Yellowstone, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, sits atop one of the planet’s largest active volcanic systems and contains more than half of all the geothermal features on Earth. The park’s 2.2 million acres encompass a staggering diversity of landscapes — from the explosive plumes of Old Faithful and the rainbow-ringed Grand Prismatic Spring to the thundering cascades of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the vast, wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Herds of bison roam freely across sagebrush plains, grizzly bears forage along riverbanks, and wolf packs hunt in the northern ranges, making this one of the last great intact ecosystems in the temperate world.

A drive along the Grand Loop Road connects the park’s major highlights, but Yellowstone truly rewards those who venture beyond the boardwalks. Backcountry trails lead to pristine alpine lakes, petrified forests, and steaming thermal basins where you may not see another soul for hours. The Mammoth Hot Terraces, with their cascading travertine formations, and the eerie mudpots of the Fountain Paint Pot area add otherworldly variety to an already extraordinary landscape.

Pro tip: Set your alarm for dawn and drive the Lamar Valley road — nicknamed the Serengeti of North America — for your best chance of spotting wolves, bears, and elk in golden morning light. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope, and stop at any pullout where you see other cars gathered, as wildlife sightings spread quickly among visitors.