• By removing some of the forest surplus, room becomes available for other plant-life.
• Minerals that are otherwise trapped in wood are released in the soil during a fire.
• Fires are rarely suppressed, since doing so diminishes plant diversity and minerals remain locked up or released more slowly.
• Various plants in Yellowstone, such as lodgepole pine and aspen are adapted to fire.
• Burned pine bark provides nutritious food for elk

Most of all fires, 80% to be exact, are naturally started. Since many of them are started by the natural cause of lightning, we suggest not testing the “lighting never strikes the same place twice” theory. The dry seasons also affect considerably the amount of fires spread throughout the park. The summer of 1988, labelled the Summer of Fire was the park’s driest season ever recorded. It also brought the largest fire-fighting effort in the United States at the time:

• The first fire, Storm Creek Fire, began June 14 1988
• Over 793,000 acres of the park were affected by fire.
• 9 fires were caused by humans, 42 fires were caused by lightning.
• 250,000 people participated in the fire-fighting effort
• 300 large mammals perished during the fires

As mentioned, fires are rarely suppressed in order to maintain a balance in structure and composition. Extinguishing fires are called for when becoming a threat to the park’s structures and communities. After mid-July, an order was issued to ensure that all natural fires be suppressed. In a twist of events, the 1988 fires brought new opportunities to research the fires’ significant impact on the park’s natural environment. With the changing of the weather and the increase in lightning strikes, there will always be a job for Smokey the Bear at Yellowstone National Park.

Visit the Yellowstone Center for Resources for Mary Anne Franke’s Yellowstone in the Afterglow: Lessons from the Fires

Big Facts on Yellowstone National Park
• Yellowstone National Park is the first national park, and the second largest national park in the United States.
• Yellowstone National Park measures 2,221,773 acres.
• Yellowstone Volcano is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world.
• The highest point in the park is Eagle Peek at 11,358 feet.
• With approximately 300 geysers, the park holds the largest concentration of geysers on earth.
• Largest protected population of wild mammals in the United States.
• Shoshore Lake is the largest backcountry lake in the park.
• At 7,733ft above sea level, Yellowstone Lake is the largest high elevation river in North America.
• Old Faithful eruptions can blow steam up to 184ft vertically.
• The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is approximately 10,000 years old, 20 miles long, 1,200ft deep and approx. 2,500 ft wide.
• The lodgepole pine tree can reach heights up to 75ft.

Follow up with information on things to do in the Yellowstone Park and you’re set to go. Perhaps you’ll reconsider your extravagant purchases and look for solace and a one of a kind experience in the park’s wondrous landscapes. Remember, bigger and better!

It’s just you and a world of opportunities.
In the early days of autumn, the flocks of summer tourists have packed up left, leaving you with the undisturbed quietness of the Grand Canyon, the trickling sounds of the Upper and Lower Falls and the wind rustling through the leaves of golden aspen groves. Paints a pretty picture doesn’t it?

Beauty knows no rest.
Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, over 300 geysers, hot springs, rock caves and rushing waterfalls will still be around when the temperature drops. When you start layering up, Yellowstone sheds its summer coat and radiates in hues of reds, yellows and oranges.

Wildlife ‘round the clock.
Rain or shine, Yellowstone will always be in touch with its wild side. Mid- to late September sees an increase in wildlife activity, where you’ll see various mammals begin to sport trendy winter coats and bears get a little rounder as they get ready for hibernation.

Photo ops galore!
With the added flurry of wildlife action, the golden hues of aspen groves and the characteristic natural beauty of the park, you can understand how Yellowstone National Park becomes a photographic paradise when the fall season announces its arrival. Disposable or digital, Yellowstone is ready to pose for all types of cameras.

When we stop tripping over thoughts of days spent raking leaves or shovelling snow is when we truly appreciate the beauty of autumn. There are plenty more perks to visiting Yellowstone National Park during the changing of the season. Take the time to discover them. Remember, the only difference is a few extra layers of clothing!

In Yellowstone, the National Park Service reports:
• 67 different mammals
• There are possibly 500 to 600 black bears in the greater Yellowstone area
• Gray wolves were restored in 1995; more than 370 live in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem
• There are 7 species of ungulates – elk, mule deer, bison, moose, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and long-tailed deer

Many guides and outfitters in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/ Yellowstone Country offer memorable Yellowstone wildlife tours, where you’ll discover the animals of Yellowstone National Park on a guided learning adventure. For some ideas, check out the Yellowstone Safari Co. and the Flying Pig Adventure Company.

Whether you’re looking for a remote campsite or a campground with full hook-ups for your family vacation, there are many spots to choose from including commercial campgrounds, a state park, national forest and Yellowstone National Park. For camping opportunities in Yellowstone National Park, contact Xanterra Parks & Resorts. They handle all reservations for in-park lodging, four campgrounds and the only RV Park inside Yellowstone. Take a look out of list of featured campgrounds and RV Parks in Cody/Yellowstone Country.

Cody campgrounds and RV parks are usually open for business from early May until mid-September. Though this may seem like plenty of time to plan a summer camping getaway, keep in mind many campgrounds have limited spots and some may restrict RV lengths. Always call ahead and confirm availability.

Best hiking hotspots

• Shoshone National Forest Imagine the hiking possibilities with 940 miles of trails winding through 2.5 million acres of sagebrush flats, rugged mountain peaks, diverse wildlife and more.

• Grand Teton National Park Step up to the challenge and join a hiking tour with a certified guide. Scale the mountains of Grand Teton National Park, offering some of the most diverse climbing in the country.

• The Paul Stock Nature Trail Being a novice trailblazer doesn’t mean you need to settle for less. Though only 1.5 miles, this hiking trail still provides stunning views along the Shoshone River.

• Heart Mountain It’s hard to explain how the rock at the peak’s summit is 250 million years older than the rock at its base; it’s easy to explain how Heart Mountain delivers a memorable hiking experience – considering its 360-degree view of the Bighorn Basin.

Are you ready to grab those hiking boots, lace ‘em and hit the ol’ dirt road? Whether you’re looking to climb all of Grand Teton’s 13,770 feet or to simply enjoy a small family hike, there are plenty of opportunities that will feed anybody’s passion for the natural wonders of Cody/Yellowstone Country. Check out Bison Willy’s Outdoor Adventures or Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for a little guidance and great climbing/hiking programs.

One of the most famous – and stunning – sights you will see is the eruption of Old Faithful. This geyser sends between 3,700 and 8,400 gallons of hot water (204 degrees Farenheit) into the air every 63-75 minutes. There’s more hot water in action at the Mammoth Hot Springs, which are full of beneficial minerals, as well as lots of geysers at the Norris Geyser Basin. Yellowstone contains a significant part of the world’s geothermal resources and is home to the Yellowstone Caldera, an active supervolcano. Previous volcanic activity has created a large petrified forest, which is another of the areas attractions.

The Park’s largest waterfall, the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, drops 308 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, an amazing canyon between 800 and 1,200 feet deep. There are nearly 300 waterfalls across the whole park. The park also includes several historic sites such as the Old Faithful Inn and Fort Yellowstone. This is a great place to enjoy nature and to camp under the stars. If you’re brave enough, get a permit and saddle up a horse to explore some of the backcountry areas.