From it’s geothermal features to landscapes and wildlife, Yellowstone National Park never fails to throw a surprise our way. Spouts of boiling water catapult from the earth off boardwalks, bison snarl traffic as they wander across roads, and brilliant hot springs dazzle even veteran park-goers. I am sharing the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park.
We have visited Yellowstone many times over the years. I have been there in mid-August 2019, late September 2020, and early October 2021. It is surprising how different the park looks after only few weeks. Summer means ample sunshine, high growing grasses and heavy traffic. September sees the temperature cooling down and flora of grasslands turning into various rich hues of golden yellow with slowly lessening human beings. Early October, visitor numbers start to go up and down even more tumbling eventually almost towards zero; with the odd idle snowfall just around the corner.
We keep going back because we are in awe of the place. The more you visit, the better it gets. The scale of the park and all that it protects in terms of natural beauty and wildlife is amazing. Whether it is boiling hot springs in almost neon colours, large herds of bison and elk, geysers or canyons; the glory that belongs to Yellowstone never ebbs. I look forward to sharing some of its magic in this post.
Fascinating Insights into Yellowstone National Park
It is also the worlds first national park in addition to the United States. Set aside on March 1, 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant this immense region was saved for common happiness and to save its eminent regular miracles. The historical act ignited worldwide interest, leading to 63 national parks established in the US today.
The park has areas in three different states: Wyoming, Idaho and Montana — and is the second largest national park area (behind Death Valley) in the lower 48 outside of Alaska.
Yellowstone was the third most visited national park in 2021, pulling close to 5 million visitors as one of the busiest parks in America. Meanwhile, a major decrease took place in 2022 with floods resulting to only 3.3 million visitors which came on the seventh spot. In 2023 visitor numbers recovered to 4.5 million, making it the fourth most visited park for that year as well.
In the summer, expect to find difficulty in parking and have some of your favorite trails crowded. Even so, calmer places are not the only exit from those still paths.
Yellowstone Yellow Park, sitting atop a super volcano and home to one of the world’s most extreme geothermal activity anywhere on Earth — steaming volcanoes, belching mud potsvents, for now at least. The world’s most celebrated geyser, Old Faithful never fails to impress day in and out.
Top Experiences in Yellowstone National Park
With 5 entrances including the North and South, at over different than two million acres Yellowstone Park is home to additional being sturdy activities then you’ll need to shake an ice peak at. Though 18 activities seems like a lot, it marks out specifically what reaches an impressive magnitude of redundancy. This is a great introduction to the must sees of the park for first time visitors.
While you are visiting, remember to stick by the seven Leave No Trace principles: plan ahead and prepare; travel on durable surfaces (stay on designated trails); pack it in, pack it out; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find (leave each area better than how you found them- disposing all trash/recylcing appropriately), minimize campfire impacts(give back your food scraps like fruit peels up for animal activity or fireplace wood can contain local fauna-harming insects/pests) be respectful to other visitors around in parks/hiking spots with one another’s peace & tranquility -these spaces benefit everyone through no chaos/noise disturbances, kids/dogs playing complacency hold their fire energy towards a suitable location without causing disruption)/ avoid wildlife contact via feeding/alluring due over dangerous circumstances between humans/wildlife. backends aren’t motivated from this.
All of these regulations are designed to prevent damage to the park’s fragile ecosystems and guarantee that people in future generations can experience what is perhaps one of Yellowstone National Park’s most fantastic elements — it’s stunning landscapes. From enjoying the park’s geysers to hitting up scenic trails or marveling at its amazing wildlife, these are things you should always do sustainably in Yellowstone.
This curated list can make for a powerful way to experience the best that this park has on offer while being respectful to it’s conservation.
1. Old Faithful
when you hear someone say “Yellowstone”, what do you think of? To many, it is Old Faithful — beloved as the world’s most famous geyser. One of the most recognized features in Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful has been wowing visitors for years with its dependable eruptions. You can even search in the internet for approximate time eruption, thus it is easy to schedule your visit.
Take an eruption in three ways:
- Boardwalk Seating: Seats are first come, so be sure to arrive 20 – 30 minutes early if you want a spot on the boardwalk surrounding Old Faithful. The stands begin to fill with enthusiastic spectators.
- Observation Point Hike: For a more peaceful view, take the 1.1-mile round-trip hike to Observation Point. This uphill trek offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the eruption. We arrived 30 minutes before the predicted time and enjoyed a picnic while waiting.
- Old Faithful Inn: Have a seat on the deck and watch Old Faithful geyser erupt while sipping from your drink like you’re in another world!
How Much Time Will You Need?
Maybe you’ll even see one erupt, making a visit little more than 20 minutes. It may take up to two hours if you come immediately after one.
Beyond Old Faithful, there is much to explore. Explore the historic Old Faithful Inn, grab a meal at one of the nearby food spots or make your way to the visitor center and walk around Upper Geyser Basin.
Our Experience: We bought a picnic lunch from the Old Faithful General Store, hiked up to Observation Point and ate our lunch while we waited for it to erupt. We then went on a hike to Solitary Geyser, did an Upper Geyser Basin loop and toured the Old Faithful Inn. We even saw another flare-up before Kara and I walked back to the site.
Pro Tip: Exiting the parking lot right after an eruption, especially midday, can be challenging due to traffic backups.
2. Upper Geyser Basin & Geyser Hill
Only one square mile in size, the Upper Geyser Basin is host to more than 150 geothermal features; making them ideal spots to see some of these wondrous natural spectacles like Geysers, hot springs and thermal pools. Although Old Faithful is the star—indeed one of nearly that can be viewed—the entire area offers a lot to see and do.
It is a minimum of two hours away to walk the boardwalk pathways at Upper Geyser Basin and hike up to view all that there remains up on Geyser Hill. If you also catch the eruption of Old Faithful, this can take two to three hours.
Highlights of the Upper Geyser Basin:
- Solitary Geyser: Reached by dirt path (few miles walk) from Old Faithful or short uphill trail from Observation Point. This erupting geyser provides a breathtaking 1-minute display every 4-8 minutes.
- Castle Geyser: This geyser has an impressive cone shape, and erupts approximately every 10-12 hours in a burst that lasts for about twenty minutes. And we watched it from afar.
- Morning Glory Pool:This brightly hued pool is an unforgettable sight and certainly worth the hike (the trail takes a bit longer than others on this list), as it’s known to be one of those visually dynamic features in the basin.
- Grotto Geyser: One of the most unique geysers in Yellowstone, as it erupts roughly every 8 hours between 10 minutes to multiple hours.
Visiting these geothermal features gives more insights into the extent and diversity of Yellowstone’s landscape.
3. Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
The Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park’s colorful and mesmerizing hot spring. One of the best experiences in the park is visiting that multi-colored geothermal pool.
The colorful pools are largely heated by the energy from a nearby volcano, and they play host to various kinds of microbial life, which give them their distinctive hues. The exact color of those dots changes based on temperature and what bugs are there. You see the opening for about three meters in both directions, it creates different colors depending on season starts from brown shade of orange towards deep green during winter.
There are two great ways to see the Grand Prismatic Spring. You can take a close-up walk along the boardwalk through Midway Geyser Basin or catch an overhead view from Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook.
Midway Geyser Basin
The 0.8 mile boardwalk trail gives a closeup experience of the Grand Prismatic Spring You will also pass by smaller, never nice thermal features such as Excelsior Geyser Crater, Opal Pool and the Turquoise Pool. The boardwalk is unidirectional (only one-way).
Parking:
It’s a zoo between 9 am and 6 pm because the lot isn’t anywhere close to large enough for everyone at Kidtopia on Saturdays. The parking frequently extends onto the park road, and if this lot is full, follow that up with any of several turnouts along the park road.
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook- This is a great place to get bird’s eye view of the spring. Such type of colors stands out in a clear day!
Getting Here
The short trail to the overlook is 0.8 miles round trip so it’s an easy walk Histograms Some sources quote a slightly shorter distance, although my GPS always rounded out to the longer figure. It is only a 15 minute hike if you are moving quickly, with the last 2 miles up steeper hill.
Fairy Falls parking lot is extremely popular and RVs, buses as well as vehicles towing trailers are prohibited. Here, you can enjoy amazing views of the parking lot below which always feel so far away (it takes about 15-20 minutes to get from your car to this viewpoint) and beyond. Plan on spending around 45 minutes here in total!
Best Time to Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is best viewed on a sunny midday. The colors really stand out once the morning steam takes a hike. It also means waiting in long queues, though.
The bright colors can be hidden by the morning mist, making it worthwhile to wait until midday and even brave a packed parking lot.
4. Fairy Falls
One of the most liked waterfalls in Yellowstone, Fairy Falls is located off a hike. Fortunately, you can do this in conjunction with the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook for a more robust experience.
Fairy Falls Two Paths to Get There The trail follows down from the Fairy Falls parking lot (also used for hikes to Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook) and is an easy, shade free 5.4 mile round trip on a mostly flat walking path. Or, for the longer option you can park at Fountain Flat Drive (adding 10 miles round trip).
The trail leads mainly through lodgepole pine forests so be alert, as you could find wild animals — or perhaps bears.
If you are looking for an easy stroll to see one of the parks most amazing waterfalls, Fairy Falls is worth a visit. A peaceful escape and a stunning payoff at the end of this trail.
5. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Yellowstone River carved this magnificent canyon over thousands of years. Its many overlooks and hiking opportunities can easily have you spending a half day touring this scenic area.
The river has two rims, one to the North and the other to South created by very different views of canyons. Top tip: You should visit both sides to fully grasp the magnitude, as well as the Upper and Lower Falls.
North Rim
Runs one way to the North edge of Yellowstone River. Notable stops on the route include:
- Brink of the Lower Falls: This view point necessitates a 0.4 mile walk with steep downhill unfair path(Boolean). The good news is that the return trip up 600 feet of elevation to the trailhead can be taxing, but you get so close to this thundering waterfall cascading down here.
- Lookout Point: The Lookout Point for the best view of this cascading beauty.
- Red Rock Point: this is another passage into canyon, and it sported quite possibly one of the most beautiful Lower Falls view.
- Grand View Point: not as grand due to, although it sounds nice and has a limited view of the deep canyon which causes Lower Falls.
- Inspiration Point: you can see the Lower Falls, but they are way off in the distance
Pro Tip: Pass on Grand Vie if you are in a hurry to get home.
South Rim
If you only have time for one side of the canyon, I recommend the South Rim. Highlights here include the iconic Artist Point and the challenging Uncle Tom’s Trail.
- Uncle Tom’s Trail: This trail includes 328 steps into the base of Lower Falls. While it was closed during my visits of 2019 and 2021, I had the full experience back in 2000 and it is still one of my favorite memories at this park.
- Artist Point: One of the most iconic views of the canyon. This area is the ideal spot to photograph an iconic picture of Lower Falls. A brief trip down from the expansive car park deliveries you straight to neglect.
6. Lamar Valley
It is the acclaimed wildlife viewing area in Yellowstone for Lamar Valley. Travellers can expect to see bison, elk, pronghorn and bears as well as coyotes or even wolves.
It is possible to sight the animals during sunrise and sunset.
That evening, and during our visit by night with Kara, we saw swarms of bison, an event that is not quickly forgotten. We even saw bears and deer. As a result, prepare for slow driving and potential “animal traffic jams” where bison sit in the middle of road to stop both sides from going through.
Getting Here:
In the northern part of Yellowstone Lamar Valley is accessed by a 1-hour drive from Mammoth Hot Springs and also the Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone Too far away for a day trip, but the wildlife cannot be beat.
Bonus: Hike to Trout Lake
During your time in Lamar Valley, you should consider the short walk up to Trout Lake as well. This calm lake provides a tranquil environment as the forest surrounds it. Because this is bear country, it’s critical to hike in groups and carry bear spray. We didn’t see any wildlife on this hike, but the lake was stunning enough to make it worth stopping.
7. Hayden Valley
It is one of those areas where the bison like to hang out. Hayden Valley; another hot spot for seeing Bison in Yellowstone. Dotted Opens a New Window. amid the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and just beyond beautiful Lake Dornan is more accessible than Lamar Valley Open a New Window., which means larger crowds as well
Hayden Valley, as of our visit that year the day before on either end. That first day, we saw only a few solitary bison and one herd way off the road. But on day two we hit the jackpot — a huge herd had come to graze right next to the roadside. We spent an hour just sitting in our car watching the bison.
Safety Reminder: Stay inside your vehicle as you admire the bison Both behaviors make bison appear slow, but they are surprisingly fast and can charge out of nowhere. We’d definitely recommend pulling into a turnout and take the view in from your car. If you drive an SUV with a sunroof, it’s fun and the animals don’t scared of the car so there is less danger in case they run wild.
They are also a postcard for capturing traffic jams in Hayden Valley, where bison get close to the road. During these times, it might take 30 to 60 minutes just to be able to drive through the valley and yes, the experience you gain is more valuable than waiting.
8. Dunraven Pass
Also be sure to drive over Dunraven Pass, another pass with sweeping views of Yellowstone. Several overlooks and turnouts along the way let you stop to take in the vast vista.
9. Hike to the Peak of Mt. Washburn
On the other hand, while legendary views of Yellowstone comprise his highlights only to begin with this (easy) day hike up Mt. Washburn which just might be the most popular in park slot canyon!
There are two primarily used routes to climb Mauna Kea. The more beautiful hike starts at the Dunraven Pass Trailhead on Grand Loop Road and goes for 6.2 miles up and back. Chittenden Road, a bit shorter 5 miles round trip on foot The trailhead parking lot marks the end of a narrow, unpaved road.
This is not a hike you will want to do on an overcast day. We tried, and just as we arrived a storm was moving in; the peak would soon be cloaked by clouds.
10. Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park’s Mammoth Hot Springs is an enormous area of geothermal activity in north Yellowstone, where hot water flows across travertine terraces and coloured bacteria create landscapes like no other. You can take a short visit, stopping for just 15 minutes at the viewpoint or enjoy a walk on boardwalks that guide you past some of the other notable features within an hour.
11. Roosevelt Arch
The north entrance was the first gate Yellowstone when it opened. The park followed up with some infrastructure of its own, built a year later in 1903: the towering stone Roosevelt Arch that still stands and greets travelers making their way to Gardiner by train (a visitor conveyance) before embarking on horse drawn carriages into Yellowstone.
And at the top, there is inscribed what President Theodore Roosevelt wrote: The arch is “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People. You can drive in the arch, just like you can walk through it—a quick but unforgettable visit. Gardiner is close by and has some great dining options, while making a good base for further exploring the park.
12. Boiling River Hot Spring
Located between Mammoth Hot Springs and Roosevelt Arch is the Boiling River hot spring, one of Yellowstone’s natural soaks that visitors once reveled in. A hot spring flows here into the Gardner River, making for a warm swimming hole that once naturally functioned as a natural sauna. Sadly, this site has been shut since the 2022 flooding season.
Visitors used to leave their cars along the North Entrance Road and then take a nearly one-mile flat hike over sand to reach it. If it reopens, your favorite place will be removed for another perfect destination to relax in the heat geothermal waters of Yellowstone!
13. Blacktail Plateau Drive
One of the most beautiful and least traveled drives in Yellowstone is Blacktail Plateau Drive. Being a one way, 7 mile dirt road which parallels the Grand Loop Road between Mammoth and Tower. We didn’t have the luck to see wildlife, but I bet it could be pretty cool as bison and elk roam around there (and yes even bears!)
It is about a 30-minute car ride. 4×4 is by all means better, but not necessary — sedans and minivans can get along as well. My wife and I, along with another couple from Tampa Bay (that sold our other friend on joining us) drove a Jeep Compass through the lights). One thing to know if you end up going is that cars are fine but not RVs/buses/trailers. Blacktail Plateau DriveNormally closed during the winter months, this road is open from start of June through September.
14. Norris Geyser Basin
Another highly dynamic geyser field in Yellowstone is Norris Geyser Basin. The basin basically has two parts: Back Basin and Porcelain Basin.
Back Basin
Back Basin is the larger of them. One of the biggest features in Yellowstone National Park is Steamboat Geyser and for a good reason. Though the volcano mostly seems to sleep these days, it’s most substantial eruptions can send water rocketing more than 300 feet into the sky (for context, Old Faithful usually shoots somewhere between a height of 100 and 185 feet). Emerald Spring, Green Dragon SpringPorkchop Geyser and Puff ‘N Stuff GeyerI just like the name
Porcelain Basin
You will find Porcelain Basin to be more visually stimulating as it has several steaming hotsprings, bright blue thermal pools and hissing fumaroles. When Steamboat is not erupting, the Porcelain Basin with its fumaroles and other geothermal anomalies still makes for an enticing pit stop.
15. West Thumb Geyser Basin
Kara and I had a great time exploring West Thumb Geyser Basin. It is a short quick stop, about 30 minutes at most but damn those blue hot springs with the back drop of Yellowstone Lake makes for some spectacular eye candy!
While the Abyss Pool is naturally the star of this basin, what makes it stand out as a whole is it’s combination with geothermal activity directly on conducting grounds near edge of one Yellowstone Lake.
16. Artist Paintpots
South of Norris Geyser Basin is the smaller, yet intriguing site known as Artist Paintpots which features its own array of hot springs and mud pots. While it might seem like a long walk from the parking lot (roughly half a mile each way), you can get closer to that towering white dome with your camera and enjoy the view from above as well as look out over the bubbling mud pots.
17. Fountain Paint Pot Trail
A rare chance to see all four types of hydrothermal features at Yellowstone: hot springs, geysers, mud pots and fumaroles on this short boardwalk trail This half-mile trail is a short but sweet introduction to the many sides of Yellowstone’s geothermal stories.
18. Tower Fall
Tower Fall is a popular roadside waterfall. From the parking area, it is a short distance to an overlook.
Although this falls draws a lot of attention, we have seen more spectacular ones in the park. But, if you’re driving through the area for a short time it might be worth the stop as well due to how popular it is.
Two Scenic Drives Outside of Yellowstone
Strictly speaking outside of Yellowstone, however a couple scenic drives near the park definitely make worthwhile alternatives. These drives can make your journey more adventurous (and if you are shorter on time or entering/leaving from the northeast or east entrances).
19. Beartooth Highway
An astonishing 68-mile route, running from Yellowstone’s northeast entrance to Red Lodge, Montana.
It also winds its way through several national forests, traverses Montana’s highest mountains, and skirts numerous alpine lakes. During the journey, you will also have chances to do short hikes for viewpoints and waterfalls. It will take you 2-3 hours to drive this route. Weather permitting, June thru early October.
20. Wild Bill Cody Scenic Byway
Wild Bill Cody Scenic Byway – A 50 mile scenic river drive along the North Fork of the Shoshone River From Cody Wyoming, all the way to Yellowstone East Entrance this highway provides some beautiful views of the landscape that is around it. This is a great prelude to the experience of natural beauty that awaits inside the park.
How Many Days Do You Need in Yellowstone?
It also happens to be a great place for all the things on this list, with about 3 full days of activities or some extremely chill almost five days. Yellowstone is massive and there are roads where the max mph is 45; it takes time to get from place a-b. This can be hampered even further by the traffic, and parking hell that tends to accompany those warm summer months in July as well as August.
Yellowstone in the Summer
June through August is summer in Yellowstone, and it gets busy. In fact, it was the most crowded national park we have been (we were there in early August).
Kara and I woke up early most days to avoid the bustle. From 7am until 11 we would explore, then head back to the hotel for a break during midday and hit the streets again around 5 pm. This worked out fine and we got ahead of the bulk of the traffic meaning more opportunity to see wildlife along this very busy road. The only con was the travel, which I suppose kept many of the tour numbers down and thus allowed for us to see a lot with less people.
Yellowstone in the Fall
Yellowstone is beautiful in autumn While the days are shorter and the air is cooler, with fewer people around its a great time to visit as you wander through fall foliage on your way across miles of this natural wonder. We visited twice this month — the last weekend of September and for one week in early October (when I took these photos) and both times, it was beautiful! Take a look at our photos from those trips!
