Yellowstone National Park: A Nigerian’s Guide to America’s Wildest Wonderland

Have you ever seen a place where the ground explodes with hot water, the rivers run through mountains and valleys, and wild animals roam freely without fear of traffic or Okada riders? Well, welcome to Yellowstone National Park!

Yellowstone is not your average park. It is the first national park in the world, and trust me, it is HUGE—almost nine times the size of Lagos! Located mostly in Wyoming, USA, with parts stretching into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is one of the most unique places on earth.

For a Nigerian visiting America, this is a must-see! And don’t worry; I will break it all down in the simplest, funniest, and most engaging way possible.

1. What is Yellowstone National Park?

Imagine a place where the earth is alive —where the ground shakes, hot water shoots into the air, and rivers cut through canyons. That’s Yellowstone! It was established in 1872 as the first national park, and today, it attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

It’s famous for its geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife, and mountains. If Nigeria had something like this, it would have been turned into a money-making tourist empire by now!

2. Where is Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone is in the western United States, mainly in Wyoming, with small parts in Montana and Idaho. If you are planning a visit, you will likely fly into a nearby city like Bozeman (Montana) or Jackson Hole (Wyoming) before heading into the park.

But don’t worry; I will explain how to get there below!

3. How to Get to the National Park from Nigeria

Well, Yellowstone is far from Nigeria, but if you are already in the USA, it is much easier.

Step 1: Fly to the USA

• From Nigeria, the best option is to fly into Denver, Colorado, or Salt Lake City, Utah.
• If you are lucky and find a flight to Bozeman, Montana, that’s even closer to Yellowstone!

Step 2: Take a Local Flight or Drive

• From Denver or Salt Lake City, you can rent a car and drive (which is the best way to see the scenery).
• If you don’t want to drive for long, take a short domestic flight to Bozeman, Jackson Hole, or Idaho Falls, then drive to Yellowstone.

Tip: Yellowstone is so big that it has five different entrances! Make sure you enter from the right side, depending on what you want to see first.

What if I also introduced you to Yosemite National Park?

4. Top Things to See in Yellowstone

Once you enter Yellowstone, you are in for a treat! There is so much to see that even one week is not enough, but here are the most famous attractions you MUST visit:

1. Old Faithful – The Most Famous Geyser in the World

A geyser is a hot spring that erupts and shoots boiling water into the air, and Old Faithful is the king of them all! It erupts every 90 minutes, reaching heights of up to 185 feet (higher than a 15-story building!).

If Old Faithful were in Lagos, people would gather to pray around it and collect the water for miracles!

1. Grand Prismatic Spring – The Rainbow-Colored Hot Spring

Forget any swimming pool you have ever seen. This is the largest hot spring in the USA, and it looks like a rainbow melted into the water. The colors are so bright that it looks photoshopped in real life! But don’t even think about swimming here because the water is super hot and dangerous.

1. Yellowstone Lake – The Highest and Coldest Lake You’ll Ever See

This lake sits at over 7,700 feet above sea level, meaning it stays COLD all year round. Even in summer, the water can freeze your toes in seconds. But the views are magical, and you might even see bald eagles or otters swimming around.

1. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – America’s Version of Nigeria’s Olumo Rock

If you love canyons and waterfalls, this place will blow your mind. It is a deep canyon with golden-colored rocks, and it has the famous Yellowstone Falls, which is twice as high as Niagara Falls!

1. Wildlife Watching – Yellowstone’s Own Yankari Game Reserve

Yellowstone is home to some of America’s most famous wild animals:

• Bears – Big, scary, and powerful.
• Bison – These are huge buffalo-like animals that roam freely.
• Wolves – The kings of the wild.
• Elk & Moose – Think of them as America’s version of big antelopes.

Warning: This is NOT a zoo! These animals are wild; they don’t like people getting too close. So, if you see a bear, bison, or wolf, respect their space because this is their home!

5. Best Time to Visit Yellowstone

Yellowstone changes completely with each season, so your experience will depend on when you visit.

• Summer (June-August) – The best time for good weather, but also the busiest.
• Autumn (September – November) – Fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and beautiful fall colors.
• Winter (December – February) – Only for brave tourists because it is extremely cold, but the snowy landscapes are stunning.
• Spring (March – May) – Fewer crowds, and you can see baby animals everywhere!

For first-time visitors, summer and early autumn (June to October) are the best months to go.

6. Tips for Nigerians Visiting

1. Dress for the Weather

• Summer: Light clothes, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Winter: Wear heavy jackets—it gets colder than Jos in harmattan!

1. Respect Wildlife – This is Not a Nigerian Market

• Never feed the animals! This is not a petting zoo.
• Stay inside your car if a bison or bear walks onto the road.

1. Bring Snacks – No Suya or Gala Here

• Yellowstone has restaurants, but they serve American food only.
• If you need spicy food, bring your pepper sauce or snacks.

1. Expect No Network in Some Areas

• Yellowstone is a remote park, and some areas have no mobile network.
• If you are a digital nomad, download offline maps before you go.

7. Is Yellowstone Worth Visiting?

If you love nature, adventure, and seeing things you won’t find anywhere in Nigeria, then Yellowstone is a dream destination. Whether you are here to see geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, or relax in nature, it’s an unforgettable experience.

If you are ever in the USA, add Yellowstone to your travel bucket list. It is one of the most unique places on Earth!

Suggested places to visit in the USA:

The Times Square, New York

The Statue of Liberty

The Las Vegas Strip

The Golden Gate, San Francisco

The Niagara Falls