Plan an Inexpensive Vacation to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as America's very first national park. The park covers a whopping 3,472 square miles and spans into three states, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The size of the park is bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Yellowstone's highest point is Eagle Peak at 11, 358 feet high.

Yellowstone is the home to numerous mammals, birds, and fish species. You can find Grizzly Bears, wolves, bison, and elk in this national park. Yellowstone also houses one threatened species: the Canada Lynx; and one endangered species: the Gray Wolf.

One of Yellowstone's most famous attractions is Old Faithful. Old Faithful was named during the 1870 Washburn Expedition. During an eruption, it will shoot boiling water up to 106 - 184 feet in the air. It is truly an amazing site!

If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone, you should expect to spend some money. However, it is rather cheap considering the endless possibilities and adventures you may encounter.

The park charges a $25 entrance fee for a private vehicle. The fee includes a seven day entrance permit for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Do not lose your receipt, this is your proof of purchase for future admittance.

Once you enter the park, you will find many adventures await you. A few activities that do require permits include: fishing, overnight stays in the backcountry, and boating. You can purchase these permits at any ranger station, visitor center, or Yellowstone Park General Stores.

You may also participate in bicycle tours of the park, horseback ridng, and wildlife viewing.

If you plan to camp in the park, you will need to make reservations. Camping fees in Yellowstone vary, according to the campsite, but you can expect to pay between $12 - $35 per night.

There are many Ranger-Led Programs to participate in. A Ranger Adventure Hike will take you on a 1/2 day hike into Yellowstone's backcountry. The ranger will teach participants about plant communities, geology, and wildlife habitats. Ranger Adventure Hikes are free to do, but they are limited to 15 participants and you must sign-up in advance.

Children aged 5-12 years of age may participate in the Junior Ranger Program. The program will introduce kids to Yellowstone National Park and all of it's natural wonders. Children must purchase the $3 official Junior Ranger newspaper and then complete the requirements which include: attending a ranger-led program, hiking on a park trail, and completing activities on various park resources, issues, and concepts. Upon completion, a ranger will review the child's work and then present each Junior Ranger between the ages of 5 - 7 years with a wolf track patch and each Junior Ranger between the ages of 8 - 12 years with a bear track patch.

These are just a few ideas for an exciting and cheap adventure to Yellowstone Park. The possibilities are endless when you take a trip to such a large and diverse area.

Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service), www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm, National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior