Yellowstone National Park
If you haven’t been to Yellowstone National Park, then drop everything and go right this very second! Yellowstone is a natural wonder. It’s an outdoor paradise filled with hot springs, lakes, meadows, geysers, and thousands of animals. Yellowstone covers over 3,000 square miles and is located in parts of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. It attracts about 3 million visitors every year, and one of those could be you. Here are just a few of the top attractions to see on your next visit to Yellowstone National Park.
Old Faithful
A must see for every Yellowstone visitor is the famous Old Faithful geyser. Old Faithful’s eruptions average around 130 feet high and you can count on an eruption approximately every hour and a half. The water in the geyser is 204 degrees Fahrenheit and the steam has measured above 350 degrees! It’s located in Geyser Country, which is easily accessible from the West Entrance. Surrounding Old Faithful, you can enjoy several different hotels, dining areas and even a visitor’s center. Check out this live webcam.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Not to be confused with the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is the primary attraction in Canyon Village and is one of the most popular hiking areas in the park. The Canyon is approximately 20 miles long and about half a mile wide. You can enjoy the beauty of the canyon at several different lookout areas. Artist Point is a favorite lookout spot for those looking to catch a sight of the Lower Falls. Bring your camera because this is a site you’ll never want to forget.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs were formed by rock fractures, heat and water. It was formed from over centuries of hot water bubbling up from the ground, cooling and then depositing. The various shades of orange, pink and green are created by living organisms in the water. Mammoth Hot Springs is located five miles from the north entrance and is accessible year-round. When visiting, walk the lower terraces and enjoy sight seeing from the boardwalks.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States. It is 250 by 300 feet in size and is around 160 feet deep. The many different colors are caused by pigmented thermophilic bacteria that thrive on the rich minerals produced by geothermic activity. Therefore, the color of the bacteria is determined by the temperature of the water. Grand Prismatic Spring is located just 7 miles north of Old Faithful. This is definitely an attraction you’ll want to check out!
Tower Falls
Located behind the General Store, Tower Falls is a must see waterfall. Just a short walk will take you to the overlook. However, it’s definitely recommended that you take the short, but steep hike down to the base of the waterfall. Tower Falls is 132 feet in height and is accessible year-round. In the winter, the entire waterfall is encased in an ice dome. Be sure to stop at Tower Falls on your next trip to Yellowstone.