I was hiking alone on a trail near Mammoth, making noise to alert any nearby bears to my approach. The trail was on a ridge. When I looked down into the adjacent small valley, there was a coyote paralleling me and paying no attention to me or my yelling. Then, as I approached an opening in the woods, I saw a massive bird flying low across the trail. I’d never seen a bird so huge looking. It turned out to be my first Great Gray Owl! Experiences like that are why I love national parks.
Sincerely,
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is named after the river that runs through it. Within the park's massive boundaries, visitors can find mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers, as well as hot springs and mud pots. It is also home to diverse wildlife with the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.
State(s): Idaho Montana, Wyoming,
Established: 1872
“These special places must be protected from harm.”
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Greetings from Yellowstone National Park
My time in Yellowstone was unforgettable. Grand Prismatic Spring was the most stunning place I visited—the brilliant colors, rising steam, and incredible landscape made it truly breathtaking. It was easily one of the highlights of my trip.
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