Nearly 150 years ago, Yellowstone became the inaugural National Park in America and has become an unparalleled location for nature and landscape photographers ever since. Covering 3,468 square miles across three states and home to many animal species as well as an array of diverse landscapes – National Geographic has put together an inspiring photo gallery commemorating Yellowstone’s 150th birthday which beautifully showcases all its beauty over time.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Geothermal Features
An ancient underground supervolcano located underneath the park is responsible for some of its best-known and photographed natural wonders, including Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring.
Old Faithful is located in the Upper Geyser Basin and, as its name implies, it is famous for its frequent yet predictable eruptions. On average it erupts 20 times a day for anywhere between one-half minute to five minutes at a time, expelling between 3,700-8,400 gallons of water each time it erupts. As one of the more accessible features within the park it makes an excellent subject to photograph or video record, so to experience its beauty without the crowds consider visiting early in the morning, after 6 pm or during winter months for best results.
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the park’s most beloved thermal geological features, due to its vibrant colors. These colors are caused by microbial mats which change its hue to orange and red during summer and dark green during winter.
