Yellowstone National Park is by far one of the most beautiful, scenic spots in America. What other national park boasts a collection of some 10,000 thermal features, including more than 300 geysers? From the moment you drive through the *east gate you are struck speachless by Yellowstones breathtaking views.

First opened in 1872 Yellowstone boosts some 8.2 million acres covered by geysers (Old Faithful)  waterfalls,  lakes, streams and the abundant wildlife that lives within its boundaries. 

Grizzly Bears feed on the thousands of cutthroat trout during their annual spawning run in the waters near Grant Village and Fishing Bridge as they make their way to the Yellowstone Lake. Relocated wolves make their dens, bask in the sun and mountain lions hunt bighorn sheep.

Giant River Otter May 2008 Yellowstone Lake 

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All wildlife that Yellowstone visitors  hope to see wander freely here,  the grizzly, the giant river otter, the wolf , the elk and American Bald Eagle.  If your lucky you will be able to capture the seldom seen mountain lion, elusive grizzly or shy moose on film while your here.

Taken in May 2008 east gate Yellowstone Park. Mother Grizzly with 2 cubs -
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Yellowstone is an adventure that you will want to return to year after year. The fresh clean air, untouched landscape and natural wonders make Yellowstone so popular, even with the local folks. Here are a few of the places you will want to visit on your Yellowstone trip. 

The Upper Loop

Mammoth Hot Springs — 5 miles south of the park’s north entrance at Gardiner, Montana, you’ll find some of the park’s most beautiful and unusual thermal areas, including the limestone terraces (the Upper and Lower terraces). While your here be sure to visit the ranger center, bookstore, in the Albright Visitor Center and see some interesting paintings and exhibits unique to Yellowstone.

Norris Geyser Basin — Just south of the Mammoth Hot Springs lie the most amazing thermal sights in Yellowstone. Visit the Norris Museum to learn more about the thermal history and key hot spots to see while your there. Norris Basin is home of the Steamboat, the worlds largest geyser and Porcelain Basin.  

Canyon Village – East of Norris, here you can see the absolutley breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River . Here you can grab a bite to eat at the Canyon Lodge dining room or cafeteria and snack bar.

The Lower Loop

Grant Village/West Thumb Bay – Grant Village is the southernmost of the park’s developments, a wide collection of modern buildings on the south end of Yellowstone Lake. Stop at the General Store and pick up supplies, shop the gift shop or eat at the lunch counter.  West Thumb has a picnic area, two hiking trails, and a boardwalk that lets you walk alongside the edges of thermal geysers and capture some great pictures. 

Lake Village Area– Lake Village Area is well, you guessed it, the boating district of  The Yellowstone Lake. Here you will be able to obtain fishing and boating access and gear. The Lake Village area also has several  lodge  and fine dining choices. Lake Hotel is one of the two best choices in the park if your up for a fine meal or a good nights sleep. This area is the closest to Yellowstone’s east entrance, which is approximately 50 miles from Cody, Wyoming.  The drive to the east gate from Cody is a site in itself. You will no doubt see Buffalo, mountain sheep and mule deer along the way.

Old Faithful – Old Faithful is no doubt the most famous and the most photographed of all the parks attractions.  The charming Old Faithful Inn is located here as well as the newly constructed Old Faithful Lodge. Boardwalks run across the Upper Geyser Basin, offering closeup views of the many other geysers that surround the area. If you have time to spare take a walk around the Geyser Hill loop. On Geyser Hill loop you will see dozens of seldom seen geysers. You may encounter a buffalo or elk along your walk as they are know to inhabit this area.

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