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Enemy at the Gates…
Aquatic Invasive Species
Yellowstone
Resources and Issues
Handbook
2019
U.S. Department of the Interior • National Park Service • Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Park and Protection Act
In 1872, the US Congress established Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone National Park Protection
Act states, “the headwaters of the Yellowstone River…is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement,
occupancy, or sale…and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and
enjoyment of the people.”
The Organic Act of the National Park Service
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service, a federal
bureau in the Department of the Interior. The Organic Act of the National Park Service states “the Service
thus established shall promote and regulate the use of Federal areas known as national parks, monuments
and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks,
monuments and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects
and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means
as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”
ON THE COVER
Madison River along the West Entrance Road. Photo taken June 17, 2014. NPS/Peaco.
INSET PHOTOS clockwise from top right:
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). USFWS photo.
Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum); photo courtesy of Alison Fox, University of Florida. Bugwood.org.
New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum); ©Dr. Roy Anderson.
http://www.habitas.org.uk/molluscireland
Red-rimmed melania (Melanoides tuberculatus); ©2010 Hawaii Biological Survey, Bishop Museum.
http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/waipio
Rainbow Trout infected with whirling disease parasite (Myxobolus cerebralis); ©2005 Sascha Hallett, Oregon State University.
https://fishpathogens.net
Yellowstone
Resources and Issues
Handbook
2019
An annual compendium of information about
Yellowstone National Park
U.S. Department of the Interior • National Park Service • Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190
Yellowstone National Park thanks Yellowstone Forever for support of this publication.
Yellowstone Resources and Issues is produced and reviewed annually by Yellowstone National Park staff.
Janine Waller, editor and designer
Tami Blackford, managing editor
Linda Young, executive editor
Copyrights
All material is in the public domain unless copyright is owned by a listed person or organization.
All graphics are by the National Park Service unless credited otherwise.
Suggested citation
Yellowstone National Park. 2019. Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook: 2019. Yellowstone National Park, WY.
Available free online at www.nps.gov/yell or for purchase through Yellowstone Forever. www.yellowstone.org
ii Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook, 2019
Contents
Welcome....................................................v
Park Facts...................................................1
Frequently Asked Questions....................3
Canyon Village Area............................... 5
Fishing Bridge, Lake, and Bridge Bay.... 6
Madison and West Yellowstone Area.... 7
Mammoth Hot Springs Area.................. 8
Norris Area............................................... 9
Old Faithful Area.................................. 10
Tower–Roosevelt Area.......................... 11
West Thumb and Grant Village Area... 12
History of the Park..................................13
The Earliest Humans in Yellowstone......... 14
Increased Use......................................... 14
The Little Ice Age.................................. 15
Historic Tribes........................................ 16
The Tukudika: “Sheep Eaters”............. 16
European Americans Arrive....................... 16
Looking for Gold................................... 18
Expeditions Explore Yellowstone......... 18
Birth of a National Park............................. 19
Formative Years..................................... 21
The Army Arrives................................... 21
The National Park Service Begins......... 23
Boundary Adjustments......................... 23
World War II.......................................... 24
Mission 66.............................................. 24
Modern Management................................ 26
Involving Native Americans.................. 26
Complex Issues...................................... 27
A Living Legacy..................................... 27
Preserving Cultural Resources...............29
Archeology............................................ 29
Native American Affairs....................... 32
Historic Structures, Districts, and Cultural
Landscapes............................................. 34
Collections............................................. 49
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem............53
Heart of an Ecosystem................................ 53
Influence of Geology............................ 54
Air Quality............................................. 55
Soundscapes.......................................... 55
Water..................................................... 56
Cycles and Processes................................... 61
Winter Ecology...................................... 66
Climate Change..................................... 69
Changes in Yellowstone Climate.......... 71
Examining the Evidence....................... 76
Beyond Boundaries .................................... 82
Research in the Park............................. 84
Land Use................................................ 89
Wilderness............................................. 90
Winter Use ............................................ 93
Sustainable and Greening Practices... 100
Geology.................................................107
What Lies Beneath.............................. 107
At a Glance.......................................... 108
Geologic History of Yellowstone........ 109
Hydrothermal Systems........................ 115
Yellowstone Lake Geology................. 119
Earthquakes......................................... 122
Glaciers................................................. 124
Sedimentation and Erosion................ 126
Fossils................................................... 127
Life in Extreme Heat.............................131
About Microbes................................... 132
Thermophilic Bacteria......................... 134
Thermophilic Archaea ........................ 135
Thermophilic Eukarya......................... 136
Thermophilic Viruses........................... 138
Thermophilic Communities................ 139
Thermophiles in Time and Space....... 141
Vegetation.............................................143
Vegetation Communities.................... 143
Other Vegetation Communities......... 151
Wildflowers......................................... 152
Rare Plants........................................... 153
Invasive Plants..................................... 157
Restoring Native Plants....................... 159
Fire.........................................................161
Ignition................................................ 162
Fire Behavior........................................ 163
Frequency of Fire................................ 164
Consequences of Fire.......................... 164
Managing a Natural Process............... 167
History of Fire Management.............. 167
The 1988 Fires...................................... 168
Wildlife..................................................175
Mammals................................................... 176
Bears..................................................... 177
Bison..................................................... 189
Bighorn Sheep..................................... 201
Elk......................................................... 204
Moose.................................................. 209
Deer...................................................... 211
Pronghorn............................................ 213
Contents
iii
Wolves.................................................. 216
Coyotes................................................ 224
Red Foxes............................................. 226
Cougars................................................ 228
Canada Lynx........................................ 231
Bats....................................................... 233
Beavers................................................. 235
White-tailed Jackrabbits..................... 238
Wolverines........................................... 240
Other Small Mammals........................ 242
iv Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook, 2019
Birds........................................................... 248
Raptors................................................. 250
Wetland Birds...................................... 256
Songbirds and Woodpeckers.............. 261
Fish and Aquatic Species.......................... 265
Native Fish Species.............................. 268
Nonnative Fish Species........................ 275
Aquatic Invasive Species..................... 281
Incoming Threats................................ 284
Amphibians............................................... 286
Reptiles...................................................... 291
Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, is named after the Yellowstone River.
Welcome
Yellowstone National Park is as wondrous as it is complex. The park has rich human and ecological
stories that continue to unfold. When Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in
1872, it sparked an idea that influenced the creation of the National Park Service and the more than
400 sites it protects today across the United States. Yellowstone National Park also forms the core of the
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. At 34,375 square miles, it is one of the largest, nearly intact temperate-zone ecosystems on Earth. The park continues to influence preservation and science, and we are
pleased to share its stories with you.
Many people have dedicated their lives and careers to
studying Yellowstone and the park has a long history
of research and public interest. The park hosts more
than 150 researchers from various agencies, universities, and organizations each year. They produce
hundreds of papers, manuscripts, books, and book
chapters on their work annually—a volume of information that is difficult to absorb. This compendium
is intended to help you understand the important
concepts about Yellowstone’s many resources and
contains information about the park’s history, natural
and cultural resources, and issues.
In addition to the references listed for each topic
covered in this handbook, here are some interdisciplinary sources:
• www.nps.gov/yell
• Yellowstone Science, free from the Yellowstone
Center for Resources, in the Yellowstone
Research Library, or online at
www.nps.gov/yellowstonescience.
• The park newspaper distributed at entrance
gates and visitor centers.
• Site bulletins, published as needed, provide
more detailed information on park topics such
as trailside museums and the grand hotels. Free;
available upon request from visitor centers.
• Trail guides, available at all visitor centers.
A $1 donation is requested.
Second Century of Service
On August 25, 2016, the National Park Service
celebrated its 100th birthday. For a century the
National Park Service has cared for and protected
wildlife, land, waterways, accomplishments, lessons,
and stories belonging to the citizens of the United
States. And we are ready to connect with and create
the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and
advocates.
Welcome
v
vi Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook, 2019
Park Facts
Yellowstone National
Park was established
on March 1, 1872.
Yellowstone is the world’s
first national park.
GEOGRAPHY
3,472 square miles (8,991 km2)
2,221,766 acres or 899,116
hectares. Note: No
area figures have been
scientifically verified. Efforts
to confirm the park’s total
area continue.
63 air miles north to south
(102 km)
54 air miles east to west
(87 km)
96% in Wyoming, 3% in
Montana, 1% in Idaho
Highest Point: 11,358 feet
(3,462 m; Eagle Peak)
Lowest Point: 5,282 feet
(1,610 m; Reese Creek)
Larger than Rhode Island and
Delaware combined
About 5% covered by water;
15% by grassland; and 80%
by forests
Precipitation
Annual precipitation ranges
from 10 inches (26 cm)
at the north boundary to
80 inches (205 cm) in the
southwest corner
Temperature
Average daily, at Mammoth:
January: 9ºF (–13ºC)
July: 80ºF (27ºC)
Records:
High: 99ºF (37ºC), 2002
(Mammoth)
Low: –66ºF (–54ºC), 1933
(West Entrance, Riverside
Station)
Yellowstone Lake
131.7 square miles of surface
area (341.1 km2)
141 miles of shoreline (227 km)
20 miles north to south (32
km)
14 miles east to west (22 km)
Average depth: 138 feet (42 m)
Maximum depth: 430 feet
(131 m)
GEOLOGY
An active volcano
One of the world’s largest
calderas at 45 x 30 miles (72
x 48 km)
1,000–3,000 earthquakes
annually
More than 10,000
hydrothermal features
About 500 active geysers
(more than half the world’s
active geysers)
About 290 waterfalls
Tallest waterfall near a road:
Lower Falls of the
Yellowstone River at 308
feet (94 m)
More than 720,000 museum
items, including 30 historic
vehicles
Millions of archived documents
More than 20,000 books
(many rare), manuscripts,
periodicals
Fees: $43.9
Utilities & Agreements
(Reimbursable): $5.4
11 visitor centers, museums,
and contact stations
9 hotels/lodges (2,000+ hotel
rooms/cabins)
7 NPS-operated campgrounds
(450+ sites)
5 concession-operated
campgrounds (1,700+ sites)
More than 1,500 buildings
52 picnic areas, 1 marina,
Distribution of Budget
Park Support: 7% Includes
human resources,
contracting, budget and
finance, partnerships,
telecommunications, and
information technology
Facility Operations and
Maintenance: 43%
Includes utilities, roads,
trails, structures, historic
preservation coordination,
construction management
Park Protection: 13% Includes
law enforcement, emergency
medical services, search and
rescue, entrance station
operations, structural fire
activities.
Resource Stewardship: 9%
Includes management
operations and monitoring
of natural and cultural
resources, invasive species
management, research
coordination.
Visitor Services: 28%
Includes interpretation
and education, and park
concessions management.
VEGETATION
ROADS AND TRAILS
VISITATION
9 species of conifers (more
than 80% of forest is
lodgepole pine)
1,000+ species of native
flowering species (3 endemic)
225 species of invasive plants
186 species of lichens
5 park entrances
466 miles (750 km) of roads
(310 miles [499 km] paved)
More than 15 miles (24 km)
of boardwalk, including 13
self-guiding trails
Approximately 1,000 miles
(1,609 km) of backcountry
trails
92 trailheads
301 backcountry campsites
The park recorded over 4.1
million visits in 2018; down
0.04% from 2017.
The last time the park recorded
fewer than 4 million annual
recreational visits was in
2014, with 3.5 million visits.
Detailed park visitation
information is available at
https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/
WILDLIFE
67 species of mammals,
including:
7 species of native ungulates
2 species of bears
285 species of birds (150
nesting)
16 species of fish (5 nonnative)
More than 7 aquatic nuisance
species (3 having significant
detrimental effect)
5 species of amphibians
6 species of reptiles
2 threatened species: Canada
lynx, grizzly bears
CULTURAL RESOURCES
26 associated Native American
tribes
More than 1,800 known
archeological sites
More than 300 ethnographic
resources (animals, plants,
sites)
25 sites, landmarks, and
districts on the National
Register of Historic Places;
many more eligible for listing
1 National Historic Trail
More than 900 historic
buildings
EMPLOYEES
National Park Service
Permanent (382 total)
Full time, year-round: 177
Career Seasonal: 202
Part time: 3
Term (variable duration): 4
Seasonal: 370
Concessioners
About 3,200 people work for
concessioners at summer
peak.
FACILITIES
BUDGET
Fiscal Year 2018 (in millions)
Total: $118.7
Federal Funding:
Congressional Annual
Appropriations:
Operations and staff (base):
$39.9
Wildland Fire: $1.2
Other Appropriations: $26.6
Other Funding:
Donations and Grants: $1.7
Top 10 Visitation Years
1. 2016
4,257,177
2. 2017
4,116,524
3. 2018
4,114,999
4. 2015
4,097,710
5. 2010
3,640,184
6. 2014
3,513,484
7. 2012
3,447,727
8. 2011
3,394,321
9. 2009
3,295,187
10. 2013
3,188,030
Park Facts
1
Yellowstone National Park
M T
North Entrance
Ï
Yellowsto
Mammoth Ï
Gall atin River
ne
ÏNortheast
Ri
v
Entrance
er
W Y
Tower Junction Ï
Ï
Tower Fall
ÏLamar
La
r
ma
#
Ï Norris
iv er
n Rive
so
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Gi b b o
Madison
n
wsto
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Ye
Madi
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R
ne
Ri
Ï
v er
Lake
Fir
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West
Entrance
I D
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Riv
Mount Washburn
10,243 ft
3,122m
Old Faithful
Bridge Bay Ï
Ï
ÏFishing Bridge
Ï
Ï
Ï
East Entrance
Yellowstone Lake
West ThumbÏ
Shoshone Lake
Ï
Grant
Ye
Riv
er
ch
ler
Heart Lake
r
Be
Sn
Bechler
Ï
#
Eagle Peak
11,358 ft
3,462 m
e
Riv
stone
llow
Lewis Lake
ak
eR
iv
e
r
lls
Fa Ri ver
Ï
South Entrance
John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
Memorial Parkway
0
0
Ï
Caldera
Continental Divide
Rivers
Roads
10 Kilometers
10 Miles
Developed Areas
Grand Teton
National Park
2 Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook, 2019
Lakes
#
Summits
State Boundary
NPS Boundary
North
Á
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Yellowstone get its name?
Yellowstone National Park is named after the Yellowstone River,
the major river running through the park. According to FrenchCanadian trappers in the 1800s, they asked the name of the
river from the Minnetaree tribe, who live in what is now eastern
Montana. They responded “Mi tse a-da-zi,” which translates as
“Yellow Stone River” The trappers translated this into French
and in 1797, explorer-geographer David Thompson first used the
English translation. Lewis and Clark called the Yellowstone River
by the French and English forms. Subsequent use formalized the
name “Yellowstone.”
Is Yellowstone the largest national park?
No. More than half of Alaska’s national park units are larger,
including Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, which
is the largest unit (13 million acres) in the National Park System.
Until 1994, Yellowstone (at 2.2 million acres) was the largest
national park in the contiguous United States. That year Death
Valley National Monument was expanded and became a national
park—it has more than 3 million acres.
Is Yellowstone the most visited national park?
No. Yellowstone is in the top five national parks for number of
recreational visits. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has
the most—more than 11.4 million in 2018. The Grand Canyon
(6.3 million) Rocky Mountain (4.59 Million), and Zion (4.3 million)
also received more recreational visits than Yellowstone
(4.15 million) in 2018. Visit the website https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/
to find out more details about how many visitors come to our
national parks.
What is the difference between a national park
and a national forest?
National parks are administered by the Department of the
Interior and national forests by the Department of Agriculture.
The National Park Service is mandated to preserve resources
unimpaired, while the Forest Service is mandated to wisely
manage resources for many sustainable uses. Six national forests
surround Yellowstone National Park.
How many rangers work in Yellowstone?
Approximately 750 people work for the National Park Service
during the peak summer season. Approximately 190 are
permanent, year-round employees. Park rangers work in
education, resource management, law enforcement, emergency
medical services, and backcountry operations. Other employees
specialize in research, maintenance, management, administration,
trail maintenance, fire management, and fee collection.
How do you become a park ranger?
Park rangers have a variety of different duties. Most have a
bachelor’s degree in a related field, and some may have advanced
degrees or additional special training in law enforcement,
education, or wildlife management. Park Rangers are federal
employees hired by individual parks. Many National Park Service
employees begin their careers as volunteers or as seasonal
employees. Hiring is very competitive and is conducted through
the Office of Personnel Management website: usajobs.gov.
Approximately 773 people work for the National Park
Service in Yellowstone National Park during the peak
summer season.
Can we swim in rivers and lakes?
Swimming is not recommended, and is occasionally prohibited,
because most lakes and streams are dangerously cold. Firehole
Canyon, near Madison Junction, has a swimming area popular in
summer. Soaking in thermal features is illegal. The area known as
the Boiling River, north of Mammoth Hot Springs, allows soaking
in the Gardner River near thermal outflow, but not in the feature
itself. Soaking is allowed during daylight hours only and at your
own risk.
What is the highest peak in the park?
Eagle Peak in the southeastern part of Yellowstone is the highest
at 11,358 feet (3,462 m).
Why is Yellowstone called a biosphere reserve
and a world heritage site?
The United Nations designated Yellowstone National Park as
a biosphere reserve and a world heritage site in recognition of
the worldwide significance of its natural and cultural resources.
These designations have nothing to do with how Yellowstone is
managed—the United Nations has no authority to dictate federal
land management decisions in the United States—nor do they
change the fact that Yellowstone is under the legal authority of
the United States of America.
The October 26, 1976, United Nations designation of Yellowstone
as a biosphere reserve stated:
Yellowstone National Park is recognized as part of the
international network of biosphere reserves. This network
of protected samples of the world’s major ecosystem
types is devoted to conservation of nature and scientific
research in the service of man. It provides a standard
against which the effect of man’s impact on the environment can be measured.
Frequently Asked Questions 3
Divide, it eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean. When it falls on
the east side of the Divide, it eventually reaches the Atlantic
Ocean. In Yellowstone (as elsewhere), this ridgeline is not straight.
You cross the Continental Divide three times between the South
Entrance and the Old Faithful area. Craig Pass is the highest
crossing, at 8,262 feet (2,518 m).
The September 8, 1978, United Nations designation of
Yellowstone as a world heritage site, requested by US President
Richard Nixon and Congress, stated:
Through the collective recognition of the community of
nations … Yellowstone National Park has been designated
as a World Heritage Site and joins a select list of protected
areas around the world whose outstanding natural and
cultural resources form the common inheritance of all
mankind.
How did Mt. Washburn form?
At 10,243 feet (3,122 m), this peak can be seen from many
locations in the park. It is a remnant of an extinct volcano from
the Absaroka Volcanics of about 50 million years ago. The
volcano was literally cut in half by a volcanic eruption 640,000
years ago. Only the northern part of the original volcano is still
visible.
To find out more, visit www.unesco.org/mab.
What is the Continental Divide?
Think of the Continental Divide as the crest of the continent.
Theoretically, when precipitation falls on the west side of the
C A N A D A
Glacier NP
Williston
ÀFCA
!
Kalispell
!
Fort Union
Trading Post NHS
ri River
Missou
! Great
ÀGTF
Theodore Roosevelt NP
and Wilderness
Falls
M O N T A N A
À!Missoula
!
Dickinson
!
Lewistown
MSO
Helena !À
Miles City
HLN
ND
!
Ri
ve
r
Grant-Kohrs
Ranch NHS
ÀButte
!
BIL
BTM
BillingsÀ
BZN
À
!
!
er
!
Yellow
sto
ne
!
Gardiner
!
West
Yellowstone
À
Craters of the Moon
NM and Wilderness
Rexburg
!
À!
Sheridan
!
!
COD
À
Idaho Falls
ÀJAC
!
Jackson
À ! Pocatello
PIH
Devil’s Tower NM
Gillette
!
Cody
!
RAP
Rapid City ! À
Mount Rushmore NM
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Mem. Pkwy
Grand Teton
NP
IDA
SD
Red Lodge
Cooke City
!
Yellowstone
National Park
WYS
I D A H O
e
Little Bighorn
Battlefield NM
Bighorn
Canyon
NRA
Livingston
R iv
Bozeman
Big Hole
Battlefield
Yello w
n
sto
Jewel Cave NM
Wind Cave NP
W Y O M I N G
North
Á
Roads
CPR
À
Airports
Casper
À
State
Boundaries
Rivers and Lakes
Continental Divide
National Park Service
!
The National Park Service manages approximately 83 million acres in 50 states, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico,
Guam, and American Samoa. Here are the sites near Yellowstone.
4 Yellowstone Resources and Issues Handbook, 2019
Hayden Valley, shown here, is one of the best places in the park to view a wide variety of large mammals.
Canyon Village Area
Notable Areas and Structures
•
Artist Point
presence or absence of water in the individual iron compounds
and hydration of minerals in the rock. Most of the yellows in the
canyon result from iron and sulfur in the rock.
•
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
•
Mount Washburn
How much water goes over the falls?
•
Hayden Valley
The volume varies from 63,500 gallons (240,000 l) per second at
peak runoff to 5,000 gallons (18,900 l) per second in the late fall.
How tall are the falls?
Upper Falls: 109 feet (33 m).; Lower Falls: 308 feet (94 m).
How big is the Grand Canyon of the
Yellowstone?
This huge canyon is roughly 20 miles (32 km) long, more than
1,000 feet (305 m) deep, and 1,500–4,000 feet (457–1,219 m)
wide at various points.
How did the canyon form?
Scientists continue to develop theories about its formation. After
the Yellowstone Caldera eruption, 640,000 years ago, lava flows
and volcanic tuffs buried the canyon area; but hydrothermal gases
and hot water weakened the rock. The river eroded this rock,
carving a canyon in the Yellowstone River beginning at Tower Fall
and heading upstream to Lower Falls.
Where can I see the canyon and falls?
North Rim Drive: Walkways at Lookout Point and Brink of the
Lower Falls lead to views of both waterfalls. The longest stretch
of accessible trail can be accessed from parking lots at Lookout or
Grand View. You can also see the Lower Falls from Red Rock and
Inspiration points.
South Rim Drive: See the Lower Falls at Artist Point, from Uncle
Tom’s Trail, and from a few places along the South Rim Trail; see
the Upper Falls from two viewpoints at Uncle Tom’s Point.
Visit Brink of Upper Falls from a viewing area just off the Grand
Loop Road south of Canyon Junction, between the entrances to
North and South Rim drives.
Where can I see both falls at once?
The canyon bends between the Upper and Lower falls, so there is
no location where they can be seen at the same time.
What causes the different colors in the canyon?
You could say the canyon is “rusting.” The colors are caused
by oxidation of iron compounds in the rhyolite rock, which has
been hydrothermally altered (“cooked”). The colors indicate the
What causes the Lower Falls’ green stripe?
The natural color of the water. A notch in the lip of the brink
makes the water deeper and keeps it from mixing with air and
becoming frothy, so the color is visible as it goes over the edge.
Who was “Uncle Tom”?
“Uncle Tom” Richardson was an early concessioner in the canyon
area. From 1898–1905, he guided visitors to the canyon floor
down a steep trail using rope ladders. Today the trail descends
partway into the canyon via steep steel steps.
Can I get to the bottom of the canyon?
Only one trail in this area leads to the bottom of the canyon—
Seven Mile Hole Trail, a strenuous, steep round trip of 10.2 miles.
Is Artist Point the location where Thomas
Moran painted his Grand Canyon of the
Yellowstone?
No, it is thought that some sketches were made from Moran
Point and that a compilation of canyon views were incorporated
into the painting.
What animals can I see in this area?
Inside the canyon, look for osprey soaring over the river or
perched on their five-foot (1.5 m) diameter nests. They nest
here from late April until early September. Also look for ravens
and swallows. During July, a variety of butterflies feast on the
abundant flowers in the meadows.
Hayden Valley, approximately five miles (8 km) south of Canyon
Junction, is one of the best places in the park to view a wide
variety of large mammals. Grizzly bears and black bears are often
seen in the spring and early summer. Large herds of bison may be
seen in the spring, early summer, and during the rut in August.
Coyotes can almost always be seen in the valley; wolves are often
seen as well.
Mount Washburn is an excellent place for viewing wildlife.
Bighorn sheep and marmots can be seen on its slopes in the
summer. Elk and bison frequent the valley north of the mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Fishing Bridge, located on the Yellowstone River at Yellowstone Lake, is a good place to watch trout, though
fishing is now prohibited from the bridge.
Fishing Bridge, Lake, and Bridge Bay
Historic Areas and Structures
•
Fishing Bridge
Why can’t we fish from Fishing Bridge?
•
Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
•
Lake Historic District
Overfishing for cutthroat trout here contributed to their decline in
the lake. The trout also spawn here. For these reasons, fishing is
prohibited from the bridge. It’s still a good place to watch trout.
•
Lake Fish Hatchery Historic District
How cold is Yellowstone Lake?
•
Lake Hotel
•
Bridge Bay Marina Historic District
•
East Entrance Historic Road
During late summer, Yellowstone Lake becomes thermally
stratified with several water layers having different temperatures.
The topmost layer rarely exceeds 66°F (18.8°C), and the lower
layers are much colder. Because of the extremely cold water,
survival time for anyone in the lake is estimated to be only 20 to
30 minutes. In winter, ice thickness on Yellowstone Lake varies
from a few inches to more than two feet with many feet of snow
on top of the ice.
Where does the Yellowstone River begin?
Where does it end?
It begins on the slopes of Younts Peak in the Absaroka Mountains
southeast of the park flows 671 miles (1080 km) to the Missouri
River near the Montana–North Dakota border. Its waters then
travel to the Mississippi River and into the Atlantic Ocean at
the Gulf of Mexico. It is the longest undammed river in the
contiguous United States.
How big is Yellowstone Lake? How deep? Is it
natural?
The lake is natural and has 131.7 square miles (341.1 km2)of
surface area and 141 miles (227 km) of shoreline; it is 20 miles (32
km) long by 14 miles (22 km) wide. Its deepest spot is about 430
feet (131 m); its average depth is 138 feet (42 m). The lake’s basin
has an estimated capacity of 12,095,264 acre-feet (1.5x1013 l) of
water. Because its annual outflow is about 1,100,000 acre-feet
(1.3x1012 l), the lake’s water is completely replaced only about
every eight to ten years. Since 1952, the annual water level
fluctuation has been less than six feet (2 m). It is the largest lake
at high elevation (above 7,000 ft/2134 m) in North America.
How did Yellowstone Lake form?
The lake’s main basin is part of the Yellowstone Caldera, which
was formed 640,000 years ago. West Thumb was formed by a
later, smaller eruption. The arms of the lake were formed by uplift
along fault lines and sculpting by glaciers. The lake drains north
at Fishing Bridge. Some scientists consider LeHardy’s Rapids to be
the geologic northern boundary of the lake because the periodic
rise and fall of that site appears to control lake outflow.
What happened to the old campground at
Fishing Bridge?
The National Park Service campground was located where
bears came to fish, and many