Home of the world's largest concentration of geysers, with more than 500 geysers, representing approximately half of the world's geysers.
Yellowstone National Park it’s the first National Park in the world, spans nearly 2.2 million acres over three states (Wyoming, Montana and Idaho), with more than 10,000 thermal features, including the world's largest concentration of geysers, hot springs and mudpots. The park is home to more than 500 geysers, approximately half of the world's geysers. Also features more than 900 miles of hiking trails, with many of them easily accessible and appropriate for small children and older adults.
So many awe-inspiring sights all around the park, easily explains how Yellowstone National Park had 4,860,537 visitors in 2021, with a record of more than 1 million visits just in the month of July 2021. And although I visited during this month, due to massive size of the park, it did not feel particularly crowded, except for few occasions like mealtimes when large crowds will converge at the limited number of restaurants available.
Here a list of my favorite places at Yellowstone National Park:
Grand Prismatic Spring. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin. This is the largest hot spring the United States and the third largest in the world. This is the most photographed thermal feature at Yellowstone, and understandably so, it is beautiful. Always busy, so try to visit early in the morning or late afternoon, if you can. Loved it so much that went twice during our trip.
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. Short hike, approximately 1.5 miles with about 200 ft elevation gain. There is a large parking lot at the base. Easy trail and great for kids. The view from the top is totally worth it. Also did it twice, first time was late afternoon and second time was early morning. Both visits were breathtakin, although colors seem brighter during the early morning. If you visit Yellowstone Park, don’t miss this!
Old Faithful Geyser. Easily accessible with a large parking lot and bench seating availabl. There is a visitor center, which is great, especially if you have extra time before the next eruption. You will find there predicted time of the next eruption, which they are able to predict with 90% accuracy and 10 minutes variation, with eruptions happening at intervals from 60-110 minutes. Eruptions last between 1.5 and 5 minutes. I was able to watch it erupt multiple times during my visit and was exciting each time.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Approximately 24 miles long and more than 1,000 feet deep, includes two of the largest waterfalls at Yellowstone National Park. Lower Falls (308 feet) and Upper Falls (109 feet). Artist Point provides amazing view of the canyon and it is only 0.2 miles from the parking lot.
Mammoth Hot Springs. Located in the north side of the park. Beautiful travertine hill with large complex of hot springs. Take a walk on boardwalks above the hydrothermal features.
Abbys Pool and Black pool. Both located in the West Thumb. Abbys Pool is one of the deepest hot springs at Yellowstone Park, approximately 53 feet deep. Black pool has a beautiful color and one of my favorites. It is not black anymore, although up to 1991 it was cool enough to allow dark orange-brown cyanobacteria to grow, causing it to look dark green to almost black.
If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone, I will suggest you consider adding these to your itinerary, I think those should not be missed. In the gallery below you will find some of my photos at those locations as well as some wildlife we encountered during our visit. Please note that some of the roads may be closed during winter and also some hiking trails may be closed, best to check at the National Park Service website before your visit for the most updated information.
Feel free to send any questions, share your thoughts and your favorite spots!
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