Have you ever been to Yellowstone National Park? If you haven’t, I would say it is definitely worth the trip! Yellowstone is one of the seven wonders of the world. It was also the world’s first National Park, established in 1872. It covers 2.2 million acres, has an abundance of wildlife, and contains close to half of the world’s active geysers. This is because Yellowstone is a hotspot. A hotspot is where magma rises to the surface of the Earth’s crust. The hotspot stays in place while the tectonic plates move above it, creating a chain of volcanoes. This is why southern Idaho is covered in volcanic rock. It’s because the plates shifted southwest, moving Yellowstone across the state of Idaho. Now the park is located mainly in Wyoming, with parts still in Idaho and also in Montana. The North American Plate moves across the Yellowstone hotspot about 4.6 centimeters (1.8in) a year. The chain of Hawaiian islands is a good example of a hotspot as well.

Since I grew up in Idaho, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone several different times. Each time was unique with different experiences. The park is so big that it is very difficult to see everything in one trip. I would recommend picking out the places you most want to see and make those destinations a priority. You can then stop at other places when you have time, so before you go, plan a route through the park. The iconic Old Faithful geyser needs to be on your priority list to see. It erupts in intervals of 60-120 minutes. The intervals will vary, but are usually predicted relatively well. It shoots hot water between 100 and 180 feet in the air, lasting about 1-5 minutes each eruption. Other popular spots include Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris Geyser Basin.
It’s important to remember to stay safe. Make sure to stay on the boardwalks when walking through hydrothermal areas. Make sure to explain this to your children as well. Severe burns could result in straying off the path. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area that people need to be cautious of. These are wild animals. You are not protected by fenced areas like in a zoo. Do not get too close, and stay in your vehicle should you encounter a large, dangerous animal. Not being cautious could and has led to severe injury and death in the park.

With that note, make sure you take your camera! Wildlife is abundant, and it is very likely you will see some. Frequently seen are Elk and bison. It is also possible to see bears, moose, mountain goats, wolves, and bighorn sheep, among other animals. Be careful as you drive through the park, as animals often cross the roads, and collisions with animals happen every year.

Logistically, make sure you have a full tank of fuel in your vehicle before entering the park. Fuel in the park is more expensive than outside of it. Make sure you have something to do in the car as you drive between sites. Have some music, podcasts, or an audiobook. You will spend more time in the car than you think. The scenery is beautiful, but there is a lot of driving.
Logistics. I would also recommend booking a place to stay outside of the park, as staying at lodging inside the park will drive up your trip costs. However, if your priority is to be closer to everything, then there are several places inside Yellowstone to stay. Make sure you book as far in advance as you can, as the place fills up quickly. I would also recommend bringing your own food and snacks. There are picnic areas to stop and eat. There are restaurants, but you may not be close to one come meal time. And finally, make sure to save a little extra cash to get a souvenir to remember your trip! There are several gift shops to walk through.
Overall, I would say that Yellowstone is a bucket list place to visit. It is full of natural wonders that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. It is definitely worth the trip!

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