You have heard of Yellowstone National Park. This vast 3,500 square-mile wilderness recreation area is situated on a volcanic hot spot in the Rocky Mountains. Located mainly in Wyoming, the park also extends into Idaho and Montana. During your visit to Yellowstone, you will see the park’s breathtaking scenery, including lush forests, dramatic canyons, and numerous geysers. It is also home to hundreds of animal species, including the world-famous Old Faithful geyser.
Old Faithful geyser
One of the most popular geysers in the world, Old Faithful spews boiling water 184 feet into the air every 90 minutes. Visitors can see it from a boardwalk or the Observation Point, a trail that climbs 160 feet. A ride is not necessary to see the geyser, but the ride is worth it if you can make it during a reoccurring eruption.
In 1961, a scientist named Robert Smith decided to explore Yellowstone’s tributaries. In order to make the geyser more visible, he filled a teakettle with water from a nearby spring. As the water heated, the nozzle opened, forcing steam to rise. This process takes about 90 minutes and causes Old Faithful to reerupt. But even after his discovery, Smith still loves the thrill of seeing Old Faithful.
Geyser basins
The geyser basins in Yellowstone contain over 1000 hot springs. The term “geyser” derives from the Icelandic word “Geysir.” The hot springs produce steam and volcanic gases as they bubble to the surface. These gases can reach as high as 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Geyser basins in Yellowstone are among the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
Another famous geyser basin in Yellowstone is the Grand Geyser, which erupts about once every 8 hours and lasts up to ten minutes. The Artist Paintpots are another popular tourist attraction in the area. These colorful deposits left by the hot springs give the area its name. The area is particularly beautiful during the fall when the trees turn colors. These geyser basins are a must-see for any Yellowstone vacation.
Lake area
The Tern Lake area in Yellowstone National Park is a thermal area, a region of land covered with hydrothermal activity. Thermal areas are large and contiguous geologic units that are surrounded by a body of heated or altered ground. The Tern Lake thermal area is located in the central part of Yellowstone National Park and is named for the nearby Tern Lake. Visitors can view this unique thermal area by boat or ski.
The Yellowstone Lake area’s climate is similar to that of submarine fountains in the Pacific Ocean. These subterranean fountains support a diverse and thriving plant and animal community. Today, there is a limited amount of access to the Lake area, but it’s well worth it to see this unique natural feature and explore it! While you’re here, you’ll want to take a few minutes to learn more about the Lake’s geological history.
Streaming
If you’re not a fan of cable television shows, you can stream Yellowstone on the Paramount Network. This hit show has a loyal following, and fans can watch the fourth season of the series on the network, Paramount Plus. Yellowstone is one of the most popular shows on the network, with the season three finale attracting 7.6 million viewers, and the season four premiere snagging 14.7 million viewers.
The show follows the Dutton family as they struggle to hold onto their Montana ranch, fight land developers and manage tensions with local indigenous tribes. The show ended in season four with John vying for the governorship, Beth gathering blackmail material and Kayce facing an uncertain future. Yellowstone’s podcast features interviews with cast members and crew. This podcast is well worth checking out for fans who want to learn more about the series.
Safety
Despite being in the global temperate zone, Yellowstone National Park has the highest concentration of free-roaming wildlife in the lower 48 states. Though these animals are unpredictable, they are not out of the realm of possibility. When visiting the park, visitors are advised to keep their distance from animals, especially those with young. In addition, they should avoid approaching any animal that may appear to be threatening. Here are some tips on safety in Yellowstone:
First, make sure to read and follow the rules of the park. While forest fires are a normal part of the park’s ecosystem, some are caused by humans. Additionally, global warming is making the area more prone to forest fires. Following the park’s fire policy can help ensure that people stay safe while they’re exploring this majestic landscape. Also, keep in mind that there are a limited number of opportunities to swim or soak in Yellowstone’s waters.
