Yellowstone National Park Celebrates 150 Years

I’ve never been to Yellowstone National Park.  I’ve been close.  I’ve visited Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks.  I buy a yearly Idaho State Park pass.  For some inexplicable reason, I’ve never made the four-hour foray to Yellowstone.  It’s near the top of my bucket list.

National Parks have grown so popular many park managers are now asking that you make reservations in advance of your visit.  I’m more of a spur-of-the-moment guy.  However, this summer the crowds could be thinned if all the warnings about gasoline prices play out as predicted.

The Granddaddy of Them All

Yellowstone is celebrating a sesquicentennial.  National Geographic is highlighting the birthday with some very special pictures from the last 150 years.  You can get a taste by clicking here.  Recently, the park has experienced some rather unusual seismic activity but nobody expects a super eruption for another few thousand years.  If it does suddenly happen while you’re there, chances are you won’t feel a thing as you’re instantly vaporized or blown to smithereens!

Geographically the Park System is Small

America has a fascinating national park system, but if you add up all the total acreage, the footprint is quite small across the lower 48 states.

Yellowstone was the first national park not only in the United States but anywhere around the world.  The birthday is officially March 1^st.  Traveling through the park at this time of year is limited.  Most of the roads are limited only to snow machines.  Details are available on Yellowstone’s website.