Yellowstone National Park, a sprawling natural wonder, is situated in the northwest region of the United States. While often associated primarily with one state, the question of “Where Is Yellowstone” has a slightly more complex answer. This expansive park, renowned for its geothermal features and wildlife, actually extends across three states.
Covering a vast 3,472 square miles, Yellowstone National Park’s official address points to Wyoming. However, to fully understand where Yellowstone is, it’s crucial to know that Yellowstone is located within Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The vast majority of Yellowstone, approximately 96%, lies within the state of Wyoming. The remaining portions are split between Montana, claiming about 3% of the park to the north and northwest, and Idaho, encompassing a small 1% section to the west.
Yellowstone National Park Road Map illustrating park boundaries across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
This tri-state location contributes to Yellowstone’s unique character and accessibility. The park features five distinct entrances: North, Northeast, East, South, and West. Due to its immense size, planning your visit around specific sights and understanding which entrance provides the most convenient access is highly recommended. For detailed guidance on choosing the optimal entry point, resources like “Which Entrance to Yellowstone National Park Should I Take?” offer valuable insights.
Within Yellowstone, eight developed visitor areas serve as hubs for exploration, offering visitor centers, lodging options, and museums. These include popular destinations such as Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, West Thumb, Grant Village, Old Faithful, and Madison. For those seeking a more untamed experience, undeveloped wilderness areas like Lamar and Hayden Valleys are renowned for exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
Yellowstone’s location also makes it a prime destination for broader national park road trips. Its proximity to other iconic parks allows visitors to combine multiple natural wonders into a single vacation. Popular pairings include Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone’s immediate southern neighbor, Glacier National Park to the north, and Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower National Monument to the east.
Planning a trip to Yellowstone? Consider utilizing resources like the free “Yellowstone Trip Planner” for insider tips, itineraries, and essential information to make the most of your visit to this remarkable tri-state national park.
