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Yellowstone National Park
 Jackson, WY
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Average Viz: 11-15ft/3-5m
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
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Winter: Under 50°F/10°C
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Elevation: 7,783 feet
Skill level: Intermediate-advanced
Access: Shore or boat
Dive support: Jackson, WY. Cody, WY
Best time of year: July and August
Visibility: Poor to moderate (10 to 30 feet)
Highlights: Clear water, thermal vents, dramatic geology
Concerns: cold water, thermal vents, and altitude
The basic feeling of this park extends beneath the surface of the lakes. The water feels crisp and cold to the touch, much like the sharp morning breeze that touches your face on a sunny Yellowstone day. The lake water is clear, the bottom sediment softly rolling except where the same sort of geothermal features that dot the land are submerged. The temperature of Yellowstone Lake in July and August ranges between 40° and 60°F.
Many visitors are surprised to discover how much submerged land is within the park’s boundaries. Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high altitude lakes in the world, covering 125 square miles at an elevation of 7,733 feet. Yellowstone is not the sort of place you would list as the ultimate diving destination for a cross-country trip but if you live nearby, or are passing through with your scuba gear, it is worth considering. Depending on what turns you on, the diving ranges from fair to quite good