Yellowstone National Park Facts

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of geological marvels, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history. As the world’s first national park, it remains an enduring symbol of nature’s grandeur and the importance of conservation. From its thundering waterfalls to its boiling geysers and vast forests, every corner of Yellowstone tells a story millions of years in the making. Below is an in-depth look at the park’s most remarkable facts, giving visitors a true appreciation of what makes this place one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth.

Yellowstone National Park Facts – Quick Reference

Category	Details
Establishment & Significance	Founded: March 1, 1872 Significance: World’s first national park.
Total Area	3,472 square miles (8,991 km²) or 2,221,766 acres (899,116 hectares).
Size Comparison	Larger than the combined area of Rhode Island and Delaware.
Dimensions	North–South: 63 miles (102 km) East–West: 54 miles (87 km)
State Distribution	Wyoming: 96% Montana: 3% Idaho: 1%
Elevation Extremes	Highest Point: Eagle Peak – 11,358 ft (3,462 m) Lowest Point: Reese Creek – 5,282 ft (1,610 m)
Land Cover	Forests: 80% Grasslands: 15% Water: 5%
Precipitation Range	Northern Boundary: 10 inches (26 cm) Southwest Corner: 80 inches (205 cm) annually
Temperature Extremes	Record High: 99°F (37°C) – Mammoth Hot Springs, 2002 Record Low: -66°F (-54°C) – Riverside Station, 1933
Average Temperature (Mammoth Hot Springs)	January: 9°F (-13°C) July: 80°F (27°C)
Yellowstone Lake	Elevation: 7,733 ft (2,362 m) Surface Area: 131.7 sq mi (341.1 km²) Shoreline: 141 mi (227 km) Average Depth: 138 ft (42 m) Maximum Depth: 430 ft (131 m)
Geology & Volcanism	Volcano: Active supervolcano beneath the park Caldera Size: 45 x 30 miles (72 x 48 km) Earthquakes: 1,000–3,000 annually Hydrothermal Features: 10,000+ Geysers: 500+ Waterfalls: ~290 (tallest: Lower Falls – 308 ft/94 m)
Wildlife	Mammals: 67 species Birds: 285 species Fish: 16 species Amphibians: 5 species Reptiles: 6 species Threatened Species: Grizzly bear, Canada lynx
Vegetation	Conifers: 9 species (Lodgepole pine – 80%) Flowering Plants: 1,000+ native species Invasive Plants: 225 species Lichens: 186 species
Cultural Resources	Associated Tribes: 27 Native American tribes Archaeological Sites: 1,800+ Ethnographic Resources: 300+ Historic Sites: 25 Historic Buildings: 840+ Museum Collections: 1,000,000+ items
Facilities	Visitor Centers: 11 Hotels & Lodges: 9 (2,000+ rooms) Campgrounds: 12 total (7 NPS, 5 concession) Picnic Areas: 52 Buildings: 1,500+ Marina: 1
Roads & Trails	Entrances: 5 Roads: 452 miles (310 paved) Boardwalks: 15+ miles Backcountry Trails: 1,000 miles Trailheads: 92 Backcountry Campsites: 299

1. History

Yellowstone National Park was officially established on March 1, 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law. This historic moment marked the creation of the world’s first national park, a concept that would later inspire conservation efforts across the globe. The park was set aside not only to protect its unmatched natural beauty but also its incredible geothermal features, wildlife, and landscapes for future generations. Since its establishment, Yellowstone has become a global symbol of preservation, representing a perfect balance between human admiration and nature’s unspoiled wilderness.

2. Geography

Spanning approximately 3,472 square miles (8,991 km²) or 2,221,766 acres (899,116 hectares), Yellowstone is larger than the combined area of Rhode Island and Delaware. The park stretches 63 miles (102 km) north to south and 54 miles (87 km) east to west, making it a vast wilderness that crosses three U.S. states. The majority of Yellowstone lies in Wyoming (96%), with small portions extending into Montana (3%) and Idaho (1%).

The landscape is a mosaic of ecosystems—80% forest, 15% grassland, and 5% water, offering habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Elevation varies dramatically, from Eagle Peak—the highest point at 11,358 feet (3,462 meters)—to Reese Creek, the lowest point at 5,282 feet (1,610 meters). This diverse topography makes Yellowstone a land of extremes, constantly shifting between serene valleys and rugged mountain peaks.

3. Precipitation

Yellowstone’s weather patterns are as diverse as its terrain. Precipitation varies greatly across the park—from as little as 10 inches (26 cm) annually along the northern boundary to as much as 80 inches (205 cm) in the park’s southwest corner. The dramatic variation in rainfall shapes the park’s ecosystems, influencing vegetation growth and the flow of rivers and waterfalls. The weather can change quickly, reminding visitors that they are truly in the heart of nature’s wild domain.

4. Temperature

Yellowstone experiences extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The record high temperature was 99ºF (37ºC), recorded in 2002 at Mammoth Hot Springs, while the record low plummeted to -66ºF (-54ºC) on February 9, 1933, at the West Entrance’s Riverside Station. Average daily temperatures at Mammoth Hot Springs range from a chilly 9ºF (-13ºC) in January to a warm 80ºF (27ºC) in July. Such extremes create an ever-changing environment, where winter snows blanket the park in silence and summer brings life bursting from every corner.

5. Yellowstone Lake

At the heart of the park lies Yellowstone Lake, one of North America’s largest high-elevation lakes, sitting at 7,733 feet (2,362 meters) above sea level. The lake covers a surface area of 131.7 square miles (341.1 km²), with a shoreline stretching 141 miles (227 km). Measuring 20 miles (32 km) from north to south and 14 miles (22 km) from east to west, it has an average depth of 138 feet (42 meters) and a maximum depth of 430 feet (131 meters). Beneath its calm waters lies a hidden world of geothermal activity, including underwater geysers and vents—proof that Yellowstone’s volcanic heart is still very much alive.

6. Geology

Yellowstone’s geology is among the most fascinating on Earth. The park sits atop an active volcanic system known as the Yellowstone Caldera, which spans 45 by 30 miles (72 by 48 km)—one of the largest volcanic features in the world. The caldera was formed by massive eruptions that occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago, shaping the unique landscape seen today. The park experiences 1,000 to 3,000 earthquakes annually, many too small to be felt but significant enough to remind scientists that Yellowstone’s supervolcano remains active.

The park also hosts over 10,000 hydrothermal features and more than 500 active geysers, accounting for half of the world’s geysers. Add to that roughly 290 waterfalls, including the famous Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which plunges an impressive 308 feet (94 meters), and you begin to understand why Yellowstone’s geology is a masterpiece of natural engineering.

7. Wildlife

Yellowstone is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The park is home to 67 mammal species, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, moose, and bison—North America’s largest wild herd. Birdwatchers can spot over 285 bird species, with about 150 nesting within the park’s boundaries. Its rivers and lakes are inhabited by 16 fish species, although five are nonnative, and several aquatic invasive species pose ecological challenges. There are also five amphibian and six reptile species thriving in the park’s varied environments. Two species—the Canada lynx and the grizzly bear—are listed as threatened, reflecting Yellowstone’s critical role in wildlife conservation.

8. Vegetation

Yellowstone’s vegetation is just as diverse as its fauna. The park supports nine species of conifers, with lodgepole pine dominating over 80% of the forested areas. Over 1,000 native flowering plant species bloom here, including three endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The park also faces ecological challenges from 225 invasive plant species, which conservation teams actively manage. Lichens, often overlooked but ecologically vital, number around 186 species, contributing to the park’s delicate natural balance.

9. Cultural Resources

Long before it became a national park, Yellowstone was home to Native American tribes. Today, 27 tribes are associated with the park, each with deep cultural and spiritual connections to its land and wildlife. Archaeologists have identified over 1,800 sites, while ethnographers have documented more than 300 resources, including sacred sites, traditional plants, and culturally significant animals.

The park also preserves rich historical heritage, with 25 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places and more than 840 historic buildings. The Nez Perce Trail passes through Yellowstone, echoing stories of migration and survival. The park’s museum collections include over 1,000,000 artifacts, 30 historic vehicles, and millions of archival documents, photographs, and rare books—all chronicling the park’s incredible human and natural history.

10. Facilities

Yellowstone is well-equipped to accommodate visitors from around the world. There are 11 visitor centers and museums, offering insights into the park’s geology, wildlife, and history. Nine hotels and lodges provide over 2,000 rooms and cabins, while 12 campgrounds (seven NPS-operated and five concession-operated) offer more than 2,100 campsites.

In addition to these, the park features 1,500 buildings, 52 picnic areas, and even a marina, allowing visitors to explore Yellowstone Lake by boat. These facilities balance comfort with the park’s wilderness setting, ensuring that every traveler—from adventurers to families—can experience Yellowstone in their own way.

11. Roads & Trails

Exploring Yellowstone’s vastness requires a well-planned journey. The park has five main entrances, leading to a network of 452 miles (727 km) of roads, 310 miles (499 km) of which are paved. To protect fragile areas, more than 15 miles (24 km) of boardwalks guide visitors safely around geothermal features, while 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of backcountry trails invite hikers into the wild heart of Yellowstone. There are 92 trailheads and 299 backcountry campsites, offering endless opportunities for adventure—from short walks to multi-day wilderness treks.