One way that you can enjoy a self guided experience of the park in just 2 days is by first sticking to visit only half of Yellowstone. This two-day itinerary to tour Yellowstone will provide you with the following urgent necessities while visiting: a guide and map. How to maximize it!
Yellowstone is the first and most diverse national park in the United States. Here is so much to see and room it! The park is circled by a loop road so, over just two days you can knock out many of its major attractions. The following are some suggestions on how to spend your time in Yellowstone.
If your trip will be for two days, our suggestion is to visit the west side of the park on one day and go east on another. The goal is to help you spend less time in your car going back and forth between the big sights of Yellowstone. In this post, we share the best ways to plan your Yellowstone itinerary including day-by-day schedules and a map so do not skip.
Yellowstone Two-Day Itinerary – A Quick Overview
This will give you an idea of how to take your 2 day trip from the best as per my experience in Yellowstone. This article will get into specifics on what to see at each stop, tips and where you can stay.
How to Experience Yellowstone’s Best in Two Days:
Day 1:
- Old Faithful
- Upper Geyser Basin
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Norris Geyser Basin (optional)
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Overnight in Mammoth Springs or Gardiner area
Day 2:
- Undine Falls and/or Wraith Falls (optional)
- Lamar Valley
- Tower Fall
- Dunraven Pass
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Hayden Valley
- Mud Volcano (optional)
- Yellowstone Lake – West Thumb Geyser Basin
Good to know
We suggest this way to combine the Lower Loop and Upper Loop in a single day instead of spreading it out between 2 days, which provides ample time to do justice by even one part on either side (Upper Geyser Basin/Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone). Both are situated on the Lower Loop, and trying to see both in one day can mean missing out some of the top sites.
Important
Best for summer (from mid-May to mid-October) where all roads in the park are open, except for year-round destinations. Make certain to visit the official park site for current road conditions, closures and planned maintenance.
Suggested Yellowstone Itinerary – Day 1
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Upper Geyser Basin which is commonly referred to as Old Faithful of course, is the most popular destination in Yellowstone. There you will not only see the famous Old Faithful Geyser, but also rest up at the historic Old Faithful Inn. It is an iconic park for any Yellowstone itinerary.
Old Faithful, as the name suggests erupts with pretty good regularity give or a take 90 mins. At the Visitor Center and in many areas within the park, signs display eruption times.
Before Old Faithful eruptions, be sure to check out the nearby (and historic) Old Faithful Inn. Inside it is just as beautiful of a building; and glorious in it’s rustic wooden architecture. Nonetheless, a vast array of geothermal marvels is present in the rest of Upper Geyser basin that often goes unseen by many who visit and proves to be very deserving for further discovery.
Old Faithful is only one of the five major geysers with somewhat predictable eruption times, each also including Riverside Geyser, Castle Geyser Daisy and Grand. The visitor center can tell you when these eruptions will take place so plan accordingly and do your own little geyser treasure hunt.
There are also several smaller geysers, mud pools, fumaroles and brightly coloured thermal springs nearby. Even without a larger eruption to trigger the coloring, it is an otherworldly place well worth your attention.
Pro Tip: Plan on 3 to 4 hours for the primary features in Upper Geyser Basin. Expect to spend 2-4 hours here, again depending upon how fast you try want to move on in order cover other things for the rest of the day.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is arguably the most iconic site to see in Yellowstone. You couldn’t miss it; towering over the landscape in vivid hues of red, orange and green. Seriously, those bright colors you see in pics are as beautiful IRL!
You will also want to spend at least 30 minutes walking around the Midway Geyser Basin with Excelsior Geyser Crater, Turquoise Pool and Opal Pool. That said, it could also take an hour with the surrounding area for you to fully grasp this classic spot.
PRO TIP: Take the short moderate hike up to Grand Prismatic Overlook. Its simple and quick to reach this little trail, which takes you up nearby for an amazing birdseye view of the vibrant pool in spring. The hike should take you 30-45 minutes and it provides some great scenery with your visit.
Norris Geyser Basin
One of the hottest geyser basins in Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin features a number of diverse geothermal characteristics. Though it might not stay in the memory as long as natural wonders such as Old Faithful over at the Upper Geyser Basin or Grand Prismatic Spring, hailing from MidwayGeyserBasin. However, if you have limited time in Yellowstone, do not worry about skipping this stop.
Having said that, if you have an hour to kill Norris Geyser Basin is something else in the park. There are two main areas of features Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin, which look very different but similar.
If you are time crunched, concentrate on the Porcelain Basin. A barren landscape, boiling hot air with the occasion plume of smoke and steam is evidence to geothermal activity. The main loop boardwalk, which is around half-a-mile long provides a really good opportunity to see most areas of the park if only visiting for roughly an hour.
Mammoth Hot Springs
One of the things that sets Mammoth Hot Springs apart from other areas in Yellowstone is it’s location — it’s found at the north end of park. If you have time to visit either Norris Geyser Basin or Mammoth Hot Springs, I would choose the latter. I found it interesting to see yet another type of this landscape, and you can walk around within a short period.
Mammoth Hot Springs is divided into two main sections of terraces: the Mammoth Lower Terraces at a lower elevation and the Mammoth Upper Terrac0es placed higher upslope, connected by boardwalks, stairs. Each section will take 30 minutes to walk through.
Minerva Terrace, Palette Spring, Liberty Cap and Canary Spring are the linear features of Mammoth Hot Springs.
Those who plan to skip the stair climbing can still either head down on foot into some lower terraces or drive up higher for limited automobile-accessible views of parts of the Upper Terraces. While some of the features are apparent from a moving vehicle, obviously walking gives you up close access. This is the easy one (assuming traffic and parking) Immerse yourself into the land by parking in one of a few designated areas near the base and venturing out on foot – that’s what truly makes any park worth it, right?
Boiling River
Boiling River took quite the hit in the 2022 floods and is currently closed pending restoration, but hopefully it will reopen soon. Always go to the park official site for closure or repair notifications— before you start planning your trip and right up until visit day.
The Boiling River is one of the rare swimming spots in Yellowstone. Swimming in its warm waters would be a nice way to relax and wash away some of the day after doing all that sightseeing. Keep in mind that access to this area is seasonal and subject to weather conditions, so don’t count on it being open during your time there.
If you have some extra time to kill while exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs area and are interested in a swim, Mont Ocean is worth checking out for availability.
Read the guide below for more information and helpful advice.
Stay in Gardiner, MT
Day one ends up with you arriving at the north end of Yellowstone National Park. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (book accommodation in park if you can).
Or a more budget friendly option is to remain in Gardiner, just outside the park’s northern entrance. This small town gives travelers several hotel and lodging options to spend the night at good cost. Also, services in the park frequently lack Wi-Fi so if you want to stay connected easily, Gardiner is a more solid choice. Best for families and large groups: Yellowstone Riverside Cottages (from $175 per night, sleeps 5).
Day 2: Exploring Lamar Valley & Waterfalls
If you spend the night in Gardiner, as suggested, I recommend starting your second day in Yellowstone with an early morning drive to Lamar Valley. Along the way, you can make a few stops to see some beautiful waterfalls.
Undine Falls & Wraith Falls
One of the pretty waterfalls you can see from the Grand Loop Road as your drive towards Roosevelt/Tower. It is about a 4 miles east of Mammoth on the left hand side Unlike the upper falls, you can look over a low guard rail and see these from the road so it only takes mere minutes to walk down if cruising by.
A little farther along the road, about a mile past Tower Junction you will see a small pullout on your right side for the Wraith Falls trailhead. The trail is short and easy so you will need 10-15 minutes up to the top (20-30 for round trip).
Wraith Falls is a nice, quick stop and even nicer to see after it’s rained. But if you are short on time and trying to get back towards Lamar Valley, this is one stop that can be missed. They were not nearly as impressive during our summer visit when we first discovered them, but still a nice little find in Yellowstone. If you cannot make it, no worries!
Lamar Valley: A Must-Visit for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Wildlife Watching Best of all, Lamar Valley is the place to watch wildlife at it’s best in Yellowstone. The best time is in the early morning, particularly if you’re hoping to view wolves or bears. Over the course of our stay, we saw hundreds of bison because this location is about as traditionally important to their species in North America that you can get and a few coyotes too.
For most visitors, this area is a bit off the beaten path so you’ll need to deal with fewer crowds. The scenery in Lamar Valley is amazing and you’re going to see some of the best wildlife views that are on offer anywhere across America. It is totally worth waking up early to see this facet of the park and consider I had it all for myself.
With this path, Lamar Valley is not too out of the way. The Mammoth area is about 30 miles away (1 hour drive). Follow the valley after which I suggest driving back and forth) taking a left or right turn for a better view of where animals are at. You will very often see animals from the seat of your car. From here it is a short distance to Yellowstone Canyon where you can continue the adventure.
Tower Fall: A Quick Stop on Your Yellowstone Journey
One of the most popular waterfalls in Yellowstone is Tower Fall. The waterfall is beautiful in it itself, and you can arrive at the viewpoint by only a walking distance of 100 yard from The Tower General Store makes this evaluation simple generally advantageous.
While there is a trail to the bottom of this waterfall, it was partially closed during our visit so we did not make that trek and from what I hear walking all the way down here may still be off-limits.
As you only have 2 days here, I would visit the Tower Fall Point fairly quickly before you move onto more impressive scenery down in Yellowstone Canyon.
Tip: If you have to pick up food or refreshments for lunch, Tower General Store is a convenient location from which to replenish. After taking the Lake Village room off, Canyon Village would be the next place with somewhat similar rooms so plan accordingly.
Grand Loop Road & Dunraven Pass: A Scenic Drive
Return to Tower Fall, then travel south on the Grand Loop Road towards Canyon Village. One of the most picturesque roads in the park, this road features some tremendous views. Soaring Basalt columns as you drive by and the scenic Dunraven Pass, a real nice viewing area that gives you miles and miles of endless views.
This is bear country, although on our trip through at dusk with the alert in full swing nothing turned up. However, it is always advisable to drive slowly observing the surrounding and watching out for wild animals.
Note: There is a parking area along this route with informational panels about the caldera of the Yellowstone volcano. Tip from Gambs Resort In fact, a lot of the park is actually perched on this giant volcanic system; and it’s most prominently visible from Dunraven Pass.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: A Must-See on Day Two
The park will be there another day, but the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is a must see(it’s also a spot where you’ll spend several hours). The majestic Grand Canyon can be viewed from numerous spots along both the North and South Rims, with every lookout offering a unique viewpoint that is not to be missed.
If you have 2 days to explore Yellowstone, I would plan at least three hours here. These are the best spots, and that will leave you with enough time to drive between points of interest or take a quick stroll around the rim if desired.
The iconic view of the canyon is at Artist Point, which you reach by driving to where South Rim Drive ends. The North Rim, although not as popular to visit usually than the South Rim it offers some great views with key stops being Brink of the Upper Falls, Brink of the Lower Falls, Inspiration Point, Lookout Point and Grand View.
Top Tip: Judges commented that it is hard to know the exact amount of time necessary at each viewpoint, as this varies greatly based on crowds. If you have the time, let go of your schedule and all that it commands so you are able to savor as much beauty from The Canyon Yousef himself left in real life!
Hayden Valley: A Wildlife Hotspot
Hayden Valley is also a wonderful wildlife-watching region in Yellowstone however it remains quite populated compared to Lamar Valley. Give yourself extra time when traveling the park due to bison crossing and normally branded as “bison jams” on the roads. But if things are quiet, relax and enjoy the scenic drive through a valley.
You might see some wildlife in several of these pull-offs along the road. When you see crowds of people, or cars congregating in one area, it’s a fair bet they’ve seen animals. But as always, keep a safe distance and do not get too close to wildlife.
There may be delays as you drive through Hayden Valley, on the way to Yellowstone Lake—so give yourself extra time. The route from Canyon Village to Yellowstone Lake usually takes around 30 minutes, however bison-based road congestion can extend that time by as much as 1.5 hours for the approximately 20-mile journey
Real Tip: Instead of being exasperated with the goons on their way to work, watch out for nature. It is always an amazing opportunity to be that close to a bison when you are in the safety of your car so go with it, relax and take it all in.
Mud Volcano & Dragon’s Mouth Spring: A Quick Stop
Mud Volcano, a popular pit stop between Hayden Valley and Yellowstone Lake with bubbling mud pools and other thermal features. Our favorite part about this geothermal is that it provides a decent stop just needing to kill some time and the sign ‘Near Fumarole Hill’ did look exceptionally interesting. You can skip this one if pressed for time, it doesn’t have any of the core battles.
One of the more interesting things to see here is Dragon’s Mouth Spring. The cave-like opening vents hot steam wrapped in a fierce roar like the dragon, hence its name. Don’t worry there is no dragon in it, but the sound of that beast was really bizarre!
A boardwalk facilitates visits around a loop in this area that includes such charmingly named geothermal features as Grizzly Fumarole, Black Dragons Caldron, Churning Caldron, Mud Caldron and Sizzling Basin. All you have to do is go see Dragon’s Mouth Spring itself, and that will only take 5-10 minutes. About: Allow for 30 minutes, if you wish to do the entire loop.
Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb Geyser Basin: A Quick Visit
Yellowstone Lake is huge and there is so much to see here, Even though, you will arrive at it in this itinerary but more or less probably with little time for an exhaustive dig. I hope so the other regions where you have been are really the highlights of Yellowstone!
If you are in a hurry, the best spot to get out of your car for even 15 minutes is West Thumb Geyser Basin (though we don’t recommend it) as this geyser basin sits right along Yellowstone Lake shore.
West Thumb Geyser Basin is a small, picturesque thermal area with some beautiful coloration. It’s not very big and takes only 30–45 min to explore. A short loop trail with wooden boardwalks provides easy access to some great geothermal sights. A nice way to end your two days in Yellowstone.
Continue Your Journey
The ways you can go from the last stop of your second day just shy of Yellowstone’s southern border are: east to Cody, south to Grand Teton National Park, west into West Yellowstone or north over towards Gardiner & Mammoth village.
The Martyrs also encouraged the memory of all those who had attempted to put an end to this pilgrimage, without paying any attention to any criticism that might come from their fellow sympathisers in Teton Village or Jackson Hole. The towns are both approximately 50-miler/1-hour drive from Yellowstone’s South Entrance.
If you’re approaching from out east, Cody is the closest big town 50 miles/1 hour off of Yellowstone’s East Entrance.
If you’re headed north, drive to West Yellowstone (1.5 hours; 50 miles from the West Thumb Geyser Basin). Or, you could go back to Gardiner which is 75 miles (around 2.5 hours) from the West Thumb Geyser Basin who knows when instead.
Tips for a Smoother Experience
- Start your days early! Yellowstone is massive, speed restricts are lowered than those on the autobahn and parking around likely places can involve queuing. The sooner you start, the more likely that you will be able to beat the crowds.
- Pack your own goodies and water. This makes your life easier and gives you a chance to eat where in the city when ever your free!
- Stay in the park (check out this comprehensive guide with ideas on where you should stay when visiting Yellowstone). To see our top lodging picks in and around Yellowstone look above.
- Schedule Flexibility If you arrive early, now is your chance to do a few of the optional stops. If the park is busy and you have limited time, stick to the major highlights.
- Avoid rigid planning. Yellowstone would always be Yellowstone, with it’s unpredictable wildlife and geyser. Reserve plenty of breaks for those unexpected surprises — and soak in unplanned moments that make your visit to a deer farm truly unforgettable!
