Photo © James P. Blair/NGS

The Greater Yellowstone region encompasses some 20 million acres of rugged mountains, picturesque river valleys, high desert plains, and distinctive small towns and cities.
 

It is a land of scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, captivating history, a mosaic of cultures, and vibrant, friendly communities. Highlights include:
 

• One of the largest, intact temperate ecosystems in the world, still home to virtually all of the wildlife species encountered by Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery.
 

• Headwaters of three major river systems—the Yellowstone, the Snake, and the Green—spawning renowned trout fisheries and clear waters.
 

• A core of public wildlands surrounding Yellowstone, the world's first national park, and the dramatic landscapes of the Tetons.
 

• A rich cultural tapestry rooted in Native American tribal heritage, explorers, ranchers, farmers and miners, recreation, railroads, the Wild West and the New West.
 

The region's communities share the benefits of nearby natural areas and public lands, large wildlife populations, and plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation. Like many parts of the mountain West, the region is growing rapidly, in large part, because of the lure of areas that couple natural amenities with attractive and welcoming communities.