Driving to Yellowstone: the interstate highway system does not go directly to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is nearly 55 miles from I-90 and 155 miles from I15. It is no wonder that Yellowstone  is considered one of the most remote places in the continental United States. Still hundreds of thousands of cars make the pilgrimage here each summer. Those who make the trek are immediately rewarded at any of the park's five entrances with  a feast of sights, from the animal-rich Madison Valley at the popular west entrance, to the magnificent terraces of Mammoth Springs int he north and stunning peaks of the east and northeast entrance.

Much more than just America's first National Park, Yellowstone is the quintessential example of the nation's natural splendor. Remote as it maybe, millions have been drawn here by the park's incomparable combination of pure beauty, rugged wilderness, abundant wildlife, and intense geothermal activity for the past 130 years. The park, along with nearby Grand Teton National Park, makes this northwestern corner of Wyoming a haven for backcountry wanderers and backseat explorers alike. The parks are veritable gold mine of national treasures, with ecosystems as rich as any in the world.


 SCENIC AREAS OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone Grand Canyon from Grand View

This stunning canyon is 23 miles long, but there is only one trail from the rim to base. As a result, a majority of park visitors clog the north and south rims to see Upper and Lower Falls. To compound problems,park officials will completely close the North Rim Road in 2008 for construction. Popular north rim scenic  stops  Grand View, Lookout Point, Inspir called the Seven Mile Hole, Lookout Point, and Brink of the Lower Falls may be reachable only by foot, if at all.  Unless you're up for the six-hour strenuous hike called Seven Mile Hole, you have no choice but to join the crowds  on the rims to see this natural wonder. The red-and-ochre canyon walls are topped with emerald-green forest. It is a feast of colour.

Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is known for its massive natural terraces, where mineral water flows continuously, building an ever-changing display. You will almost always see elk grazing in the area. Mammoth Hot Springs is also headquarters for Yellowstone National Park. In the early days of the park, it was he site of Fort Yellowstone, and the brick buildings constructed during that era  are still used for vigorous park activities. The Albright Visitor Center has information  and displays about the park history.


Old Faithful
Old Faithful is Yellowstone's most predictable big geyser - although not its largest or most regular - sometimes reaches 180-feet, but it averages 130-feet. Sometimes it does not  shoot as high, but  in those cases the eruptions usually last longer. \the mysterious plumbing of Yellowstone has lengthened Old Faithful's cycle somewhat in recent years, to every 94 minutes or so. To find out when Old Faithful is likely to erupt, check at the visitor center, or at any of the lodging properties in the area. The 1-mile hike to Observation Point yields  a unique view - from above- of the geyser and its surrounding basin.
 West Thumb Geyser Basin
The primary Yellowstone caldera was created by a volcanic eruption 640,000 years ago, but the West Thumb came about much more recently about 150,000 years ago, as a result of another volcanic eruption. This unique geyser basin  is the only place to see active geothermal features in Lake Yellowstone. Two boardwalk loops   are offered - take the longer one to see features such as  "Fishing Cone" where fishermen used to catch fish, pivot, and drop their fish in boiling water for cooking - without ever taking it off the hook. It is popular for winter visitors who take advantage of the nearby warming hut and a stroll around the geyser basin before continuing their trip via snow coach or snowmobile.