The Most Popular Part of Yellowstone National Park, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the part you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:46
In the sprawling lands of Yellowstone National Park, every visitor holds a unique spot close to their heart. Whether it's the thrill of witnessing geothermal wonders or the calm of verdant forests, knowing which sites resonate most with guests can greatly enhance the experience for future explorers. By ranking these attractions, newcomers can prioritize their visit based on collective admiration and insider knowledge.
This dynamic ranking serves as a compass to direct your travel plans, orienting you towards the most cherished experiences within the park. As you cast your vote and contribute to this ongoing tally, you not only record your own memories but also assist in crafting an informed path for others. Each vote shapes the evolving narrative of what makes Yellowstone so special to its many admirers.
What Is the Most Popular Part of Yellowstone National Park?
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155votes
Yellowstone National Park · Public domainThe most famous attraction in Yellowstone, Old Faithful is a geyser that erupts every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 185 feet in the air.Old Faithful is a famous geyser located in the Yellowstone National Park. It got its name due to its historically consistent and predictable eruptions. People from all around the world flock to witness this remarkable natural wonder.- Eruption Interval: Approximately every 90 to 120 minutes
- Average Eruption Height: 130 to 140 feet
- Eruption Duration: Around 1.5 to 5 minutes
- Temperature of Erupted Water: Over 200°F
- Amount of Water Erupted: As much as 8,400 gallons per eruption
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243votes
Brocken Inaglory · CC BY-SA 3.0A 20-mile long canyon carved out by the Yellowstone River, with impressive waterfalls and colorful rock formations.The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a stunning geological feature located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. It is a deep and narrow canyon carved out by the Yellowstone River, showcasing magnificent cliffs, vibrant colors, and powerful waterfalls. The combination of geothermal activity and erosion has resulted in the unique beauty of this canyon, attracting visitors from all over the world.- Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
- Length: approximately 24 miles
- Depth: up to 1,200 feet
- Width: up to 4,000 feet
- Yellowstone River: flows through the canyon
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323votes
W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0A series of terraces formed by hot springs that deposit calcium carbonate, creating a surreal landscape of white and orange.Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique geological feature located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. It is a series of terraces and hot springs formed over thousands of years, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate mineral formations. The hot springs are created by volcanic activity beneath the surface, where hot water rises, dissolves calcium carbonate, and deposits travertine on the surface as it cools. The result is a stunning display of cascading terraces and pools.- Location: Northern part of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
- Formation: Geothermal activity and mineral deposition
- Size: Area of approximately 2 square miles
- Elevation: Approximately 6,200 feet (1,890 meters)
- Temperature: Varies between hot and warm springs, ranging from 140 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 77 degrees Celsius)
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421votes
J. Schmidt · Public domainHayden Valley
Ferdinand Vandeveer HaydenA vast expanse of grassland that is home to herds of bison, elk, and other wildlife, as well as the Yellowstone River.Hayden Valley is a picturesque and iconic area located in the heart of Yellowstone National Park. It is known for its stunning landscapes, vast grassy meadows, and abundant wildlife, making it one of the most popular destinations for visitors. Named after Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden, the famous geologist who helped establish Yellowstone as the first national park, the valley spans approximately 50 square miles and offers breathtaking views at every turn.- Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
- Size: Approximately 50 square miles
- Scenery: Picturesque landscapes and grassy meadows
- Wildlife: Home to a wide variety of species including bison, elk, coyotes, and bears
- Access: Easily accessible from the park's main roads
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521votesAnother prime wildlife viewing area, known for its wolf packs, grizzly bears, and bison herds.The Lamar Valley is a picturesque and wildlife-rich valley located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park. It stretches for about 40 miles and encompasses an area of around 200 square miles. This beautiful valley is known for its expansive grasslands, meandering Lamar River, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Absaroka Range and Beartooth Mountains. The Lamar Valley offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness an abundance of wildlife, including herds of elk, bison, and pronghorn, as well as wolves, bears, and various bird species. The valley's diverse ecosystem and untouched natural beauty make it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Location: Northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park
- Size: Approximately 200 square miles
- Length: About 40 miles
- Main River: Lamar River
- Mountain Range: Absaroka Range and Beartooth Mountains
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617votes
NASA · Public domainThe largest lake in the park, covering 136 square miles and offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, located in Yellowstone National Park. It is a stunning natural feature that offers breathtaking views and various recreational activities. The lake was formed as a result of volcanic activity and is a popular destination for visitors from around the world.- Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
- Elevation: at 7,733 feet (2,357 meters) above sea level
- Surface Area: 132 square miles (342 square kilometers)
- Maximum Depth: 390 feet (119 meters)
- Length: 20 miles (32 kilometers)
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78votesOne of the hottest and most active geothermal areas in Yellowstone, with geysers, hot springs, and mud pots.The Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most popular thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. It is known for its impressive geysers, colorful hot springs, and unique thermal features.
- Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
- Size: 2 square miles (5.2 square kilometers)
- Elevation: 7,600 feet (2,320 meters)
- Number of Geysers: over 200 geysers
- Notable Geysers: Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser
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87votesThe most famous waterfall in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, plunging 308 feet into the canyon below.The Lower Falls is one of the most popular features of Yellowstone National Park. It is a majestic waterfall located in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The waterfall drops about 308 feet (94 meters) into the colorful canyon, creating a powerful and mesmerizing sight for visitors.
- Height: 308 feet (94 meters)
- Location: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park
- Type: Waterfall
- Water Source: Yellowstone River
- Volume: Approximately 63,500 gallons per second
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99votesA scenic overlook that provides a panoramic view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lower Falls.Artist Point is a stunning viewpoint located in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, within Yellowstone National Park. This picturesque spot offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the iconic Lower Falls as it plunges into the deep canyon below. The combination of the powerful waterfall, vibrant colors of the canyon walls, and the surrounding lush vegetation makes Artist Point a favorite among visitors and photographers alike.
- Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
- View: Panoramic view of the Lower Falls and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Height: Approximately 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) above sea level
- Trail Access: Accessible via a short scenic trail from the South Rim Drive
- Distance: About 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) from the parking area
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107votes
Daniel Mayer · CC BY-SA 3.0A 132-foot waterfall that drops into a deep canyon, surrounded by forests and rock formations.Tower Fall is a breathtaking waterfall located in the northeastern region of Yellowstone National Park. It is one of the most popular attractions in the park, captivating visitors with its powerful cascade and stunning surroundings. The waterfall plunges approximately 132 feet down a sheer cliff, creating a dramatic display of rushing water and mist. Tower Fall gets its name from the distinctive columnar basalt rock formations that resemble ancient towers, adding to its unique and picturesque appearance. The viewing area offers spectacular vistas of the waterfall, surrounding forests, and the Yellowstone River.- Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
- Height: 132 feet (40 meters)
- Type: Plunge waterfall
- Flow: Varies with seasonal conditions
- Geology: Columnar basalt rock formations
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular part
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Iconic natural attractionsConsider the popularity of key attractions such as geysers (Old Faithful), hot springs, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints in the park.
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Wildlife sightingsTake into account areas with the highest density of wildlife, including bears, bison, elk, and wolves, as these are key attractions for visitors.
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AccessibilityAreas that are easily accessible by road or trail and have good infrastructure (parking, restrooms, etc.) are likely to be more popular.
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Activities availableConsider the variety of activities available in different areas of the park - hiking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, picnicking, and camping - and how this might influence their popularity.
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Educational opportunitiesAreas that offer learning opportunities such as guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and visitor centers can also be popular with visitors.
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Seasonal interestSome areas of the park might be more popular during certain times of the year due to seasonal features, such as wildflower blooms, fall colors, or winter snow activities.
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Media coverage and cultural significanceLocations that have been featured in films, TV shows, books, or other forms of media may attract more visitors.
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Park management and conservation effortsAreas that have been prioritized by the National Park Service for preserving natural and cultural resources may receive more funding, infrastructure, and promotion, potentially influencing their popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular part of Yellowstone National Park. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or part is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1695 views
- 212 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each part once every 24 hours. The rank of each part is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular part of yellowstone national park
Yellowstone National Park is a vast wilderness area that spans across three states in the United States: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Established in 1872, it was the first national park in the country and is widely considered to be the birthplace of the national park system. Yellowstone is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears, and features some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, from the iconic Old Faithful geyser to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. With so much to explore and discover, it's no wonder that Yellowstone National Park is a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers from all over the world. In this article, we'll be taking a closer look at one of the most popular parts of the park and finding out what makes it so special.
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