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Minerva Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs1

As famous for its diverse geological features as its breathtaking scenery, Yellowstone National Park is laden with geothermal phenomena, majestic mountains, expansive vistas and historic significance. From blasting geysers and bubbling mud pots to historic sites and endless recreational opportunities, this natural treasure offers a plethora of things for visitors to see and do. Covering more than 2 million acres (809,356 ha), the bulk of which is in northwest Wyoming with small portions extending into Idaho and Montana, Yellowstone attracts thousands of visitors traveling by road from Canada and the United States, as well as air travelers from around the world. The park has almost 1,000 mi (1610 km) of hiking trails to suit a range of skill levels. Fishing, boating, wildlife observation, camping and snowmobiling are a few of the other activities that draw visitors to the park, and of course, many come simply to relax amidst some of the most varied and scenic landscapes in the country. Yellowstone is littered with backcountry campsites, allowing backpackers to trek through the park's many interesting features.

With so much to take in, the process of choosing the right accommodation for a trip to Yellowstone can be daunting. The following guide illuminates the attractions and activities in various areas of Yellowstone, providing visitors with an idea of which area of the park is of most interest to them. In addition to in-park lodging, the communities near Yellowstone's entrances offer accommodations that span the whole palette, from bed and breakfasts, inns, campgrounds and lodges to resorts, hotels and vacation home rentals. Click on the links for each specific entrance to read a full article describing area attractions and accommodations.

	View From Mt. Holmes in the Gallatin Range2

NORTH ENTRANCE

Geothermal wonders, historic Fort Yellowstone, Gallatin National Forest and Paradise Valley beckon visitors to discover this part of Yellowstone. Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the park's most popular accommodation areas, boasts roughly 50 hot springs and many natural features. The Paradise Valley and Gallatin National Forest are steeped in wildlife and scenic vistas, offering an ideal backdrop to a myriad of outdoor pursuits. Visitors interested in park history should take a trip to historic Fort Yellowstone, which features 19 structures that recall the days when the United States Army was responsible for the management of Yellowstone National Park. This area also supports many winter activities, as the road from the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance remains open year round. Read Full Article

Bald Eagles in Lamar Valley3

NORTHEAST ENTRANCE

Access via Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance places visitors amidst the breathtaking scenery of Lamar Valley, informally dubbed the American Serengeti due to its diverse array of wildlife. Several scenic hiking trails allow visitors to experience the area's rich array of flora and fauna. The Red Lodge Mountain Resort area attracts skiers and snowboarders eager to experience 71 downhill trails as well as 11 mi (18 km) of cross-country trails. Visitors passing through Billings should be sure to stop at Pictograph Cave State Park, a historic site with pictographs dating back over 2,000 years. Roughly 20 mi (32 km) inside Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance is the Yellowstone Association Institute, which offers field seminars, naturalist-led tours and backcountry expeditions that illuminate various facets of park wildlife, ecology and geology. Read Full Article

	Yellowstone Lake4

EAST ENTRANCE

With convenient access to the amenities and accommodations at Fishing Bridge, Bridge Bay and Lake Village—all located on the expansive shores of Yellowstone Lake—the East Entrance serves visitors interested in enjoying an array of water-related activities. From fishing to water-skiing to kayaking, Yellowstone Lake is a playground for watersports enthusiasts. Other popular attractions near the East Entrance include Mud Volcano and Sulphur Cauldron, bubbling mudpots that draw visitors interested in witnessing some of the park's fascinating natural phenomenons. Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody is an interesting stop on the way to Yellowstone's East Entrance, as it features five different museums that showcase everything from American Indian art and artifacts to natural history displays. Read Full Article

West Thumb Geyser Basin5

SOUTH ENTRANCE

The South Entrance's most alluring feature is its proximity to Jackson Hole valley and Grand Teton National Park. Over 200 mi (322 km) of trails are available for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding amidst the mighty Teton Range. Inside Yellowstone, at Grant Village Visitor Center, visitors can learn about the famous fires of 1988, the most significant natural event to occur in the Yellowstone area since the massive volcanic eruption roughly 640,000 years ago. Accommodations at Grant Village are a convenient jump-off point for all of the area activities, which include fishing, boating and horseback riding. This area is also home to one of the park's most scenic geothermal areas, West Thumb Geyser Basin. Tour hot springs, pools, mud pots, fumaroles and geysers amid the scenic shores of Yellowstone Lake. Read Rull Article

	Castle Geyser6

WEST ENTRANCE

Touted as one of the best snowmobiling destinations in the world, the area around West Yellowstone and the West Entrance attracts scores of snowmobilers for the season from mid-December to the end of March. West Yellowstone is also home to Yellowstone Historic Center, the site of the 10-acre (4-ha) Oregon Short Line Terminus, which showcases several early 20th-century structures and a number of exhibits pertaining to Yellowstone's history. The famous Old Faithful Inn, sure to impress with its massive log architecture, is located a short distance inside the West Entrance. Adjacent to the Lodge is the equally-renowned Old Faithful Geyser, which sends water blasting into the air every 70 to 90 minutes. The Upper Geyser Basin houses the largest concentration of Geysers in the world, including the ancient Castle Geyser. The Fountain Paint Pot area offers visitors the chance to experience the four types of geothermal wonders for which the park is known, including geysers, steam vents, hot springs and mud pots. Read Full Article

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone7

GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE AREA

The popular destinations of Canyon Village, Norris Geyser Basin and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are all centrally located in the park and can easily be accessed from any entrance. Canyon Lodge at Canyon Village is the most central of Yellowstone's summer lodges, offering convenient access to many attractions, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Praised for its indelible views, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone stretches 4,000 ft (1219 m) across and reaches depths of 1,200 ft (366 m) in places. Visitors should be sure to catch a glimpse of the Canyon's magnificent Upper and Lower falls. Also located near the center of the park is Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone's hotbed of geothermal activity. There are several points of interest worth exploring, including Norris Museum, Echinus Geyser and Steamboat Geyser, the largest active geyser in the world. Read Full Article

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PHOTO COURTESY

1. National Park Service; Minerva Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs; Wyoming, USA
2. National Park Service; View From Mount Holmes in the Gallatin Range; Wyoming, USA
3. National Park Service; Bald Eagles in Lamar Valley; Montana, USA
4. National Park Service; Yellowstone Lake; Wyoming, USA
5. National Park Service; West Thumb Geyser Basin; Wyoming, USA
6. National Park Service; Castle Geyser; Wyoming, USA
7. Pam Cahill Photo; Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; WY, USA