Cody, The Gateway To Yellowstone Park

Just one hour’s drive from Cody is the world’s first national park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park covers more than 2 million acres showcasing some of the most fabulous natural features you will ever see. Wildlife, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, canyons and much more will delight the eyes. It is home to hundreds of species of reptiles, birds, fish and mammals as well as several unique plant species. Most of the park is located in Wyoming, with the rest split between Montana (three per cent) and Idaho (one per cent).

One of the most famous – and stunning – sights you will see is the eruption of Old Faithful. This geyser sends between 3,700 and 8,400 gallons of hot water (204 degrees Farenheit) into the air every 63-75 minutes. There’s more hot water in action at the Mammoth Hot Springs, which are full of beneficial minerals, as well as lots of geysers at the Norris Geyser Basin. Yellowstone contains a significant part of the world’s geothermal resources and is home to the Yellowstone Caldera, an active supervolcano. Previous volcanic activity has created a large petrified forest, which is another of the areas attractions.

The Park’s largest waterfall, the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, drops 308 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, an amazing canyon between 800 and 1,200 feet deep. There are nearly 300 waterfalls across the whole park. The park also includes several historic sites such as the Old Faithful Inn and Fort Yellowstone. This is a great place to enjoy nature and to camp under the stars. If you’re brave enough, get a permit and saddle up a horse to explore some of the backcountry areas.