Yellowstone trivia questions and answers offer a fun, educational way to explore the park’s unique geology, history, wildlife, and cultural significance.
Yellowstone National Park is more than just a destination—it’s a marvel of natural beauty, geological wonders, and rich history. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a nature lover, or just someone who loves to learn through quizzes, Yellowstone trivia questions and answers can help you dive deep into the fascinating facts that make this park a national treasure.
From geysers and grizzlies to its deep-rooted Indigenous history, Yellowstone offers an incredible range of topics to explore. This article compiles trivia questions and answers across various categories to test your knowledge and expand your understanding.
Let’s dig into the park’s most exciting facts with fun, challenging, and educational trivia!
Yellowstone trivia questions and answers
Here are 101 Yellowstone Trivia Questions and Answers.
General Knowledge About Yellowstone
Q: What year was Yellowstone National Park established?
A: 1872
Q: Yellowstone National Park is primarily located in which U.S. state?
A: Wyoming
Q: Who signed the bill that created Yellowstone National Park?
A: President Ulysses S. Grant
Q: Yellowstone is known as the first what?
A: National park in the world
Q: Which federal agency manages Yellowstone?
A: National Park Service
Q: What is the main river that flows through Yellowstone?
A: Yellowstone River
Q: Yellowstone is part of which mountain range?
A: The Rocky Mountains
Q: What are the names of the two major seasons in Yellowstone?
A: Summer and Winter
Q: How many entrances does Yellowstone National Park have?
A: Five
Q: What is the name of the park’s official newspaper?
A: Yellowstone Today
Geothermal Features
Q: What is the most famous geyser in Yellowstone?
A: Old Faithful
Q: What causes Yellowstone’s geothermal activity?
A: A supervolcano beneath the park
Q: What colorful geothermal feature is the largest hot spring in the U.S.?
A: Grand Prismatic Spring
Q: How often does Old Faithful typically erupt?
A: Every 60 to 110 minutes
Q: What is the name of Yellowstone’s largest geyser?
A: Steamboat Geyser
Q: What is the boiling point of water at Yellowstone’s elevation?
A: Around 199°F (93°C)
Q: Which basin is home to the greatest concentration of geysers?
A: Upper Geyser Basin
Q: What gives the colorful appearance in hot springs like Grand Prismatic Spring?
A: Heat-loving microbes (thermophiles)
Q: What is a fumarole?
A: A vent releasing steam and gases
Q: What is a mudpot?
A: A hot spring with limited water and muddy consistency
Wildlife in Yellowstone
Q: What large mammals are known as Yellowstone’s “Big Five”?
A: Bear, wolf, bison, elk, and moose
Q: Which animal is the largest land mammal in Yellowstone?
A: American bison
Q: What endangered species was reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995?
A: Gray wolf
Q: What bear species can be found in Yellowstone?
A: Grizzly and black bears
Q: What hoofed mammal has the largest population in the park?
A: Elk
Q: What bird commonly nests on Yellowstone Lake’s islands?
A: Bald eagle
Q: What species is Yellowstone Lake home to that’s often invasive elsewhere?
A: Cutthroat trout
Q: What is the primary diet of Yellowstone wolves?
A: Elk
Q: What time of year are grizzly bears most active?
A: Spring to fall (before hibernation)
Q: What is a group of bison called?
A: A herd
Geography and Landscapes
Q: What is the highest peak in Yellowstone?
A: Eagle Peak
Q: What vast volcanic feature dominates Yellowstone’s geography?
A: Yellowstone Caldera
Q: Which canyon is known for its colorful rock walls and waterfall views?
A: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Q: What is the name of the tallest waterfall in Yellowstone?
A: Lower Falls
Q: What large lake lies within Yellowstone’s boundaries?
A: Yellowstone Lake
Q: What is the name of the road system that forms a loop through the park?
A: Grand Loop Road
Q: What area is known for sweeping valley views and wildlife watching?
A: Lamar Valley
Q: What type of forest covers much of Yellowstone?
A: Lodgepole pine forest
Q: What geothermal area is known for its travertine terraces?
A: Mammoth Hot Springs
Q: Which side of the park receives the most snowfall?
A: The southwest side
History and Culture
Q: Which Native American tribes historically lived in the Yellowstone region?
A: Shoshone, Crow, and others
Q: What year did Yellowstone become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A: 1978
Q: What is the name of the iconic hotel near Old Faithful?
A: Old Faithful Inn
Q: Who was the first superintendent of Yellowstone?
A: Nathaniel P. Langford
Q: What 19th-century expedition helped publicize Yellowstone’s wonders?
A: The Hayden Expedition
Q: What architectural style is the Old Faithful Inn built in?
A: National Park Service Rustic (or “parkitecture”)
Q: What role did the U.S. Army play in Yellowstone’s history?
A: They protected and managed the park from 1886 to 1918
Q: What trail was used by early explorers through Yellowstone?
A: The Bannock Trail
Q: What early conservationist promoted Yellowstone’s preservation?
A: Theodore Roosevelt
Q: What famous photographer helped convince Congress to protect Yellowstone?
A: William Henry Jackson
Fun Facts and Curiosities
Q: How many geysers does Yellowstone have?
A: Over 500
Q: What percent of the world’s geysers are in Yellowstone?
A: Over 50%
Q: What does the name “Yellowstone” come from?
A: The yellow-colored rocks of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Q: What TV show shares its name with the park?
A: Yellowstone (starring Kevin Costner)
Q: What natural feature in Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island?
A: Yellowstone Caldera
Q: What happens during a geyser eruption?
A: Superheated water and steam shoot into the air
Q: How long has the Yellowstone supervolcano been active?
A: Around 2 million years
Q: How many people visit Yellowstone annually (on average)?
A: About 4 million
Q: Can you find petrified trees in Yellowstone?
A: Yes, in the Specimen Ridge area
Q: What time of year is Yellowstone the least crowded?
A: Winter
Camping and Visitor Tips
Q: How many campgrounds are in Yellowstone?
A: 12 official campgrounds
Q: What’s the maximum stay at most campgrounds in Yellowstone?
A: 14 days
Q: Is backcountry camping allowed in Yellowstone?
A: Yes, with a permit
Q: Are pets allowed on Yellowstone’s trails?
A: No, they must stay on roads and in developed areas
Q: What should you carry for bear safety?
A: Bear spray
Q: What’s a key safety tip for geothermal areas?
A: Stay on the boardwalks
Q: Are drones allowed in Yellowstone?
A: No, they are banned
Q: Can you swim in Yellowstone’s hot springs?
A: No, most are dangerous and prohibited
Q: What months does Yellowstone have snow?
A: Typically October through May
Q: What’s the speed limit in most of Yellowstone?
A: 45 mph (lower in some areas)
Yellowstone and the Supervolcano
Q: What type of volcano is beneath Yellowstone?
A: A supervolcano
Q: When was the last major eruption of Yellowstone’s volcano?
A: About 640,000 years ago
Q: What would a supervolcano eruption impact globally?
A: Climate, agriculture, and air travel
Q: How often does Yellowstone have hydrothermal explosions?
A: Occasionally — several small ones have occurred
Q: What agency monitors volcanic activity in Yellowstone?
A: USGS (United States Geological Survey)
Q: What is the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory?
A: A partnership that monitors seismic and volcanic activity
Q: Is Yellowstone overdue for an eruption?
A: No — geologists say there’s no fixed schedule
Q: What’s one sign of underground volcanic activity?
A: Ground uplift or increased earthquake activity
Q: Are earthquakes common in Yellowstone?
A: Yes, hundreds occur annually (most small)
Q: What’s the magma chamber’s size beneath Yellowstone?
A: Roughly 30 miles long, 10 miles wide
Famous Places Inside the Park
Q: What thermal feature looks like a rainbow from above?
A: Grand Prismatic Spring
Q: Which basin is home to Old Faithful?
A: Upper Geyser Basin
Q: What is Norris Geyser Basin known for?
A: Being the hottest and most changeable geyser area
Q: What is Tower Fall known for?
A: Its 132-foot waterfall surrounded by basalt columns
Q: Where can you walk on limestone terraces?
A: Mammoth Hot Springs
Q: What lake in Yellowstone is the largest above 7,000 feet elevation in North America?
A: Yellowstone Lake
Q: What lodge is considered a masterpiece of rustic architecture?
A: Old Faithful Inn
Q: What road takes visitors through the most geothermal zones?
A: Grand Loop Road
Q: What is Artist Point famous for?
A: Views of the Lower Falls and colorful canyon walls
Q: Which valley is best for spotting wolves?
A: Lamar Valley
Pop Culture & Yellowstone
Q: What streaming series features a ranch called Yellowstone?
A: Yellowstone (TV show)
Q: Who plays the lead role in the Yellowstone TV series?
A: Kevin Costner
Q: What fictional character owns the Dutton Ranch?
A: John Dutton
Q: Is the TV show “Yellowstone” filmed in Yellowstone National Park?
A: No, it’s filmed in Montana and Utah
Q: What video game features Yellowstone as a setting?
A: “The Crew 2”
Q: What 2009 movie references Yellowstone’s supervolcano?
A: 2012
Q: What famous documentary filmmaker covered Yellowstone’s wildlife?
A: Ken Burns (in The National Parks: America’s Best Idea)
Q: Which animated show once spoofed Yellowstone’s geysers?
A: The Simpsons
Q: What novel includes scenes in Yellowstone involving time travel?
A: “Timeline” by Michael Crichton
Q: Which nature channel often features Yellowstone footage?
A: National Geographic
Q: What theme is common in Yellowstone-related media?
A: Preservation vs. development
FAQs About Yellowstone trivia questions and answers
Here are some frequently asked questions related to this article’s topic:
Q: What makes Yellowstone so geologically unique?
A: Yellowstone is situated on a supervolcano, making it home to the world’s largest concentration of geysers and geothermal features.
Q: Can I visit Yellowstone year-round?
A: Yes, though some roads and facilities may be closed in winter. Summer is the peak season.
Q: Is it safe to visit Yellowstone?
A: Yes, if safety guidelines are followed. Stay on marked trails and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Q: How long should I spend in Yellowstone to see the main sights?
A: A 3 to 5-day trip is ideal for covering major attractions and wildlife viewing.
Q: What is the best entrance to use?
A: It depends on your location, but the West Entrance is the most popular and leads to geyser basins quickly.
Q: Are there camping facilities available?
A: Yes, Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 campsites, many of which require reservations.
Q: What is the Grand Loop Road?
A: A 142-mile scenic road connecting Yellowstone’s main attractions.
Q: Are there any dangerous animals in Yellowstone?
A: Yes, including bears, bison, and wolves. Visitors should always be alert and follow guidelines.
Q: How many geysers are in Yellowstone?
A: Over 500 active geysers, with Old Faithful being the most famous.
Q: What is the best time to see wildlife?
A: Early mornings and evenings in spring and fall are ideal for wildlife viewing.
🧭 Conclusion: Explore, Learn, Respect
Yellowstone National Park isn’t just a vacation spot—it’s a symbol of natural heritage, scientific wonder, and American history. Through these trivia questions and answers, we’ve covered essential insights into Yellowstone’s geology, wildlife, culture, and more.
Quizzes like these not only test your knowledge but also deepen your appreciation for the incredible legacy of Yellowstone. So whether you’re prepping for your next trip or just want to wow your friends with Yellowstone facts, keep exploring, learning, and respecting this amazing park.
Remember, Yellowstone is a gift to be protected for generations to come.
