Yellowstone National Park Facts

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!

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

Best Yellowstone National Park Tours & Activities

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 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.

Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (208+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🥾🦬 Check Rates and Availability

Take a guided small-group hike into the Lamar Valley is the wildlife-watching experience that serious Yellowstone visitors come back for year after year. Often called America's Serengeti, Lamar Valley is the best place in the park to spot bison herds, pronghorn, coyotes, badgers, wolves, and grizzly bears, and having an expert guide from Yellowstone Hiking Guides on your side dramatically increases what you see and understand. Guides consistentaly earn extraordinary reviews for their knowledge of animal behavior, their ability to navigate around bison safely, and their genuine passion for the park. A packed lunch including sandwich, fruit, nuts, and snacks is provided, along with bear spray, binoculars, and trekking poles.

Yellowstone Lake Morning Kayak Tour with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (206+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🛶🌋 Check Rates and Availability

This morning kayak tour is one of the most unique ways to experience Yellowstone, Guests will paddle on Yellowstone Lake for approximately 6 miles along the shore of the West Thumb. Geysers and hot springs visible only from the water are a highlight, along with frequent wildlife sightings including elk, waterfowl, bears, and bald eagles along the shoreline. A full brown bag lunch with sandwich, fruit, chips, and snacks is included, along with hot coffee or tea, a kayak, paddle, life vest, paddle jacket, and dry bag. Suitable for first-time kayakers and experienced paddlers alike.

Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.

Lodging Options in Yellowstone National Park

⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Old Faithful Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The most iconic hotel in the American national park system, a National Historic Landmark and the largest log structure in the world, sitting just steps from Old Faithful geyser!

Built in 1903 from local rhyolite stone and lodge pole pine, the soaring 7-story lobby with its massive stone fireplace and hand-crafted copper and wrought iron clock is one of the most breathtaking interior spaces in any hotel anywhere. Choose from historic Old House rooms, some with shared bathrooms straight out of the early 1900s, to modern Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites, and Geyser Basin View Suites. Live music fills the lobby each evening, and the elegant Old Faithful Inn Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dinner reservations required. Also on site are the Bear Pit Lounge, Bear Paw Deli and Coffee Bar, & gift shop. No TVs, WiFi, or air conditioning keeps the historic magic intact. Open early May through mid-October, book up to 13 months in advance as this is the most requested lodging in Yellowstone!

⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The oldest operating hotel in Yellowstone National Park and a National Historic Landmark, a stunning 1891 colonial masterpiece sitting directly on the shores of Yellowstone Lake with sweeping water views!

The iconic Sunroom with its floor-to-ceiling windows and live string quartet is the most celebrated gathering place in the park, perfect for afternoon cocktails while watching bison wander the lakeshore. Choose from elegant hotel rooms and suites in the main historic building, Sandpiper Lodge rooms, or rustic lakeside cabins with private baths. The full-service Lake Hotel Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with reservations required, while a deli and gift shop round out the amenities. Free parking and porter service included. No WiFi, TVs, or air conditioning, keeping the 1920s ambiance gloriously intact. Open mid-May through early October, book well in advance!

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.

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.

Lodging Options Near Yellowstone

⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - 1892 Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.

West Yellowstone's most refined boutique hotel, a gorgeous adults-only mountain lodge just 1 mile from the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, named after the year America's first national park was established!

The 18 rooms feature gas fireplaces, premium bedding, bathrobes and slippers, dual towel warmers, flat-screen satellite TVs, mini-fridges, and walk-in showers, all wrapped in rustic-chic Montana style with cowhide chairs and western throws. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, and the cozy lobby lounge with a stone fireplace is perfect for unwinding after a long day in the park. Sauna, fitness center, business center, free WiFi, and free parking included. Open year-round!

⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.

One of the most unique places to sleep near any national park in America, a luxury glamping resort featuring 20 individually decorated tipis tucked in the Montana mountains just minutes from Yellowstone's North Entrance!

Each tipi features memory foam beds with down comforters, premium bedding, rainfall showerheads in the private-use bathrooms, eco-friendly toiletries, free WiFi, and a furnished private patio with mountain views. Every evening guests gather around a communal campfire for s'mores, wine, and beer under some of the darkest skies in Montana, and a free continental breakfast with grab-and-go hiking options is served each morning. Additional amenities include BBQ grills, a garden, gift shop, EV charging, concierge services, and free parking. Steps from Gallatin National Forest, the Yellowstone River, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and fly fishing. Pet friendly and open seasonally!

Click this link or the map below for a complete list of hotels and vacation rentals in the West Yellowstone, Montana Area.

https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07ec196333b001540b97a

Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee

New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yellowstone National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

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.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

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 free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

Additional Yellowstone National Park Information

Ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide - This complete guide to camping in Yellowstone includes all front country campgrounds

Yellowstone National Park Guide - Your complete guide to exploring the world's first National Park!

Things to do in Yellowstone - These are the top things to do that you don't want to miss, including exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs, the Museum of the National Park Ranger, Yellowstone Waterfalls, Kayaking in Yellowstone, fishing in Yellowstone, Fairy Falls Trail, and more!

Yellowstone National Park Facts - Learn more about our 1st National Park and fun facts about the wildlife in the park.

Yellowstone Wildlife Guide- Complete Guide to seeing wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, including the most popular wildlife viewing areas, including Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.

Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Lodging Guide - This complete guide to all of Yellowstone National Park's Lodges and cabins

Yellowstone Geyser Basin Areas

Upper Geyser Basin, including Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, and Old Faithful Geyser.
Midway Geyser Basin, including Grand Prismatic Spring and Firehole Lake Drive.
Lower Geyser Basin, including Fountain Paint Pot Trail and Firehole Canyon Drive
Norris Geyser Basin-This basin is known for having some of the hottest water and springs in the park. It is actually two basins: Porcelain Basin and Black Basin, with famous geysers, including Ledge Geyser, Cistern Geyser, and Steamboat Geyser.
West Thumb Geyser Basin - Beautiful boardwalk trail with hydrothermal features right next to Lake Yellowstone!
Mud Volcano - The Mud Volcano area is Located south of Canyon Village and North of Lake Yellowstone. It has several hydrothermal features, including a mud volcano and Dragon's Mouth Spring.

Additional Montana National Parks

Complete Guide to Grand Teton National Park - Your complete guide to go explore Grand Teton National Park before or after you visit Yellowstone!
Epic Guide to Glacier National Park - Complete guide to exploring Glacier National Park
Little Bighorn Battlefield - Also known as Custer's Last Stand, a place where the Plains Tribes fought their last major battle and won.
Big Hole National Battlefield - site of the pivotal battle in the Nez Perce War of 1877 between Colonel Gibbon's troops and five bands of the Nez Perce Indians led by the famous Native American Leader, Cheif Joseph.
Grant Kohr's Ranch National Historic Site - See what ranch life was like in the 1800s in Montana

Check out all of the Montana National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Wyoming, National Parks in South Dakota, North Dakota National Parks, and Idaho National Parks.

Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok