Yellowstone National Park contains the largest collection of geysers in the world. It has over 290 waterfalls, with the 308' Lower Yellowstone Falls being the largest. Yellowstone is also one of the best places in North America to view wildlife. Herds of elk and bison, grizzlies, wolves, coyote, bighorn sheep and proghorn are often spotted within the park.
The greater Yellowstone ecosystem, which includes both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as the buffer areas around them, contains almost 20,000,000 acres. Despite poor management policies, the Yellowstone ecosystem is still the largest remaining almost-intact ecosystem in the northern temperate zone of the earth.
With its unique thermal features and abundant wildlife, Yellowstone is one of America’s most-visited national parks. But like Yosemite, Yellowstone is in danger of being loved to death. In some ways Yellowstone is like a national amusement park. Roads and other man-made facilities surround almost all of the park’s unique thermal features. Very few of Yellowstone’s scenic attractions require even a moderate hike. Yellowstone’s saving grace is its wilderness areas. Because the backcountry lacks identifiable scenic attractions, it has been spared the carnival-like atmosphere that prevails in the frontcountry.
Unlike its bigger more famous cousin just to the north, Grand Tetons National Park has something to offer everyone. While some of its most beautiful attractions can be seen from the road, others require a day hike or an overnight into the backcountry. Grand Tetons National Park is a mountain park with jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and spectactular alphine scenery. Some of the best hikes in the park are: Cascade Canyon, Paintbrush, and the 2 Oceans Lake hike ,so called, because it straddles the continental divide.
