Overview
Established in 1872, America's (and the world's) first national park remains one of its most popular and, in the eyes of many, still the best.
Plan Around Overview
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Overview Details
Established in 1872, America's (and the world's) first national park remains one of its most popular and, in the eyes of many, still the best. The Old Faithful geyser is the most famous geothermal feature on earth, and that's just the beginning of the natural wonders visitors can experience at this 3,500-mile park in Wyoming and Montana, including the chance to see grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. In fact, Yellowstone is home to the majority of the world's geysers and hot springs, such as the technicolor Grand Prismatic Spring. All the geothermal activity — which includes frequent, though usually minor, earthquakes — is due to the fact that the park is located atop the largest supervolcano in North America, with Yellowstone Lake filling the caldera. Millions of people visit Yellowstone annually, with crowds peaking in July and August. Depending on when you come, the park can be toured by car, snow coach, or snowmobile. Extensive overnight lodging options are available. Well-established trails lead to most of the park's signature geothermal features, but Yellowstone also has 1,100 miles of trails and backcountry camping. Established: March 01, 1872 Area: 2,219,791 acres Website: [www.nps.gov/yell](http://www.nps.gov/yell)
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
Learn About the Park
Nearby Parks Around Overview
Compare nearby parks around Overview when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Overview
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Overview while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Jessie Benton Fremont
An early advocate of the Park, without her work behind the scenes, Yosemite might not exist today.
0.0 mi away
ZERO LANDFILL IN THE PARKS:
THE YOSEMITE, GRAND TETON AND DENALI PROGRAM
0.0 mi away
30-Minute Helicopter Ride
Fly rim-to-rim in a half-hour.
0.0 mi away
50-Minute Airplane Tour
The ultimate Canyon airplane tour.
0.0 mi away
50-Minute Helicopter Tour
Offering aerial tours of the North and South Rims as well as the Grand Canyon's East Rim.
