This report presents the first year results of a two year study to provide a detailed characterization of the major soils in Yellowstone National Park. This study is based largely on the bedrock and surficial geology and the vegetative habitat information available for the Park. The primary objectives of this study are to: 1) Describe and classify the soils in the major habitat and geological regions according to Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1975); 2) Sample the dominant soils in the major vegetative habitat and geological regions for detailed soils characterization analyses; 3) Prepare interpretations for each major soil unit; and 4) Develop an initial soils legend for the major soils of the Park. This report will concentrate on objectives 1 and 2.