Yellowstone Park is located not in just one state but three – Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Spread out over 2.2 million acres, this national park is considered one of the premier wilderness areas in the United States. Here, you will enjoy magnificent scenery and a large variety of birds and wildlife. The more than 1,100 miles of trails makes this the perfect area for hiking enthusiasts.
Even with trails that are simple to reach and well-groomed, and you have park rangers watching over you, you still have to be aware of weather that can change in an instant, rocks that may roll and hurt you, and unpredictable animals. It’s imperative that you respect the “wilderness” and follow the park’s rules. Knowing about the potential risks and sticking to the guidelines, should have you all set to face any situation you might encounter in the park.
If you plan to go on one of the marvelous day hikes so popular in Yellowstone, you will have a myriad of trail choices, not to mention an excellent day. Be sure to check in with the rangers for a map and any other available information. They will talk to you about bears, storms that can occur in an instant, and fires. They will remind you to pack your first aid kit, sunscreen, raincoat, and bug spray.
Some national parks require that you get a permit to hike, but Yellowstone does not. Before you set out on your hike, go over the trail conditions so that you won’t take one that is more than your endurance and skill level. There are trails for every ability, from easy to difficult. Many of them will take you to the outlying reaches of the park.
Above all, don’t forget your camera. You’ll want lots of pictures of this scenic wilderness. The park is truly magnificent and you’ll find yourself in beautiful valleys, expanses of wildflowers, and atop small passes. You will undoubtedly see some signs of wildlife and your pictures will remind you of this enchanting experience for the rest of your life.
Copyright 2006, Georgina Burelson, All Rights Reserved. This article may be published on web sites or in newsletters provided this notice and the resource box is included without ammendment.
Georgina Burelson is the webmaster and operator of Be Hiking, a web site which focuses on Yellowstone Park which is considered to be one of the premier wilderness areas in the United States. For more information, visit: www.behiking.com
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