By Shelley Moore
Yellowstone National Park is located primarily in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, with small areas of the park reaching into Idaho and Montana. The park is a superb travel destination for its beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing and abundant recreational activities. It's also surrounded by other national treasures and can easily be part of a longer trip that takes in a vast array of stunning Western vistas.
Geological Activity
Yellowstone National Park is situated on a highly active geological region, with about 2,000 small earthquakes occurring each year. Geysers and hot springs result from this geological activity, including the beloved Old Faithful geyser, whose highest eruptions have reached 184 feet.
Year-round Entrance
To the north of Yellowstone is the Gallatin National Forest and Custer National Forest. Also on the north side is the only park entrance open year-round to vehicle traffic, through Gardiner, Montana, on Highway 89.
Other Entrances
Visitors also can enter at the west through West Yellowstone, Montana, to the northeast at Silver Gate, Montana, at the south from Moran, Wyoming, or east through Cody, Wyoming. These entrances are open from mid-April to early November.
Accommodations
Many campsites are available in and around the park, or you can stay at one of the numerous motels in Gardiner and West Yellowstone.
Day Trips to Yellowstone
Anyone staying a bit further out can easily make day trips to Yellowstone from Jackson and Cody in Wyoming, or Livingston, Montana, about 60 miles north of Gardiner.
Mutual Park Passes
Yellowstone National Park passes are also accepted at Grand Teton National Park and last for seven days. Grand Teton National Park is located just south of Yellowstone.
About the Author:
Shelley Moore is a journalist and award-winning short-story writer. She specializes in writing about personal development, health, careers and personal finance. Moore has been published in "Family Circle" magazine and the "Milwaukee Sentinel" newspaper, along with numerous other national and regional magazines, daily and weekly newspapers and corporate publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
