#Yellowstone Park

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Yellowstone Park, USA, 2021 - by Jure Kravanja (1960), Slovene

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" Bogert Park " // © Jeff Brenner

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I am so excited to make this year's Murf Trek - Yellowstone is awesome, but you know what else is awesome? Murf.

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Yellowstone Elk

[seniouesbabes]

Lily Maymac 🌸🍒💋🌸 Spotted a coyote!

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Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Renowned for its geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, Yellowstone is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. One crucial aspect that every visitor should be well-acquainted with is the Yellowstone National Park weather. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the park’s climate, share captivating stories, highlight key facilities, and provide essential information to ensure a memorable visit.

Understanding Yellowstone National Park Weather:

Yellowstone’s weather is characterized by its unpredictability, owing to its high elevation and diverse topography. The park experiences four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each season offers a unique experience, but visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

1. Winter Wonderland:

Yellowstone transforms into a winter wonderland with pristine snow-covered landscapes during the colder months. From December to February, temperatures can drop significantly, often below freezing. The park’s geothermal features, like the iconic Old Faithful geyser, create spectacular scenes as steam rises against the snowy backdrop. Winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, attract adventure seekers.

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[stargiirl27]

I live and grew up around yellowstone national park and one of the dumbest stories i have ever heard was about a woman who went camping in the park with her husband and asked one of the rangers when and where they pinned the animals up during the night and was ultimately horrified that the animal's in the park just roamed around freely at all times

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Just Your Ordinary Everyday Raven, Going About Its Everyday Business While Making The Sound Of A Ticket Stamper

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Tourists Blamed For Ruining Once-Breathtaking Yellowstone Thermal Pool

Decades of Trash and Debris have Forever Changed the Spectacular Blue Color the Pool was Once Known For.

— Stacey Ritzen | September 23, 2024

Morning Glory Pool near Old Faithful was once one of the most beautiful thermal pools in Yellowstone National Park. It was a brilliant clear blue, but lost its color after decades of tourists throwing stuff in it. Getty Images

Morning Glory Pool, located in the Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, used to appear as the dazzling crystal-clear blue color that inspired its name. However, after decades of visitors throwing coins, trash, and other debris into it, Morning Glory now resembles many of the other prismatic thermal pools found within the park, with a deep center green bleeding into a ring of yellow.

"There are some lovely quotes about its beauty and stunning blue colors, and likening it to the Morning Glory flower," Yellowstone National Park historian Alica Murphy told the Cowboy State Daily. Murphy explained that when tourists first began visiting in the 1880s, the concepts of conservancy and "leave no trace" hadn't yet existed, and people essentially treated the park's colorful thermal pools as "wishing wells."

"I think many people like to throw things into pools," she continued. "Wishing wells are a time-honored tradition. Flip a coin into a wishing well and make a wish. There is something about a pool of water that gives humans a weird instinct to throw things into it." As far as the scientific reason for the changing color, decades of throwing debris into the pool has caused the temperature of the water to physically cool down.

"Temperature is a huge factor," said Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. "Hotter pools tend to be a brilliant blue, and cooler pools can be more colorful since bacteria can grow there. At Morning Glory, the temperature cooled because people throwing objects in caused the conduit to become partially blocked, and the temperature went down, allowing different types of bacteria to grow."

Up until the early '90s, crews used to actually clean out the thermal pools of Yellowstone, however the process was laborious both in order to assure the safety of the park employees and ensure that the delicate balance of the thermal pools didn't experience further damage.

Former Yellowstone ranger Jeff Henry, who has worked in the park for nearly 50 years, was part of the last team to clean out Morning Glory Pool in 1991. Though, he said it won't happen again.

"We used a couple of fire trucks to pump down the pool's water level and shoot it into the Firehole River," Henry recalled. "A guy was hooked up to a climbing harness so that he wouldn't fall into the pool, and he was out there with a long-handled net, fishing things out of the water far down into the crater of the pool."

"We found tons, probably thousands of coins," he continued. "The main park road used to go right by Morning Glory, so that would account for some of the metal parts that looked like car parts chucked into the bottom of the pool. There were a lot of rocks that didn't belong there, and I think we found some hats that probably had blown off people's heads and landed in the pool. And they, wisely, didn't try to retrieve them."

But aside from the inherent dangers of cleaning the thermal pools, Henry said another reason why they no longer undergo the process is because park visitors are generally more responsible these days. And given that Yellowstone has naturally adapted to artificial change, officials now strive to preserve the park as it currently is.

"I don't see anywhere near as many coins in pools as I used to back in my early days in the park," Henry explained. "The bottoms of the more accessible springs used to be paved with coins, but now it's pretty rare to see anything thrown into the pools."

"I remember finding an old tire while cleaning Old Faithful one time," he added. "Cleaning pools was done on a regular basis. It was like harvesting a crop. But values change, and they don't clean the pools anymore, at least with the frequency and at the scale that we did."

[seniouesbabes]

Lily Maymac 🌸🍒💋🌸 Our guide took us to the grand prismatic springs!! He says he usually doesn't take people here in the winter but because we were so good on time we had time to 😆

[gwalchmedi]

Just done teaching my little year 8s (aged 12-13) about ecosystems and Yellowstone and its wolves. Awesome!

[airlinestravelnews]

Captivating Landscapes: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming      

Introduction

Yellowstone National Park, a gem in Wyoming, is renowned for its captivating landscapes, rich wildlife, and geothermal wonders. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone looking to marvel at nature's beauty, Yellowstone offers a diverse range of experiences. In this article, we'll delve into the park's unique features, must-visit spots, and provide tips for making the most of your visit. Let's explore why Yellowstone is a must-see destination!

Location and Geography

Where is Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park is primarily located in Wyoming, though it extends into Montana and Idaho. It spans nearly 3,500 square miles, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States.

Geographical Features

Mountain Ranges: The park is nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains, featuring peaks like Mount Washburn.

Rivers and Lakes: Major water bodies include Yellowstone Lake and the Yellowstone River.

Geothermal Areas: Yellowstone sits atop a volcanic hotspot, leading to numerous geothermal features like geysers and hot springs.

Climate and Best Times to Visit

Climate Overview

Yellowstone experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year:

Summer (June-August): Warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F.

Fall (September-October): Cooler with beautiful fall foliage, temperatures between 30°F to 60°F.

Winter (November-March): Cold and snowy, temperatures often below freezing.

Spring (April-May): Mild with unpredictable weather, temperatures from 30°F to 60°F.

Best Times to Visit

Summer: Ideal for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Fall: Great for photography and avoiding large crowds.

Winter: Perfect for snow sports like skiing and snowmobiling.

Spring: Excellent for seeing blooming wildflowers and experiencing fewer tourists.

Must-See Attractions

Old Faithful Geyser

One of Yellowstone's most iconic features, Old Faithful, erupts approximately every 90 minutes. It's a spectacular sight, with water spouting up to 185 feet in the air.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Known for its vibrant colors, the Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States. The colors are due to microbial mats around the spring, offering a rainbow-like appearance.

Yellowstone Lake

Spanning 136 square miles, Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. It's perfect for boating, fishing, and enjoying scenic views.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

This impressive canyon stretches for about 20 miles and features dramatic cliffs and powerful waterfalls, including the Upper and Lower Falls.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is renowned for its terraced formations created by hot water cooling and depositing calcium carbonate. It's a constantly evolving landscape that's fascinating to explore.

Activities and Experiences

Hiking

With over 900 miles of trails, Yellowstone offers routes for all skill levels. Popular hikes include:

Mount Washburn Trail: Offers panoramic views of the park.

Fairy Falls Trail: Leads to one of Yellowstone's tallest waterfalls.

Lamar Valley Trail: Excellent for wildlife viewing.

Wildlife Viewing

Yellowstone is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Commonly seen animals include:

Bison: Often found grazing in large herds.

Elk: Frequently seen in meadows and near rivers.

Grizzly Bears: Spotted in more remote areas, especially during early morning and late evening.

Wolves: Best viewed in Lamar Valley.

Camping

The park offers numerous campgrounds, from developed sites to backcountry spots. Popular campgrounds include:

Madison Campground: Centrally located with easy access to many attractions.

Grant Village Campground: Near Yellowstone Lake with great amenities.

Slough Creek Campground: A favorite for its quiet and scenic location.

Geothermal Features Exploration

Yellowstone's geothermal features are a major draw. Key areas to visit include:

Norris Geyser Basin: Home to the tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser.

Upper Geyser Basin: Features Old Faithful and numerous other geysers.

Mud Volcano Area: Known for its bubbling mud pots and fumaroles.

Winter Sports

During winter, Yellowstone transforms into a snowy paradise. Activities include:

Snowmobiling: Guided tours are available to explore the park.

Cross-Country Skiing: Trails range from easy to challenging.

Snowshoeing: A great way to experience the park's serene winter landscape.

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Park Regulations

Adhering to park rules helps preserve its beauty and ensures safety:

Stay on Designated Trails: Protects fragile ecosystems.

Keep a Safe Distance from Wildlife: At least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other animals.

Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out what you pack in.

Safety and Health Precautions

Wildlife Safety

Keep Your Distance: Observe animals from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them and to protect yourself.

Store Food Securely: Use bear-proof containers or lockers where available.

Know What to Do: In case of a bear encounter, remain calm, back away slowly, and carry bear spray.

Geothermal Area Safety

Stay on Boardwalks: The ground around geothermal features can be thin and unstable.

Heed Warning Signs: They are there to protect you from scalding water and dangerous gases.

Health Precautions

Altitude Awareness: Yellowstone's elevation can cause altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and take it easy upon arrival.

Weather Preparedness: Weather can change rapidly, so be ready for anything from sun to snow.

Budget Planning

Entrance Fees

Yellowstone charges an entrance fee, which varies by mode of entry:

Per Vehicle: $35 for a 7-day pass.

Per Individual: $20 for those entering by foot, bike, or bus.

Annual Pass: $70 for unlimited visits for a year.

Cost-Effective Tips

Camping: More affordable than hotels.

Bring Your Own Food: Save on dining expenses within the park.

Free Programs: Take advantage of ranger-led activities and informational talks.

Local Cuisine

Dining in the Park

Yellowstone offers several dining options, from casual cafeterias to sit-down restaurants:

Old Faithful Inn Dining Room: Offers a range of hearty meals.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room: Features upscale dining with lake views.

Canyon Lodge Eatery: Provides a variety of quick-service options.

Must-Try Foods

Bison Burger: A popular dish reflecting the local wildlife.

Huckleberry Treats: From ice cream to jams, these local berries are a must-try.

Trout: Fresh and often locally caught, trout dishes are a highlight.

Summary

Yellowstone National Park is a captivating destination offering diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique geothermal features. Whether you're hiking to scenic vistas, watching a geyser erupt, or simply soaking in the beauty of Yellowstone Lake, there's something for everyone. Plan your visit according to the seasons, pack appropriately, and always respect the park's rules and wildlife. With its rich history and endless natural wonders, Yellowstone is truly a must-see for any nature lover.

FAQs

1. What is the best time of year to visit Yellowstone?

The best time to visit Yellowstone depends on your interests. Summer offers the most activities, while fall provides beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. Winter is ideal for snow sports, and spring is great for wildflowers and less crowded trails.

2. How can I see wildlife in Yellowstone?

Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are prime spots for wildlife viewing. Early morning and late evening are the best times to see animals. Always keep a safe distance and use binoculars for a closer look.

3. What should I pack for a trip to Yellowstone?

Pack clothing layers, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Be prepared for variable weather and bring all necessary camping gear if you plan to camp.

[ghost-cwunch-artz]

This is Trevor! The speedpaint for this piece is freshly posted on my youtube <3

Trevor is an OC I made for an alternate universe where CWD (chronic wasting disease) has evolved to humans. Most of them die, and the ones that survive it remain partially immune/fully immune but extremely weak. For Trevor it was the opposite, somehow the disease made him more wild, more ferocious, and way stronger. He's lost his farm in the beginning of the apocalypse due to the chaos and destruction ensued. Soon after, he caught CWD and moved into a hunters cabin in the forest, afraid that his last animal, a cat named Mo, was going to get killed too. After moving, he found three wild piglets which he took in and cared for. He named them Eeny, Meeny and Miney respectively, from the smallest to the biggest. The wild hogs grew with him and started listening to him like puppies. He lets them loose at night as they attack anyone that gets near the cabin, and these hogs are huge, we're talking 700 pounds +, and a bite force strong enough to break femurs. The whole action happens in Yellowstone. Ask me anything if curious :3