Yellowstone Webcams

Introduction

Yellowstone National Park, nestled across the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and the land. Its rich history, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring attractions make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.  Ninety-six percent of the park resides in the state of Wyoming.  The other 4 percent are in Idaho and Montana.  The Yellowstone Caldera is the second largest in the world, with a huge magma chamber underneath the park.

The human history of Yellowstone extends back more than 11,000 years. Archeological sites, trails, and oral traditions reveal evidence of early human presence. Tribes like the Tukudika (also known as Sheep Eaters) inhabited the region, leaving their mark on the landscape. European Americans began exploring the area in the early 1800s, with Osborne Russell recording visits in the 1830s. The first organized expedition to Yellowstone occurred in 1870.

In 1872, President Grant officially established Yellowstone National Park, becoming America's first national park. The arrival of the railroad in 1883 facilitated easier visitor access, allowing people to witness the park's wonders firsthand. The US Army managed the park from 1886 to 1918, and automobiles were permitted within its boundaries in 1915. The creation of the National Park Service in 1916 marked a pivotal moment in Yellowstone's management.

Yellowstone spans an impressive 2.2 million acres of pristine wilderness. The third largest national park after Wrangell-St. Elias and Death Valley National Parks.  Within this vast expanse, visitors encounter a diverse landscape that includes geysers, hot springs, canyons, forests, and rivers. The park attracts a large number of visitors each year. In 2021 there were nearly 5 million visitors.

Wildlife is abundant within the park’s boundaries.   There are almost 6,000 buffalo, which can almost always be seen in the Hayden Valley during the summer.  Grizzly Bears, black bears, elk, and the iconic Bald Eagles can be found within the park.  Wolves were reintroduction in 1995, wolves now play a vital role in the ecosystem.  A recent census puts the wolf population at 124 wolves.

Yellowstone boasts approximately half the world's active geysers. Among them, Old Faithful steals the show, erupting with predictable regularity. The park's geothermal areas also feature bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming fumaroles. The geyser basin is a must see.

Carved over millennia, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is a breathtaking geologic wonder. Its vibrant hues and thundering waterfalls captivate visitors. The pristine Yellowstone Lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offers tranquility and stunning vistas.

For more information, visit the park's Wikipedia page.

Day Hikes

This is one of my favorite places to hike in the United States.  Yellowstone National Park has 270 trails, from 76 easy hikes to strenuous trails.  There are three must-do hikes if this is your first time to the park.  The Upper Geyser Basin (near Old Faithful), Grand Prismatic Overlook and Brink of the Lower Falls. I am listing out my top 5 day hikes, but there are many more to choose from at the NPS site.  As this is bear country, carry bear spray (how to use bear spray) and make noise to let them know you are around.

Mary Mountain-Nez Perce trail starts off the Grand Loop Road on the north side of the Hayden Valley.  The actual trail is 20.4 miles (33 kms) from start to finish, however, I really enjoy the hike to Mary Lake and back which is approximately halfway.  The trail takes you thru a meadow, past a thermal basin to Mary Lake.  As you approach the thermal basin, you will encounter a hot stream.  You can explore the thermal area but do not approach the mud pots, etc.  During the hike expect to see bull bison and possibly other wildlife. This trail is not heavily hiked and is not on the NPS site.

Fairy Falls trail to Spray and Imperial Geysers is impressive.  Along the way you will have great views of the geyser basin and Fairy Falls (200 feet high/61 m).  The hike is 5.4 miles (8.7 km) with no only a couple hundred feet of elevation gain.  The trail to Fairy Falls can be heavily traveled.  Don’t let this stop you, keep going, most people stop at the falls and don’t normally go to the geysers.

Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn starts at Dunraven Pass, which is north of Canyon Village, and leads to the summit of Mount Washburn. You'll traverse through diverse landscapes, including meadows, forests, and rocky terrain. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of neighboring mountains and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  The trail is 6.8 miles (10.9 km) and has an elevation gain of 1,394 feet (424 m).  See the NPS site for more information.

Lamar River Valley to Cache Creek begins at the Lamar River Trailhead, approximately 15 miles (24 km) east of Tower Junction on the Northeast Entrance Road. This trailhead is sometimes referred to as the Soda Butte Trailhead. The trail forms a "Y," allowing hikers to explore the upper Lamar Valley, often called the "American Serengeti.". As you walk, you'll encounter sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains to the east and the Lamar Valley to the west.  The Lamar Valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, pronghorn, elk, bears, and even wolves. The hike is an out-and-back route, covering approximately 8.6 miles (13.8 km) with an elevation gain of 785 feet (239 m).

Bunsen Peak in Mammoth Hot Springs trailhead is located at the entrance of Old Bunsen Peak Road, approximately 5 miles south of Mammoth, just south of Golden Gate, across from the Glen Creek trailhead. The hike is an out-and-back route, covering approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km) to the summit. The climb is fairly steep, ascending some 1,300 feet (396 m) over the two-mile ascent. Bunsen Peak offers some of the best short hikes in Yellowstone in terms of mountain views. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, bears, deer, and squirrels along the way.  See the NPS site for more information.

Backpacking

Backpacking in Yellowstone National Park is an adventure, to say the least.  Most trails are not heavily used and wildlife seems to be everywhere.  There are a lot of bears in the park.   Carry bear spray (how to use bear spray) and make noise to let them know you are around.  Permits are required for any overnight stay.  Advance reservations/lottery can be made at recreation.gov.  Make sure to carry a bear resistant food container and a water filter.  Be aware, these are not beginner trips.  For more information on backing visit the NPS Backpacking site and Regulations.  My two favorite backpacking trips are below.  

Larmar Valley to Pelican Valley trail is around 34 miles (55 km) with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet (427 m).  The Lamar Valley has incredible wildlife.  The trail is only open from July to early November due to bear activity.  Plan on three nights.

Black Canyon of the Yellowstone is between 22 to 26 miles (35 - 42 km) depending on the trail.  It is not the easiest hike, with an elevation gain of 3,052 feet (930 m) but the views of the Yellowstone River and wildlife are worthwhile.  There are four trailheads, we prefer The Tower Junction parking lot (less tourists).  This is a point-to-point hike so you will need either a vehicle at the other end.  Plan on two nights.

Fishing

Around 50,000 anglers fish the rivers, lakes and streams of Yellowstone every year.  Fishing season usually starts around Memorial Day and ends at the end of October.  A Yellowstone fishing permit is required and can be purchased at recreation,gov.  All native fish, cuttroat, Mountain Whitefish and Artic Grayling must be release.  All non-native species must be killed, it is illegal to release them back into the water.  Make sure you use barbless hooks or you pinch down the barb with pliers.  No lead tackle is allowed.  

You are in bear territory.  Bring bear spray and know how to use bear spray.  Make noise so they know you are around.

For a full list of restrictions, limits, boating, etc., please visit the NPS website.

Wildlife Viewing

Yellowstone is the top national park to view wildlife.  Animals usually feed early in the morning or in the evening.  The Hayden Valley is one of the top spots to see wildlife.  Make sure you bring a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope.  Also, most people with scopes are usually willing to point out wildlife to you.  The NPS website has a section of where to go to see individual species.  

Bison, bear jams happen often, especially in the Hayden Valley.  Use the numerous pullouts to view the wildlife, never park your car on the road.  Also, bison are huge and can be aggressive.  Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all wildlife.  Bears and wolves are the exception, stay 100 yards (91 m) from them.  

Bear attacks can be attributed to many factors.  The first is taking them by surprise.  Make noise as you hike.  The second is getting between a mother bear and her cub.  She will defend her baby.

Camping and Lodging

Campgrounds

There are twelve campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park.  Five are reservable thru Yellowstone National Park Lodges and seven thru recreation.gov.  The NPS site has a detailed list of all the campgrounds.  Only one, Fishing Bridge has electrical hookups.  We personally like Canyon and Fishing Bridge (hard sided RVs only). 

Below are links to the different campgrounds courtesy of the national park system.

Reservable through Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village and Madison

Reservable through recreation.gov

Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek and Tower Fall

Lodging

There are nine lodges within the park.  They are all operated by Yellowstone National Park lodges.  For a description of the different lodges go to the NPS site.  Make reservations as early as possible.  My two favorites are the Lake Hotel and Old Faithful Inn.  Even if you do not get reservations, they are worth seeing.