Yellowstone stretches out over 3500 square miles and is shared by three states (Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It was created back in 1872 and it is most known for a geyser called “old faithful” which shoots steam out from the ground during the year.
Imagine a park being over 2.2 million acres and it’s virtually untouched with incredible amounts of natural wonders and animals.
These geysers are created from pockets within the earths crust that shoot off when there is a micro tension build up. There are many of them located throughput the park. It is well advised to listen to Park employees and rangers when it comes to the proximity of natural landscape and wild animals which are abundant in Yellowstone.
The geyser creates almost a salt like film on the ground and turns it a soft white color. It really creates an incredible sight for landscape photographers.
For the record, there are over 300 geysers in Yellowstone and many other “thermal attractions” which showcase the power of the earth.
It’s like you are in another world and you can sense the power of Mother Nature when she rumbles. I guess you can imagine the same when you see the power and fury of what earth quakes and volcanoes can do to a landscape.
One can only imagine in time if there would ever be a major release of pressure that would be volcano-like in Yellowstone.
Many people have seen wild animals and seen the trees and beauty of a Natural Forest but there is not another place which has these geysers that make the surface look like Mars….lol.
Nature talks in this park and there are always emergency road closings for various reasons. You can imagine winter time when freak storms can come through these areas and you are in the wild with many various forms of wild Buffalo, Elk and more….it’s not new to them but it is new to you.
You can’t predict when a “geyser will release steam”. You never know. But, I guess this is why Old Faithful got it’s name because it is somewhat reliable in terms of giving a “show”.
Most people don’t realize the safety issues when these things are active. You can say the same for being friendly to wild animals. Don’t ever feed or try to feed wild animals. Especially when they can weigh as much as the car you are driving.
The salt like landscape or the winter snows can paint a whole other picture of scenic and quiet beauty. It’s best not to get to much off the 1000’s of miles of park roads, trails and more. There is plenty for you to see without putting yourself or family at risk,
And if you are a photographer, bring every lens you have because you can use them all. You need the a great zoom lens for the wild animal shots.
You don’t want to get to close the wild Buffalo, but you definitely can zoom in and see Mother Nature in action. These Buffalo can weigh over 1000 lbs so I would not get anywhere near these animals as they might feel the need to defend you from their young.
A good telephoto lens will give you ample shots with little risk. The variety of animals and birds is amazing. You can go all day without seeing an animal and then “boom”….you have to be ready,
That’s the good news about the geysers. They don’t move …lol. The Park Rangers do a great job at keeping people at an appropriate distance.
It’s kind of like the Grand Canyon in that the Park Ranger is not going to be everywhere in the Park so you must use common sense.
Sometimes the simplest shots can tell a story. You quickly realize these were healthy trees and were consumed by the fumes and steam and lost the battle.
Yellowstone is a “bucket list” destination. People hear about it their whole life and never make plans to go see it….and then it’s becomes a must visit.
Don’t visit Yellowstone for the fancy hotel or great golf course. Go to Yellowstone to unwind and escape. I am sure that something like Yellowstone would be very healing for many many people who have been confined in their homes or cities for such a long time.
It’s a great place and I thank you for reading.
