Travel

Yellowstone National Park has been seismically active for over two million years. Even to this day, the place is a dynamic geothermal hotspot.

Yellowstone National Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming is the oldest National Park in the United States and is certainly one of the most interesting volcanic sites in the world.

Almost the entire park of Yellowstone is sitting on an ancient and still active caldera. The caldera is covered by multiple stratified lava flows. The last lava flow occurred over 75,000 years ago. The area still remains seismically active with thousands of small earthquakes each year and geothermal venting through its geysers such as the venerable Old Faithful and boiling mud pots.

Yellowstone Sits Atop a Supervolcano

A supervolcano is a volcano that has produced unusually large eruptions in the past that are 8 in magnitude on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), as documented at Questions about Supervolcanoes by the United States Geological Survey. The caldera that forms most of Yellowstone is approximately 34 miles by 45 miles in area and was formed when a huge volcanic eruption collapsed the emptied magma chamber and created the depression.

Super eruptions have occurred at Yellowstone many times in the past, and at least one of the two million years ago was thousands of times more powerful than the eruption of Mount St. Helens as a comparison. A larger eruption over two million years ago left a gaping hole that was larger than the state of Rhode Island.

For most of the twentieth century, the caldera beneath Yellowstone was thought to be extinct until University geophysicist Bob Smith published his survey in 1979 that the ground beneath Yellowstone Lake was doming and forcing the lake levels to rise. Subsequent earthquake swarms in 1985 caused the dome to subside. There is no doubt now, though, that the ancient volcano is very much alive.

Earthquake Swarm at Yellowstone National Park

An earthquake swarm is a series of earthquakes that occur in a burst of activity in a relatively short period of time. An earthquake swarm was detected in the park and was one of the largest swarms ever recorded there. This is not an alarming development, however, as Yellowstone has experienced earthquake swarms many times before.

Interestingly, earthquakes as far away as Alaska have caused earthquake swarms in Yellowstone or have altered the action of hot springs and geysers for months after they occurred, per a study from the University of Utah.

The Deep Magma Chamber and the Movement Up and Down of the Caldera

With the aid of sound waves, the magma chamber plume underneath the park is thought to be about 400 miles deep. The caldera height is constantly in flux and is rising at the rate of about three inches a year which is higher than the historical norm.

Yellowstone is truly a geothermal hotspot and shows no signs of losing that status anytime in the foreseeable future.

Whether hiking, exploring, or driving through Yellowstone, the diversity of the area requires care to ensure that the wildlife and the geothermal features remain pristine.

Yellowstone National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, USA, offers visitors abundant wildlife and more geothermal features in one location than anywhere else in the world. Visiting Yellowstone requires an understanding of the safety rules and common sense that must be observed at all times.

Respecting Wildlife in Yellowstone

Abundant wildlife is visible throughout Yellowstone, and most of it can be viewed from the safety of a vehicle. Elk, moose, wolves, coyotes, bears, and of course, bison (buffalo) are the primary inhabitants of the 2.2 million-acre park.

 Never approach any wildlife, whether on foot or in a vehicle.
 When buffalo or elk are crossing the road, maintain as much distance as possible.
 If an animal is encountered while on foot, do not make eye contact with it and do not cross or block its path.
 Do not feed the wildlife. This is strictly prohibited!

Signs are posted at all wildlife viewing areas and along with trailheads that provide additional guidance and instructions for visitors.

Yellowstone’s Geothermal Features

Geothermal features include mud pots, steam vents, geysers, and fumaroles. In the Upper Geyser Basin, the water temperature is 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Water boils at 199 degrees Fahrenheit at this altitude (7,366 ft.), and the average temperature of the water shooting from Old Faithful is 203 degrees Fahrenheit.

 Never touch the water!
 Geothermal features should never be compromised by throwing things into them or disturbing them in any way.
 Do not step off marked trails and boardwalks as the boiling water and hot mud can cause physical harm and/or death.
 Keep an eye on young children and pets. Do not allow them to wander unattended.

Day Hiking in Yellowstone

With the hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Yellowstone, visitors can find a hike to meet any fitness level. Follow these important safety tips when planning that next hike.

 Check the weather before you leave.
 Ask a ranger for current wildlife activity on the trail.
 Dress appropriately. Wear hiking shoes and layered clothing.
 Bring plenty of water-based on the length of the hike.
 Tell someone where you are hiking or sign in at trailhead.

Backcountry Hiking and Camping

Yellowstone provides one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world. When taking advantage of this, always remember to follow these common-sense guidelines.

 Do not hike or camp alone.
 File any required overnight permits.
 Utilize proper food storage receptacles.
 Carry out everything you carry in.

Yellowstone National Park offers visitors many unique features in terms of wildlife and geothermal activity. Given this uniqueness, remember to follow all safety rules regarding wildlife, driving, hiking, and camping in order to fully appreciate the wonders of this national park.

Grand Canyon hiking trips require advanced reservations and planning. Securing a permit and campsite inside the canyon ensures a successful hiking adventure.

A World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon attracts over 4.5 million visitors each year, yet only 2% of visitors explore the park’s inner canyon trails, according to the Grand Canyon Park Profile. The U.S National Park Service maintains three corridor trails that give backcountry hikers access to the base of the Grand Canyon, which can enhance a hiker’s appreciation of this geologic wonder as well as help visitors avoid the crowds during peak season.

Obtain a Backcountry Permit for Hiking Trips in the Grand Canyon

All hikers wishing to reach the base of the canyon and camp overnight must apply for a backcountry permit, available on a first-come, first-serve basis from the Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center. When applying for a permit, potential backcountry hikers can submit up to three itineraries, specifying the desired dates and campsites their hiking group wishes to use.

Applications are made available four months prior to the intended departure date and must be submitted by mail or fax. While a limited number of campsites are made available for walk-up reservations the day before, campsites can fill up in advance, and hikers without a valid backcountry permit will not be allowed to remain in the canyon area. Permits should be in possession of the trip leader at all times and are subject to review by rangers on duty.

Potential hikers seeking more detail should consult the Grand Canyon Backcountry Trip Planner, an annual publication by National Park Service freely available to the public.

Campgrounds Inside Grand Canyon National Park

Backcountry travelers hoping to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back should plan on spending at least one night on the canyon floor. Bright Angel Campground, located near the junction of the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails, is a convenient site for groups entering and exiting the canyon using the corridor trails of the South Rim. Nestled among cottonwood trees and adjacent to Bright Angel Creek, campers may find themselves sharing their campsite with local wildlife, taking advantage of the shade and freshwater. Campers also have access to flush toilets and drinking water and are within walking distance of the canteen and ranger activities at Phantom Ranch.

Hikers descending from the north rim, or those planning rim-to-rim hikes, will find the facilities at Cottonwood Campground, along the North Kaibab Trail, an ideal resting stop. Indian Gardens Campsite, the third campsite located along a corridor trail, is located almost halfway down the Bright Angel Trail. Hikers looking to break their ascent into two days may want to consider booking a night in this wooded campground in addition to Bright Angel campground.

Arranging Transportation to and From the Grand Canyon Trailheads

During peak season, the South Kaibab trailhead parking lot is closed to private vehicles. Hikers can take the Hikers Express shuttle bus from either the Bright Angel Lodge or the Backcountry Information Station directly to the trailhead. Shuttles depart as early as 4:00 am in the summer months and as early as 6:00 am in winter. Backpackers planning on returning via the Bright Angel Trail can take advantage of the shuttle by leaving their vehicle parked in the Backcountry Information Center parking lot, a mere block away from the Bright Angel Trailhead.

The Trans-Canyon Shuttle runs between the north and south rims once daily and is the only means of public transportation available to those planning a rim-to-rim hike.

Hiking to the base of the Grand Canyon can be a challenging and rewarding experience. By taking the necessary precautions and arranging accommodation and transportation in advance, backcountry hikers can ensure that the memories they create will be those of exhilaration and triumph instead of the panic and fear that can strike unprepared backpackers.

From relaxing in the lap of luxury at world-class resorts along the Caribbean Sea to snorkeling in the Nichupte Lagoon on the Lagoon side of Cancun, there are ample things to do on both sides of Cancun Mexico.

Spending your time in Cancun is a breeze because Cancun offers something for everyone: World-class activities, modern amenities, culture, romance, and adventure. It’s often called the Caribbean jewel because it’s the perfect paradise. Here are some fun ways to spend your time in beautiful Cancun, Mexico.

World-Class Activities

If you scuba dive, you will fall in love with Cancun. Cancun is known for its eco-parks and is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Great Mesoamerican Reef – facilitating some of the best water sports, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing in the world. For golf lovers, Cancun will delight you with some of the finest golf courses designed by experts such as Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

Ultra Modern Amenities

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The Crown of the Yucatan Peninsula

If you’re craving for tradition and culture after immersing yourself in the luxuries of Cancun’s ultra sophistication, you can’t go wrong visiting the crown of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Mayan culture. The beautiful coasts of Cancun are Mexico’s jewel, while Mayan culture is its crown.

Mayan archaeological sites, such as Tulum and Xel-Ha, Coba, Uxmal, Kabah, and Chichen Itza, are all in close traveling distance from Cancun, Mexico. El Ray is situated right in the heart of Cancun. There is something for everyone in Cancun, Mexico – whether you enjoy something historical with tradition or adrenaline-packed with ultra-modern amenities.

The Jewel of the Caribbean Sea

Cancun, Mexico, is a romantic destination with its crystal blue waters and shimmering white sand. The luxurious resorts dotted along the Hotel Zone offer a perfect wedding location and honeymoon.

Cancun resorts have packages for everyone’s taste and style when it comes to tying the knot. Spend your time together in one of the more romantic locations in the world, creating memories that will last a lifetime.