By Brad Bulin, Art by Lauren Beltramo The life of the western tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium), one of Yellowstone’s few species of amphibians, is intriguing. Seldom seen, this seclusive salamander begins its life as an egg deposited in one of the many ponds and lakes of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,... read more →
Nov
06
Nov
05
The myths and stories of how Yellowstone became the world’s first national park are rich, varied, and sometimes, even true. There’s no denying, for instance, that Thomas Moran’s paintings and sketches of the park’s otherworldly vistas helped sway public and political opinions toward the creation of Yellowstone National Park. His... read more →
Oct
29
The end of the tale is the most familiar: artist Thomas Moran and photographer William Henry Jackson returned from the Hayden Expedition with images that helped convince Congress that Yellowstone should be protected as a national park. But what twists of fate brought these two men together, and how did... read more →
Oct
21
Yellowstone’s dramatic geysers and rainbow-hued hot springs have long astounded visitors and inspired generations of painters and photographers. But their cousins, the mudpots, hold their own unique allure for those who take the time to observe them in all their gooey glory. In fact, Ferdinand Hayden, during his 1871 expedition... read more →
Sep
24
by Virginia Miller Yellowstone is a land of microbes, megafauna, and devastating geologic events. From glaciers and earthquakes to the Yellowstone Volcano, everything here can be traced back to geologic roots, including the petrified trees standing high above the northern range. Fifty million years ago, the Absaroka volcanoes that follow... read more →
Sep
13
Humans have long been fascinated by birds of prey. Their graceful passage through the sky, hunting prowess, and impressive wingspans make them awe-inspiring to watch. Luckily for us, a great time and place and to see raptors on the wing is autumn in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Increasingly colder temperatures... read more →
Sep
13
Yellowstone in winter is a true wonderland—a place of natural beauty and inspiration, with steaming thermal features, incredible snowy landscapes, and recreation opportunities for both the novice and the expert. Those who have visited will undoubtedly tell you it was the trip of a lifetime. But with so much to... read more →
Sep
09
by Stephen Camelio With more than 40 peaks in the park soaring over 10,000 feet and at least 70 named mountains over 8,000 feet, you’d think that the park’s highest points would be first and foremost on visitors’ minds. But that’s not always the case. The fact that Yellowstone is... read more →
Sep
07
Each autumn, visitors to Yellowstone National Park are treated to a dramatic spectacle—the thrilling display of the fall elk rut. September to mid-October is elk mating season in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where mixed elk herds gather to carry out the fascinating ritual. Park visitors from all over the... read more →
Sep
01
Many people may never have the chance to visit Yellowstone National Park in their lifetime. However, individuals, particularly students, are increasingly able to visit Yellowstone from afar through Distance Learning programs. Since 2011, Yellowstone has offered the opportunity for classrooms to have a park ranger visit them virtually through Skype or... read more →