Canadian French trappers translated it as "rive des Roche Jaune," or Yellow Rock River, referring to the yellowish bluffs along the river mouth.

Today, it is known as Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park, created by an act of Congress in 1872, is the world's first and oldest national park. With 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone is the largest park in the lower 48 states. Its 3,472 square miles make it larger than the combined area of the states of Delaware and Rhode Island.

Of the park's designated area, 99% remains undeveloped, true to Congress' intended use that it be set apart "for the preservation, from injury or spoliation, of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities or wonders. and their retention in their natural condition.

What first commanded interest and led to the preservation of Yellowstone still abound today, namely geothermal phenomena. More geysers and hot springs exist here than in all the rest of the world.

Yellowstone remains a true wilderness, hosting a wide range of habitat types that support one of the largest and most varied mammal populations of the continent. The park is home to more than 300 species of animals, including 60 different mammals, 18 types of fish and 225 species of birds.

Over 1100 miles of trails are available for hiking. In addition to bird and wildlife watching, many activities focus on the park's inhabitants and history, such as roadside radio interpretation, interpretive display boards, amphitheaters, boat and bus tours and campfire programs.

Fishing, boating, horseback riding, biking, stagecoach rides are additional summer activities. In winter, Yellowstone is the perfect destination for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

If Yellowstone National Park is on your list of places to be and sights to see… but your time is limited, forcing you to choose between it, Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park and other historic sites.

We offer the solution for the busy vacationer.

We are Exec Air, Montana's oldest air charter

A charter flight can let you do twice as much in half the time!

Our air charter services can get you anywhere you want to go. If you're not sure where you want to go, sites to see or available services and lodging, we can help create a customized Montana Air Tour, including fishing and  hunting trips and outfitting services. We also offer scenic flights, such as tracing the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Forget endless hours of drive time that result in the lost days of vacation. We can help you make the most of your time, getting you to your destination rested and refreshed.

"When there's no time to spare,
take to the air . . . with Exec Air Montana."