Yellowstone National Park

Dragon’s Mouth Spring has changed over the years. Years ago it used to spit mud along with the noise that could be heard for a mile. Now, its rhythmically sloshing of water in and out of the mouth of the small cavern along with the steam and low growling noise is still a good reason to take in this site in Yellowstone.

It easy access makes it very nice for anyone to see. The parking lot at the site is quite close by and the usual boardwalk is gently sloped making it even easy for wheelchair bound tourists.

As with all of the springs, mud volcanos, and geysers at Yellowstone, use caution, they are extremely hot!

Magnificent mountains ranges, swift moving rivers, huge waterfalls, herds of bison and elk, gushing geysers sprinkle the landscape of natures most awe-inspiring playground for adventurers of all ages.

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park and is the largest. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, bison, elf and wolves and encompasses 3,472 square miles of land. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and about half of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

With half of the earth’s geothermal features, Yellowstone holds the planet’s most diverse and intact collection of geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles (steam vents). Its more than 300 geysers make up two thirds of all those found on earth.

Yellowstone’s vast collection of thermal features provides a constant reminder of the park’s recent volcanic past. Indeed, the caldera provides the setting that allows such features as Old Faithful to exist and to exist in such great concentrations.

Just as a note, there are more people hurt by bison than by bears each year in Yellowstone. Park regulations state that visitors must stay at least 25 yards away from bison or elk and 100 yards away from bears.

There are hotels and motels both inside the park and around the edges, especially on the west and north. Camping is available at 12 campgrounds around the park, many include RV sites. Fishing is one of the many things you will enjoy but no stocking is done and since 2001 they follow a catch and release policy on all fish. Backcountry tours can be arranged.

I recommend visiting this National Park at least once in your life, more often if you can. Plan your trip in advance using the internet, and then double your time allotted, because you will find more things to see and take longer than planned because of crowds, animals, and just because of the beauty. Make sure you are able to spend several days enjoying the enormous number of sights; this park is huge, covering 2.2 million acres.

This is like the Disneyland of nature; you will never get to see it all but it is a place you will never forget.