I have so many Yellowstone favorite places it’s hard to choose. Here’s a collection of photos of things that make the park special. I start this post with a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt who was known as the “conservation president.”
“The only way that the people as a whole can secure to themselves and their children the enjoyment in perpetuity of what the Yellowstone Park has to give is by assuming the ownership in the name of the nation and by jealously safeguarding and preserving the scenery, the forests, and the wild creatures.”
Theodore Roosevelt, April 24, 1903 at the laying of the cornerstone of Gateway to Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, with its larger-than-life landscapes, dramatically changing weather conditions, amazing menagerie of wildlife, variety of plant life, and geology in action, is one of my favorite places. It also has a rich history as the world’s first national park.
A park is born
Evidence shows ancient peoples lived in Yellowstone Country 11,000 years ago. European Americans began exploring the lands in the early 1800’s. Teams of explorers brought back tales of wonder of this unique environment. Their work was supported by images created by artists Thomas Moran and Henry W. Elliot and photographer William Henry Jackson. The park was established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant. Additional protections for the park and its wildlife were instituted in 1894 when congress passed the National Park Protection Act – now known as the Lacey Act.
President Theodore Roosevelt had a love of the land and he was instrumental in making sure many natural areas were preserved. His quote above reflects the importance of preserving wild places so that all may enjoy them “in perpetuity.”
Landscapes – large and small
Here are photos of some special landscapes.
And more of spectacular hot springs and other features.
And don’t forget to notice the tiny landscapes beneath your feet.
Wildlife
And of course the wildlife.
Visitors
Yellowstone National Park gets visitors from all over the world. 4,116,524 people visited in 2017.
May we all continue to safeguard and preserve its scenery, forests, and wild creatures.
Weekly Photo Challenge – Favorite Place
Yellowstone is a great choice. Your photos are wonderful!
Thanks! Glad you liked the photos.
Some beautiful photos of an amazing place. Teddy had the right of it for sure.
Thanks, I am thankful he was able to preserve so much land during his presidency.
I love the colors, the magical quality.
Yes, I agree and I didn’t even include many of the wildflower pictures I have taken there.
Your photos are really beautiful. I would love to go there. I can see why it’s one of your favourite places.
Thanks! It’s a place full of beauty.
I too love Yellowstone – what’s not to love after all?! Especially love the hot springs (of course) which you’ve captured beautifully.
Thanks. The hot springs and geysers are AMAZING! 😁
Okay, So am I really the only person who noticed there is a bird in the clouds flying over old faithful in the last picture?? Awesome capture! thanks for the share!
Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. This comment got put into the “Pending” section for some odd reason. Yes, there is a bird in the clouds!