Visiting Yellowstone National Park for the First Time, July 16th 2011

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular attractions in the world today. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park for the first time.

After about driving 2 hours from my main residence in Dillon, MT to West Yellowstone, MT, I was about to enter the park. I never saw it, but have been so fascinated by what it represents and how important it is to world, as we know it. The significance of this attraction is so intriguing. The mountains are so picturesque, I felt like I was entering an animated fairytale or a scene to a fantasy fiction flick.

Some of the best recreational activities at Yellowstone include: sightseeing and photography, hiking, camping, boating, and fishing. Although I have yet to see a wolf, I have seen both a black and grizzly bear, bison, an array of elk, and a moose. The animals are endless. There is an assortment of birds and plants, including rarities that can only be found in the park. The ecosystem at Yellowstone is quite possibly the oldest, yet largest ecosystem in the world.

There are a variety of lakes, as well as, waterfalls which contribute to the amazing ambiance and scenery. The trees are relatively beautiful, however; seeing the resulted damage of the forest fires which occurred unpredictable from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as, 2000s was relatively depressing.

The attractions vary. Some of my favorites include: the Kepler Cascades, the Steamboat Geyser, the Midway Geyser Basin, and much more. I have yet to see everything, but intend to do so. The smell of sulfur varies around the park and is not always prevalent.

The Yellowstone Caldera is the largest super volcano in North America. What I found so incredibly fascinating was the fact that the rock in the actual park itself is linked to the Yellowstone Caldera super volcano. The ranger informed me that the rock is estimated to be over 2 million years old with the last eruption occurring over 70,000 years ago.

I absolutely love Yellowstone National Park. In fact, I love it so much that I bought an entire year membership and have visited this underrated park four times within the month of July alone. I recommend visiting Yellowstone National Park, as I definitely intend to visit again very soon. I am definitely looking forward to visiting in the Spring, Fall, and Winter season.