Jake Hawkins
Yellowstone was the world’s first ever national park, with its founding on March 1st, 1872. The park covers roughly 3,500 square miles on top of a volcanic hotspot. Home to an abundance of wildlife, dramatic canyons, alpine forests, rivers, and the world famous geysers, it is no wonder Yellowstone is a must-see destination for people all across the globe.
Old Faithful
One of Yellowstone’s most famous features is Old Faithful. Nestled in the Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful has been attracting visitors for generations. With predictable eruptions occurring approximately every hour and a half, boiling water shoots about 180 feet into the air, astonishing the crowd with its geothermal power. The height of Old Faithful isn’t the main reason the geyser is so popular, but the consistency. The name really speaks for itself. Other geysers erupt sporadically but Old Faithful’s reliability has made it a symbol of the park. Visitors gather around the boardwalks in anticipation of the erupting geyser, ready to get it all on film. It’s a gentle reminder that Yellowstone sits on top of one of the largest active volcano systems in the world, with Old Faithful as its most famous ambassador.
The In-Between
Yellowstone has many pull-off sites to see geysers and other hot springs, but the countryside in between the paved parking lots is astonishing. Valleys, mountains, and rivers make it seem like you are living within a painting. The park’s terrain is shaped by its volcanic history, resulting in dramatic features such as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, with its golden hued cliffs and roaring waterfalls. When going through the park in my 1994 Chevy G20 van, my buddies and I drove through rolling meadows with beautiful wildflowers and babbling brooks. Lodgepole pines and douglas fir trees lined the hills and mountains on either side of us. Truly gorgeous. I wished I had spent more time exploring while we were rolling through, because there really is nowhere else like it.
Yellowstone’s Primary Residents
Yellowstone is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the continent. The wildlife is as much of a draw to visitors as the landscapes, offering a chance to see these animals in their natural habitat. The American bison has got to be Yellowstone’s most iconic animal. Herds roam freely across valleys and plains, often causing “bison jams” as they cross roads. We got to see a lone bison, slowly making its way through a field. Later, we asked a park ranger why that one may have been alone and she told us that when the males get too old they separate from the herd, particularly during mating season. Just living the last of his lonesome days roaming fields and drinking from alpine streams. Elk are very abundant throughout the park, we even almost hit a couple. We had gotten up earlier than the sun on the morning of exploring the park, and got to hear the elk bugle while the fog started to dissipate. Even growing up around elk in Washington, it was a moment I won’t soon forget. The gray wolf was reintroduced to the park 30 years ago, in 1995 and has transformed Yellowstone’s ecosystem. Their presence has helped balance the population of elk and deer, leading to healthier forests and rivers. While we did not get to experience seeing one of these beasts, they are most often seen in Lamar Valley. Yellowstone is one of the few places where grizzlies still roam in the lower 48. Alongside black bears, they are a reminder of the park’s wildness. Bear sightings are always very exciting but highlight the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance. I could go on forever about the hundreds of species that call Yellowstone home, but some other mentionables include pronghorn antelope, moose, bald eagles, and trumpeter swans. Yellowstone’s biodiversity is staggering, each species playing an important role in making the park so unique.
Geothermal Wonders Beyond Old Faithful
While Old Faithful is the most well known, Yellowstone holds over 10,000 geothermal features, more than anywhere else on Earth. The rainbow colored Grand Prismatic Springs are one of the main ones that come to mind. I really wanted to see this spot when we went through but did not actually know the name of it at the time and we missed out. However, the Mammoth Hot Springs, which resemble frozen waterfalls, were very cool to see at the beginning of our Yellowstone journey. Random mudpots and fumaroles scatter the park, many with boardwalks surrounded by green grass scattered with red and purple wildflowers. These geothermal features are a reminder of the living landscape beneath the surface of Yellowstone.
Human History and Cultural Significance
Yellowstone is not only a natural wonder, but a place rich in human history. Native American tribes including the Crow and Shoshone, lived in and traveled through the region for thousands of years, considering the geothermal features sacred. Later, explorers and settlers marvel at its beauty, leading to its designation as the first national park in 1872. The park’s lodges, such as the historic Old Faithful Inn, add cultural charm. Built in 1904, is a masterpiece of rustic architecture, welcoming visitors with its towering log structure and stone fireplace.
Conservation Challenges
Despite its protected status, Yellowstone faces challenges. Climate change altering migration patterns and water availability. Human impact from overcrowding to pollution also poses its threats. Conservation efforts focus on balancing visitor access with protecting the park’s fragile environment. Organizations like Yellowstone Forever work tirelessly to preserve the park’s natural and cultural treasures for generations to come.
Conclusion
Yellowstone National Park is more than geysers and wildlife. It is a living tapestry of Earth’s power and beauty. From Old Faithful’s reliable eruptions, to the serene countryside, to the diversity of wildlife.
