A Guide to the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Rugged wilderness, hot geysers, canyons and natural wildlife make the splendor of Yellowstone National Park absolutely jaw dropping. America's first national park, located in Wyoming has been "a rich part of the American experience for five generations now," say experts at Fodor's. Whether you are there to savor the amazing wildlife, indulge in trails or simply for the experience, Yellowstone National Park has something or the other for people of varied interests.May to October is the season when cars have access to the park. After October, while few gates close in preparation for the winters, the interior roads remain open for over-snow travel. Tourists flock to the area during mid-July to mid-August.

Yellowstone National Park: Must-See Sights

Your itinerary to the Yellowstone Park must include a visit to the Old Faithful, the world's most famous geyser; Yellowstone Lake, one of the world's largest alpine lakes, and the stunning 23-mile long Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. For wildlife, check out the scenic stops at Hayden Valley. Other points of interest include the Lower and the Tower Falls, the Mammoth Springs and the Lamar Valley.

Yellowstone National Park: Lodging

The Old Faithful Inn Hotel remains the favorite for many families who visited Yellowstone National Park. Perhaps simple and bucolic to many, it is still advisable to make bookings at the old-fashioned inn least six months prior to visit. The 1903-04- built inn has around 327 rooms available for the guests, which range from modern rooms equipped with amenities to rooms with shared bathrooms. Mammoth Hot Springs & Cabins and the Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabin are other noteworthy accommodations of the region.

Yellowstone National Park: Dining

While families always have the choice to carry a picnic basket at Yellowstone National Park, they also have access to delis, restaurants and fine dining restaurants. Local fast food restaurants serve kids friendly fare such as burgers, fries and pizzas. However, you pay an exorbitant price for an average meal. For an elegant meal, Fodor's recommends opting for the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining room, and the Obsidian Dining Room.

Yellowstone National Park: Activities

The park is a paradise for the intrepid, the outdoor enthusiast and the nature lover. Explore the hiking trails that range from easiest to the most intensive ones. Easy- on- the- feet trails include the Biscuit Basin Trail, Fountain Pots Nature Trail, and the must-see Old Faithful Geyser Loop. For the proficient, try the 24-mile Heart Lake-Mt. Sheridan Trail. Visit the Xanterra Parks & Resorts for an hour of horseback riding. You will need permits for fishing and boating. Although cycling is not advisable because of the narrow and unsafe roads, you can pedal your way on the Blacktail Plateau Drive, Fountain Freight Road and the Natural Bridge Road.

For additional information, visit Yellowstone National Park at Nps.gov

Source(s)
Fodor's
TripAdvisor