Summary

Yellowstone National Park is highlighted as a premier destination for its diverse wildlife, unique landscapes, and photographic opportunities, making it the author's top choice if they could visit only one national park in the United States.

Abstract

Yellowstone National Park stands out as a remarkable treasure among the 423 units managed by the US National Park Service. Despite not having the most majestic mountains or the deepest canyons, the park's allure lies in its thousands of thermal features and the abundance of wildlife, including the iconic American bison, elk, and bighorn sheep. The author, who has visited numerous NPS sites, is particularly drawn to Yellowstone's dynamic animal population, which has made a significant comeback due to conservation efforts. With personal experiences spanning eight visits, the author emphasizes the park's photographic appeal and expresses a desire to return, while also inviting readers to consider their own favorite national parks.

Opinions

The author believes Yellowstone's wildlife is a major draw, with species like the American bison, elk, and bighorn sheep being particularly notable.
The park's thermal features, while fascinating, are secondary to the wildlife in terms of the author's personal attraction to the park.
The author values the conservation success stories in Yellowstone, such as the recovery of the American bison.
The dynamic nature of the park's animal inhabitants is a reason for repeated visits and continued interest.
The author suggests that Yellowstone's scenery, while good, is not its most outstanding feature compared to other national parks.
The author appreciates the photographic opportunities that Yellowstone offers, as evidenced by the inclusion of numerous captivating images.
There is an implied opinion that national parks are important for their ecological and historical significance, as well as for recreational and educational purposes.

Yellowstone National Park, Wildlife, Landscapes, and Photography

Visual Highlights of Yellowstone National Park

If you could visit one national park in the United States, which one would it be?

Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park. © 2022 Randy Runtsch.

The US National Park Service (NPS) manages and protects 423 units covering more than 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. These units are divided into 19 naming designations, such as national monuments (84 units), national parks (63 units), and national historic sites (73 units).

Since childhood, I have been fortunate to visit dozens of NPS sites throughout the lower 48 states. Included are places as diverse as Independence National Historical Park and Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, Everglades National Park in Florida, Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, Yosemite National Park in California, and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. But knowing what I know now if I could visit only one US National Park Service Unit, it would be Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. © 2022 Randy Runtsch.

You might ask why I would choose Yellowstone if I could visit only one park. I will do my best to answer. The park’s scenery is good, but it doesn’t feature the most majestic mountains or the deepest canyons. The thousands of thermal features, including geysers, mud pots, and pools fascinate visitors. But the diverse and numerous animals pull me back to Yellowstone over and over again.

Take the American bison (Bison bison) for instance. Some 5,000 to 6,000 of these beasts roam the valleys and prairies of Yellowstone National Park. On the brink of extension from overhunting in 1900, because of regulations and protections, the species thrives again.

From left, an elk bull with new antlers, a mature elk bull with large antlers, and an elk cow. © 2022 Randy Runtsch.

Elk (Cervus canadensis) can be seen munching on vegetation in or at the edge of the forest in campgrounds and along roadways. Each year, bulls grow new sets of antlers that weigh up to 40 pounds (18 kg). The antlers start to grow in spring and can grow as much as one inch (2.5 cm) per day. Bulls shed them each winter.

Bighorn sheep ram. © 2022 Randy Runtsch.

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis ) are large sheep native to North America. Rams weigh up to 315 pounds (143 kg) and feature horns that may weigh 30 pounds (14 kg).

From left, a waterfall and campsite in late winter. © 2022 Randy Runtsch.

In addition to the animals shown here, I have seen grizzly bears, black bears, mule deer, and plenty of rodents, such as squirrels and rabbits. While not native to the area, mountain goats inhabit the northern reaches of the park. While I have never seen one, wild cats, including cougars (also called pumas or mountain lions) and bobcats, are native to the area.

From left, a Black-billed Magpie, Trumpeter Swans, and a Raven. © 2022 Randy Runtsch.

Birds are also common throughout Yellowstone, of course. Among the most conspicuous species are Black-billed Magpies, Trumpeter Swans, Ravens, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and various types of hawks.

View of a ridgetop hiking trail from the summit of Mount Washburn. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone can be seen on the left. © 2022 Randy Runtsch.

I estimate that I have visited Yellowstone National Park eight times. But since the animals there are dynamic, I hope to return soon.

How about you? If you could visit only one national park in your country, or in the United States, which one would it be? Also, what are some national parks you would recommend to others?

National Park System (U.S. National Park Service)

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www.nps.gov

Thanks to the team of editors at Globetrotters for making the publication a great place to write and read about travel. This includes JoAnn Ryan, Adrienne Beaumont, The Sturg, Anne Bonfert, and Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages.