Sniff out geysers and grizzlies at Yellowstone National Park

USA // This place stinks. And it has no manners at all. The rotten-egg whiff taunts your nostrils; your ears are assaulted by a vulgarity of belches, burps and farts. But then, what do you expect when you're exploring the largest geothermal area in the world? Fully half of the globe's entire collection of geysers, mud-pots, fumaroles and other such restless, pungent features are located right here. More than 500 active geysers spout in Yellowstone's enormous, steaming landscape - Old Faithful being the most famous. And there are hot springs to visit - from the bloodshot eyeball of Grand Prismatic to the travertine shelves at Mammoth. But the wildlife is perhaps the biggest draw. This is like North America's answer to an African safari, although here the Big Five creatures to spot are bison, bighorn sheep, elk, bear and wolf. Watching a herd of shaggy bison warming up by a thermal pool, catching sight of a grizzly bear shambling across a meadow, or visiting in winter to glimpse wolf prints in the snow - all are quintessential Yellowstone experiences.

 

Where exactly is Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming. The western United States hosts this magnificent park that extends to the states of Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone National Park is spread across three states.

Why is Yellowstone a National Park famous?

Yellowstone National Park sits atop a dormant volcano and is home to more geysers and hot springs than any other place on Earth. Wonders abound in this truly unique national park, from places like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to wildlife like America's largest herd of bison, grizzly bears, and wolves.

What is the best time of year to go to Yellowstone National Park?

If you're looking to get away from the crowds, the best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October.