World's First National Park

Yellowstone is the world's first national park. It was established in 1872. I visited Yellowstone National Park for the first time in 1985 when I took a cross-country trip with my college friend Rachael P. (RIP). I revisited the park several times when I was in graduate school at Montana State University from 1987-1988. In was only a couple of hours away, and there were two scenic routes to choose from:  Gallatin Canyon or Paradise Vallely. In 1988, Yellowstone experienced unprecedented fires, significantly changing how the park appeared. I would love to visit Yellowstone again. There are so many natural wonders there, and the wildlife is (was) abundant.

World's oldest national park, c. 1872

Yellowstone River

Upper Falls

Hayden Valley

Me and Rachael at the Continental Divide

Uncommon moose

Close-up of moose

Bison and hot springs

Yellowstone's most abundant large mammal (Elk)

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Post created 03 June 2026

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