Yellowstone National Park

The entrance is marked by a signature stone gate. We arrived during peak hours, likely during the daily rush hour. Tickets were required at the gatehouse, and vehicles were queuing slowly to enter. A few reminders about park safety: All picnic food, trash, coolers, and cooking utensils must be securely placed in bear-proof containers unless needed immediately. You must stay on designated trails and boardwalks, and you are not allowed to throw anything at geothermal features. You are not allowed to move or remove natural or cultural assets (such as wildflowers, rocks, antlers, etc.). Shining a spotlight at wildlife, using a horn or imitating a elk call, or using a horn to imitate a wolf's howl are prohibited. This time, we planned to visit four national parks. We obviously bought an annual pass, which gives you access to all of them for a year. US admission is truly worth it. The staff at the entrance booth collected the money. I gave her my passport and cash, and told her my ID and name for my annual pass. She then kindly asked where I was from. If I was from China, she gave me some Yellowstone information in Chinese and an English map. After entering Yellowstone, the highway was practically a single lane, going both ways. At first, the cars hadn't even dispersed, and everyone drove at a steady pace, maintaining a safe distance from each other. On our first day in Yellowstone, we were surprised to encounter a traffic jam. From the North Gate, the bustling traffic and people were everywhere, completely different from what we'd imagined Yellowstone to be. During lunch, we speculated that the traffic jam might be caused by animals blocking the road. In the United States, if wild animals are in the middle of the road or crossing the road, vehicles must wait until the animals are completely clear before proceeding, and honking to drive them away is strictly prohibited. Later, we discovered it was road construction. Wow! Park road wardens take turns locking the road during construction. A photo at the South Gate of Yellowstone. Today's Yellowstone adventure was truly worth the wait. Not far from Old Faithful is Black Sand Basin. If you're short on time, like us, driving there first is a good idea. Every trip has its regrets, and every day we miss something. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Geyser Basins are densely packed with hot springs. Despite a detailed itinerary, I gradually lost sight of the truly remarkable Morning Glory Pool, which I inadvertently overlooked due to aesthetic fatigue. It's actually quite close to the Black Sand Basin, but perhaps my offline navigation settings were a bit haphazard. Follow the river northwest to the West Gate of Yellowstone.

When we drove through the west gate of Yellowstone National Park, we bought the park tickets directly in the car. The price should be very low compared to some famous scenic spots in China.

After entering from the west gate, we drove about 20 kilometers to the intersection with the park's southern loop. I chose to explore the northern loop first, so I turned left and headed north, joining the Grand Loop. After entering the Grand Loop, the road weaved along the Gibbon River through the valley. We continued for more than ten kilometers to Gibbon Falls, where we parked at a roadside parking lot and walked along the Gibbon River. Here, the riverbed cuts deeply, creating a gorge and waterfall. From the observation deck, following the gorge, you can get a close-up view of the waterfall and distant views of the snow-capped mountains. The gorge is dotted with pine trunks, seemingly man-made, creating a unique landscape. The playful squirrels among the rocks surrounding the observation deck added a touch of charm. Leaving Gibbon Falls, we drove to Mammoth Hot Springs, the main attraction on the northern loop. There were actually beautiful sights along the way, such as Billy Lake, Swan Lake, and the Golden Gate. However, we were preoccupied with the gas and largely rushed to the destination, not stopping to admire the scenery. We drove along the northern half of the loop to the next major attraction, the Roosevelt Tower. This stretch of road was nearly 70 kilometers, and the scenery was truly stunning, showcasing grasslands, forests, meadows, canyons, streams, lakes, and snow-capped mountains. We couldn't help but stop several times for photos. At one point, we saw a large number of cars parked on the side of the road, with many people crowded along the edge of a ditch, looking at something. We finally managed to park about 500 meters away and struggled to reach the crowded area, but saw nothing. There was talk of a grizzly bear at the bottom of the slope, and two park rangers were trying to dissuade everyone from descending. We gave up and continued driving.

Then we came to the Stone Tower Waterfall. The scenery was average, except that the rocks here were in a relatively perfect tower shape. The waterfall was also okay, with a decent height, but it lacked momentum. I took two photos and left.

After experiencing it for ourselves, we feel that Yellowstone is worth a visit. However, what we like most about Yellowstone is not the geothermal and hot springs, but the abundant wildlife.

We saw many large animals, both in number and variety, far exceeding our expectations.

I remember watching a movie at the visitor center saying that a lifetime wouldn't be enough to fully experience Yellowstone. We only spent a few days there, which was far from enough. Before leaving, I made a wish for my dear, hoping to visit again someday. It's said that there's a better chance of seeing wild wolves in winter, so I'm looking forward to seeing them again sometime this winter.

Heading east from the north toward Yellowstone Canyon, passing Hayden Canyon, you'll often see herds of bison and deer. Behind the Fishing Bridge is the Yellowstone River, where there's a small museum displaying various animal skeletons. The hot spring next to the Grand Prismatic Spring seems to be "Sapphire," though I can't remember its name. It's even more translucent than the Grand Prismatic Spring. Walking along a wooden path to the Colored Pot Spring, you'll see traces of fire. The water here is corrosive, causing the tree trunks to turn black. The water is also yellow, with a strong smell of sulfur.

Countless springs of various colors are sometimes beautiful and charming, as quiet as a virgin, and sometimes steaming and ethereal.

A wonderful journey, which was once far away, but now is within reach.

There are hundreds of geysers here that spray boiling water.

I saw streams of steam gushing out from beneath the surface one after another. The wildness that broke through all constraints seemed to set the whole world on fire.

The central part of Yellowstone National Park is the canyon area.

We walked along the trail beside the Yellowstone River, following the Yellowstone River all the way. As we walked, we saw that the flow of the Yellowstone River suddenly became faster, splashing water and rushing towards the canyon area.

Yellowstone is huge, definitely beyond the size of the park that most people imagine.

Your itinerary can be tailored to your accommodations. We stayed in Yellowstone for two days. On the first day, we drove from Grand Teton to Yellowstone and stayed at Old Faithful. On the first day, we visited the Old Faithful geyser area and Yellowstone Lake, spending the night in Yellowstone Canyon. On the second day, we explored the Yellowstone Canyon, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris Geyser Basin, exiting Yellowstone through the west gate in the evening. Our cabin was near Old Faithful, so we could easily time our visit.

It is already quite cold if you go to Yellowstone in October. The most obvious disadvantage is that the hot spring pools are too foggy. Many colors are shrouded in layers of smoke, and it is basically impossible to tell which is which.

In addition to visiting those famous attractions, today's itinerary also includes seeing the wild animals in Yellowstone Park. It seems that the car in front has made a discovery!

I jumped out of the car and looked around but didn't see anything. Later they said there was a bald eagle on the top of a tree in the distance. Maybe my eyesight is not good, I really didn't see anything clearly...

It’s really cold here in Yellowstone. As soon as I took a breath, my nose hairs seemed to freeze instantly. The inside of my nose felt weird. I haven’t had this experience in a long time.

We were lucky enough to come across a large herd of bison! We even saw a few up close, hiding in the bushes beside the road. They only ran away slowly when they saw us approaching.

Today is definitely Bison Day! We saw several more groups of them not far away. We stopped to watch and take pictures of them, but they just looked at us silently and continued to graze. A very brave little guy crossed the road right in front of us.

Occasionally, we see one or two solitary bison grazing in the distance. Jacob said that the large herds he had seen before were all cows, and these solitary ones are all old bulls. Just like old people, they like quietness and will stay away from the herd, quietly growing old... It sounds quite sad...

The park is dotted with active volcanoes, with steam rising everywhere. Although the temperature in the park is now more than 20 degrees below zero, the river does not freeze because of the injection of hot water.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is the world's first national park and also the one with the richest landscape combination among the national parks in the United States. There are snow-capped mountains, forests, canyons, lakes, and rivers in the park. The most special landscape is geothermal, such as the colorful geysers. The beauty of Yellowstone National Park is rare among the national parks in the United States. The filming of the movie "2012" here has once again increased the popularity of Yellowstone National Park around the world. It was established in 1872 and was among the first to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1978. It is also the second largest national park in the United States (the largest national park in the United States is Death Valley). Address: PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY

Tips: The park has always advocated not taking anything away and not leaving anything behind, so please pay attention to protecting the environment and keep a safe distance of at least 50 meters when encountering animals.

Yellowstone National Park is not only renowned for its scenic beauty, but also for its wildlife, a popular destination for visitors from both China and abroad. This vast plateau basin is home to a variety of mammals, including the American bison, the national animal of the United States, which can weigh over a ton. Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope are also common wildlife encounters within Yellowstone. These true masters of the land, they command the patience of all vehicles crossing the road.

An annual pass for the National Parks costs $80 and covers two people, valid for one year. Consider purchasing this if you're visiting three or more national parks. Yellowstone is incredibly large. I looked at Google Maps and realized we drove 186 kilometers the next day just to explore the Upper Yellowstone. It takes almost an hour to drive from the west gate to Norris Park, but the roads inside the park are excellent, with two lanes in both directions. There are brown wooden signs at each attraction, and you simply park according to the instructions and head towards the various geothermal geyser attractions. Perhaps it wasn't hot when we arrived, so we didn't need to bring extra water, and almost no one used hiking poles. Except for the panoramic view of the Grand Prismatic Spring on the third day, which required some extra stamina, most of the remaining attractions were relatively easy to reach.

If the second day of exploring the Eight Characters was all about experiencing the magnificent beauty of nature, then the third day was truly a day of walking and seeing all the geysers. I walked 27,622 steps that day! Especially after seeing Old Faithful, when we went to Morning Glory Pool, we absolutely had to take the right boardwalk at the fork. While it took quite a bit of walking, it allowed us to see at least 30 more geysers! Each one was unique and truly fascinating! Even on the way back, we were so exhausted we stopped to rest three, four, or five times.

I've been there three times. It's just too big. There are all kinds of styles. It might be sunny and spring on one side, and snow on the other. There are amazing geological structures on one side, and vast grasslands and various animals on the other side. In short, it's a very rich national park. It's good to come at any time, and you can see different scenery every time you go.

When it comes to American national parks, Yellowstone is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It's a place that embodies the essence of the American Northwest and boasts world wonders like the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. Yellowstone's route is shaped like a figure eight. According to the Wyoming Tourism Bureau, to fully explore this figure eight, you'd need at least six days, as it's dotted with numerous hiking trails. However, that requires plenty of stamina, which would be a struggle for someone as slender as me. So, we opted for a light tour, spending two and a half days exploring. On the first day, we covered the upper half of the figure eight, on the second day, the lower half, and on the third day, we explored the rest of the figure eight and Grand Teton.

A reminder: gas stations in Yellowstone are quite expensive, so it's best to fill up in advance, otherwise you'll be stuck with a 3.5-liter tank of gas. Yellowstone isn't exactly big, but it's not small either. The round-trip drive to West Yellowstone takes an hour and a half, but accommodations south of West Yellowstone are relatively affordable. Choosing where to stay depends on your budget and the time available.

We entered through the northeastern gate and, in a clockwise order, visited Yellowstone Falls, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs before heading to Madison Campground for camping. Having visited many national parks along the way and seen many magnificent waterfalls, we weren't particularly excited to see Yellowstone Falls. Since we rarely hiked, the Yellowstone Canyon wasn't very impressive either.

If the previous two camping trips were somewhat exciting, then the camping in Yellowstone can really be described as a disaster because it was too cold! This is also the reason why all our subsequent camping plans were cancelled.

Although we are mainly heading for these famous check-in spots, the scenery along the Yellowstone Road is very nice.

After checking in, the staff repeatedly told us that all food must be placed in a bear-proof cabinet at night. Be careful: bears are around.

Washing: Yellowstone does not have a separate bathroom for campers like the Grand Canyon. There is no bathroom except for the public toilets in the campground for washing hands and dishes.

Only the big attractions in the park have signal. It is recommended to download the offline map first.

When we first arrived at Yellowstone, it felt like we were in autumn. It was early autumn. Whenever we saw a small animal, many people stopped to take pictures.

The next day, there was occasional drizzle in Yellowstone Park, but it hadn't snowed when we went to bed.

It snowed in Yellowstone Park on the third day. When I woke up, I saw white everywhere. I was so happy even though I had never seen snow before.

In just three days, I went from short-sleeved shirts to down jackets. Haha~~ How unexpected! From golden yellow to a blanket of snow, all in the blink of an eye. You call it autumn, and the tree branches are green. You call it summer, and the grass is yellow. You call it autumn, and it's actually white. It's so mysterious.

Apart from beautiful, it seems that there is no other adjective to describe this park. Hahahaha~

From west to east, visit the Color Pot Spring, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake and other Yellowstone

Start from Fishing Bridge and visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Upper and Lower Falls, and Mammoth Hot Springs in a counterclockwise direction

Shortly after entering the park through the west gate, the road borders the Madison River, lush green mountains in the distance, and occasional plumes of steam fill the air. The traffic suddenly stopped as a few elk passed by. The tourists were curious but reluctant to disturb them.

Overall, I'm a bit disappointed. Perhaps it's because Yellowstone is so famous, and my expectations were too high. It just doesn't seem like the Yellowstone I imagined. Two years ago, I took a road trip through the national parks of Western Canada. Banff and Jasper struck me as desolate and majestic, but Yellowstone felt desolate and poignant. I wonder if anyone else feels the same way.

Arriving at the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, we saw dense pine forests, yellowed grass, red and yellow trees, and a gurgling river. This was the first landscape after entering the northeast entrance. We rested a little by the spring here and had a bite to eat.

The second section of the landscape showed a large number of geothermal hot springs. Because it is an 8th-magnitude volcanic area, hot springs can be seen everywhere, and there are scenes of steam everywhere. It reminds me of the opening introduction of "2012".

What surprised me most was the ecology here. Wild animals can be seen everywhere. Today I encountered a bison on the road. It was leisurely crossing the road. Many cars were waiting quietly, not daring to disturb it.

In the afternoon, we passed several famous fountains, including Mammoth Geyser, Steamboat Geyser, and Norris Geyser. When we finally arrived at Norris Geyser, we were exhausted, but once we entered the wooden gate, we found that this fountain was really vast and the scene was stunning.

The interior of Yellowstone is shaped like a figure 8, and today I only completed the upper figure 8. As the largest national park in the United States, it has rich landforms, a vast area, concentrated hot springs, and a wide variety of biological species. It is well-deserved to be called the world's first and largest national park.

While the 2.5-day plan seems quite compact, Yellowstone's itinerary can be shortened or extended. Every bit of geology here is worth exploring in detail, and the starry skies you can see from camping are truly breathtaking, just like those in magazines. So, you could spend a week thoroughly experiencing Yellowstone. However, our compact plan is suitable for first-time Yellowstone visitors.

We went in mid-October, and snow could fall at any time. We recommend renting a large 4WD vehicle! Firstly, there are many mountain roads, and a large vehicle is safer. Secondly, if it snows, some roads are closed to vehicles without 4WD, and staff will stop you on the roadside to ask if you have 4WD. Of course, if the snow is too heavy, the road may be closed to all vehicles.

You can stay in the scenic area, but after October, the lodges in the scenic area gradually close. Even if it is not winter, it is said that it is difficult to book a room and you need to book a long time in advance.

The attractions and routes in Yellowstone National Park are shaped like a figure 8. In theory, and this is just theoretical, you generally don't go back and make a detour. However, I don't think this is practical.

Firstly, from October to April of the following year, the weather is unpredictable. It can snow at any time, and when it snows, all kinds of roads are closed. Once a section of road is closed, there is no turning back.

Secondly, many people visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone together, and considering the issue of flights from nearby airports, they basically enter and exit through different gates, so they still have to go back and forth. For more information, you can check the official website of the U.S. National Park Tourism in advance.

A complaint here is that you can check the opening and closing times of some roads, but it's hard to predict when roads will be temporarily closed due to snow. There's real-time traffic information on the official website, but there's no signal in the entire park, so what's the point of it? So, if you can go in the summer, go in the summer! After October, well, it depends on your luck.

Yellowstone is famous for its hot springs, so smoke was everywhere in the park...smoke coming out of the water, smoke coming out of the cracks in the rocks, smoke coming out of the mud. Add to that the snow and the mist, and the whole place felt like a hot spring bathhouse. Mammoth Spring was also mostly dry at that time.

Yellowstone has a lot of animals, mostly bison and elk. We didn't see any bears. Americans seem to love watching animals. If you see a line of cars parked, you can be sure they're watching animals.

Yellowstone National Park, just hearing the name is attractive enough.

Every place here feels magical to me.

Although I had learned enough about Yellowstone Park before setting off, I was still impressed by it when I arrived at the scene.

Before we left, we agreed to come back in the summer.

There is steam rising everywhere, and the bison lie next to the steam, not worrying about freezing even in the winter.

The Noriss geothermal area is filled with an intriguing rotten egg smell;

Various hot spring pools flow with brown, orange, and blue "blood," colorful like the devil's flowers, colorful but not to be played with;

The geyser roared and sprayed out huge columns of water, as if this place would be destroyed in the next moment.

This is not the Earth, but an alien planet.

Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and the largest in the world, is divided into five zones, each characterized by its own unique geological features: the Thermal Steps Zone in the northwest, home to Mammoth Hot Springs; the Roosevelt Zone in the northeast, showcasing Old West scenery; the Canyon Zone in the center, featuring the Grand Canyon; the Yellowstone Lake Zone in the southeast; and the Geyser Zone in the southwest, home to Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful Spring. The park encompasses lakes, canyons, forests, and snow-capped mountains, as well as hundreds of animal species, including bison and grizzly bears. For those who yearn for nature and crave close encounters, this is a must-see.

Even more amazing is that beneath Yellowstone National Park lies a supervolcano—note the "super"! It's said that if it erupted, it would cover most of the Earth. Want to know what that would look like? Just watch the opening scene of the movie "2012" and you'll understand.

Yellowstone National Park was the most anticipated destination of our trip, and we spent two days there. The route through the park is arranged in a figure-eight pattern, so for those who choose a two-day itinerary, a circuit each day is just right. Yellowstone is gradually entering winter in early October, with temperatures dropping to 0°C, and the white mist emanating from the geothermal hot springs is even more noticeable.

Animals such as bison and elk are the masters of Yellowstone. They are not afraid of humans at all and often walk in groups on the road.

Many roads in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are closed in winter (November to May). If you are planning a winter trip, please pay attention to the road closure times listed on the official website.

The roads within Yellowstone National Park are shaped like the figure 8, so people often refer to them as "upper 8" and "lower 8" when visiting. Famous attractions like the Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, West Thumb, and the Grand Canyon are all in the lower 8. More notable attractions in the upper 8 include Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Hot Springs. So, if time permits on your first afternoon, it's best to explore a few of the attractions in the lower 8 first.

Yellowstone Park is really big. It takes an hour and a half to drive from West Thumb Lake back to West Yellowstone.

In Yellowstone, you'll likely see bison and elk the most, though we later spotted grizzly bears and antelope. Other animals include bighorn sheep, moose, and wolves. Driving alone isn't enough to see many animals; most require hiking deep into the park. However, these wild animals can be quite aggressive, so keep your distance. If hiking, be sure to bring bear spray.

Let's talk about Yellowstone's restrooms. Because Europeans and Americans can't squat like Asians, squat toilets are incredibly rare in Yellowstone. This is a major issue for women, as the toilets feel incredibly unclean. Also, not every tourist attraction has restrooms, so don't rush to the next location just because you see a long line. There might not be a restroom after you've passed the village.

In the summer, Yellowstone National Park is covered in green grass and colorful flowers, like a garden. Some sections of the river are open to visitors for swimming, playing in the water, and fishing. Many foreigners, with their families, sunbathe, swim, play in the water, and chat in the park. This is life...

The terrain becomes higher as you go north in Yellowstone Park, giving you the feeling of climbing over mountains and crossing ridges.

Yellowstone has a rich history and stories, and countless films have been made about it. Looking back at it from 2012, years ago, it's still incredibly awe-inspiring. Yellowstone is truly a tranquil place. Even with tens of thousands of visitors simultaneously, a massive park spanning three states, it doesn't seem overly noisy. We reserved two full days for Yellowstone, but now I'm thinking about how we've missed out. Chinese people make up a large portion of Yellowstone's visitors, followed by Asian-looking Japanese and Koreans, and a fair number of Europeans. Despite Yellowstone's tranquility, my first night there was anything but. Before bed, I realized I'd left a piece of clothing in the car. When I got out to retrieve it, I realized the eerie stillness of Yellowstone's nighttime silence. Even more frightening, as I was returning with my clothes, I spotted a dark figure, about a meter and a half tall, crawling along the ground between several cars in the distance, in the dim moonlight. Silence reigned, deserted. With the hotel entrance still over a hundred meters away, my first instinct was to run! I sprinted, pushing open the door and stepping inside, my heart finally settling. In the following days in Yellowstone, I often saw "bear sighting" warning signs, and even saw bears walking a hundred meters away while driving. I don't know if it was a dangerous encounter that night, or maybe it was some other reptile.

In most areas of Yellowstone Park, there are few traces of human activities, and the most original appearance of nature is presented to us in a simple and beautiful way.

Among these breathtaking views, the ones that are about to appear are the ones that I absolutely cannot miss!

Grand Prismatic Spring, located in the geyser area, has a five-star photogenic index.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is undoubtedly the most photogenic geological wonder in Yellowstone National Park.

One of the most famous scenic drives in the United States, the Beartooth Highway runs from Red Lodge in the east to Cooke City, the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It is open to the public only from May to October.

The unique natural landscape and the colorful and fairy-like springs are worth a visit to experience the wonders of nature!

The sun is very strong in the summer, so be careful with sun protection. Parking at major attractions can be difficult during peak hours, so it is recommended to leave early. This is suitable for a two-day itinerary.

Yellowstone is incredibly large, much larger than national parks like Grand Teton and Arches. Driving through it takes a long time, and it'll take at least two days to complete. It can also snow in the summer. I visited in mid-June, and it snowed heavily the day before, so I wore a light down jacket the first night.

The entire Yellowstone not only has beautiful scenery, but is also a paradise for viewing animals. You can have close contact with bison, deer, geese, etc. However, I have never encountered a bear in Yellowstone, but I encounter bears every day in Grand Teton National Park next to Yellowstone.

The flowers, plants and fruits in Yellowstone Park cannot be taken away. The motto of Yellowstone Park is "Take only photos, leave only footprints"

The natural scenery is beautiful and there are many animals to see, it is well worth a visit.

Yellowstone National Park is the world's first and largest national park and a unique magical paradise on earth.

What a beautiful view! What a beautiful view! What a beautiful view! What a beautiful view! What a beautiful view!

Shortly after exiting Grand Teton's north gate, you'll reach the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park is divided into five zones based on its natural landscape: Mammoth Hot Springs in the northwest, Tower-Roosevelt in the northeast, Yellow Stone Lake in the southeast, Old Faithful Ceyser Geyser in the southwest, and Canyon Village in the center. A 500-kilometer-long figure-8 highway connects these five zones.

The most classic route in Yellowstone National Park is the Figure 8 Route, which is centered around the 10 main attractions. It's not recommended to rush through it in one day; it's best to spend 2-3 days slowly stopping to admire the scenery.

When I first arrived at the Mammoth Hot Springs parking lot, I saw many deer roaming the hillside. To maintain the animals' wildness and the safety of visitors, the park requires a minimum distance of 300 feet from bears and wolves, and 23 meters from other animals like elk and bison. Stealing food from animals is also prohibited. Some bears frequent the park's surrounding areas, so trash is placed in designated bins to prevent bears from being attracted by the smell of human food and attacking. In previous scenic areas, humans were often possessive. Yellowstone is the place where I've experienced the most harmony between humans and nature. Try to minimize interference with nature's life.

Yellowstone is at its most beautiful in autumn, with vibrant colors and vibrant animals. When purchasing your ticket, ask if there are any road closures! (Some sections of the upper 8-shaped road are typically closed in winter.) The entire park is shaped like an 8. The main attraction in the upper 8, Mammoth Hot Springs, was damaged by an earthquake, killing many bacteria and algae, so we skipped the upper 8. The southern loop of the lower 8 is 200 kilometers long, with a speed limit of 72.5 kilometers. The entire drive takes about three hours. Be especially careful in geothermal areas. Water vapor and mud are dangerous, and the hot air from the crater has a rotten egg smell, making it unsafe to leave. Feeding or teasing animals is strictly prohibited, and fruit picking and discarding of fruit cores are prohibited. Trash should be disposed of in bear-safe trash cans. Before exiting the south gate, you'll pass the Yellowstone River and a lake (name unspecified) that offer stunning views.

Accommodation within Yellowstone is only available in a few officially designated areas within the park, and many areas close for extended periods during the winter. Arriving at the park after 2:30 p.m., it was clearly unrealistic to visit all ten scenic spots as planned. So, today, I was content to just see Old Faithful erupt, and leave the rest to chance. This thought actually made me feel more relaxed. I didn't have to rush through sightseeing to complete my tasks. There were beautiful sights along the way; I just had to savor them. So, upon entering Yellowstone, my first stop was an obscure wildlife spot with a single sign that read "Naturally Reseeded By Wildfire in 1988." There were plenty of deer roaming the plains, and even a massive bison. Seeing bison for the first time was incredibly exciting; they looked so rare, I thought I'd stumbled upon something big. Later, I learned that bison are actually the most common of all Yellowstone wildlife. I truly enjoyed watching and photographing them to my heart's content. The road was lined with cows, jaywalking without a care in the world.

After passing through Grand Teton National Park, we arrived at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Inside Yellowstone, no matter what phone card or Wi-Fi connection you use, you'll basically have no signal. If you want to access the internet, you'll need to purchase a Wi-Fi subscription. Personally, I don't think this is necessary. Internet is readily available just outside Yellowstone. Navigating Yellowstone is effortless! Let me dispel some misconceptions! Don't be fooled by online information that makes you think Yellowstone is complicated! That's completely wrong! Simply download an offline map, follow the navigation to find your destination, grab your camera, and explore! I personally think two days is plenty of time for a visit!

Yellowstone's attractions are arranged in a figure-8 pattern. Our plan today was to travel from Thumb Point West to the West Gate of Yellowstone! Finally, we'd exit from the West Gate and stay in West Yellowstone. Due to the evening cattle herds that roamed the highway, the southwest corner of the figure-8, heading north out of West Yellowstone, was severely congested. Yellowstone at night was pitch black, with the occasional sighting of small animals. I saw a small fox near the West Gate. The accommodations weren't particularly well-lit, and it was practically impossible to distinguish them from the highway. The consolation was that I'd completed the lower figure-8 of Yellowstone. We arrived at the hotel around 11 a.m. There were practically no supermarkets open. Luckily, we had some food with us. No need for a filter here. Yellowstone is anything but mysterious. There were traffic jams lasting over three hours every morning and evening, something you wouldn't find on any American highway. Of course, the traffic jams are understandable, as they often involve bison crossing the road and cars trying to avoid them. It's worth noting that during the traffic jams, not a single car was going the wrong way, honking their horn, or cutting in line!

There are many tour groups here, especially the elderly groups. The attractions are right there when you get off the bus, which is not difficult. But the dogs who come for a ride in the RV with their owners are so happy!



Yellowstone itself isn't particularly special, aside from its various springs and pools. We even drove a bit at night, hoping to spot some large wildlife like bears, but they probably went to bed early. Yellowstone's lush greenery is truly stunning, and all the viewpoints are strategically placed, not randomly chosen. I think you can see this kind of scenery on many US highways, from Salt Lake City to Jackson to Yellowstone to Bozeman. I think the scenery along the way is even more beautiful than in Yellowstone! Of course, all of this is in comparison to other parks and attractions in the western US. In terms of culture, conservation, and design, it's far superior! You get the idea!

I chatted with the ticket seller at the South Gate of Yellowstone. He said that many scenic spots will be closed in a few days. In the winter of Yellowstone, you can't drive yourself and you have to take a snow bus.

The ecological environment of Yellowstone is really good. We met a deer at the door of the cabin in Mammoth Springs. At first we thought it was fake, but it looked up at us and it turned out to be real!

In order to protect the natural environment and wildlife habitats, there are no street lights inside Yellowstone Park. It's really helpless.

Yellowstone National Park boasts numerous attractions, including the Grand Prismatic Geyser, Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Falls, the Colored Pot, the Mud Volcano, and Norris Geyser. Most US national parks retain a rugged, pristine, wild, and unadorned beauty, and Yellowstone is no exception. Its defining characteristics are its user-friendly management and affordable admission prices. It's said that the core philosophy of the US National Park system is that the beauty of nature belongs to everyone, present and future generations; allowing present generations to enjoy nature's gifts at the lowest possible cost while also preserving this precious treasure for future generations. Consequently, US national parks are not only non-profitable but also receive substantial government subsidies annually.

Such a beautiful geological park, I want to go again!!!

In May, the temperature in Yellowstone National Park was around zero degrees Celsius in the mornings and on the evenings. The temperature in Yellowstone is so variable that weather forecasts are only a guide. We experienced four seasons in one day, including sunshine, rain, overcast weather, and snow. So, when visiting Yellowstone in May, it's important to pack all-season clothing and layer your clothes.

Yellowstone National Park must be visited by car. There is no public transportation in the park, the road conditions are complicated, and there are many slopes in the alpine environment. It should be noted that there is no mobile phone signal in Yellowstone Park, and there is almost no Internet, except for a few cafes and accommodation areas. Therefore, you must download the offline map in advance. It is recommended to download the Tantu map.

You can bring some dry food and water in the car. Water is very important. As for dry food and snacks, you can eat them at noon. Although there are restaurants in the Yellowstone Scenic Area, the prices are actually acceptable.

Gas prices are generally higher at gas stations within Yellowstone National Park. If you live in a nearby town, it's more cost-effective to fill up there. Also, gas stations within Yellowstone National Park aren't always easy to find, so it's best to fill up your tank beforehand.

In addition to paying attention to traffic rules, you should also pay special attention to animals on both sides of the road.

The most important point is that there are many wild animals in the park, so be sure to avoid them when driving.

In mid-to-late May, most tourist attractions are open, but the hot spring water volume is not as high as in summer. However, you can see the spectacular sight of melting ice and snow and the reflection of the snow-capped mountains, and the travel cost will be much lower than in summer.

A two-day tour is ideal for a more in-depth exploration of Yellowstone. You can cover almost everything in one day, but even a quick tour of Yellowstone might be enough. If you have more time, a two-day or longer tour is recommended. If you want to fully explore Yellowstone, a three- or four-day tour is also possible. If time is limited, I don't recommend visiting Lamar Valley on the first day; after all, it's just a great place to see wildlife and is quite large.

In May, the snow-capped mountains in the distance are clearly visible, there are still floating ice on Yellowstone Lake, and the lake water is clear. If it is a sunny day, the reflections of the blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped mountains can be seen everywhere.

In fact, in addition to the fourteen major landscapes officially introduced by Yellowstone Park, I personally think that those scenic spots that are often not shown on the map, and sometimes even the scenery without signs on the roadside, are more amazing.

Yellowstone has always struck me as different from other national parks, a place of mystery, a place of pilgrimage. In the movie "2012," the scenes set in Yellowstone, those apocalyptic, desolate, and silent shots, have always left me with a sense of awe. I feel like this place is otherworldly, a place where those who visit will ascend to heaven.

I'd planned two days around Yellowstone in my itinerary. Originally, we'd depart from Jackson on the 14th, passing through Grand Teton National Park and entering Yellowstone from the South Entrance. We'd follow the right half of a "3" pattern—Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Canyon, Roosevelt Tower, Mammoth Springs, and Norris Basin. Finally, we'd exit through the West Gate and check into West Yellowstone. On the 15th, we'd reenter Yellowstone from the West Gate, following a clockwise "8" pattern to see the Yellowstone Falls and canyon in the early morning, then visit the iconic Southwest Geyser Basin. Later in the afternoon, we'd also leave Yellowstone through the West Gate.

But it turns out that while this itinerary is nearly perfect and covers almost all of Yellowstone's attractions, the time management... I still underestimated the size and splendor of Yellowstone. I strongly recommend leaving an extra day for Yellowstone!



Here is a little popular science and a few tips:

Many hot springs have beautiful gradient colors, including the colors along the edges of the Grand Prismatic. These colors aren't the color of the rock itself, nor are they reflections of the sky, like in the ocean. Instead, they come from the archaeobacteria in the vents, a group of remarkable organisms that have survived for hundreds of millions of years under extreme conditions.

2. There is steam above the hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. Generally, between 11 am and 3 pm, when the air temperature is higher, there is less steam and the colors of the hot springs can be seen more clearly.

3. Hot springs contain high levels of sulfur, which is why you can smell a faint odor of rotten eggs in many places in Yellowstone.

4. The ground around the hot springs is very fragile and corrosive. Warning signs are usually posted along the edge of the boardwalk. Don't go down there on a whim! Curiosity kills the cat!

The entire Yellowstone area is arranged in a figure-eight pattern, with several gates. Planning your entry and accommodations will help you avoid duplication and save time. Some areas may be closed depending on the season, so be sure to check when planning your route.

A visit to Yellowstone requires at least two days. After purchasing your tickets, you'll be given a clear map. It's also important to download the offline version of Google Maps in advance, as Yellowstone's signal is poor and often unavailable. The map shows four stations with signal. These are the major visitor centers in Yellowstone, which typically offer accommodations, restaurants, decent restrooms, and gas stations.

Yellowstone National Park is vast. If you're pressed for time, the most concise recommendation would be: [Recommended 2-Day Tour] West Thumb, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Morning Glory, Biscuit Basin, the Grand Canyon Trail (Artist Point), Lower Falls (where Uncle Tom preaches), and Mammoth Hot Springs. You can skip the rest; you won't regret it.

There is no internet in Yellowstone Park, and it is basically isolated from the world. The most beautiful scenery is on the road. There are not as many people in Yellowstone Park as in China, so it’s okay.

The speed limit in Yellowstone National Park is 45 miles per hour, about 80 kilometers per hour. There are many mountain roads, so you can't drive fast. Some sections have speed limits of 35 or 25. Don't worry about not having online navigation. A map and looking at the road signs are enough.

Yellowstone National Park may not have the largest canyons or the most magnificent waterfalls, but it does have the richest landscapes. Each side of the 8-shaped pattern offers a different landscape. There are mountains, basins, canyons, plains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Autumn is especially vibrant, with the upper 8-shaped pattern in the north appearing more desolate, while the lower 8-shaped pattern in the south is warmer and greener.

The US national parks are so well-preserved that you can't even get a cell phone signal inside. Don't get separated from your family... The scenery is absolutely amazing, and it lives up to its reputation. It's like Jiuzhaigou in its prime. I was just screaming and excited every moment, hahaha.

There are many animals in Yellowstone National Park, the most common being the American bison. Apart from the bison, we only saw one small squirrel throughout the entire trip... Traffic jams in Yellowstone National Park are usually caused by animals in front of us. We have to let them go far enough away before we can pass.

The weather in Yellowstone that day was pretty average. The western United States had just experienced a major wildfire, so the blue skies and white clouds weren't what I'd imagined. The bare areas and the newly sprouted saplings were all burned by the wildfires. The whole thing looked incredibly pristine, and it was a pleasant sight.

Yellowstone Park entered the off-season at the end of August. For me, who grew up in the south, it was extremely cold in the mornings, around 6 or 7 degrees. I didn't do enough homework and didn't bring enough clothes. I just bought a sweatshirt in the small town and put on all the clothes I could wear. It was really freezing.

I was a little confused when planning the trip. Many guides said that October was no longer the season for Yellowstone, but I still wanted to come and see it. Unexpectedly, I did not regret this trip to Yellowstone at all. During the three days we stayed there, we can say that we just experienced the change of seasons, from autumn to winter. Maybe this is something you can't appreciate in summer, but Yellowstone really has its own beauty in every season.

This time I entered from the north gate and exited from the south gate because the road from Tower Falls to the Grand Canyon was blocked. Since the detour was too long, I gave up on the Tower Falls attraction. There are two waterfalls on the Grand Canyon side, which I think is enough.

The specific itinerary is as follows:

Day 1 North Gate - Mammoth Hot Springs - Madison

Day 2 Old Faithful - Grand Canyon - Yellowstone Lake

Day 3 Old Faithful - West Thumb - Grand Teton

Because it was autumn, the scenery all the way from the north gate to Yellowstone was particularly beautiful, so we were delayed for a while by the beautiful scenery on the way.

The unique geographical landscape is worth seeing. The park management and service are very good.

In general, I feel that you must visit Yellowstone before leaving the United States. We think Yellowstone is good, but not that good, because many places in China can fully meet the standards of the park, such as Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan and the Snow Mountain in Yunnan. The highlight of Yellowstone is the thousands of hydrothermal geysers, but no matter what, being able to drive in such a national park with a diverse ecological environment is also an extremely enjoyable experience!

As one of the best national parks in the United States, there is a reason why Yellowstone is so popular!

In fact, there is no need for a written introduction here. It is certainly the most worth-visiting park in the United States!

The best way to visit this park is by car. My entire trip took four days, but even then, I only managed a quick tour. The park is so vast. Even driving furiously every day, I still managed to circle the park. Every dusk and dawn leaves a lasting impression. Discover beauty, and photograph it.

The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park are generally spring and summer. Spring boasts more varied weather, allowing for more wildlife sightings and more spectacular waterfalls. Summer is busiest and most popular time of year. Fall is also a good time to visit, though the number of visitors decreases rapidly as temperatures drop. Winter, a popular season for some, is also a rare season, with few visitors, allowing you to enjoy the scenery on your own. However, you'll need a snowmobile capable of navigating the snow.

As we approached Yellowstone, the forests on both sides looked completely different. Because fires often occur in Yellowstone, only bare trees were left on both sides.

From the South Gate of Yellowstone National Park to the Grand Loop Road, there are still 35 kilometers. Most of the park's roads are excellent, single-lane, with a speed limit of 45 mph in most sections and 35 mph in a few. From the South Gate to the Grand Loop Road intersection, the road runs alongside the Lewis River, passing Lewis Falls and Lake Louise along the way. Having seen so many waterfalls in China, I didn't find this small waterfall particularly special. However, the river and Lewis Lake in the distance are still beautiful against the backdrop of blue skies, white clouds, and lush forests.

Only after experiencing it, you will know how beautiful it is and understand its charm.

Here, small animals can be seen everywhere.

About "How many days should I play"

The distribution of attractions and the park's size indicate that there are hundreds of them, large and small, with roughly a dozen well-known ones. However, aside from the relatively densely populated geyser area, other notable attractions are separated by 20 to 30 kilometers. Furthermore, the frequent presence of wildlife in Yellowstone Park creates traffic congestion, making travel time extremely unmanageable. Therefore, a complete "8" circuit, visiting every area and exploring all ten or so famous attractions, would require two to three days.

In fact, you won’t feel bored even if you spend a month in a beautiful place like Yellowstone Park.

At least a week can be packed with activities, but for most tourists, a week is too much of a luxury. In my opinion, two to three days is enough.

The specific arrangements are as follows:

The geyser area in the "lower left part of the figure 8" has relatively more attractions, with various colorful pools and hot springs formed by geothermal heat one after another, plus the Norris Geyser Basin in the "middle left part of the figure 8", so it is advisable to arrange a whole day; while the upper part of the entire "figure 8" has fewer attractions, with only two well-known attractions, Tower Falls and Mammoth Hot Springs. Together with the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Upper and Lower Falls in the "middle right part of the figure 8", a whole day is enough.

Yellowstone National Park is a geothermal landscape, surrounded by surface geothermal material. Therefore, it's crucial to stay on the boardwalks and avoid wandering around, lest you stray into the dangerous strata near the springs. Some areas, where microorganisms die after an earthquake, have become simmering mud pools, the bubbling waters truly seem to be churning. The geysers are incredibly varied, sometimes boiling, sometimes serene like a hot spring, without even a hint of mud. Perhaps this is why it's called an artist's palette, a synthesis of Yellowstone's stunning elements, offering a diverse array of beauty in one place.

Yellowstone National Park is incredibly large, larger than even the smallest US state, making it a state-sized entity. Designating such a vast area as a park is truly impressive.

We spent two days exploring Yellowstone National Park. The main drive through the park is shaped like a figure eight, with five gates. On the first day, we entered through the South Gate, passing through Jackson and Grand Teton National Park, and exited through the West Gate that night, staying in West Yellowstone. On the second day, we entered through the West Gate again and exited through the East Gate after our visit. We visited most of Yellowstone's major attractions, with only one regret: we didn't visit Mammoth Hot Springs, which is located north! Alas! We'll have to save that for another opportunity. We were driving out of Yellowstone as the sun was setting. Because the United States observes daylight saving time, the sky was still bright even at 7 a.m., and it didn't reach full darkness until after 8 p.m. Yellowstone at dusk looked desolate and slightly mysterious.

We set out early in the morning and re-entered Yellowstone Park. God gave us a surprise and we saw deer bathed in the morning light.

Yellowstone National Park is also famous for its wildlife. The most common sightings were bison, quite arrogant, as people and vehicles had to give way to them. They roamed the grasslands with ease, grazing, strolling, fighting, dating, flirting, or lazily basking in the sun...

Along the way, I kept listening to the tour guide explain how the US protects Yellowstone's ecology. Simply put, it's about doing nothing. How far does this go? Dead trees are everywhere in Yellowstone. If a tree falls, park rangers won't touch it unless it's blocking the road. Then they move it, and then what? Let it transform itself. The most common plant in Yellowstone is the twisted pine, which thrives on fire, so when a forest fire breaks out, they're simply left to fend for themselves.

Two days passed quickly, and I should say I had gained a lot.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone are clearly two national parks, but we saw a Yellowstone sign just as we were about to exit Grand Teton. Then we drove all the way into Yellowstone without seeing any ticket booths?? So strange.

The national parks are so huge! I spent countless hours driving through Grand Teton and Yellowstone! I never could finish.

There is a visitor education (science) center inside Norris Geyser, and park managers are on both sides of the road. They will greet people and answer their questions about the Yellowstone landscape!

Yellowstone is full of animal warning signs. There are also campsites, picnic areas, and RV parks everywhere!

(The park emphasizes that you must clean up after picnics and throw food scraps into bear-proof trash cans. Otherwise, animals may come here and find food, and they may come back in the future, posing a danger to people.)

My companion took a picture of a cow, which I thought was a great job. The old cow worked very hard and there was a story in its eyes. We also encountered a bear, a small one, which passed in front of our car very quickly. Unfortunately, none of us were quick enough to "catch" it. What a pity~

Archaea growth gives the emerald pools their vibrant colors. Honestly, the real scene isn't as beautiful as the photos. Sometimes, when I'm taking photos, they don't look as vibrant as the real scene, and editing them is like recreating what I saw with my own eyes. Sometimes, the scene looks even better in the lens, and post-editing adds my imagination.

Yellowstone National Park, a place that needs no introduction.

Its name is a landscape.



Driving in Yellowstone Park, the scenery on the road is already beautiful

blue sky white snow

An asphalt road, sometimes straight, sometimes winding

Vehicles passing through

Raise a melody without a name

Entering Yellowstone National Park from the south entrance, the first stop is West Thumb Geyser.

Yellowstone National Park is like a group of models walking on a figure-eight T-stage. Not only do the different scenic spots have different styles, but the clothing of the four seasons is also varied and matched, competing with each other in beauty, as if to decide the winner in front of the tourists.

This may be the reason why Yellowstone National Park attracts tourists from all over the world. Each landscape here is not particularly outstanding, but when integrated into one park, people can't help but marvel at the beauty of nature and linger.

Yellowstone National Park, with its various geothermal wonders, mountains, lakes, grasslands, wetlands, and various wildlife, is a destination that you must visit once in your lifetime. It is not only famous, but it is also a place worth visiting.

Yellowstone Park is the world's first national park. Its name has long been well-known, and the admiration for Yellowstone Park has a long history.

A single highway connects Yellowstone National Park's five gates and the park's numerous attractions, covering approximately 500 kilometers. The only way to fully explore it is by car, and it would take more than a day. There are few shops and amenities within the park. Be sure to stock up on food, water, and a full tank of gas before entering.

Yellowstone's beauty goes without saying, and countless TV shows, movies, photos, and articles have been written about it. But driving through the park itself is truly a delight. Are there any hiking trails in Yellowstone? The total length is 1,500 kilometers, and while hiking seems impossible based on the park's tourist map, even a tour group can only give you a rough idea. Driving on your own is a completely different experience.

A map was given with the ticket, and the ticket seller reminded us not to lose the ticket because it would be required to check it when entering Grand Teton National Park.

I stopped to take photos or sit for a while wherever I could find parking. Even the quieter, lesser-known spots were fun, and the stop-and-go approach was a delightful way to explore. But then I realized I didn't have enough time, so I headed to the larger attractions listed in bold on the map. So, if you really want to explore, you'll need to stay a few days.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is well worth taking the time to study, having been carved into several layers by wind, rain, ice and snow at different times.

The scenery of the "Lower Eight Characters" is more unique than that of the Upper Eight Characters. There are geysers of various colors and the smell of sulfur is everywhere. It is easy to get thirsty if you smell it for a long time. Fortunately, I brought a lot of water.

As soon as we entered the park, we saw a deer crossing the road. Everyone stopped to avoid it, and many people like us pulled over and got out to take pictures of the deer with our cameras and binoculars.

The anticipation for the Grand Prismatic, the beauty, and the wildlife (especially the wolves) filled me with uncontrollable joy. However, the most common animal we saw along the way was this type of cattle... The first time we saw them, we were thrilled. We were in the car, and they were outside, grazing freely. You had to give them the go-ahead, no matter how slow they walked... But when all you see all day is this type of cattle, don't you feel a sense of despair?... The first waterfall we saw was brimming with water from melted snow, and the sound was breathtaking, but the drop wasn't large, lacking the grandeur of a larger waterfall. Probably the most striking thing we encountered in Yellowstone was the pine needles and cones, both withered and in full bloom.

Either way, it gives you a sense of life's tenacity. I started my geyser tour. I watched until I vomited... I can't remember many of the names, but I remember Old Faithful... When water constantly gushed out from the ground, it was truly magical. I marveled at the power of nature.

When I went, the west gate of Yellowstone had just opened. It was cold, and the temperature swings created a misty atmosphere. It felt like a fairyland, didn't it? But it wasn't a good time to visit, because you couldn't see anything... From summer to winter, traveling through the four seasons is truly an extraordinary experience. On the day I went to Yellowstone, it was still snowing lightly.

The Yellowstone tour route is shaped like a figure eight, with four gates (east, south, west, and north) plus a northeast gate. This time, I only took the left side of the figure eight, visiting the first stop: Norris Geyser Basin; the second stop: Mammoth Hot Springs; the third stop: Grand Prismatic Spring; and the fourth stop: Old Faithful.

There are still many places we haven't visited yet

We planned two full days in Yellowstone Park, which was definitely enough for sightseeing and taking photos. If we needed to look for wildlife or go boating, it would probably take nearly a week.

Yellowstone National Park is rich in wildlife. Deer, bears, squirrels, yaks, and wolves can all be seen in the park. Especially yaks, which are everywhere.

It's hard to imagine how we could have appreciated this beauty without driving. Inside the park, we ran into a few compatriots who had traveled to Yellowstone by bus. They said they didn't find Yellowstone particularly beautiful, and that the online photos were deceptive. To such comments, I simply say: You came to the right place, but not the right time. We see the Earth's wildness billions of years ago, while you see the pale after a fire has been extinguished.

Yellowstone National Park is divided into five zones:

The Mammoth Hot Springs area in the northwest is dominated by limestone steps, so it is also called the Hot Steps area; the Roosevelt area in the northeast still retains the Old West landscape; the Canyon area in the middle offers views of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon and waterfalls; the Yellowstone Lake area in the southeast is mainly characterized by lakes and mountains.

The west and southwest are the geyser areas, which are full of geysers, hot springs, steam, hot pools, mud and fumaroles.

Yellowstone is so vast that even 70 days, let alone a seven-day ticket, wouldn't be enough to fully explore it. Therefore, I reserved almost all of my best time for the geysers, where the surface has been steaming for eons, just as it is today. During the daytime hours of intense sunlight, I focused on areas accessible at all times.

Most people know Yellowstone through photos of this place. I am no exception. Aerial photography is not allowed in the entire Yellowstone National Park.

There are very strict traffic regulations for driving in Yellowstone Park. Due to the presence of wild animals, the speed here is strictly limited to 45 miles per hour, and parking must be parked entirely in designated areas. Speeding and illegal parking will make you make a huge contribution to the US treasury.

How much is the cheapest ticket to Yellowstone?

Yellowstone Park is not about having particularly beautiful scenery, but it has rich topography and unique geological structure.

Looking back on our trip to Yellowstone, there were worries and surprises. I was worried because we were not mentally prepared. We didn't expect Yellowstone Park to be so big, and it would take an hour or two to drive to even one attraction. I was happy because the children were smart and capable, giving us the opportunity to come here, and the scenery outside the park was even more charming.

Compare Yellowstone Park with our domestic major tourist attractions: there are many toilets here, unlike our domestic tourist attractions where you have to wait in long lines to use the toilet, and there is enough paper in the toilets. When you can wash your hands, there are hand towels or hand dryers, and when you can't wash your hands, there are hand sanitizers, which is very convenient.

Yellowstone National Park's attractions are arranged in a figure-8 pattern, so exploring them all requires at least two full days. A more comprehensive tour would require three to four days. We planned a two-and-a-half-day trip to Yellowstone, which covered most of the attractions. If you're short on time, you can choose to explore a few key areas.

The above picture shows the route we took over two and a half days. The first day is pink, the second day is green, and the third day is purple. If you only have two days, you can do 8 up and 8 down on each day.

We bought an $80 annual pass for the National Parks. The staff asked us to sign the back of the card immediately. We just had to show the pass and our passport to enter the park. The card has a month mark on it, indicating the validity period. It can be signed by two people, and for a national park enthusiast, getting an annual pass is a real source of pride!

Yellowstone National Park's main route is a figure-8. We entered through the South Gate and planned to exit through the West Gate, staying in West Yellowstone. It's quite a distance from the South Gate to West Thumb, the first official attraction at the bottom of the figure-8. You can stop and take photos at the nearby Lewis River if you like. Some of the canyon sections are quite stunning.

Yellowstone National Park boasts an incredibly humid climate. Ubiquitous streams, rivers, hot springs, and lakes form a dense network of water, nourishing this fertile forest and the animals, waterfowl, and vegetation that inhabit it. For someone who grew up in a water-scarce city like Beijing, the sight of water resources is always particularly exciting. Compared to other parks I've visited before, such as the forested Saihanba in northern my country, the humid Yandang Mountains in Zhejiang, and Yosemite in California, Yellowstone offers a near-perfect combination of forests, water systems, waterfalls, flora, fauna, and geothermal resources.

The scenic area's vibrant landscape is a hallmark of its diverse geothermal landscape. You'll find hot springs of varying shapes and vibrant interstitial springs, including hot springs that continuously gush hot water, fumaroles that emit steam but not water, and mud springs that spew mud. The vibrant colors of the surface are breathtaking, calling it an "artist's palette" and even calling it the world's most beautiful ground. The waterfall, viewed from the cliffside, was crowded with people. It's not a large waterfall, but it's incredibly beautiful!

Yellowstone National Park, ranked as one of the 50 best places to visit in the world, was the highlight of our trip to the United States. The map shows the route, accommodations, and various attractions. Let me emphasize why we strongly recommend a counterclockwise route. Saving Yellowstone's most famous sights, the Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful, for the very end is essential. By taking your time counterclockwise, the scenery gradually escalates until the very end.

Yellowstone is a vast area, typically requiring three full days to explore. The numerous attractions are numerous. The pink areas in the image below are attractions. In fact, the tourist maps available at the visitor center will have even denser pink dots, representing attractions such as geysers, canyons, waterfalls, wilderness, and grasslands and rivers.

Don't drive at night in Yellowstone because there are so many wild animals. If you encounter wolves or bears, you'll be afraid. If you hit a deer, you'll probably have to pay compensation. They protect wildlife more than people, and the so-called shooting of tigers because of biting people is basically non-existent.

All scenic spots in Yellowstone are connected by wooden boardwalks. Tourists are strictly prohibited from going down the boardwalks. First of all, it is quite dangerous because many hotspots have extremely high acidity. There are news reports of people falling into undeveloped wild springs in Yellowstone and being killed. In serious cases, you may violate the law, so everyone must pay attention.

There are two main ways to visit Yellowstone: by car or with a tour group. In either case, staying in a cabin in Yellowstone is a great option. There are three types of accommodations in Yellowstone: hotels, cabins, and camping.

There are currently five cabin campgrounds within Yellowstone. You can check the official website for open campgrounds and room availability; availability varies by season. Bookings can sometimes be made on-site; when we visited, the cabin near Old Faithful Geyser had rooms available. However, the conditions are definitely not as good as those at a hotel.

Famous attractions include Old Faithful, Artist's Place, Mammoth Hot Springs, Sapphires, Mud Volcanoes, Grand Prismatic, and Yellowstone Lake. Besides enjoying the scenery, another major goal of visiting Yellowstone is to see the animals. Commonly seen animals in Yellowstone include bison (often blocking roads), elk, giant deer, and a species of deer with white rumps. Black bears and brown bears are less common. Wolves are even rarer. It's said that the best place to see bears is in Hayden Valley. We didn't encounter one, but we did on the way to Upper Falls. Unfortunately, we were in the car, and large vehicles can't park freely. Driving is generally better.

It's so beautiful! It's really beautiful! The completely natural environment and natural scenery are worth the trip!

The scenery is very beautiful. After three days of fun, I feel it is still a bit short. One week is more suitable. If you want to have a deeper experience, half a month is better, haha!

Yellowstone National Park, the world's first and largest national park, covers approximately 898,317 hectares, primarily located in Wyoming, USA. It boasts stunning scenery, including lakes and mountains, dotted with geysers, hot springs, steam pools, hot pools, mudflats, and fumaroles. Grand Prismatic Spring, located in the western section of Yellowstone National Park, is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. Discovered by geologists in 1871, it was named Grand Prismatic Spring for its striking color. The water reaches a temperature of 86°C, and biochemical processes cause the water to shift in color, radiating from the center and creating a gradient texture along the edge. Visiting Yellowstone is like risking your life. Why? Yellowstone is incredibly vast, spanning 890,000 hectares, home to more than a thousand species of plants and animals, stunning lakes and mountains, waterfalls, canyons, and a wealth of hot springs, steam pools, and fumaroles. Why is there so much geothermal energy? Because there is one of the most destructive super volcanoes on earth (the area of ​​the crater is equivalent to that of Beijing) lurking under the Yellowstone Park. Once such a "super volcano" erupts, it is enough to destroy most of the creatures on earth. It erupts every 600,000 years. It has been 620,000 years since the last eruption and has entered the eruption period, so it may erupt at any time. The news said that Mount Fuji may erupt soon, but compared with Yellowstone, it is a drop in the bucket. Its power is equivalent to 1,000 Krakatoa volcanoes in Indonesia. If all the fresh water on the earth is poured into Colorado, it can only fill half of it. The magma erupted by Yellowstone can fill dozens of Colorado canyons. If Yellowstone erupts, 75% of the land area of ​​the United States will be covered. Volcanic ash will block the sun (because volcanic ash is insoluble in water and can only be suspended in the air, and human vehicles cannot rescue it). The surface temperature will drop by 9-12°, and it will return to the ice age. It is conceivable that if Yellowstone erupts, 75% of the land area of ​​the United States will be covered.

The roadside is filled with various masterpieces of nature's magic. Looking at the beautiful scenery, I sigh that I am just a passer-by, passing by in a hurry and not having time to quietly appreciate the vitality of its life.

The trip ended with a stunning stop at the Yellowstone Old Zong Spring, the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Mud Spring, the Yellowstone River, and Yellowstone Lake. Whether it was dawn or sunset, everything was ablaze with color. Add to that the company and laughter of my friends along the way, and I was so happy I didn't want to leave.

Yellowstone National Park is the world's first national park and the largest still-active volcano in North America. The park has five entrances and is divided into five zones: the northwest Mammoth Hot Springs Zone, known as the Thermal Steps Zone, is dominated by limestone terraces; the northeastern Roosevelt Zone retains an Old West landscape; the central Canyon Zone offers views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Yellowstone Falls; the southeastern Yellowstone Lake Zone features stunning views of the lake and mountains; and the west and southwest Geyser Zone is dotted with geysers, hot springs, steam steamers, hot pools, mudflats, and fumaroles.

I hope you can explore her beauty yourself~ There are endless surprises~

Yellowstone National Park is the world's first national park and boasts the richest landscape composition of any US national park. The park boasts snow-capped mountains, forests, canyons, lakes, and rivers, with geothermal features, such as its vibrant geysers. Yellowstone's beauty is unmatched among US national parks, and its use as a filming location for the film "2012" further elevated its global profile. Established in 1872, it was inducted into the World Heritage List in 1978. It is also the second-largest national park in the United States (the largest being Death Valley). Geographically, Yellowstone lies at the junction of three states, with the majority located in Wyoming and smaller portions in Montana and Idaho.

The road in Yellowstone Park is in the shape of a figure eight and is mainly divided into five areas: the Mammoth Hot Springs area in the northwest, known as the hot steps area because its landform is mainly limestone steps. It is the largest known carbonate deposition hot spring in the world; the Roosevelt area in the northeast, where Indians hunted in the past and dug the Bannack Trail, with ancient Western landscapes and horse riding; the middle is the canyon area, where the main landscape is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and waterfalls; the southeast is the Yellowstone Lake area, a good place to enjoy the scenery of lakes and mountains; the southwest is the geyser area, with various geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, mud pools, etc.

Yellowstone is so beautiful. After traveling around the western United States, the one that impressed me the most was Yellowstone National Park. The beautiful scenery and geological wonders are not to be missed!

The magnificent scenery of Yellowstone Park can absolutely heal all your sorrows! Nature's breathtaking beauty has such magical healing properties. There are many yaks in Yellowstone Park, and everyone politely gives way, quietly observing and photographing them. The animals are not at all afraid of vehicles or people. Perhaps they are already accustomed to the daily traffic and know that it will not harm them in any way. I love this harmony, as it should be. The map of Yellowstone Park is shaped like a figure eight. As for the best way to get around, it's a complex matter. Weather is a crucial factor, directly affecting access within the park. Therefore, if you're planning a Yellowstone trip, it's recommended to check the park's official website (***) to check the annual opening hours of various park gates and plan your route in advance. Also, pay close attention to road conditions within the park a week before your visit. (There was a snowstorm a week before our trip, and the road above the figure 8 was marked as closed. Luckily, we opened the first half of the road the day before our trip, but the road from Norris to Mammoth Hot Springs was still closed due to heavy snow. Although it was a pity that we didn't get to do that section, the remaining beautiful scenery more than made up for it. This is travel, everything is up to fate!)

The first national park in the United States, it's primarily located in Wyoming, with portions in Montana and Idaho. You can apply for camping in the park, which allows you to spend multiple days there. Every corner is breathtakingly beautiful, and there are all sorts of adorable animals.

Our self-driving trip to the middle east and west of the United States is the most precious memory of our life. It also started our family's self-driving journey. After that, we drove all over China for 5 years. Now looking back at Yellowstone in the United States, it is so beautiful, so beautiful that it cannot be described in words.

Yellowstone admission is $30 per car, valid for seven days. We spent two days in Yellowstone Park, visiting several major hot springs, one of the park's most iconic attractions. Yellowstone is so vast that it would take a month to explore it all. Furthermore, the entire national park is a drive with no signal, requiring only a map. It took hours to reach a single attraction, so we had to miss out on some of the sights.