Yellowstone was established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. The park extends into three states, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. The majority of the park's 3,472 sq. miles are within Wyoming. The centre part of the park is essentially a broad elevated volcanic plateau that lies between 6,500 and 8,500 feet above sea level. On the southeast and northwest are mountain ranges with peaks and ridges rising between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above the enclosed plateau. The volcanic plateau is the source of Yellowstone’s most outstanding natural phenomena, the thousands of displays, which encompass the world’s largest thermal basin. These range from geysers that spurt water hundreds of feet into the air to mud baths that bubble and spit. The resulting water run off from these areas causes steaming springs that tint the surface of the land. Algae and bacteria colour the formations in areas of thermal activity, while steam vents emit uncanny sounds. Yellowstone National Park is one of the most successful wildlife sanctuaries in the world.