.

Taking a 360° Yellowstone National Park virtual tour really is the next best thing to actually being there. View these locations to get an idea of what they're like.

This amazing geyser has erupted more than a million times since the park was established. And now you can experience it too in this Yellowstone National Park virtual tour 360° video.

Operated by volunteers, this live webcam provides a view of the Old Faithful Geyser and other things happening around the Upper Geyser Basin area.

You can also find a prediction of exactly when and for how long the Old Faithful geyser will erupt next.

Lodging - Hotels & Camping

Nine lodges in Yellowstone National Park (cabin & hotel style) totalling over 2000 rooms are available for accommodation. Only the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are open in the winter months.

12 campgrounds with over 2000 campsites are available for campers.

In Yellowstone National Park, the summers are short, comfortable, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are freezing, snowy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 4°F (-15°C) to 76°F (25°C) and is rarely below -15°F (-26°C) or above 84°F (28°C) (Source: Weatherspark)

Where To See Wildlife

The best place to see Grizzly bears is in Hayden and Lamar valleys on the north slopes of MT. Washburn, and from Fishing Bridge to the East Entrance.

Grey wolves are best seen in the in the Northern ranges of Yellowstone in the Lamar valley. Bison are also best found in the Hayden and Lamar valleys.

Grizzly Bears

There are estimated to be around 150 Grizzly bears with home ranges wholly or partially in the park, and 728 estimated to be in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem (2019) .

They are currently listed as threatened but are said to be doing well in the area by scientists and managers.

How Many Rangers Work There

Many employee positions in Yellowstone are seasonal due to the fact that summer attracts the most tourists.

About 738 people work for the National Park service during summer and there are around 386 permanent, year round employees.

How Did The Park Get Its Name

It derives its name from the major river running through the area, also called Yellowstone.

Walking Shadow Ecology Tours of Yellowstone

Yellowstone Virtual Tours

Is visiting Yellowstone on your bucket list? You don't need to wait until you can physically travel to the national park. With our Yellowstone virtual tours, you can see the incredible wonders of this park from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you want to watch a tour at home with your family or are looking for virtual tour options for a school group or other educational program, we can help.

We know not everyone can make it to Yellowstone in person, so we also love hosting live, interactive Yellowstone virtual tours. These Yellowstone virtual trips are perfect for a solo traveler, families, school groups, youth groups and anyone sitting at home wishing they could travel!

There’s something special about traveling to Yellowstone without the hassle of planes, passports and luggage! And while you may not actually be here in person, you’ll feel like you are - experiencing all the sights, sounds, science, history and ecology with your local Yellowstone guide. If you don't see an ideal option, get in touch for a customized option!

We offer a number of options for your Yellowstone virtual tour.

Yellowstone Virtual Tour Options

Virtual Tours with Heygo

We’ve partnered with heygo.com to lead a variety of free, tip-supported, live, virtual yellowstone group tours, and are adding more virtual field trips all the time. have fun while interacting with a global audience, taking your own postcards, asking questions through the chat, and learning more about yellowstone. click here to check out our latest offerings..

Virtual School Trips - Good News Travels

If you're looking for a virtual school trip to Yellowstone, then look no further! Good News Travels coordinates Yellowstone virtual tours - and online tours of other national parks - for schools, clubs, teams and other educational programs. Click here to learn more about setting up an inspiring, interactive Yellowstone virtual tour for your school or program.

Virtual Trips with Girl Travel Tours (also known as Getaway Travel Tours)

GTT offers family-friendly tours for travelers who love to learn and have fun. These tours are good for families who like to travel with expert guides and like-minded travelers who live by the girl scout law!​  GTT works to help deepen its Girl understanding of other cultures, develop new perspectives on local and global issues, and strengthen leadership skills necessary for global citizenship. Grandparents, brothers and dads welcome! Join us for an extraordinary journey across Yellowstone!

Adventures Online with Road Scholar

Calling life-long learners! Immerse yourself in all the wonders of Yellowstone National Park with a three-day online immersive learning adventure! With Road Scholar, you’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips - all online via Zoom. All you need is an Internet connection, your computer and your curiosity to truly feel like you're traveling to Yellowstone. Click here to learn more about Road Scholar's Yellowstone programs.

Custom Virtual Tours

Don't see the Yellowstone virtual tour that's right for you? We'd love to custom design a virtual class or talk for your family, school or group.

What Yellowstone feature or topic is your organization interested in? What area of the park would you like to explore with your personal Naturalist Guide? Let us know and we’ll design a dynamic, interactive Yellowstone virtual field trip together.

Contact us today to get started.

Canyon Virtual Tour

About 640,000 years ago, a huge volcanic eruption occurred in Yellowstone, emptying a large underground chamber of magma (partially molten rock). Volcanic ash spread for thousands of miles in a matter of minutes. The roof of this chamber slowly collapsed, forming a giant caldera 30 miles (45 km) across, 45 miles (75 km) long. The caldera began to fill with lava and sediments. Infilling of lava flows continued for hundreds and thousands of years.

Scientists think the oldest Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone formed in rock and sediments about 160,000 to 140,000 years ago. This paleocanyon was not as deep, wide or long as the canyon visible today.

Past and current hydrothermal activity altered and weakened the rhyolite, making the rocks softer. The Yellowstone River eroded these weakened rocks to deepen and widen the canyon, a process that continues today. The current canyon begins at Lower Falls and ends at Tower Fall.

The 308-foot (93 m) Lower Falls may have formed because the river flows over volcanic rock more resistant to erosion than the downstream rocks, which are hydrothermally altered. The 109-foot (33 m) Upper Falls flows over similar rocks. The large rocks upstream from Upper Falls are remnants of a lava flow resistant to erosion.

The multi-hued rocks of the canyon result from the hydrothermally altered rhyolite and sediments. Look closely at dark orange, brown, and green areas near the river for still-active hydrothermal features. Their activity—and that of water, wind, and earthquakes—continue to sculpt the canyon.

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A first-timer’s guide to Yellowstone National Park

How to make the most of america’s first national park..

The first time I visited Yellowstone National Park , I was three. My family was scouting the area to decide if we should move to Jackson Hole, WY —one look at the mountain vistas and bubbling streams, and my parents were sold. Growing up, I returned to the park often for school field trips, fishing excursions with my dad, and as an unofficial tour guide anytime friends came to town. Even now that I live in Texas, I make it a point to visit at least once a year. And while I’ve experienced dozens of other national parks, none have been able to top Yellowstone.

With its geological wonders (the park sits above a supervolcano), abundant wildlife, and human history, there’s no shortage of things to see. In fact, it often feels like several parks in one. If you’ve never been, I promise you’re in for a treat. Below are my tried-and-true tips.

Think of the park in two parts

The park’s main thoroughfare, Grand Loop Road , consists of two routes: an upper loop and a lower loop that intersect like a figure eight. The major attractions— Old Faithful , Grand Prismatic Spring , Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone , and Mammoth Hot Springs —are all along this road. Technically, you can do both loops in a day—the actual drive is five hours, but that doesn’t include travel time into the park, inevitable traffic jams, or stops for sightseeing. For a leisurely experience, I recommend allocating at least three days to see the best of the Grand Loop.

Tip: Unlike some national parks, Yellowstone does not offer a shuttle system. There are tours you can join, like the Historic Yellow Bus Tou r, but you’ll need a car if you want to explore on your own.

Have a (flexible) game plan

You never know when you might happen upon a herd of bison crossing the river (one of my favorite things I’ve witnessed) or a rare eruption (count yourself lucky if you see Steamboat Geyser blow—with recorded heights of up to 300 feet, it’s the world’s tallest active geyser). You don’t want to miss out on the surprises that make Yellowstone so special because you’re in a rush. Pencil in just one or two major sites or timed events a day and then leave the rest open.

One thing to plan around, though, is meals, since hours and quality of in-park restaurants vary. The chuckwagon cookouts near Roosevelt Lodge are hokey in the best way, while the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room offers more upscale, reservation-only dinners (stop by the sunroom after for string quartet performances). For lunch, I love the Old Faithful General Store , a historic gem with burlwood beams, a retro diner, and huckleberry ice cream.

Tip: Cell service is scarce, so download the NPS App , which works offline and has info on trails, self-guided tours, and predictions for when geysers will likely erupt.

Get up early and stay out late

Generally, I’m out the door no later than 7 a.m. so I can enjoy solitude at the typically crowded hotspots. Then, as parking lots fill up, I go for an afternoon picnic or hike. If you’re more of a night owl, aim to visit after 7 p.m. (in the summer, it stays light until almost 10 p.m. and most people will have returned to their accommodations by then). This is also when many animals emerge for dinner.

The Lamar Valley is arguably the best place to see wildlife, including bighorn sheep, bison, and once-endangered wolves. I’ve yet to see a wolf up close in the wild, but it’s not uncommon to find photographers lining the road, their lenses aimed at a den on the hillside. Ask nicely and they’ll let you take a peek. Head to Mammoth Hot Springs for the chance to see elk grazing on the hotel’s lawn and keep your eyes peeled for bears in Hayden Valley . If you have your heart set on seeing a moose, know that sightings are rare—your best bet is to look near bodies of water with willow trees (one of their favorite snacks). Bring binoculars and bear spray, especially if you plan to hike, and brush up on your animal-viewing etiquette .

Tip: If you strike out in the park, try the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. The not-for-profit animal rescue provides a home for critters both big (bears, wolves) and small (otters, prairie dogs) that cannot survive in the wild.

Seek out a different vantage point

Crowds are inevitable if you visit during the summer months, but finding a moment for yourself is easy—it just requires a shift in perspective.

Yellowstone boasts roughly 1,000 miles of trails, many of which offer prime views from above the park’s most popular sites. Here are a few of my underrated favorites:

• The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook is a mostly flat, 1.5-mile hike from the Fairy Falls trailhead. Most people only ever see the spring up close, but the overlook gives you a better sense of its sheer size and kaleidoscopic colors.
• The wheelchair-accessible Upper and Lower Geyser Basins offer a great crowd-free view of Old Faithful. Time your arrival to the eruption of Castle Geyser , then make your way to Morning Glory Pool before ending at Beehive Geyser . From there, you can see Old Faithful and the boardwalk below.
• The 5-mile, accessible route to Lone Star Geyser is even more secluded and makes for a great bike ride.
• The Canyon Rim South Trail offers postcard-worthy views of the Yellowstone River’s dramatic Upper and Lower waterfalls.

You can also get out on the water. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America and sits in the caldera of an ancient volcano. Learn about still-active underwater thermal features and explore parts of the West Thumb Geyser Basin while on a kayak tour or hop aboard the Lake Queen II for a scenic cruise that includes possible bald eagle sightings. I also recommend a stop at Isa Lake . While tiny, it’s remarkable for its location atop the Continental Divide—it’s the only lake that drains into two oceans.

Don’t overlook the park's human history

Most of the hype occurs around the park’s geological marvels, but there’s a lot of human history here too. For starters, the park was—and still is—a sacred place for more than 20 Indigenous groups . The Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center features live programming with native artists and scholars covering topics like storytelling, dance, and beadwork.

After the park was founded in 1872, the U.S. Army served as its stewards and old Fort Yellowstone still stands, accessible via a self-guided walking tour. (While you’re there, make a quick detour to Roosevelt Arch ). And even if you’re not staying in the park, stop by the Old Faithful Inn —the world’s largest log cabin and one of the earliest examples of “ parkitecture .” (Disney fans will recognize it as the inspiration for the Wilderness Lodge ). Join one of the free summer tours to learn more about the inn and why its staff celebrate Christmas on August 25.

Tip: The general stores throughout the park offer more than just t-shirts and tchotchkes. Many reside in historic buildings and each sells different souvenirs. On a cold day, I love to warm up by the stone fireplace in the Lake General Store .

Pick the right gateway town for you

There are four major access points: The small town of Gardiner, MT , in the north, offers easy entry in the winter; Cody, WY —founded by Buffalo Bill Cody—is not far from the east entrance and boasts Western charm (complete with a nightly rodeo in the summer); and my picturesque hometown of Jackson, WY , sits to the south and is best if you also want to explore Grand Teton National Park . Last but not least, the aptly-named West Yellowstone is at—you guessed it—the west entrance and is great for families and large groups on a budget.

Tip: Park hotel reservations open a year in advance and rooms go quickly, but check back often for cancellations. Camping is also an option and it’s possible to find availability at the largest campground, Bridge Bay , even in summer. However, my go-to is Grant Village for its central location and secluded sites among the trees.

Visit in all seasons

My last word of advice? Don’t limit your visit to the summer months. Right after Labor Day is one of my favorite times to experience the park, when crowds dwindle, the air is crisp, and the leaves start to change. Winter is also otherworldly. Cross-country ski past slumbering bison and frozen waterfalls, visit geysers surrounded by snow, and ice skate outdoors at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel . Yellowstone is an enchanting place, whenever you go.

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Yellowstone Explorer

Google maps, national geographic, discover yellowstone, virtual parks, discover wildlife through virtual tours.

This type of tour takes viewers on an interactive journey through the park, allowing them to watch different species in their natural habitats. Many of these tours offer up close looks at grizzly bears, bison, wolves, and other animals. They also include educational information about each species and its role in the park’s ecosystem. Another way to explore Yellowstone’s wildlife is through virtual wildlife walks. These tours provide viewers with a unique opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats.

Explore Old Faithful Geyser on a Virtual Tour

On a virtual tour, visitors can get an up-close look at this natural wonder and learn about its history and geology. Old Faithful is the most famous of the park's geysers, erupting every 91 minutes on average. It's a remarkable sight that can be experienced from a safe distance through a virtual tour. One of the best virtual tours of Old Faithful Geyser is provided by The Yellowstone Project. This 360-degree tour allows visitors to explore the area around the geyser and get an up-close look at its powerful eruptions.

The tour also includes information about the geyser's history and geology, making it an educational experience as well. Another great virtual tour of Old Faithful Geyser is provided by National Geographic. This interactive tour includes stunning footage of the geyser erupting, as well as information about its formation and geology. It also provides a detailed look at the surrounding area, highlighting the unique geological features of Yellowstone National Park. For those who want to get a more immersive experience, there are also virtual reality tours of Old Faithful Geyser. These tours use special VR headsets to provide a realistic and immersive experience.

Unlock the History and Culture of Yellowstone

They can also get an understanding of how the park has changed over time and what steps are being taken to preserve it for future generations. Additionally, virtual tours can provide insight into the different tribes and cultures that have called Yellowstone home throughout its history. In addition to exploring the park's long history, virtual tours can also give visitors a greater appreciation for the flora and fauna found in Yellowstone. With stunning views of the park's grand landscapes and abundant wildlife, virtual tours provide an immersive experience that is difficult to replicate in person.

Virtual tours can also offer unique perspectives on the park, from high-flying aerial views to underwater shots of its many lakes and rivers. Virtual tours of Yellowstone National Park offer an easy and convenient way to explore the park from anywhere in the world. From discovering the unique geysers and hot springs, to uncovering the history and culture of the park, virtual tours provide a comprehensive and immersive experience. With interactive activities and detailed information about its attractions, virtual tours allow visitors to get a real sense of all that Yellowstone National Park has to offer.

Derrick Iglehart

Friendly twitter expert. General tv trailblazer. Evil beer nerd. Certified travel lover. Lifelong internetaholic. Award-winning music trailblazer.

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Virtual tours of national parks are providing a valuable service.

• University of Georgia

Google Arts & Culture)

• Conservation

"The mountains are calling and I must go," conservationist John Muir famously wrote in 1873. Many people can relate to feeling beckoned by nature, although for various reasons we can't always heed the call as quickly as we'd like. Fortunately, it's increasingly possible to tide ourselves over by calling the mountains to us.

Over the past year, it has been a bad time to congregate in crowds. It may be OK to get outside by walking around your neighborhood or visiting a nearby park, but only if lots of other people aren't doing the same thing at the same time. That has been the problem lately at some U.S. national parks, which have reportedly become even more crowded , despite widespread calls to stay home as much as possible.

Some national parks were closed in response, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Great Smoky Mountains; some have now reopened with limited services. This probably isn't the best time for most people to visit national parks anyway, especially popular ones.

At the same time, however, national parks offer valuable health benefits that could be particularly useful right now. Spending time in forests and other natural settings, for example, can improve mental and physical health in several ways, including reduced anxiety and depression, while the dramatic scenery in many parks can also help us experience awe, which may also boost our overall well-being.

And while virtual tours are obviously no substitute for actually being there, they do offer a compromise that lets us explore national parks from afar. That can help with planning future visits, but it's also turning out to be a nice resource to have when you're hunkering down at home.

Hidden Worlds

Virtual tours of national parks have been around for a while, but they've become deeper and more immersive over time. In one option, " The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks " by Google Arts & Culture, viewers are swept away to five different national parks, where they can explore the unique landscapes in multiple ways. The result is an "incredible lifelike journey," as Krista Karlson writes for the Sierra Club , and "an important reminder that the world is still beautiful and wonderful and weird, even in uncertain times."

Google Earth also has simpler virtual tours for 31 U.S. national parks , and while those are worth seeing, too, they aren't as immersive as the new Hidden Worlds project, which takes a deeper dive into five parks: Alaska's Kenai Fjords, Hawaii Volcanoes, New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns, Utah's Bryce Canyon and Florida's Dry Tortugas.

At each park, the Hidden Worlds tour opens with a video that introduces us to the park and to a ranger who will serve as our guide. That's followed by a series of interactive 360-degree videos, in which we can look around the landscape while our ranger provides context about what we're seeing. Again, this may not compare with physically being there, but these videos still create a compelling and surprisingly realistic experience, especially if you've spent the last couple weeks cooped up indoors with few glimpses of natural splendor.

You can drop underground in a Hawaiian lava tube, climb down a glacier crevasse in Kenai Fjords or swim through a coral reef in Dry Tortugas, learning details about these otherworldly places as you gaze around. Additional videos let you explore even further, and thanks to the ongoing commentary from your guide (which can be paused if you want), that makes these tours educational as well as meditative. This is an "information-heavy" experience, as Karlson puts it, and could be useful infotainment for kids while schools are closed. Yet it's also a potentially valuable resource for almost anyone, both teaching us about these priceless places and helping lift our spirits while we're stuck at home.

Other Options

As mentioned above, Google Earth already lets us explore 31 U.S. national parks with virtual tours, which are less flashy and more self-guided than the Hidden Worlds tours, but still teeming with interesting details and captivating views. They include many of the country's most iconic parks, zooming in from a satellite view to let users explore famous attractions like the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail, Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yosemite's El Capitan and Half Dome.

There are also a few other ways to virtually visit certain national parks. The relatively new Virtual Yosemite , for one, launched in 2019 with high-resolution, 360-degree panoramic views from more than 200 locations throughout the park.

You can also take online tours from the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) itself, typically on the official websites of certain parks. These tend to be much simpler than many virtual tours, often featuring a collection of photos, videos, maps and educational materials rather than slick interactive experiences, but some also cover lesser-known aspects of the parks, with unique images and information. On the Yellowstone National Park website, for example, you can find virtual tours of attractions like Fort Yellowstone, Fountain Paint Pot, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs, among others, as well as a scrolling "story map" about the park's Upper Geyser Basin.

The NPS offers webcams for many parks, too, letting people all over the world check in for views of current conditions at specific sites and vistas.

None of this may quench our thirst for freedom and wilderness, but as long as we're stuck at home, it's at least nice to briefly lose ourselves in these virtual replicas. They can help calm and entertain us during anxious times, but they also serve as valuable reminders that natural wonders are still out there waiting for us — and eventually, one day, we'll be able to answer their call.

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Yellowstone National Park

Welcome to Yellowstone Net

The online visitor information, and vacation planner for Yellowstone National Park. Visit Geysers, Webcams, Wildlife, Forums and much more.

Yellowstone is America’s first and foremost National Park.  Established in 1872 by the United States Congress for the preservation of its many wonders and for the enjoyment of the people. Yellowstone National Park – is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, and includes small areas of Montana and Idaho as well.  Yellowstone is a treasure that inspires awe in travelers from around the world, boasting more geysers than anywhere else on the globe. Yellowstone in its  early days  was known simply as “Wonderland.” It is the destination of a lifetime for all ages. Yellowstone National Park and the larger Yellowstone region feature numerous  hotel and other lodging facilities . Lodging inside Yellowstone is highly desirable but limited. In addition to its superb Rocky Mountain scenery, the park is one of the world’s principal wildlife preserves. It’s also the site of America’s greatest concentration of geysers and hot springs, which form a visible and spectacular link with the primeval forces of the Earth’s creation. Yellowstone is also the oldest national park in the country. In fact, the original idea of setting aside natural resources like Yellowstone began here when some of the territory’s first explorers began a unique campaign to preserve the beauty of these lands for generations to follow. Here more than two million acres of a high mountain-ringed plateau have been set aside for permanent protection as a natural preserve. It’s been called America’s finest and most diverse vacationland.

Roads open as of April 19

• West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction)
• Norris Junction to Canyon Village
• North Entrance to Northeast Entrance

Park roads will begin to open to regular traffic on April 19th 2024. Below are the opening dates.

Open April 19 – October 31, 2024:  West Entrance to Madison, Madison to Old Faithful, Madison to Norris, Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris, Norris to Canyon Village Open May 3 – October 31, 2024:  East Entrance to Lake Village (Sylvan Pass), Canyon Village to Lake Village Open May 10 – October 31, 2024 : South Entrance to West Thumb, West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass), West Thumb to Lake Village, Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall Open May 24 – October 31, 2024 : Canyon Village to Tower Fall (Dunraven Pass). This is a high elevation pass that generally experiences winter weather earlier than other roads in the park — as with all other roads, the closing date is subject to change.

Click Here for current road status

Quick Links to our most viewed pages

Park newspaper – old faithful geyser – top ten attractions – official yellowstone national park map – old faithful webcam.

Take a virtual tour of Yellowstone National Park

Using Google street view with multiple starting points on all road sections of the Park.

• West Entrance to Madison Jct.
• Madison Jct to Old Faithful
• Old Faithful – West Thumb
• West Thumb to South Entrance
• West Thumb to Fishing Bridge
• Fishing Bridge to Canyon
• Canyon to Tower Jct
• Tower Jct to Cooke City
• Tower Jct to Mammoth Hot Springs
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Gardiner
• Mammoth Hot Spring to Norris Jct
• Norris Jct to Madison Jct
• Barefoot Blonde in Blue Chevron Dress

Yellowstone National Park Fast Facts

• World’s First National Park
• A designated World Heritage Site and designated Biosphere Reserve
• 3,472 square miles or 8,987 square km
• 2,221,766 acres or 898,317 hectares
• 63 air miles north to south (102 km)
• 54 air miles east to west 87 km)
• 96 % in Wyoming
• 3 % in Montana
• 1 % in Idaho
• Highest Point: 11,358 ft / 3,462 m (Eagle Peak)
• Lowest Point: 5,282 ft / 1,610 m (Reese Creek)
• Larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined
• Approximately 5% of park is covered by water; 15% is grassland; and 80% is forest
• Precipitation ranges from 10 inches (26 cm) at the north boundary to 80 inches (205 cm) in the southwest corner
• Temperatures (average) at Mammoth: January: 9° F/-13 C in July: 80° F/27 C
• Records: High: 99°F/37 C, 2002 (Mammoth) Low Temp: -66° F/-54 C (West Entrance, Riverside Station 1933)
• An active volcano
• Approximately 1,000-3,000 earthquakes annually
• Approximately 10,000 thermal features
• More than 300 geysers
• One of the world’s largest calderas, measuring 45 by 30 miles (72 by 48 km)
• Thousands of petrified trees in northern Yellowstone
• Approximately 290 waterfalls, 15 ft. or higher, flowing year-round
• Tallest waterfall: Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River at 308 ft. (94 m)

67 species of mammals, including:

• 7 species of native ungulates
• 2 species of bears
• 322 recorded species of birds (148 nesting species)
• 16 species of fish (5 non-native)
• 6 species of reptiles
• 4 species of amphibians
• 2 threatened species: Canada lynx, grizzly bear
• 1 endangered species: gray wolf

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Last updated: April 10, 2020

A Fascinating Journey through Yellowstone National Park

Y ellowstone National Park, located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, is a captivating destination that offers a wide range of adventures for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. With its diverse landscapes, geothermal wonders, and abundant wildlife, a visit to Yellowstone is an unforgettable experience.

One of the most popular activities in Yellowstone National Park is wildlife watching. The park is home to a variety of animals, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, bison, and moose. Visitors can spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, either by taking a guided tour or exploring on their own. It is essential to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a safe distance is crucial for both their well-being and your own safety.

Exploring the geothermal features is another must-do adventure in Yellowstone. The park boasts more than 10,000 geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. Witnessing an eruption of boiling water shooting up into the air is a sight like no other. The park also features colorful hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles, each with its unique characteristics.

For those seeking a unique experience, backcountry camping and hiking are highly recommended. Yellowstone offers over 900 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging multi-day treks. Backpacking through the wilderness allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the park and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

Hiking trails in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, with an extensive network of trails that cater to all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, you will find trails that suit your preferences and abilities.

One of the most iconic hikes in Yellowstone is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone trail. This trail offers breathtaking views of the Yellowstone River as it cascades through the vibrant-colored canyon. The trail covers approximately 6 miles and is known for its stunning waterfalls and dramatic cliffs.

If you are looking for a more challenging hike, the Mount Washburn trail is an excellent option. This trail takes you to the summit of Mount Washburn, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The trail is approximately 6 miles round trip and is known for its wildflower meadows and opportunities to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

For those seeking a shorter and easier hike, the Fairy Falls trail is a great choice. This 5-mile round trip trail takes you to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. It is the perfect spot for a picnic or a peaceful moment amidst nature.

When hiking in Yellowstone, it is essential to come prepared with proper gear, including sturdy hiking boots, a map, plenty of water, and bear spray. Additionally, always check the weather conditions and trail closures before embarking on your hike.

Best attractions in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its incredible natural wonders and attractions. Here are some of the must-visit places within the park:

1. Old Faithful: The most famous geyser in Yellowstone, Old Faithful, attracts visitors from around the world. It erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting a column of hot water high into the air. Witnessing this natural phenomenon is an absolute highlight of any visit to the park.

2. Grand Prismatic Spring: Known for its vibrant colors, the Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most photographed features in the park. The vivid hues, ranging from deep blues to bright oranges, create a mesmerizing spectacle that is a must-see for any visitor.

3. Mammoth Hot Springs: These terraces of travertine are formed by the precipitation of hot springs water saturated with calcium carbonate. The result is a stunning display of intricate and ever-changing mineral formations. Visitors can explore the boardwalks that wind their way through the terraces, offering unique perspectives of this geological wonder.

4. Lamar Valley: Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It is often referred to as the best place in Yellowstone to spot wolves, as well as other animals such as bison, elk, and pronghorn. The vast open landscapes and diverse wildlife make for an unforgettable experience.

5. Norris Geyser Basin: This geothermal area is one of the most active in Yellowstone, with a large number of geysers, hot springs, and steam vents. The boardwalks allow visitors to explore the otherworldly landscapes and witness the power and beauty of Yellowstone's geothermal features up close.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Yellowstone National Park has to offer. Exploring the park at your own pace and immersing yourself in its natural wonders is the key to an unforgettable journey.

In conclusion, a journey through Yellowstone National Park is a truly fascinating experience. From the diverse adventures and hiking trails to the breathtaking attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking awe-inspiring landscapes, Yellowstone will leave you in awe. Plan your visit, venture into the wilderness, and embark on a journey you will cherish forever.

The post A Fascinating Journey through Yellowstone National Park appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

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Virtual Creation Tour – Yellowstone National Park!

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Join veteran guides, Dave & Mary Jo Nutting of Alpha Omega Institute for this Virtual Creation Tour of Yellowstone National Park. Discover design features of Yellowstone’s amazing wildlife. Explore the geology that makes Yellowstone one of the foremost wonders of the world. Fun and informative for your whole family.

To REGISTER for this FREE Virtual Tour , Click Here.

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(P.S. Want to experience the sights, sounds, and feel of Yellowstone in person? Join us! Discover Yellowstone Creation Tours : Aug 25-29, 2023, or Sep 1-5, 2023 . Call today: 970-523-9943. And see other tours here: www.DiscoverCreation.org/camps-tours)

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