Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) spans over 22 million acres and includes Yellowstone National Park, parts of Grand Teton National Park, several National Forests, and numerous wilderness areas across Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. This expansive area encapsulates a rich tapestry of landscapes, from rugged mountains to sweeping river valleys, supporting hundreds of species of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of elk and bison. The ecosystem is renowned for its geothermal features, with over 10,000 such sites in Yellowstone alone, offering a glimpse into the Earth's fiery seams. The human history of the area is just as vibrant, embodying stories of indigenous peoples, pioneering explorers, and conservation triumphs. Recreational opportunities are plentiful, with endless trails for hiking and biking, pristine rivers for fishing and kayaking, and open parks for camping and wildlife spotting.
