Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is unique. There is no other park like it in the continental US with its diversity of flora and fauna, it’s amazing thermal features, nor in it’s sheer expanse. It is also America’s first national park.

All major park features are easily accessible from a good road system, be it from the meadows of Hayden or Lamar valleys, to the heights of Mt Washburn. The roads have many turn offs, where you can pull over and enjoy the sights and wildlife and scenic vistas.

Major park attractions include about 10,000 thermal features like Old Faithful and over 200 waterfalls, like the magnificent Lower Falls. Quite a few geysers are accessible in the Upper, Lower, and Norris geyser basins. Several dozen of the more prominent waterfalls can be enjoyed from the road ways, though most are only accessible via hiking or backpacking.

Wildlife is is the major draw of the park, and it is plentiful, with herds of buffalo in the Valleys that also have the right-of way along the paved roads. One does not argue this fact with a massive beast that can easily incapacitate your vehicle to make its point.

Wildlife spotting is a popular activity, with Grizzly bear and Wolves being two of the favorite species to set your scopes on, with Black Bear, Elk, Bald Eagles, and other critters also vying for views.

Fly fishing is also very popular here. You’ll see lots of Anglers dotting the Lamar, Yellowstone, Madison, and other major rivers in the park.

Almost any type of photography can be had in Yellowstone, though wildlife photography is perhaps the most frequent – this is the domain of the long lens! Don’t forget the small things though, for wildflowers are abundant and those macro lenses will yield some gorgeous floral captures.

And let’s not forget courtesy, or the lack of it. Everyone is trying to make spectacular images in the park. Armatures are being stupid and trying to take photos of elk, bear, or bison with their smartphones. Professionals are vying for the best position for their tripods and long lenses to get stunning images of iconic features or wildlife, some being camped out in the same spot for hours at a time.

Be courteous, people! Don’t walk in front of a photographer to snap a quick image, trample delicate flora because you’re trying to get that once-in-a-lifetime shot, nor disturb wildlife that shouldn’t be disturbed to yield that excellent trophy image. Be kind to your fellow photographers, to the animals, to the landscape. Make good memories for yourself and others, and leave some for those who will come after you.