Yellowstone National Park

Spanning nearly 3,500 square miles across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, this recreation area sits directly atop a volcanic hot spot. The terrain shifts between dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, and dense, lush forests. The landscape is defined by its geothermal activity, including numerous hot springs and the rhythmic, gushing performance of its most famous feature, Old Faithful. Beyond the hydrothermal basins, the ecosystem serves as a vast habitat for hundreds of animal species, where it is common to encounter bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope roaming the wilderness.