Yellowstone may be world-famous now, but back in the early 19th century, the first American to discover it was written off a as a madman. John Colter was a former explorer with Lewis and Clark, and the world couldn't believe that the hot springs and geysers he claimed to have seen on his way back from the expedition were real. It actually took 50 years for an organized expedition to fully explore the area, and they were certainly stunned to find that the legends of fire and brimstone were true. In 1872, it was protected as the America's first National Park. Every inch of this natural wonderland is worth exploring, from its geysers and hot springs to its canyons and forests.
One of the park's most iconic features, Old Faithful is a geyser that launches boiling hot water over 100 feet into the air several times a day. The amount of time in between eruptions varies, but the NPS is good about posting predicted times in most buildings, but it usually happens about 17 times a day, so you have plenty of chances to see it happen. It can get crowded, so get there early for a good spot.
Morning Glory is a hot spring that's famous for its unusual colors, caused by bacteria that inhabit the water. However, over the years, it's changed colors thanks to vandalism and pollution, it used to be almost entirely blue. It's still one of the park's most unusually beautiful features, though.
The coolest features of Yellowstone aren't all geothermal, and the imposing waterfall in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a great example of this. The Yellowstone River tumbles down two waterfalls in this 24-mile-long canyon that at points is nearly a mile wide. It's an incredibly popular wonder to photograph. TIP: Head to Inspiration Point for a gorgeous photo of the canyon in all its glory.
Mammoth Hot Springs is a great example of hot-spring-formed travertine terraces, and makes for quite an interesting hike. The steam, bubbling water, dead trees, and pigmented Earth make for an otherworldly landscape. Stay on the trails, because you definitely don't want to fall into a pit of burning mud.
The wooded sites at Norris Campground are a great option if you want to set up camp inside the park. Bison can often be seen here, and rangers lead nightly programs during the summer. There are about 100 sites here, but remember to book in advance!
Only a small portion of the park is located in Montana, but it's worth heading to the North Entrance for a dip in the Boiling River, a hot spring that you can actually bathe in. The hot, mineral-rich water mixes with the river to create the perfect temperature for a dip, so bring your swimsuit and relax in one of the stone pools.
If you're looking for a laid-back place to grab a snack, some coffee, or a bit of lunch, head up to Tumbleweeds Bookstore and Cafe, which feels like it's been picked up from a college town and plopped right outside Yellowstone. Sandwiches and baked goods, all fresh and ready to devour, make up the menu, and they make a mean cup of coffee, too. Plus, it's never a bad idea to pick up more reading material for the road!
The best time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park: There's really no bad time to visit Yellowstone. During the winter, some roads and lodges close, but the park is no less beautiful covered in snow, and it's nice to kind of have the place to yourself. Spring and fall mean beautiful colors, and summer is, of course, always incredibly popular. But, if you plan to visit between May and September, make sure to plan and book everything well in advance.
