History of Yellowstone National Park
The park is located in Wyoming and some parts of Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone National Park covers over 2.2 million acres of land and hosts more than 4 million visitors yearly (McCleskey et al., 2019). The tourist destination encompasses a lot of wild plants and animals. Apart from the wilderness, the park has several geothermal features and water bodies, including hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles, lakes, and waterfalls.
Notably, the park has a compelling human history, which is part of its attraction. Archaeological evidence shows that the region was inhabited by ancient tribes over 11,000 years ago. The tribe included the Sioux and the Crows, who lived early in the area. In the 1700s, the region was invaded by fur traders from Native America. Explorers followed the traders in the 1800s, who discovered the wonders of nature, leading to foreign settlements. It was officially declared a national park and restricted in 1872.
Scenic Spots and Activities
One of the stunning places in Yellowstone National Park is the Lamar Valley. The valley is located in the northern part of the park and is famous for its vast animal population. Due to the immense herds of animals that can be spotted in the open area, it is commonly referred to as the American Serengeti. The valley hosts two creeks, Slough Creek and Pebble Creek, which make excellent camping sites for the family.
Another fantastic spot in the Hayden Valley is the park’s central part. Like Lamar Valley, the area has large herds of different animals, particularly bison, which create an attractive scene. Lastly, Hayden Valley has a foot trail for hiking for those who would love to view the scenery from an elevated point.
The park exhibits several geysers, which are star attractions. The geysers include the Upper Geyser Basin, the Old Faithful Geyser, and the Norris Geyser Basin. The Old Faithful Geyser is among the geothermal spots in the Basin, which has the highest-level geyser eruptions. The Grand Prismatic Spring is a site located in the Geyser Basin. The pool is a hot spring with rainbow colors, which makes for a stunning location.
Lastly, the park encompasses the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Lake, the most popular tourist destinations. A fantastic factor about the lake is its under-surface features. It is covered with canyons, hot springs, and geysers below the surface, which can excite one to explore. As a freshwater lake, it allows fun fishing and boating activities. Finally, the Grand Canyon in Yellowstone is a mesmerizing site with a long history.
The canyon resulted from erosion by the lake for many years, creating the carved-out feature (McCleskey et al., 2019). The Grand Canyon is famous for its waterfall attraction. It entails two waterfalls, steam vents, and hot springs. Furthermore, the canyon is covered by Alpine forestation, making it a beautiful and unique tourist attraction.
The Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is April through September. The period draws many tourists, which may cause traffic. Those who want to avoid many people should visit in early April or late September. Despite the off-peak season, the park promises many activities and unique wildlife experiences that can interest the whole family. I hope this report will help you consider a tourist destination for the family to bond over an unforgettable experience.
Reference
McCleskey, R. B., Roth, D. A., Mahony, D., Nordstrom, D. K., & Kinsey, S. (2019). Sources, fate, and flux of geothermal solutes in the Yellowstone and Gardner Rivers, Yellowstone National Park, WY. Applied Geochemistry, 111, 104458. Web.