Yellowstone National Park

A tranquil scene in Yellowstone National Park.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone.

Steamboat Geyser.

Yellowstone National Park, the world's oldest national park, contains 2.2 million acres packed with more than 10,000 thermal features and an extensive array of wildlife, scenery and recreation opportunities.

The park's major scenic attractions skirt the 142-mile Grand Loop Road. Many of the most famous geysers and hot springs are on the west side of the park along the 50-mile stretch between Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful.

Visitors can view the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from overlooks along the North and South Rim Roads in the Canyon Village area.

The park's Yellowstone Lake, with 141 miles of shoreline, is one of North America's largest, coldest and highest mountain lakes and is popular with anglers and boaters.

All facilities are available from mid-June to late August and some are open from May through October.

The road from the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance is open year-round to auto travel, weather permitting. Park roads are open early May through early November and re-open mid-December through mid-March for guided snow vehicle travel only.

Warming huts and some visitor centers serve guided snowmobile tours and cross-country skiers who journey here to enjoy the winter splendor of Yellowstone. The winter season runs from mid-December to mid-March.

Sites at five of the park's 12 campgrounds may be reserved by calling Xanterra Parks and Resorts at the above number (or TDD 307-344-5395). Seven operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

For same-day reservations, call 307-344-7311.

Mountain biking is prohibited on trails, but biking is permitted on park roads.