Vacationing at Yellowstone National Park

It spans the borders of three states and embodies the spirit of preservation, natural splendor and a little of America's wild side. Yellowstone National Park is the first and foremost in terms of timeless landmarks and environmentally protected wide open spaces, and as a vacation destination the park constitutes a must-see for all domestic adventurers.

Fortunately there are vacation rentals scattered about the Yellowstone area, making it possible to stay near the park and enjoy the adjacent terrain while living comfortably and affordably. From luxury log homes to quaint cabin rentals in Montana Yellowstone Country to Ashton Idaho rentals and of course Wyoming vacation rentals, there are many places that could provide a convenient home base for you and your fellow travelers as you explore the gifts of this stunning region.

Enjoying the lakes, heading out in a four-wheeler, hopping on a snowmobile and setting out for a hike through the untamed land are all diversions that vacationers can enjoy just by stepping out the front door of a home away from home.

With five entrances from Wyoming, Montana or Idaho and 3,468 square miles of designated park land, Yellowstone is filled with possibilities and never provides the same experience twice. There are certain sites that most people gravitate towards, like the Old Faithful Geyser or Mammoth Hot Springs, but in general any route taken will greet visitors with a series of awe-inspiring points of interest punctuated by unpredictable wildlife sightings and lots of excellent scenery.

Aside from the most famous geyser, there are about 10,000 other geothermal remnants of a long-ago volcanic event that gave Yellowstone its volatile personality. Known as the Yellowstone Caldera, this supervolcano is literally unlike any other spot on earth and in addition to being endlessly interesting to geologists, gives visitors an eyeful in the form of plateaus, domes, lakes and of course, erupting geysers.

Animal lovers who enjoy seeing native species in their natural habitats will find heaven in Yellowstone National Park. Grizzly bears, black bears, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, moose and more make this their home and tend to cross paths with tourists on a regular basis. Observing the boundaries and space of indigenous creatures is important, so sit back and respect Mother Nature and you'll surely be rewarded with a few memorable moments.

The Fishing Bridge, a number of museums, ranger stations, the Roosevelt Arch and various guided activities are just a few diversions that will fill the days of visitors to the park. Further, fishing trips, cookouts, hikes and kayaking are ways to become active while getting acquainted with the surroundings. From picnicking to cross-country skiing, there's a way to take advantage of every season and every desired level of exertion, so making the park work for you as far as having an enjoyable vacation shouldn't be too difficult.

Even the surrounding area is worth taking a look at it; as the boundaries of the park end the beautiful countryside does not, and there are other wonders to see. Grand Teton National Park is a few miles south of Yellowstone, and Custer National Forest is part of what's known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Beartooth Highway, a section of U.S. 212, offers what some believe to be the loveliest drive in the country as it follows the Montana/Wyoming border. Several towns capture the wild Western spirit of the land, and settling down in or near one of them tends not to disappoint.