Massive,
active volanco

Geology

More than a half million years ago most of the park area was one of the world's biggest volcanoes. It exploded and its walls collapsed, creating a caldera basin measuring roughly 50 kilometers wide by 70 kilometers (30 to 45 in miles). Most of today's Yellowstone sits on that caldera.

Still active

The subterranean part of the volcano remains dynamic. It manifests itself by generating the heat responsible for creating the park's many geysers and other geothermal features. It also produces Yellowstone National Park's many earthquakes.

Future eruption

Geologists say that volcano is now showing preliminary signs of emerging and erupting again (though they believe that those events are unlikely to occur in our lifetimes).

Backpackers

Yellowstone National Park
is bliss for backpackers

It offers 1500 kilometers (almost a 1000 miles) of trails and several hundred campsites, many in spectacular backcountry settings.

Tourists

Tourist count

Yellowstone National Park annually draws roughly 3 million visitors.

Size

This natural reserve covers nearly 9,000 square meters (3500 square miles) - and spreads into three northwest USA states (over 90% lies in Wyoming).

Altitude

Yellowstone National Park is high in altitude. Its lowest point is about 2,000 meters (a little over a mile) above sea level. Its highest point is almost double that figure.

Learn More

for Yellowstone tips - Page 1

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