Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with dramatic peaks and pristine lakes. Multicolored pools swirl around hot springs, lush forests weave through vast meadows, and erupting geysers shoot streams of steaming water into the air. With so much unspoiled natural beauty, it's no surprise that when John Colter (a scout for explorers Lewis and Clark) first described Yellowstone's geothermal wonders in 1807, everyone suspected he was embellishing. Nowadays, there's no denying that the park is spectacular. Prepare to share the trails with permanent residents such as buffalo, elk, and even grizzlies as you travel through its 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers, and waterfalls.

Despite the fact that Yellowstone attracts over 4 million visitors each year, you're unlikely to see many of them unless you spend your entire trip at Old Faithful. Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres stretch from Wyoming's northwest corner to the borders of Idaho and Montana, providing plenty of undeveloped land to explore. Make a day or two to visit Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Springs to take in the scenery. Save some time for the trails through lesser-known areas, such as the West Thumb Geyser Basin's hot springs and the Lewis River Channel and Dogshead Loop's untamed wildlife. While the sheer number of trails and wildlife-watching opportunities may appear overwhelming at first, keep in mind that you can always return.

• Best Times to Visit: late April to May, July and August, September through early Octobe
  
• Best Things To Do: hiking trails and basins, horseback riding,fishing , wildlife-watching
  
• Location:Wyoming, Montana, Idaho