Yellowstone's Landscapes

Most of Yellowstone's geothermal features are found in the western side of the park.  The Madison River is bucolic, but the steam beds add an eerie feel to the landscape:

Much of Yellowstone National Park is populated with lodgepole pine.  This is because the soil is composed primarily of rhyolite, an igneous rock crystallized from silicate minerals at relatively low temperatures.  Soil made of rhyolite is similar to sand, and does not hold water.  Lodgepole pines have very shallow root systems, and are one of the few species that can survive in the volcanic portions of the park.  Lodgepole pines are so called because the native Americans used them to build their lodges and support their tipis.  They are tall and straight, perfect for such structures.     

However, because of their shallow root systems, they are easily toppled by high winds and severe weather.   The result can be messy - it took me awhile to get used to the "pick-up sticks" that lie strewn everywhere there was or is a lodgepole pine forest. 

One of the best known features of the park is the Yellowstone River, its falls, and its canyon.  Everyone has seen it through skillfully executed paintings and photographs, and I can't begin to match the skill of those professionals.  But still, I took photos and had fun doing it.  So, here are the photos:

The Yellowstone Canyon does have a lot of yellow stone.  But it also has red, pink, and orange:

 

The canyon is also known for its pinnacles, crags, ridges, and other interesting rock formations:

The large tower in the middle of the photo below was occupied by an osprey's nest and two chicks.  Wow!  What a home! 

Below is a closer view, taken by Lee.  One osprey has just landed:

Yellowstone National Park has an incredible diversity of landscapes.  In previous posts were photographs of large meadows.  Towards the north entrance there is a canyon the opening of which is called the Golden Gate:

 

Just beyond the Golden Gate is a brief section of road that passes through the "Hoodoo" mountains, which I loved.  It is filled with large boulders that have tumbled from the ridge above:

 

Another completely different formation lies across the valley from the Mammoth Hot Springs:

Is it any wonder that Yellowstone National Park has such a diversity of flora and fauna, with such widely divergent habitats?  It is a fascinating place, truly, like none other.