Yellowstone is anything but ordinary. Diverse may be a better one-word description of this iconic park. Huge is another good contender.
At 3,472 square miles, Yellowstone is more than two times larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. Even the massive volcanic caldera that gives rise to its signature hot springs and geysers still only represents about 40% of the park. The rest is covered by seemingly endless miles of natural beauty that is more typical of what we’ve come to expect from our national parks.
The Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River is just one of 290 waterfalls in the park measuring fifteen feet or higher.
While the Lower Falls, the tallest in Yellowstone, rises almost twice as high as Niagara.
Lewis Lake, seen here at sunrise, is just one of more than 240 lakes and ponds in the park.
67 species of mammal call Yellowstone home, including this bison whose humped back prevented him from successfully rolling over for a scratch.
And looked none too pleased after the failed attempt.
For other looks at this most diverse of U.S. national parks also check out The Colors of Yellowstone and The Otherworldliness of Yellowstone.
Everywhere Once 
What a shame “Awesome” has lost some of its meaning – these are some seriously awe inspiring sights. Thanks for the great photos.
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It is indeed anything but ordinary. But the fact that it is actually a supervolcano always intrigues me.
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Gorgeous! I recall as a child my parents bought us a viewer. One inserted a round disk with slides inserted at intervals. We had wonderful times viewing pics of Yellowstone Park and I recall wishing I could go there one day. Well, it’s never too late, eh?
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Nope, it’s never too late. I hear “Road Trip!” BTW, places like Yellowstone must be totally incredible in the winter. Cold, but awesome and different. There are a bunch of these parks that we’d like to get back to with snow on the ground or, better yet, falling. You’ll miss the annoying crowds too.
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You’ve made Yellowstone the next place on my list to visit!
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It really is a must see. So different from anywhere else we’ve been.
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So many fantastic places to see, so little time!
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Too true. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to seeing them fulltime. And we’ve found that there still isn’t enough time, even when you have all the time there is.
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so beautiful! and that bison reminds me of some people i know… great pics!
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Beautiful pics!
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Brave man, Brian. I wouldn’t be that close to that bison. Great photos.
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Thats why God created long lenses (and planned escape routes / cover ;-))
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Superb thinking. I’m behind you the whole way (or way out in front of you). 🙂
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Awesome photos!
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Incredible photos! Incredible colours 😉
Hey I nominated you for a Liebster blog award which is given to inspiring blogs because I love reading about your travel adventures.
You can find more information over on my blog 🙂
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Thanks, we’re honored to be nominated.
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What stunning photos! Wow.
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Haha… The bison really does look mad
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I’ve enjoyed several visits to this “holy land” of native Americans. There is much to contemplate.
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Thanks for your great photos of Yellowstone. I keep being inspired on a regular basis to include Yellowstone NP into our planned trip to the USA and Canada. It will be great when we finally get there!
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