Yellowstone is America's First National Park. It has numerous American Icons that brings in millions of tourists each year! For those who have had the pleasure to visit this magnificent park easily understand the importance of this crown jewel and frequently talk about their fond memories and dreams of going back again someday. I hope you enjoy these fun facts about Yellowstone and perhaps inspires you to visit this treasure!
Yellowstone National Park Facts
History
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest official National Park
Yellowstone National Park became a National Park on March 1, 1872
Yellowstone in the second oldest national park in the world
President Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone as the United States first National Park
Yellowstone National Park is also a designated World Heritage Site and designated Biosphere Reserve.
More than half of the parks 4 million visitors visit during June, July, and August.
Since 2008, annual visitation in Yellowstone has increased by more than 40 percent
4.1 million visitors came to the park in 2018 making it one of the most visited National Park Sites.
Geography and size
96% of Yellowstone is located in Wyoming, 3% in Montana and 1% in Idaho
The highest point in Yellowstone is Eagle Peak at 11,358 feet.
The lowest point in Yellowstone is Reese Creek at 5,282 feet
Yellowstone National Park is 3,472 square miles and measures 63 miles north to south and 54 miles east to west.
Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
There are 5 park entrances and 466 miles of roads.
Yellowstone is 5% covered by water; 15% by grassland; and 80% by forests.
There are more than 15 miles of boardwalk in the park
Approximately 1,000 miles of hiking trails can be found in Yellowstone with 92 trailheads and 301 backcountry campsites
Geothermal features, volcano, waterfalls and more
The water that erupts from Old Faithful is 204 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most Old Faithful eruptions last 1.5 to 5 minutes and shoot 130 feet into the air.
Old Faithful erupts every 92 minutes on average.
Maximum depth of Yellowstone Lake is 430 feet, on average the lake is 140 feet deep and has 141 miles of shoreline
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River has a depth of 900 feet
Yellowstone has 1000 to 3000 earthquakes annually.
Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the continental U.S. at 692 miles long.
The only active supervolcano in the world that is located on land is in Yellowstone.
1,000 to 3,000 earthquakes occur annually in Yellowstone
More than 500 active geysers can be found in Yellowstone (more than half the world's geysers)
There are at least 290 waterfalls found in the park.
More than 10,000 hydrothermal features can be found in the park.
Old Faithful Geyser was the first-named geyser in Yellowstone.
The Yellowstone Caldera is roughly 45 miles across at its widest point.
The Yellowstone Volcano is considered to be a supervolcano.
Wildlife and Flora
2 species of bears live in Yellowstone - Black bears and grizzly bears
Yellowstone has the largest, free-roaming herd of bison in the world.
Canadian lynx can be found in the park, which is considered to be threatened species.
67 species of mammals are found in Yellowstone
285 species of birds
16 species of fish
5 species of amphibians
6 species of reptiles
There are 1,000+ species of native flowering species
186 species of lichens can be found in the park
Check out our Yellowstone Wildlife Guide
Weather
Yellowstone's Record High was 99ºF in 2002 (Mammoth Hot Springs)
Yellowstone's Record Low was -66ºF in 1933 (West Entrance, Riverside Station).
The average daily temperature at Mammoth Hot Springs: January: 9ºF and in July: 80ºF
Cultural Resources
There are more than 1,800 known archeological sites in the park.
Nez Perce National Historical Trail travels through the park.
26 Native American Tribes are associated with the park.
25 sites, landmarks, and districts on the National Register of Historic Places currently, many more could be listed
National Park Service
There are 11 visitor centers, museums, and contact stations within the park.
Over 2,000 rooms are available in Yellowstone National Park Lodging within the park.
2,150+ campsites within seven Yellowstone Campgrounds
There are more than 1,500 buildings within the park
There is 1 marina within the park
There are 52 picnic areas in Yellowstone
The park service budget for 2017 was 67.6 million
Fun Yellowstone National Park Tours and Activities
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours to 1 day | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
See the highlights of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park without worrying about going with a tour group. This audio tour lets you navigate the way to see what you are intrested in the most, or you can use a planned out itinerary. Plus, this audio tour works even if your smartphone doesen't have service or WIFI.
Yellowstone Day Adventure (Yellowstone Forever Tour)
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
The Yellowstone Day Adventure tour is perfect for those looking to get out for a day in the park. Yellowstone Day Adventures are designed for those who want to focus on viewing and learning about wildlife along Yellowstone's famous northern range and Lamar Valley. Explore Yellowstone's diverse array of wildlife, including bears, elk, bison, wolves, bighorn sheep, moose, and pronghorn. Our high-powered optics will allow you to experience these animals as we observe them in their natural habitats.
Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
the lush riverside plains of the Lamar Valley are a wildlife watching hotspot within Yellowstone National Park. With this guided hike, you get to explore the natural landscapes as you venture off-road and seek out little-known spots, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife. Look out for buffalo, wolves, eagles, and other animals along the way and watch them from a safe distance in their natural habitat. Tour includes lunch, bear spray, binoculars, trekking pole, backpack(if necessary), coffee and/or tea.
Yellowstone River 8-Mile Paradise Raft Trip
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🛶Check Rates and Availability
Experience Yellowstone from the water with a family-friendly half-day rafting trip, suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike. You will make your way along an 8-mile (13km) stretch of river, passing through a mix of rapids and flat areas. You will also have a chance to stop for a swim along the way.
Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.
Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $30.00 Entry for one driver and one passenger (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons) ($25.00 plus $20.00 per person)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
National Park Lodges available in Yellowstone National Park
There are nine National Park Lodges with over 2,000 rooms available in Yellowstone National Park. We suggest staying at a couple different lodges in different areas to provide easy access to different portions of the park.
Two lodges are open year-round including:
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel -> Click Here
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel has hotel rooms and cabin accommodations. (Cabins are seasonal) and steps away from Mammoth Hot Springs and a great option for exploring Lamar Valley and wildlife viewing.
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Old Faithful Snow Lodge -> Click Here
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge is a newer lodge in Yellowstone with several upgraded ammenities and just steps from Old Faithful, Geyser Hill, and the lower Geyser Basin!
Lodges that are open from late spring through fall include:
Canyon Lodge and Cabins:
🏨Ready to Book the Canyon Lodge and Cabins -> Click Here
This is a modern lodge that is located in Canyon Village with several dining options, a visitor center, gift shop, and close to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Falls, Hayden Valley, and Norris Geyser Basin. Canyon Lodge has 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations.
Grant Village Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Grant Village Lodge -> Click Here
You will love the EPIC views of Lake Yellowstone from the Lodge's two restaurants (make sure to get advance reservations for dinner) as the sunset is pretty epic and registered guests to the Grant Village Lodge can make reservations before anyone else! THe lodge is also in close proximity to Lake Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Lower Geyser Basin and Old Faithful, and Hayden Valley! Grant Village Lodge features 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Lake Yellowstone Hotel -> Click Here
I like to describe the Lake Yellowstone Hotel as understated luxury with amazing views of the lake. It is also close to Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Falls. lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
Lake Lodge Cabins:
🏨Ready to Book the Lake Lodge Cabins -> Click Here
I love staying in these cabins because everytime I have stayed here, it seems like there is wildlife everywhere, especially elk and bison! Thre is186 very cozy cabins located near Lake Yellowstone lodge.
Old Faithful Inn
🏨Ready to Book The Old Faithful Inn -> Click Here
The Old Faithful Inn is arguably the pinnacle of all National Park Lodges! It is a right-of-passage to stay here, especially for fans of the parks, especially fans of the lodges and the National Park Rustic "Parkitecture" design. If you can't get a room here, make sure to at least stop in and check out the lobby and perhaps have lunch in the dining room.
Old Faithful Lodge
🏨Ready to Book The Old Faithful Lodge -> Click Here
These Cabin accommodations are located about as close as you can get to Old Faithful itself! You can also walk right out and take the Geyser Hill Trail, a must for any first time visitor to Yellowstone.
Roosevelt Lodge and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book The Roosevelt Lodge -> Click Here
These Cabin accommodations is the closest lodging in the park you can get to Lamar Valley! Caution, these rooms are hard to get as they are very popular. They also have an Old West Dinner Cookout, offer horseback rides, and Stagecoach Adventures.
Lodging near Yellowstone NP
Lodging options in West Yellowstone, Montana
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites islocated close to the park's West Entrance, and provides a firepit, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. They also offer a hot tub, free WIFI and a business center.
Stage Coach Inn has a free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. They also have a sauna, free WIFI, a gym, and a 24-hour business center.
Yellowstone Westgate Hotel offers a free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. They also have a hot tub, free WIFI, and a business center.
Brandin' Iron Inn is located close to the park's West Entrance, provides free full breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby and free WIFI.
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - free continental breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and a firepit. They also have a hot tub. free WIFI, laundry facilities and a business center.
Lodging options in Gardiner, Montana
Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel this campground has coffee/tea and a microwave in a common area. Free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, concierge services, a garden, and barbecue grills are onsite. All 17 accommodations boast heated floor (bathroom) and offer Wi-Fi and 8 bathrooms. Other amenities available to guests include memory foam beds, premium bedding, and rainfall showerheads. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.
Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner provides dry cleaning/laundry services and more. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Click on the maps below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Yellowstone NP.
Additional Yellowstone National Park Resources
Things to do in Yellowstone - All of the top things you don't want to miss during a trip to Yellowstone.
Yellowstone Lodging -Check out all of the lodges you can stay in while visiting Yellowstone NP.
Yellowstone Camping Guide - Check out all of the campgrounds available within the park.
Yellowstone Waterfalls - There are quite a few amazing waterfalls in the park.
Montana National Parks - Check out all of the parks you can visit during your vacation.
Wyoming National Parks - Check out all of the Wyoming parks you can visit.
Free National Park Days - Check out all of the days the National Park Service waives park entrance fees.
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