YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK  by Yellowstone Net

  

Introduction to Yellowstone
A Brief Guide to the World's First and Foremost National Park

 

Founded in 1997, Yellowstone Net is the Trusted Online Source for Yellowstone Information and Reservations

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General Information, Regulations, Entrance Fees, Weather, Services, Recreation, Mileage

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 























 

  Sawmill GeyserGeneral Information Yellowstone National Park is America's first and foremost National Park, drawing over three million visitors yearly. Established  in 1872 by the United States Congress "for the preservation of" its many wonders and "for the enjoyment of the people," and now encompassing 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone in 2002 is celebrating it's 130th anniversary. The Park has five entrances and some 370 miles of paved roadway.  Situated in the northwest corner of the Wyoming frontier, Yellowstone is a treasure that inspires awe in travelers from around the world, boasting more geysers (about 250 active geysers from amidst 10,000 total thermal features) than anywhere else on the globe. Situated atop a huge Paint Potsvolcanic basin, Yellowstone is home to thousands of active thermal features, including the world renowned Old Faithful Geyser. Yellowstone is also known for the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is 1200 feet deep and highlighted by the powerful Upper Falls. Yellowstone is also pristine mountain-range wilderness and an open refuge for wildlife, including grizzly bear, elk, American bison, moose and wolf. In recent decades, it has been recognized that Yellowstone and the surrounding area are a biological unit, which is referred to as the Greater Yellowstone Area. And now, the wonders of Yellowstone have been captured for the world to see on the internet via Yellowstone Net. Indulge yourself in the online information and take an online video tour of the Park, but visit Yellowstone National Park in person for the experience of a lifetime! 

For more quick facts and statistics about Yellowstone, click here.

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rf_wintbison.jpg (7677 bytes)Park Regulations  All wildlife, especially bison and bears, can be dangerous. Keep your distance! Never approach, harass, or feed any animals, even small ones. It is against the law to approach within 100 yards of bears or within 25 yards of other wildlife or within any distance where harassment occurs. Pets must be leashed; they are prohibited on trails and in the backcountry. Camp and build fires only in designated areas. Hot springs and geyser areas are fragile and unstable; stay on trails to protect yourself and features. Throwing coins and other items into thermal pools dmages them and is illegal. Climbing in the Canyon area is dangerous and is prohibited. Swimming or bathing in thermal pools or streams whose waters originate entirely from a thermal spring or pool is prohibited. Boating and fishing permits are required and availble at ranger stations. Boating is allowed only on lakes, which are dangerously cold. Fishing is limited in the Park. Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips. Never hike alone and always register at the trailhead before your trip. Food must be stored properly. Vehicles and bicycles are prohibited on trails. Maximum speed limit is 45 mph, lower when posted. Drive defensively! Traffic accidents cause more injuries to visitors than natural hazards. Use pullouts to watch wildlife and allow faster traffic to pass. Be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists. Driving off roads is not permitted. Defacing park features, collecting natural or archeological objects, picking wildflowers, and littering are illegal. Store your valuables securely and lock your vehicle. Report thefts or accidents promptly to a ranger. (These regulations are taken from the "Official Visitors' Guide".) 

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Entrance Fees

rf_eagle2.jpg (6310 bytes)Seven Day Pass (good for seven days from issue date) -- $20 (per vehicle)

Annual Pass (good for one year from issue date) -- $40 (per vehicle)

National Parks Passport (good for one year in all National Parks) -- $50 (per vehicle)

Golden Age Passport (lifetime pass for citizens 62 or older) -- $10 (per person)

To purchase a National Parks Passport, go to www.nationalparks.org, or call toll free at 1-888-GO-PARKS.

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Weather Information   Yellowstone Net Daily Weather Guide

Average Temperatures (compiled by National Park Foundation, 1988)

  JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
NormalMax 34 38 43 51 59 64 74 75 68 57 42 34
NormalMin 12 15 19 25 32 37 42 41 35 29 22 19
RecordHigh 55 60 73 80 88 93 101 97 94 85 65 61
RecordLow -38 -35 -18 -3 13 22 27 24 18 -5 -12 -16

Average Rainfall (compiled by National Park Foundation, 1988)

  JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Normal 14.6 10.2 8.9 6.3 4.0 3.8 1.6 2.9 4.6 7.7 12.1 15.9
Record 30.4 20.8 19.5 12.5 9.1 8.0 6.0 7.2 15.2 23.6 25.4 29.1


Comprehensive Climate Records for Yellowstone Park | Old Faithful | Lake Yellowstone | Tower

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Park Services

Canyon -- Visitor Center, Post Office, Shopping, Lodging, Camping, Dining, Garage, Shower, Horses

Grant -- Visitor Center, Post Office, Shopping, Lodging, Camping, Dining, Garage, Shower

Lake -- Visitor Center, Post Office, Shopping, Lodging, Camping, Dining, Garage, Shower, Horses

Madison -- Visitor Center, Camping, Museum

Mammoth -- Visitor Center, Post Office, Shopping, Museum, Lodging, Camping, Dining, Garage, Horses

Norris -- Camping, Dining, Museum, Shopping

Old Faithful -- Visitor Center, Post Office, Shopping, Lodging, Camping, Dining, Garage, Shower

Roosevelt -- Lodging, Dining, Shopping, Horses

Tower -- Shopping, Camping

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Recreational Opportunities (in and near Yellowstone)

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Mileage Chart

  Old Faithful Grant Lake Canyon Roosevelt Mammoth
Old Faithful   19 38 42 61 51
Grant 19   22 40 59 73
Lake 38 22   17 36 49
Canyon 42 40 17   19 33
Roosevelt 69 59 36 19   18
Mammoth 51 73 49 33 18  
             

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Yellowstone Net is Produced by Bruce Gourley, Russ Finley,  & Tim Gourley.  © 1997-2008 Bruce Gourley