Yellowstone was the world's first National Park and it's ranked as one of the top national parks even today. It's easy to understand why this is the case with all that it has to offer. Not only does it offer geological features you won't find in any of the other parks, it's also teeming with wildlife like bison, bear, moose, and deer. Accessibility is also a big factor in the park's popularity. Most of the highlights can be seen on a scenic drive through the park or a stop along the way without the tough hikes you encounter in other national parks.
The geysers and springs are a real treat and while everyone is familiar with Old Faithful, I think a lot of people aren't nearly as familiar with sites like the Grand Prismatic Spring, which my personal favorite. It's the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. It's also the most photographed thermal feature in the park because of it's bright hyper-color appearance.
I was able to capture the springs from ground level and then hike to a higher elevation to take a more aerial view.
There are a number of other springs with the same distinct coloring and plenty of geysers as well, like the Excelsior Geyser Crater pictured below. Yellowstone is definitely a photographer's dream locale. Just make sure you stay out of these beautiful, but deadly pools as they have been recorded at temperatures as high as 456 degrees and there are several recorded deaths due to accidental falls.
During my time in Yellowstone, I saw countless animals, although driving solo kept me from getting many photos. I do have a confession to make though. Until this trip, I though buffalo and bison were the same animal and it turns out I was totally wrong! Apparently buffalo are indigenous to South Asia and Africa while bison are what we see in the U.S. I got a kick out of Britannica.com 's commentary that "Bison are the hipsters of the two animals, sporting thick beards wile Buffalo are beardless". Enjoy the best shot of bison I was able to capture below!
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