Yellowstone in northwestern Wyoming is the first national park in the world, founded in 1872, and to this day one of the most famous. The park sits on a mighty volcano, and you see and feel it everywhere: steaming geysers, bubbling mud pots and hot springs in vivid colors. Add to that a wildlife like almost nowhere else, with bison herds, elk and bears, and vast landscapes. You should definitely take a day or two.
The colorful hot springs
For many the most impressive part are the hot springs, above all the huge Grand Prismatic Spring, which shimmers in orange, yellow and turquoise. Add to that the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs and countless steaming basins. Stay on the boardwalks, the ground all around is thin and scalding hot.
Old Faithful and the geysers
Well known is the geyser Old Faithful, which erupts fairly reliably every one to one and a half hours. A classic, though also with a wait for that one moment. All around there are many more, often quieter geysers and springs.
Wildlife and landscape
In the wide valleys like Hayden and Lamar, bison herds roam, and with luck you spot elk, wolves or bears. Add to that the deep, glowing yellow Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its waterfalls and the vast Yellowstone Lake.
High up and cold
Important: Yellowstone lies high, often above 6,560 ft (2,000 m). Even in summer the nights turn chilly, sometimes icy cold. Anyone camping absolutely needs a warm sleeping bag. And this is bear country: anything that could attract bears belongs safely stored away at night.
