Yellowstone National Park – Welcome to Yellowstone
May 9th, 2009 by Dan Bodenstein
Welcome
As we entered the park from the north entrance in Gardiner Montana, we drove under the Roosevelt Arch. The cornerstone of the archway was set in place by President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. At the top of the arch is the inscription from the Organic Act of 1872, the piece of legislation which created Yellowstone, which reads “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”
Yellowstone is a photographers paradise. From it’s animal populations such as elk, bison, bears and wolves, to its awe-inspiring geysers, hot springs and mudpots. Yellowstone also has incredible vista views from every angle, and every elevation.
Upper Terrace
At the Northern point of Yellowstone is Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Upper Terrace. The Upper Terrace represents old and new thermal areas. Some of the areas are already dried up, as others begin to show signs of new thermal life. Trees around older areas are now starting to return, while trees found in new thermal areas, are starting to die from the toxicity of the heated water.
At Yellowstone’s heart lies a raging volcano. Its last eruption, over 640,000 years ago, spewed debris over nearly 240 cubic miles. The central point of the park was collapsed in forming at large 45 by 30 mile caldera. The heat generated from the magma flowing a few miles below creates the park’s geysers, hot springs, mud-pots and fumaroles. The roaring of hot water thrashing against small and large openings adds an air of eeriness to the park. Steam rising from small crevasses through the basin area makes you realize how much volcanic activity is actually happening around you.
Old Faithful
Within the caldera, or basin, area lies the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a 1,000 foot high canyon wall, colored by the volcanic rock and hot water. The Lower Falls, and Upper Falls show how melting ice and snow form powerful waterfalls. The falls are best viewed from the appropriately named “Artist Point”. Also within the caldera is, probably, the most famous of geysers, Old Faithful. Erupting every 83 minutes, this geyser is know worldwide for its consistency and grandeur.
Off to the east of Mammoth Spring lies Lamar Valley, 29 miles of scenic views, and opportunities to see not only elk, pronghorn deer, and bison, but predators such as grizzly bears, black bears, coyote and wolves.
The scenic views from Lamar Valley show you mountains in the clouds, and their plateaus show you the fertile, yet struggling, landscape that is Yellowstone National Park.
Look for the next part in the Yellowstone series soon.
Visit the Yellowstone Photo Gallery for more photos.
Comments
Beautiful photos! That’s awesome you captures so many beautiful animals!
Beautiful blog too! I just voted for you in Blogger’s Choice ‘09! Good luck!
And I don’t mean to spam you, but if you get a chance, my blog is up for Best Parenting Blog and I’d love your vote! http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/75335
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