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Yellowstone National Park

NATURE AND WILDLIFE
With half of the earth's geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park holds the planet's most diverse and intact collection of geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Its more than 300 geysers make up two thirds of all those found on earth. Combine this with more than 10,000 thermal features comprised of brilliantly colored hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles, and you have a place like no other.

Yellowstone National Park's abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its geysers. Habitat preferences and seasonal cycles of movement determine, in a general sense, where a particular animal may be at a particular time. Early morning and evening hours are when animals tend to be feeding and thus are more easily seen. But remember that the numbers and variety of animals you see are largely a matter of luck and coincidence. Elk are the most abundant large mammal found in Yellowstone national Park; paleontological evidence confirms their continuous presence for at least 1,000 years. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, when market hunting of all large grazing animals was rampant. Not until after 1886, when the U.S. Army was called in to protect the park and wildlife slaughter was brought under control, did the large animals increase in number.

In recent years, with the reintroduction of the gray wolves, Yellowstone has become even more famous for wildlife watchers. Almost everyday you can find visitors lined up with spotting scopes in the Lamar and Hayden Valley areas looking for wolves and grizzly bears. Best viewing is early in the morning and just before dark. During the first weeks of June, both grizzly bears and wolves can be found searching for elk calves hidden among the sagebrush in the Lamar Valley. Yellowstone National Park is truly a great place to view wildlife.

PARK HISTORY
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

LODGING OPPORTUNITIES (Links to lodging for Yellowstone National Park)
Yellowstone's Famous Old Faithful Inn
As a national historic landmark, Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park is the most requested lodging facility in the park. The rustic-style lodge, with log and wood shingle exterior is located adjacent to the world famous Old Faithful Geyser. The original part of the Inn, known as the "Old House" was completed in 1904 and includes an immense lobby with a huge stone fireplace.

Lake Lodge Cabins
From the large porch of the main log lodge, time is captured in the shimmering reflections of mountains on Yellowstone Lake. The Lake Lodge in Yellowstone National Park is an inviting location where cozy cabins and cafeteria style dining provide a family-friendly atmosphere. The main lodge houses a delightful lobby where two fireplaces, a lounge and gift store warmly beckon guests to linger and chat. Cabins with private baths are grouped nearby.

Yellowstone's Canyon Lodge & Cabins
Located near the renowned Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its Lower Falls, the Canyon Lodge is the most central of the park's 9 locations. It's ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. Cabins built in the 1950's and 60's are arranged on loops, while two new lodges house over 80 hotel style rooms. All rooms and cabins have private baths.

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