Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park, was established in 1872, just 65 years after John Coulter explored this magnificent territory. The park is well known for its geothermal features and abundant wildlife. Yellowstone is surrounded by the Absaroka, Beartooth, Teton and Gallatin mountain ranges and creates unusual weather circumstances. The park is centered high upon a plateau and receives a tremendous amount of snow. Pictured here is an autumn view of Yellowstone's Prospect Creek when water flow is reduced to a trickle. During the spring thaw, the creek becomes a turbulent streambed. The forces of fast moving water are capable of moving these huge boulders. Finer rocks and sediment are washed away, leaving an assortment of these well polished rocks.