best state to visit yellowstone

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Wyoming Chevron

Yellowstone National Park Chevron

A Guide to Outsmarting the Crowds at Yellowstone National Park 

By Nina Kokotas Hahn

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The second-most visited national park in the country has always drawn a crowd, but Yellowstone National Park recently set new records with its busiest summer on record, including the most recreational visitors ever at the park in one month—over one million in July—and more than 920,000 recreational visits in August. It’s a call for a change and more responsible visits to this massive, all-seasons park, where shaking the crowds can be as simple as a few strategic moves.

Read on for everything you need to know to plan an expert trip to Yellowstone National Park—whether it's your first time visiting, or your fiftieth. 

The Grand Loop Road connects Yellowstone's main attractions. 

Get a lay of the land

One of the world’s most intact temperate ecosystems, Yellowstone spans 2.2 million acres and three states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho—and has five entrances, with three in Montana and two in Wyoming. While most of the park is undeveloped forest and mountains, Yellowstone’s main attractions and eight developed regions are almost entirely situated along the 142-mile, Grand Loop Road, also dubbed the “Figure Eight” for its shape. Grand Loop connects to all five entrances, affording access to every park feature no matter which way you enter. The park is open all year round, though access is limited in winter. Fees for entering Yellowstone National Park are $20 per person on foot and $35 a car, and reservations are currently only required for camping .

Which of the five entrances is right for you?

From unique gateway towns to proximity to certain park highlights, the entrance you chose plays a big role in your experience. In Wyoming, the East Entrance gets you close to Yellowstone Lake for boating and fishing, while outside of the park, you can stay in the small frontier town of Cody with its superb Draper Museum of Natural History . From the South Entrance, you can also access Yellowstone Lake as well as backcountry hiking in forests and high meadows, though what’s just beyond this entrance is a big deal; within a half-days drive, you can be at the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park .

Old Faithful is Yellowstone's most iconic geothermal feature.

From Montana, the West Entrance points to geysers and hot springs , including Old Faithful. Drawing more of the crowds, the popular North Entrance takes you through the famed Roosevelt Arch to Mammoth Hot Springs. Just outside of its gates, Gardiner is a great place for whitewater rafting down the Yellowstone River. The Northeast Entrance winds through Yellowstone’s wildlife wonderland, the Lamar Valley. From here, don’t miss one of the best-kept secrets outside of the park on the Beartooth Scenic Byway (U.S. 212), a mountainous, dazzling drive that summits at nearly 11,000 feet.

What to do in Yellowstone

With so many popular sites just off Grand Loop Road, including Grand Prismatic Spring and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, most visitors tend to stay close to the road in an effort to pack the main sights into one or two days. This is criminal given the park is home to more than 1,100 miles of trails and roughly 500 geysers. A better way to visit: target a region, see its iconic sites, then get off the road for a crowd-free hike.

The park's Mammoth Hot Springs cover a terraced hill of travertine. 

Hannah Towey

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Steph Koyfman

Do walk the boulevards over Mammoth Hot Springs and its steamy travertine terraces, but then try a moderate hike at the nearby Bunson Peak Trailhead, ascending through meadows to an 8,564-foot peak with views over Swan Lake Flats. For a family friendly option, see the Old Faithful geyser and nearby Biscuit Basin with its crystal-clear pools, then hop on the Mystic Falls Trailhead for a three-mile roundtrip hike to a 70-foot waterfall. Want something more intrepid? Try AllTrails new “Trails Less Traveled” filter, which lets you search for popular trails light on traffic, including the challenging 11.2-mile Sepulcher Mountain Trail.

The best time to visit 

Yes, summer has the best weather, longer days, baby animals, and wildflowers , but also the most people. If you must come in summer, avoid the crush of traffic by visiting outside the park’s busiest hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., arriving strategically late or as early as 6 a.m., when wildlife is out, and roads and boardwalks are clear. For still-comfortable weather and lighter crowds, aim for June, when baby animals—like bear cubs, wolf puppies, and adorable bighorn fawns—are abundant and waterfalls are at their fullest, or September to mid-October, when aspens turn to gold and elk are bugling.

Lone Mountain Ranch offers guided snowshoeing adventures for guests. 

Mid-October through April is winter in these parts, definitely the least crowded and actually quite spectacular. Expect brisk temps that range from single digits to the low 20s, but also a truly peaceful experience with multicolored hot pools against white snow, bison herds crusted with icicles, and Old Faithful seemingly all to yourself. Most roads are closed in winter, though you can visit parts of the park via snowmobiling or guided snowcoach (small bus) tours. For an extra cool nighttime visit in winter, check out the “Steam, Stars and Winter Soundscapes Tour” snowcoach experience. You can also rent skis from the shops at Mammoth Hot Springs or enjoy privately guided snowshoeing adventures as part of a stay at Lone Mountain Ranch in the Big Sky area.

Where to stay

Yellowstone’s bonkers visitation numbers mean accommodations are often snatched up fast, anywhere from six months to a year in advance, with the latter becoming the norm. We’ve called out our favorite accommodations in this complete guide on where to stay in Yellowstone , which includes glamping sites, cabins, and mountain-view condos in and near the park.

Jackson Hole, home to upscale stays like the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, is one of the park's most popular gateway towns. 

If you’ve got your eye on camping , nearly all of Yellowstone’s 12 campgrounds require reservations from May 1 to mid-October. Pebble Creek and Mammoth also have first-come first-served sites. For the rest of the year, from roughly late October through April—essentially winter in Yellowstone—the few campgrounds that remain open also shift to first-come first-served. It’s important to note that all dates and deadlines are subject to change. Park insiders recommend booking campsites exactly six months in advance, when reservations become available, and checking back often for cancellations if you aren’t able to snag a spot.

A number of first-come, first-served camping sites can also be found outside of Yellowstone, such as in the Shoshone National Forest near the East Entrance and at Hegben Lake near the West Entrance, which also has easy RV camping at Yellowstone Holiday.

Tack-on adventures in Bozeman and Jackson Hole

Bozeman and Jackson Hole are Yellowstone’s two biggest gateway towns, each with plenty of dining, lodging, and unique adventure options. Outside of Montana’s West Entrance, Bozeman has a lively main street and excellent dinosaur exhibits at the Museum of the Rockies . Also nearby, there’s skiing at Big Sky Mountain Resort , with a new Montage Big Sky opening this December.

The Montage Big Sky will open this December. 

Within 60 miles of Wyoming’s South Entrance, upscale Jackson Hole shines with locally owned options, like Gavin Fine’s new Bistro , luxury Hotel Jackson and Stio for splurge-worthy outerwear. There’s also guided flyfishing on the Snake River with Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for skiing, paragliding and a thrilling via ferrata climb.

Before you go

Check the weather as well as the park’s social media channels or website for the latest on park hours, conditions, and road closures , which change by season and sometimes at a moment’s notice. It’s best to plan for delays on the road, whether from car traffic in busy warmer months or snow in winter. If you plan to hike, make sure you pack plenty of water, food, and bear spray , the latter of which you can rent near the park and at Canyon Village.

Go guided for peace of mind

Overwhelmed by planning yourself? Take a guided trip with an experienced outfitter, like Montana-based Austin Adventures , who know the park inside and out, and can handle your lodging, logistics, meals, and more, with the best tricks for getting you safely off the beaten path. REI Adventures and Wildland Trekking also arrange Yellowstone trips.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, places to go.

Last updated: October 30, 2022

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

307-344-7381

Stay Connected

Yellowstone National Park   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Different_Brian | Getty Images

17 Epic Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is known as the first national park in the world and a must-visit for its many family-friendly natural wonders. Since the park sprawls across more than 3,400 square miles, it's best to plan a multiday trip since reaching

• All Things To Do

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone free

Formed over thousands of years of erosion caused by hydrothermal activity, water and other natural forces, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the primary attraction in the Canyon Village area and one of the park's most popular hiking spots. The canyon stretches for approximately 20 miles and is between 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. The canyon is anywhere from 800 to 1,200 feet deep and features multiple falls that cascade down the Yellowstone River, including the 109-foot Upper Falls and the 308-foot Lower Falls, pouring out up to 63,500 gallons of water. The Yellowstone River is more than 600 miles long, traveling from south of Yellowstone to North Dakota's Missouri River. This makes it the longest undammed river in the continental U.S.

Visitors can drive along the scenic North and South rims of the canyon to access various viewpoints. In addition to the lookout points, there are several hiking trails. From the top-ranked and easy Artist Point, a 0.2-mile accessible, paved trail, to the equally scenic Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, a 0.7-mile out-and-back moderate trail with a 265-foot ascent on the way out, this area is home to some of Yellowstone's best trails. For the endurance hikers, the out-and-back nearly 10-mile Seven Mile Hole Trail boasts a 2,000-foot elevation gain and is one of the trails that travels to the bottom of the canyon; it will likely take all day to complete.

Old Faithful Old Faithful free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Escape the crowds directly in front of Old Faithful and enjoy the geyser's eruption from the second-floor outdoor balcony of the Old Faithful Inn, another national treasure. Visitors will find a coffee bar just inside. – Catherine Parker

This world-renowned geyser is a must-see for every Yellowstone visitor. Although it isn't the largest active geyser in the world (that would be the Steamboat Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin), Old Faithful's eruptions are definitely awe-inspiring, reaching heights of 106 to 180 feet, and most importantly, frequent. It is one of only six geysers in the park whose eruptions are predictable (Steamboat Geyser is not one of those). As such, Old Faithful lives up to its name. Since 2019, it has erupted approximately every 90 minutes (be sure to check in with the visitor center's sign to get a more accurate prediction), with the eruption lasting from one to five minutes. During this time a whopping 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of water spew out of the geyser.

Grand Prismatic Spring Grand Prismatic Spring free

The Midway Geyser Basin 's Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone and one of the largest hot springs in the world. Measuring approximately 370 feet in size and around 121 feet deep, its rainbow waters are what really make it fascinating. While the center of the pool's cerulean hue is pretty characteristic, the deep reds and greens, bright yellows and fiery oranges encircling the edges are not. These colors are caused by thermophilic bacteria that thrive on the rich minerals produced by the water around the hot spring. The center looks blue, but actually isn't – the blue wavelengths of light are scattered so we see blue when we gaze upon the spring.

Due to the steam, some visitors might want to take a photo of the Grand Prismatic Spring from above to capture its brilliant color. Located away from the main boardwalk, the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back path that offers a great view of the spring. This area opens in late May due to bear activity and offers a small parking lot, about a mile south of Midway Geyser Basin.

Popular Tours

Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour

(75 reviews)

from $ 269.10

Private All-Day Tour of Yellowstone National Park

(39 reviews)

from $ 1095.00

Yellowstone Full Day Private Tour

(120 reviews)

from $ 646.25

Hayden Valley Hayden Valley free

U.S. News Insider Tip : For those travelers interested in seeing the big mammals (bear, elk, moose, bison), ask a park ranger for the latest sightings. The best viewing time is dawn and dusk, when wildlife is most active. – Catherine Parker

One of the best places to catch a glimpse of Yellowstone's fascinating wildlife is Hayden Valley. This grassland valley north of  Yellowstone Lake  is a highly visited gathering place for bison, elk, coyotes and grizzly bears. In fact, Hayden Valley is home to the largest rut of free roaming bison in the world. While travelers can get a good view of the valley from the Grand Loop Road, Fishing Bridge-Canyon and the various lookout points along the road, some consider going the extra mile and venturing out of their vehicles to adsorb the beauty of the valley.

Mammoth Hot Springs Mammoth Hot Springs free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visitors need to use caution, especially with kids, when walking along boardwalks in geothermal areas of Yellowstone. The water looks cool, but it can be boiling and cause serious burns. – Catherine Parker

Sitting just south of the park's north entrance in Gardiner, Montana, Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the park's more unique attractions. One of its most striking geological features is its limestone terraces. Each terrace was formed over centuries of mineral-rich hot water bubbling up from the ground, cooling and depositing calcium carbonate. An early visitor described the travertine formations as "a frozen waterfall." Meanwhile, the National Park Service describes the sight as "a cave turned inside out." To view the formations, visitors can walk along the Mammoth Hot Springs' maze of platforms that pass several of the terraces. The wooden boardwalks feature lots of stairs as they climb each travertine formation, and as such, this route is not wheelchair accessible, except for the top of Canary Springs and Palette Springs.

Lamar Valley Lamar Valley free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Families exploring near Lamar Valley may want to consider the Old West Dinner Cookout. It starts with a horseback or wagon ride from the Roosevelt Corrals and ends with dinner and songs around the campfire. – Catherine Parker

Located in the quiet northeast corner of Yellowstone, Lamar Valley is a wildlife haven along the Lamar River. In fact, this valley is often referred to as "America's Serengeti" because of its abundance of animals. Bison are most commonly spotted here, though visitors may also catch a glimpse of grizzly bears, badgers, bald eagles and wolf packs, which were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995. Though closed to a road wash-out in 2022, Lamar Valley is now accessible via the Northeast Entrance Road and Beartooth Pass from Red Lodge, Montana. There are plenty of lookout points along the way. For hikers who would like a closer look, consider hiking the out-and-back 7.1-mile Lamar Valley Trail.

Upper Geyser Basin Upper Geyser Basin

U.S. News Insider Tip: Consider renting a bike to explore this area. You can rent bikes for an hour or the whole day at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Keep in mind, biking isn't permitted on the boardwalks near the geysers. – Catherine Parker

More than its star attraction ( Old Faithful ), the Upper Geyser Basin boasts not only the largest concentration of geysers in the park, but also in the entire world (Yellowstone is home to 60% of the world's geysers). So, after seeing Old Faithful erupt, be sure to hike around to discover the more than 150 hydrothermal features throughout this area.

Yellowstone Lake Yellowstone Lake free

Sitting in the heart of Yellowstone's West Thumb area is Yellowstone Lake, the park's largest body of water and the largest high-elevation lake above 7,000 feet in North America. The lake is 20 miles long, 14 miles wide and features 141 miles of shoreline. With water temperatures averaging 41 degrees Fahrenheit, swimming is discouraged, with survival times in the water between 20 and 30 minutes. Visitors can admire the scenery via hiking trails, on a boat or with a fishing pole in hand. But remember: The lake freezes over by early December and can stay that way until early June.

There are several hikes you can take to admire the splendor of Yellowstone Lake. Easier trails include the 0.8-mile Pelican Creek Nature Trail loop and the 2.5-mile Storm Point Trail loop – both have an elevation gain of less than 100 feet. For hikers on the hunt for more of a challenge, consider the 3.6-mile Elephant Back Mountain Trail loop, which features a nearly 800-foot elevation gain, or the more strenuous 4.5-mile Avalanche Peak Trail, which offers a nearly 2,100-foot elevation gain. From both summits, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the lake. 

Private Yellowstone Tour: ICONIC Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + lunch

(306 reviews)

from $ 2250.00

Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features

(92 reviews)

from $ 135.00

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch

(290 reviews)

from $ 182.00

Norris Geyser Basin Norris Geyser Basin free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Some visitors, especially kids, might have respiratory discomfort at Norris Geyser Basin, as the sulfur smell can be strong. –  Catherine Parker

Old Faithful may be Yellowstone's most well-known geyser, but the Norris Geyser Basin is home to the park's oldest (thermal features are said to have been present here for more than 115,000 years) and hottest (459 degrees Fahrenheit just 1,087 feet below the surface). From the historic North Geyer Basin Museum visitors get their first glimpse of the geothermal power. Along its boardwalks, visitors can see rare acid geysers like Echinus Geyser, as well as the tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser, which shoots water 300 to 400 feet up in the air. The reason this geyser basin is so hot is due to three intersecting fault lines that lie below the area's surface.

Mystic Falls Trail Mystic Falls Trail

Of the more than 900 miles of trails available in Yellowstone National Park, Mystic Falls Trail is one of its most popular. The reason for this has to do with its scenery as well as the length. The trail can be hiked as a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail or can be combined into a 3.5-mile loop with the Fairy Creek Trail that leads to a pretty spectacular overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin . This combo includes a 600-foot elevation gain with switchbacks. Along the Mystic Falls Trail hikers pass by a mixed conifer forest and Little Firehole Creek to reach the 70-foot-tall Mystic Falls as it cascades down a rocky landscape from the Madison Plateau.

Recent visitors thoroughly enjoyed this trail and found the falls in particular to be super beautiful. Some recommended hiking the extra 1.5 miles to the Upper Geyser Basin overlook, but did warn that this part of the trail is more strenuous, noting the steep elevation gain. Other travelers strongly recommended bringing necessary supplies, such as ample water, sunscreen, bug spray and bear spray (available for rent and purchase in the park and at the airport).

Midway Geyser Basin Midway Geyser Basin free

Home to Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring , the Midway Geyser Basin leaves visitors in awe of its rainbow-colored pools and powerful geyser. In addition to the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Midway Geyser Basin features the Excelsior Geyser, a crater that dumps about 4,000 gallons of water a minute into the nearby Firehole River. The best way to experience the area is via the Midway Geyser Basin hike, a 0.7-mile loop trail with a 55-foot elevation gain that passes both features, along with Opal Pool and Turquoise Pool after it passes over the Firehole River.

Recent viewers agreed this area was a sight to behold, especially for the Technicolor pools. Travelers offered several tips for future visitors: Take the trail to the overlook if time allows for the best shot at a picture of the entire Grand Prismatic. Others suggested checking in with a park ranger for the best time for photos since stream and fog fluctuate in this basin. Others mentioned arriving early (before 9 a.m.) for the best chance at finding parking at this popular Yellowstone spot.

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

Those who want to learn about Yellowstone wildlife in a more controlled environment should take a break from the park and head to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This nonprofit (that's also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums) houses bears, wolves and raptors that could not survive on their own in the wild. In the indoor/outdoor facility, visitors will find river otters, along with birds of prey, including bald eagles, a peregrine falcon and several species of hawks and owls. In addition to animals, the center also features informative exhibits on its animal residents, as well as select educational programs that are offered for kids daily.

Although some previous visitors felt the center was a bit small, most said its habitats housing live bears and wolves along with its large viewing areas were great. To avoid feeling crammed in the tight space, a few travelers recommend visiting during the park's offseason. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center was especially appreciated by families.

Steamboat Geyser Steamboat Geyser free

Known as the world's tallest active geyser, Steamboat is located away from Old Faithful in the Norris Geyser Basin . Known to shoot water more than 300 feet into the air, this geyser puts on quite a show that can last anywhere from three to 40 minutes. Unfortunately, park scientists can't predict the next eruption. In fact, years have passed without a single eruption. Since 2018, the eruptions have been more frequent, with about a dozen each year. To walk by the Steamboat Geyser, visitors need to take the 1.5-mile Back Basin trail and boardwalk, which is located close to Cistern Spring.

Due in part to the geyser's unpredictable schedule, it received inconsistent reviews. Visitors who happened to be in the right place at the right time described Steamboat Geyser as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially if they witnessed a major eruption. Others who missed the show said it was still an interesting site, but warned of lots of dead vegetation due to the inhospitable zone around the geyser. Still, many visitors said the area was busy regardless of the geyser's activity.

4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch

(57 reviews)

from $ 127.00

Yellowstone Lake & Hot Springs / 3 Hour Morning or Twilight Tour

(45 reviews)

from $ 150.00

Private Yellowstone Wildlife Sightseeing Tour

(78 reviews)

from $ 1050.00

Mount Washburn Mount Washburn free

It might not be the highest point in Yellowstone (that's Eagle Peak at 11,350 feet), but Mount Washburn is a popular trail for those seeking a spectacular view. Mount Washburn stands 10,243 feet above sea level, and the trail to the top is wide and well-maintained, adding to its popularity. During the summer, it's lined with wildflowers and occasionally big horn sheep. From the top of its summit, visibility is a whopping 20 to 50 miles on clear days. These panoramic views include the forests below, distant snow-capped peaks, the sloping canyon walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake .

There are two trails that will take you to the summit of Mount Washburn, both are strenuous, featuring elevation gains of approximately 1,400 feet and take most hikers anywhere from three to six hours. The Dunraven Pass Trail is a 6.8-mile out-and-back trail with a nearly 1,400-foot elevation gain. Its trailhead is located along the Grand Loop Road. The shorter Chittenden Road trail is a 5.6-mile out-and-back trail with a nearly 1,500-foot elevation gain that starts at the Chittenden Road parking lot (vault toilet located nearby), located off the Grand Loop Road. Whichever trail you decide to take, know the National Park Service advises hikers to know their limits, especially those with heart or respiratory issues. Early season hikers are encouraged to check in with nearby park rangers regarding the conditions close to the peak as traction devices might be necessary.

Trout Lake Trail Trout Lake Trail free

For those in the Lamar Valley looking for scenic lake loop to hike, consider the Trout Lake Trail. Far from the geothermal area of the park, Trout Lake offers an incredibly serene setting. Hikers will walk through a forest to reach Trout Lake, which is surrounded by verdant scenery, including an abundance of Douglas fir trees, as well as hills with exposed cliff faces. The trail is a 1.2-mile loop with a 200-foot elevation gain and well-maintained, making it a great option for families or those with limited mobility.

Recent visitors to Trout Lake Trail loved this hike, with many noting that the landscape was exceptional. Travelers were also pleased to spot a variety of wildlife, from river otters to moose to bison. Others were happy to report that they saw very few other visitors on the trail, which was a nice reprieve from more highly trafficked places in the park. Several noted the beginning of the hike has a steep ascent, and may not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Lone Star Geyser Trail Lone Star Geyser Trail free

If you want to view Yellowstone's geysers sans crowds, then trek to the Lone Star Geyser. Lone Star Geyser lives up to its name because unlike many other geothermal areas in the park, which are clustered together, this one is all by itself. To get to the geyser, you'll have to take an approximately 5-mile out-and-back dirt trail that's bike friendly. What makes this geyser a top attraction is that it erupts regularly, every three hours to be exact. And it's no small eruption: Come showtime, this geyser shoots water up to 45 feet into the air and the eruption lasts up to 30 minutes. In addition to the standout geyser, this trail is surrounded by Yellowstone's woodland landscapes. Travelers will see beautiful trees and marshland, and the Firehole River follows the trail as well.

Recent visitors to the Lone Star Geyser Trail thoroughly enjoyed their experience. The ones who were lucky enough to be there when the geyser erupted said the display was spectacular, with some calling the overall experience better than Old Faithful . Others complimented the trail, noting that the pathway is flat, easy to traverse and overall beautiful. Several of the reviewers said it was best to bike to the trail rather than hike.

Firehole Canyon Drive Firehole Canyon Drive

Firehole Canyon Drive stands out since it takes visitors past a waterfall and to a Yellowstone swimming hole for safe and comfortable swimming during the summer (most stream and lake water within the park is too frigid). Close to Madison Junction on the west side of the park, Firehole Canyon Drive is situated off of Grand Loop Road. The seasonal 2-mile, one-way drive snakes along a particularly scenic stretch of the Firehole River. Unlike other places in the park, the river here runs through a beautiful gorge dotted with stately trees throughout, creating plenty of fantastic photo-ops.

While here, be sure to check out the roaring 40-foot-tall Firehole Falls waterfall that tumbles through lava rock, a short walk from the small parking area. The Firehole Swimming Area opens mid-summer when the water is the calmest and warmest. The swimming area has a small rocky beach that leads into the water.

Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park FAQs

Explore more of yellowstone national park.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The Best Times to Visit Yellowstone

With approximately four million visitors each year, Yellowstone is one of the nation's most popular parks — and rightfully so.

The park sits on top of the Yellowstone Caldera — the largest supervolcano in North America — and is home to approximately 10,000 geothermal features. Visitors stare in awe as the famous Old Faithful geyser erupts throughout the day, spewing up to 8,400 gallons of scalding water over 100 feet in the air, or at the steam rising from the Grand Prismatic hot springs.

But the geothermal features aren't the only draw. Largely in Wyoming but stretching into Montana and Idaho, too, the park's 2.2 million acres are home to a diverse variety of wildlife such as bison, mountain goats and elk. The mountainous landscape is also ideal for downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking and fishing.

When it comes to determining the "best" time to visit Yellowstone, it ultimately depends on what kind of trip you hope to have. Do you want to strap on your skis and head into the backcountry, or are you in search of warm, dry weather? Does your dream Yellowstone trip include wildlife sightings, cheap flights or thin crowds?

Plan accordingly, visit at the right time and you'll have an incredible trip to this national treasure.

The Best Weather in Yellowstone

As is true of any high-elevation mountainous region, weather can vary significantly and be unpredictable. Overall, July through September are the warmest and driest months in Yellowstone, with highs reaching into the 70s in July and August, and dropping to the 60s in September. On average, there are between five and seven days of rain during this time. Highs in the spring and fall are usually between 30 and 60 degrees, and between zero and 20 during the winter. It is not uncommon to see snow at higher elevations during any month of the year, so be sure to pack warm layers and waterproof gear.

When to Visit Yellowstone for Events

While there are isn't much scheduled in the spring, there are plenty of programs and events to participate in during the winter, summer and fall. In the winter, the park offers ranger-led guided snowshoe walks and the Geysers Galore talk, in addition to other educational activities. In the summer and fall, there are a variety of guided walks, talks, programs and events such as the Junior Ranger Wildlife Olympics and the Geyser Hill walk.

In terms of geothermal events, the park is geothermally active year round. During the winter, however, the steam from erupting geysers and hot springs looks especially lovely against the snow-covered landscape.

The Best Time to see Wildlife in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is known for its abundant wildlife that can be viewed year-round. However, if there is a specific species you're hoping to photograph (or, well, Instagram), some months are better than others.

Wildlife in the Spring

Many animals such as elk, bison, bears and wolves can be found in the meadows and valleys during the spring, which runs from April through early June.

Wildlife in the Summer

When summer arrives, many of the species living in Yellowstone (save for bison) head to higher elevations in search of cooler temperatures, so expect fewer sightings between mid-June and August.

Wildlife in the Fall

The animals return to the meadows and valleys in the fall (September through October). This is an especially great time to witness elk rutting, when male elk, or bulls, try to impress the female elk. Expect a lot of loud bugling, the occasional duel and, more than anything, a bunch of elk strutting around showing off.

Wildlife in the Winter

Winter, which runs from November through March, is also a surprisingly great time to view wildlife. Animals remain near the valleys and can sometimes be seen keeping warm near a geyser or hot spring. It is also the best time to view wolves. The bighorn sheep rut occurs during the early winter months, too.

But no matter what month you visit Yellowstone, it's extremely important to remember that wildlife is just that: wild . Be sure to never feed or touch any animals and always view them from a safe distance.

When to Avoid the Crowds

From November through March, frigid temperatures drive away the park's notorious crowds. While not all travelers are willing to face the freezing weather to have some one-on-one time with Old Faithful, those who are will be rewarded with a serene, quiet landscape blanketed in white. October and April are also slower months and see far fewer tourists — and daily highs can exceed freezing. It's a win-win!

Just remember, services are limited during the winter, so be sure to check for road closures and service availability before making any plans.

The Cheapest Time to Visit Yellowstone

Flights and lodging are usually cheapest during the shoulder season (spring) and winter, which is Yellowstone's slow season. Prices usually tend to drop after Labor Day and don't begin to rise until March. Of course, airfare trends vary depending on location of origin.

Affordable Airfare

Based on historical data from 2017 and 2018 from the travel search engine Skyscanner.com , flights to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) — which is just 49 miles to the South Entrance of the park — from New York and Los Angeles are cheapest in March. If you're coming from Chicago, however, flight prices drop in May. You may have better luck finding cheap flights to Yellowstone from Washington, DC in July and August.

Affordable Hotels

According to historical data collected by Priceline in 2017 and 2018 at the nearby towns of Cody, Gardiner, Jackson and Island Park, lodging was most expensive in June and July and cheapest in November and December. Overall, Cody, Wyoming is the cheapest place to stay regardless of month.

If you're looking to cash in points for a free stay any time of year, you can use 25,000 World of Hyatt points at the Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in Jackson; 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at the Springhill Suites also in Jackson; and, during peak season, 70,000 Hilton Honors points at the Homewood Suites in Jackson. Rates drop as low as 42,000 points per night during the winter. And, since Hilton doesn't maintain a public award chart with categories, your mileage may vary.

16 Absolute Best Things to Do in Yellowstone (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 15, 2024

Are you planning your first trip to Yellowstone National Park and wondering what are the absolute best things to see and do in Yellowstone ? You came to the right place!

In this post we cover all the main attractions and landmarks of Yellowstone National Park.  Places that are not to be missed in America’s oldest National Park. In addition, we also share a beautiful less known place that you have probably never heard about. It became one of our absolute favorite places in Yellowstone, so I think it deserves to be included on this best of Yellowstone list as well. You can read all about it all the way at the end of this post.

This is not a complete list of things to do in Yellowstone – it would be impossible to make one. But if you are looking for the best of the best, must-see places in Yellowstone , then this is it. Find out!

Good to know: In order to help you to make the most of your trip, we also included some practical tips for your visit, tips for where to stay , and a map indicating all the main Yellowstone attractions mentioned in this article. You can find them at the bottom of this article.

TIP: If you just want to see the main highlights of Yellowstone without having to plan anything, check out these highly-rated small-group day tours – they cover all the main landmarks of Yellowstone in 1-4 days. If you wonder how to plan your own trip, please check our Yellowstone itinerary suggestions for any trip from 1 to 5 days .

READ ALSO: Best Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park

These are the very best places to see and things to do in Yellowstone National Park:

1. Grand Prismatic Spring

If there is one place that you really have to see in Yellowstone, it is the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring , the star of the Midway Geyser Basin . It is not only the largest hot spring in the United States (and the third largest in the world), but also one of the most unique natural wonders on the planet. It is also the best recognized and most photographed landmark of Yellowstone.

No matter how many times you saw the Grand Prismatic on pictures, it’s only when you stand there that you realize how large it actually is. It’s bigger than a football field and deeper than a 10-story building. 

Chances are big that your trip to Yellowstone has been inspired by all those incredibly beautiful images of the Grand Prismatic Spring photographed directly from above that you see in so many travel guides and TV documentaries…

If you come here with such high expectations, then seeing this famous landmark in real life might disappoint you a bit. No matter how much you try, you can never get the same view of the Grand Prismatic as in those famous photographs. However, Grand Prismatic Spring is still absolutely incredible and it is also just as colorful in reality as it is in the pictures. If you come here on a sunny day, the rainbow of colors will take your breath away!

Just in case you wonder, the Grand Prismatic hot spring gets its multi-color layers from different species of heat-loving bacteria that live around it. The deep center is blue, then you have green and yellow tints, followed by lots of orange on the cooler outskirts.

Needless to say that Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most popular attractions of Yellowstone . It’s one of the few places in the park where we saw big tour buses, so no matter when you visit, expect it to be busy. 

Probably the best way to avoid the crowds is to come very early in the morning or late in the evening. However, I read that the colors of the Spring are at their brightest on a sunny warm day, so we decided to go in the middle of the day.

On cooler days, but also early in the mornings and in the evening, steam can cover the spring, making it more difficult to see how colorful it really is. Colors will also be duller if you visit on a cloudy day. Still, no matter the weather or the conditions, seeing the Grand Prismatic is a must, one of the absolute best things to do in Yellowstone!

Practical information:   Plan 1-2 hours for the visit. Park your car at the Grand Prismatic Spring parking lot at Midway Geyser Basin. Expect the parking lot to be very busy, especially if you come in the middle of the day in summer as we did. Some people just park next to the road, but I’m not sure if it’s allowed. We didn’t want to park next to the road and waited for around 20 minutes before we could enter the parking (so not too bad, considering this is the busiest area in the park).

TIP: These organized tours also visit Grand Prismatic (and other main landmarks of Yellowstone). Coming with a tour, you can visit all these places much faster because you don’t have to waste time finding a parking spot. The driver will take care of the car/minibus while you’re enjoying the scenery.

Accessibility: Midway Geyser Basin is wheelchair-accessible – it’s all boardwalks, from where you can see the Grand Prismatic Spring up close. These boardwalks will also take you past the other main features of Midway Geyser Basin including Excelsior Geyser, Opal Pool, and Turquoise Pool. 

Interesting to know.  Note that this area has no shade and it’s also very windy. In summer you may want to take sun protection, just please hold on to your hats. We saw so many sun hats in the hot spring, which is really sad because most of them can never be retrieved and therefore pollute this unique geothermal area.

TIP:  The best way to truly appreciate the size and the uniqueness of the Grand Prismatic Spring is to see it from above. Please note that drones are forbidden in Yellowstone (more info here ). For the best aerial view, you can visit the recently opened Grand Prismatic Viewing Platform  which is accessible via the Fairy Falls trail that opens in late May. The view from here is unparalleled.

It’s really worth making an extra effort to see the Grand Prismatic from above! This is one of those places that you just have to see when in Yellowstone! 

The hike up to the overlook isn’t very long or hard (1.2 miles (1.9 km) round trip) and the entire hike takes about 45-60 minutes (round trip). The last section is a little steep and uneven, so you probably want to wear hiking shoes and definitely take some water with you.

MORE INFO : Complete Guide to Visiting the Grand Prismatic Spring

2. Old Faithful Geyser

One of Yellowstone’s most remarkable landmarks – Old Faithful Geyser – is another absolute must in the park. Most famous and the most predictable out of nearly 500 Yellowstone geysers, Old Faithful was the first one to receive a name. It was named during the 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition, which also led to the establishment of the Yellowstone National Park in 1872.

The Old Faithful geyser is still as faithful today as it was 150 years ago. It erupts in more or less regular intervals of around 90 minutes and is, therefore, one of the geysers that are easy to see in action.

Every time we were waiting for the OF, it erupted 10-15 minutes later than expected, so you need to be patient. The good news is that the eruption usually takes long enough to admire the geyser and take plenty of photos.

Together with the Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful is one of the most popular attractions of Yellowstone. No matter what time you come, it will always be busy. On the other hand, the Upper Geyser Basin area is very big, so there is plenty of parking available and the crowds spread out. 

Interesting to know: If you want the best spot at the front row on one of the benches surrounding the Old Faithful, you may want to come at least 20-30 minutes before the predicted eruption time. However, it’s not really necessary – you can see the geyser quite well from a distance as well.

Practical information:  If you are lucky to see the OF erupt just as you arrive, you can visit in just half an hour. However, I suggest that you plan at least 2-3 hours for a visit to this area (see the Upper Geyser Basin section below for more information). The Old Faithful area is huge and has all the facilities that you may need: a visitor center, bathrooms, a petrol station, but also shops and restaurants.

TIP: Check the predicted eruption time for Old Faithful immediately when you arrive. If it’s a long wait, explore the Upper Geyser Basin first. Otherwise, explore it after you see Old Faithful in action. In any case, don’t miss it.

MORE INFO : Complete Guide to Visiting the Old Faithful

3. Upper Geyser Basin & Morning Glory Pool

Upper Geyser Basin , home to the above-mentioned Old Faithful geyser, contains around 25% of the world’s geysers. This is a beautiful area with lots of walking paths passing many geysers and thermal features.

Make sure you take some time to explore the Upper Geyser Basin beyond the Old Faithful!

While there are always lots of people at the OF, the rest of this area is so much quieter. Un-understandable, as the Upper Geyser Basin is definitely one of the best places to see in Yellowstone!

There are too many features in this area to even mention them all; at the same time, some geysers might not be noteworthy when they are dormant.

I suggest you just take a walk through the Upper Geyser Basin all the way to the Morning Glory Pool. We were lucky to be there at the time when several geysers were predicted to go and saw a few of them in action. 

Our favorite spots of the Upper Geyser Basin were the Castle Geyser , Daisy Geyser , Grotto Geyser , and of course the colorful Morning Glory Pool . 

The best thing? We had all these places practically to ourselves. And this was in July, which is the peak season in Yellowstone. So take all those stories about how crowded Yellowstone is with a grain of salt. 20 minutes walk from the Old Faithful and there is hardly anyone around. Walk for 30-40 minutes and you are completely alone…

Interesting to know:  Please respect nature, park rules, and don’t throw any kind of objects into the geothermal features of Yellowstone. The Morning Glory Pool is sometimes referred to as ‘The Fading Glory’, because it’s losing its beautiful colors because of all kinds of objects people have been throwing in it for years. 

Back in the ’50s, the water level was lowered by siphoning, which induced the pool to erupt. Park officials removed 112 different objects from Morning Glory, including socks, bath towels, and 76 handkerchiefs, plus thousands of coins* ( *source YellowstoneNP ). 

Practical information: The entire Upper Geyser Basin Loop is about 4.5 miles (7.2 km). It is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. You don’t have to walk the entire trail and can just do parts of it. The furthest point – Morning Glory Pool – is just 1.5 miles from the Old Faithful.

TIP: At the Old Faithful Visitor Centre you can find predicted eruption times for all the (predictable) geysers of the Upper Geyser Basin. Check it out before you set on the walk – you might be lucky to catch a couple of geysers in action! 

It’s actually not as easy as it sounds, because most other geysers aren’t as easy to predict as the OF. But at least you know in which direction to look if a particular geyser is expected to go soon. Also, once they start going, some of them last several hours. That gives you enough time to get somewhat closer to the erupting geyser.

MORE INFO: Upper Geyser Basin (with Printable Map & Tips)

4. Lamar Valley

One of the absolute best things to do in Yellowstone is to watch wildlife.  Lamar Valley  is one of the best places to see bison and other wildlife in Yellowstone. Yet it is overlooked by most tourists due to its remote location. However, if you make an effort to drive there, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular landscapes and – indeed – lots of wildlife.

Lamar Valley is loved by wild bison and it’s very likely you’ll see hundreds if not thousands of them roaming freely around the huge plains of Lamar Valley, sometimes called the Serengeti of North America. Some parts of it indeed reminded us of African landscapes…

If you are lucky, you might also spot some elk, deer, bears, coyotes, and maybe even wolves.

TIP:  If you have enough time, drive all the way through the Lamar Valley and to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. As you drive further, the African-looking savanna gives way to the stunning mountain landscape. Spectacular scenery!

Practical information: Lamar Valley is located about 70 miles (100km) from the Old Faithful area. It will take you at least 2 hours just to get there (bison jams and other stops not included), so you really need to count at least half a day. We visited Lamar Valley in combination with Tower-Roosevelt and Mammoth Hot Springs area and it took us the whole day.

TIP: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for best chance to see wildlife. Don’t come here if you are short on time or in a hurry – it’s really much too far for it and delays due to wildlife on the roads are very common.

Good to know: Lamar Valley can also be visited on organized multi-day trips . The advantage is that you don’t have to drive so can devote all your attention to wildlife viewing. This 2-day trip and this 4-day trip are very popular on GetYourGuide and both visit Lamar Valley. Both tours also visit Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Canyon, so you are sure to see all the main landmarks of Yellowstone making the best use of your time.

5. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Rated as the number one place to see in Yellowstone on Trip Advisor, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is definitely a must-see in America’s oldest National Park. The reason I only put it as number 5 of things to see in Yellowstone is because I find that the other places listed above are  even more special. 

Nevertheless, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is one of the main landmarks of Yellowstone , one that you really shouldn’t miss. In fact, it’s one of the best places of Yellowstone that I think should be included in any Yellowstone itinerary. So even if you have just one day in Yellowstone, you should make an effort to see the canyon.

Yellowstone Canyon is over 24 miles (39 km) long, up to 4,000-feet (1,2 km) wide, and some parts are 1,200-feet (365 m) deep. There are many lookouts and walking trails along both rims of the canyon.

Depending on what you want to see and how much time you have, you can spend just one hour or the whole day here. As you can imagine, most tourists only visit the main viewpoints. So – once again – it’s really easy to escape the crowds if you are willing to walk.

The main place that everyone comes to see at the Yellowstone Canyon is the Artist Point . It’s a lookout along the South Rim offering an exceptional view over the canyon and its most famous feature, the Lower Falls . Other main points of interest easily reachable by car include Inspiration Point, the Brink of the Upper Falls, and also the Lower Falls.

One of our favorite things to do in Yellowstone was to hike the Uncle Tom’s Trail . It’s a steep stairway descent into the canyon. More than 300 steps bring you very close to the Lower Falls.

This is a spectacular trail and great for families with active kids who like climbing stairs. However, while it’s a short hike, please note that it’s really steep and requires a serious climb. So it’s not suitable for people who have problems with their knees or a weaker heart. 

Interesting to know: There are many hiking trails along the canyon. You can hike along both sides of the canyon – the North Rim and the South Rim – for magnificent views that are inaccessible otherwise. One of the nicest stretches is the 2,7 mile (4,3 km) Point Sublime trail. Make sure to check the  official NPS website for information on which trails and viewpoints are open at the time of your visit (there have been lots of construction works in the area in recent years).

TIP:   Yellowstone Canyon is another extremely popular attraction in Yellowstone. So you can expect big crowds and tour buses at all the main viewpoints. I suggest going there early in the morning and starting with the most popular lookouts first.

We started our visit with Uncle Tom’s Trail, followed by Artist Point. We wanted to be at the Artist Point around 9.45-10 AM, as we had read that there is a good chance to see a rainbow over the waterfall at that time in summer. And so it was! In fact, we caught rainbows at both locations. Also, it was still very quiet around 10 o’clock with hardly any people around. As we made our way to the North Rim around 11 AM, it got noticeably busier.

Practical information:  Plan at least an hour for one or two lookouts. I suggest allocating half a day for Yellowstone Canyon and exploring it a bit more. Keep in mind that every stop will take you longer if you come in the middle of the day when it’s really busy. Please consult the map at the end of this post for more information on where exactly all the lookouts are located.

Hiking tip: If you want to see some of the best views of Yellowstone Canyon, there’s a very nice guided hiking tour that takes you to some of the best places. It’s also nice to go off the beaten path with a group and a local guide since this is bear territory.

MORE INFO: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

6. Hayden Valley

Probably the most popular place to see wildlife in Yellowstone, Hayden Valley attracts lots of tourists. It can get really busy here. And if bison decide to hang around on the only road that leads through the valley, chances are big that you’ll get stuck in the bison-jam for a very long time.

It seems that bison really love showing tourists who is in charge of the place. So every time you need to pass Hayden Valley, you should be prepared for bison jams that can easily delay you by an hour.

The good news is that, despite all the traffic, bison usually still outnumber the number of people and that most of them stay next to the roads and not on them.

Hayden Valley was our first encounter with the bison in Yellowstone and we just couldn’t believe our eyes. There were bison everywhere! Actually, before our trip to Yellowstone, I wasn’t even sure if we’d get to see any bison at all. Never could I have imagined that we’d see so many of them.

TIP: The same rule counts   in Hayden Valley: come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the animals are more active around that time. Also, keep a safe distance from bison and stay in the car if they are nearby. This is definitely the case if you see bears; you really should stay inside the car. Remember, these are all wild animals!

7. Mammoth Hot Springs

Another truly unique area of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs is completely different than any other place in the park. When researching the best things to do in Yellowstone for our trip, I found two completely opposite opinions of whether it’s worth visiting the Mammoth Hot Springs area. We decided to give it a try and are sure glad we did.

Our experience was very positive and we really enjoyed the visit to Mammoth Springs. I find that area is so unique and so fascinating that it would be a loss not to see it when in Yellowstone. You’ll find a big variety of thermal features here, but they are very different than the ones at the Upper or the Midway Geyser Basins. 

The main highlights of Mammoth Hot Springs are Minerva Terrace , Palette Spring , Liberty Cap , and also  Canary Spring .

Interesting to know:  Mammoth Hot Springs area consists of two parts – Mammoth Lower Terraces area at the bottom and Mammoth Upper Terraces area on the hill. The two areas are connected by boardwalks and stairs and there is also a road, Terrace Drive, that allows you to drive past it all.

Theoretically, you could just drive, make several quick stops and see it all, but in reality, it’s not feasible since the small car parking areas are congested. It’s not really necessary either, because it’s not an overly big place and it doesn’t take that long to see it all on foot.

I hiked the whole area and it took me a bit less than an hour one way. Due to the heat, my husband and kids only walked the lower trails. They then took the car up the Terrace Drive, where they picked me up. 

TIP: If you are visiting this area in summer, prepare that it can get really hot. The Mammoth Hot Springs area has no shade at all.

Practical information:  Plan about 1- 2 hours for the visit. Mammoth Springs area has all facilities including restaurants, shops, and a petrol station. It’s just a very short drive from the sightseeing area.

MORE INFO: Mammoth Hot Springs

8. Old Faithful Inn

Built in 1903-1904, Old Faithful Inn is one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone and it’s also a national historic landmark. Considered the largest log structure in the world, the interior of the OF Inn is truly impressive.

You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel in order to visit this fascinating building. Just pop inside and explore the main building.

If you are interested in the history of this unique accommodation and Yellowstone, you could even join an organized tour of the lodge. Tours are free of charge and run several times a day; you can simply reserve/join a tour upon arrival.

Interesting to know:  If you are looking for a place to eat, check the Bear Pit Lounge – it’s a bit of a hidden gem of Yellowstone that not many people seem to know about. Reasonably priced food and no waiting lines (which can be huge in the main restaurant at the OF Inn).

TIP:   Don’t miss the outside terrace with an adjacent bar and views over the Old Faithful geyser. It’s located on the 1st floor, just above the main entrance.

Practical information: If you want to stay at the OF Inn and are traveling in high season, you’ll have to book your stay 12-18 months in advance.

MORE INFO: Guide to Yellowstone Accommodations

9. Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation (7,000 ft+) lake in North America. It freezes over completely every winter and even in summer the water temperature is too low to swim in it. 

Therefore, the lake is best explored by boat: you can join a guided scenic boat tour, rent a boat, go fishing, or kayaking. Here you can book a kayak tour on Yellowstone Lake and here you can book a private fishing tour .

There are also many hiking trails that lead to the shores of the lake; we hiked to Storm Point and it was so beautiful! 

Yellowstone Lake is one of the best places you have to see in Yellowstone, but if you’re short on time, you can just make a quick stop here.

Interesting to know:  The historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel built in 1891 is the oldest lodge in Yellowstone. You don’t have to stay here in order to visit it, but if you want to stay here in high season, you’ll have to book more than a year in advance.

TIP: The hotel has a nice upscale restaurant, but if you just want lake views and good food at reasonable prices, you better check the Lake Lodge Cafeteria. 

Practical information:  It’s difficult to say how much time you need to see the Yellowstone Lake area. You can spend just an hour or half a day, but you can also stay here the whole day or even longer. If you are short on time,  take a scenic boat trip  (1 hour) and spend some time at the Lake Hotel.

Make sure to also visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin (see below). It really depends on your interests and on how much time you have in Yellowstone.

10. West Thumb Geyser Basin

One of the smallest geothermal areas of Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin , is not to be missed!

Located on the western side of Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin offers a good view of the lake and has some interesting thermal features, including some that are in the lake itself.

The West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is an easy wheelchair-accessible short walk (0,6 miles – 1,1 km) that takes about half an hour. It follows the lakeshore and passes several thermal features, including Abyss Pool, Yellowstone’s deepest hydrothermal pool. If you feel like walking just a bit more, there are two hiking trails nearby – Duck Lake and Lake Overlook.

Interesting to know:  Bison, elk, and bears are frequently seen in this area as well. But it’s unlikely to run into them during the day – for that you should come early in the morning or around sunset.

TIP: If you arrive in Yellowstone through the South Entrance, it’s likely that West Thumb Geyser Basin will be your first introduction to Yellowstone. I can’t imagine a better way to start your trip in Yellowstone – it will take your breath away! However, if you come here after you have seen the more impressive Upper and the Midway Geyser Basins, you might be a bit disappointed.

Practical  information: Count 30 minutes to an hour for the West Thumb Geyser Basin trail loop with stops at its major features.

11. Norris Geyser Basin

Of all the best things you can do in Yellowstone, I wouldn’t put Norris Geyser Basin as the first priority. However, it’s still one of the best places of Yellowstone. So if you have enough time to also cover all the other Yellowstone attractions mentioned above, don’t miss it.

Ideally, you come here before you have seen the Upper and the Midway Geyser Basins. Norris Geyser Basin isn’t as impressive as the other two, so if you see it first, you’ll appreciate it more. But if you first visit the other places, you might be somewhat disappointed.

The hottest geyser basin of Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin is comprised of two sections – Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin.

Porcelain Basin has a very barren landscape with lots of steaming vents, spouting geysers (small ones), bubbling and boiling geothermal features, and quite a few turquoise blue hot springs. You can explore the whole area on boardwalks: the main loop is about half a mile (800 m) long, the whole Porcelain Basin trail is 1,1 miles (1,7 km) long. Please note that this area has no shade and can get really warm in summer.

Back Basin  couldn’t be more different from the adjacent Porcelain Basin! It’s located in a pine forest with plenty of shade and also some amazing hydrothermal features. The star of this area is the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser . Its last major eruption dates from 1991, but you can usually see it in action spitting water up to 40ft.

The entire Back Basin trail is 1,75 miles (2,8 km) and is therefore much less visited by tourists than the Porcelain Basin which doesn’t require that much walking.

Interesting to know:  Norris Geyser Basin is one of those areas of Yellowstone that are constantly changing, so you never know what you’ll find. 

TIP: Be prepared to walk – this area is huge, but it’s really interesting! In summer, make sure you take plenty of water and sun protection.

Practical  information: Count at least 1-2 hours for a short visit. If you want to see it all, it will take you half a day. This area is also a popular stop for the tour busses and the car parking can get full really quickly, so prepare to wait or try to arrive at the less popular times.

12. Yellowstone Grand Loop Road

Grand Loop is the main road of Yellowstone National Park. Driving this scenic road is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone.

If you look at the map of Yellowstone, you’ll see that its main roads form an 8-shape that connects all the must see places of Yellowstone.

If you take the time to drive the entire scenic loop, you’ll pass all of the main Yellowstone attractions, except the Lamar Valley. 

The Grand Loop is about 142 miles long (230 km) and, depending on the traffic, takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to complete. However, I would never advise driving the whole scenic loop of Yellowstone in just a day. There is so much to see along the way!

If you visit all the best places of Yellowstone mentioned in this article, then you’ll automatically cover the entire Grand Loop Road and more. However, to do it properly, you’ll need 3-4 days.

TIP: If you are short on time and have just one day, I suggest you drive the Lower Loop and stop at the main landmarks. If you have at least two days in Yellowstone , you could attempt the entire Grand Loop with just a few stops at the major Yellowstone attractions. Please see our Yellowstone itinerary suggestions for more information. 

READ ALSO: Best Places to See on Yellowstone’s South Loop

*** Now that we covered all the main things to do in Yellowstone, I also want to mention a few other places that you should also try to see in Yellowstone. These are not the main attractions of Yellowstone National Park, but they are each well worth visiting, especially if you have more time and want to explore Yellowstone a bit deeper. Read on! ***

13. Mount Washburn

Hiking to the top of Mount Washburn is considered one of the best things to do in Yellowstone. The views from the 10,243 feet (3,1 km) top are incredible and if you are lucky you might run into some bighorn sheep or even bears (make sure you carry a bear spray if hiking in more remote areas of Yellowstone!). Visiting Mount Washburn requires a strenuous hike that takes about 2-3 hours one way, so it is definitely not for everyone.

Interesting to know:   If you are up for this hike, you should know that there are two trails leading to the top . (1) The main hiking trail starts at Dunraven Pass. It’s about 3,2 miles  (5,2 km)one way and offers better views along the entire route, but it is also more challenging. (2) The second option is the Chittenden Road Trail which follows a wide service road to the top of Mount Washburn. It’s 2,5 miles (4 km) one way and is easier to hike, but the views along this route aren’t that impressive.

TIP:  Carry lots of water and a picnic. Make sure you also have a jacket as it can get really windy and cold on top. Arrive early as car parking areas at both trailheads are not very big. Also, afternoon storms are common in summer, and you don’t want to be on top in the storm.

Practical information:  The trail is only open from June to September and even in summer can have some snow on it.

14. Tower Fall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls of Yellowstone National Park, Tower Fall is worth a short stop. While the Yellowstone National Park website says it’s one of the best places to see in Yellowstone, they forget to mention that you cannot see the waterfall in all its glory anymore.

Interesting to know:   Due to severe erosion, the path leading to the bottom of the waterfall has been closed for years. So you can no longer hike to the waterfall and can only see it from the Tower Fall overlook. Which is definitely nice to see, I won’t argue that, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here. You can still walk a part of the trail to see Tower Creek flow into the Yellowstone River, but it’s not the most impressive place of Yellowstone. Furthermore, the climb back up is quite steep, so it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it. We found this short hike somewhat disappointing.

TIP: You can best visit Tower Fall on your way to Lamar Valley or in combination with Mount Washburn, which is also in the same area. Walking to the lookout will only take a few minutes of your time.

Practical  information:  Tower Fall viewpoint is just 100 yards (100 m) from the car parking area. Count 10-15 minutes for a visit.

15. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center  is a great place to see grizzly bears and wolfs in a safe environment. Some animals come from Yellowstone and others – from as far as Alaska. All the animals who live here are unable to survive in the wild. This center gives them a second chance, while at the same time providing an educational experience to Yellowstone visitors.

At the moment of writing, there are seven bears and five wolves in the Center, as well as some birds of prey and a Karelian bear dog. You can see the animals all year round. The bears at the Centre do not hibernate.

Interesting to know:  Admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days. So if you are staying in West Yellowstone, you could certainly visit two times.

Practical information:  Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is located in West Yellowstone, just outside the West Entrance of the park. It’s open 365 days a year. Check their website for more practical info. Count 1.5-2 hours for a visit.

16. Boiling River

Important update: Due to the severe damage caused by the floods in summer 2022, Boiling River is closed. At the time of the last update, it’s not even certain if it will reopen at all.

Boiling River is a real hidden gem of Yellowstone and one of our absolute favorite places in the park. It’s a natural hot tub, created at a place where a large hot spring enters the river. The hot and the cold water mix turning this mountain river into the best natural hot tub experience ever!

Boiling River is a wonderful place to relax after a long day exploring Yellowstone’s main attractions. Don’t miss it if you are in the northern part of Yellowstone and have an hour to spare.

Interesting to know:  Boiling River trail is often closed in spring due to melting snow and mud. You should check the latest information on the official website to see if it’s open.

TIP:  At the car parking there are bathroom facilities where you can also change your clothes. 

Practical information: Count at least an hour for a visit, but you can easily spend half a day here as well.

MORE INFO: Guide to Visiting Boiling River

Best Things to Do in Yellowstone on the Map

In order to help you plan your trip, I created this map indicating all the main Yellowstone attractions mentioned in this post.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is the ultimate list of all  the main places to see in Yellowstone . In this post, I only focused on the best of Yellowstone, because I know that everyone visiting the park for the first time wants to make sure that they cover all the musts. This list does exactly that.

If you are wondering how to best plan your time, please check our suggested Yellowstone itinerary for any trip from 1 to 5 days . If you rather let someone else do the planning, please check our guide to the best Yellowstone tours .

TIP: If you want to see all the main landmarks of Yellowstone, but don’t feel like planning it all, I recommend this highly-rated 4 days/3 nights tour . It covers all the musts in Yellowstone! If you don’t have that much time, then consider this popular 2-day tour instead.

With just a day in Yellowstone, it’s best to take this 1-day tour – it covers as much as humanly possible in a day. It will save you a lot of time not having to worry about parking, etc. so you’ll be able to make the most of your time.

Hiking: If you are looking for more great things to do in Yellowstone, I suggest you go hiking. There are so many nice short trails that will bring you to less-known places in Yellowstone. I can highly recommend this  Ranger’s Guide to Yellowstone Day Hikes . It features 29 hikes of all levels of difficulty, each with a detailed map and a short description.

READ ALSO: Yellowstone – Grand Teton National Parks Trip Itinerary

Where to Stay

We have a very comprehensive guide on the best places to stay in and near Yellowstone and also the best hotels & cabins NEAR Yellowstone , so check it out for more information.

Alternatively, if you are simply looking for the best price-quality-location option, check out lodging in West Yellowstone . It’s a small town just near the West Entrance of Yellowstone NP and it has a big range of hotels and cabins for all budgets.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in West Yellowstone and beyond. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s still available for your stay. Check it out!

Are you interested in a FREE printable .pdf with Yellowstone Travel Tips?

Sign up for Full Suitcase newsletter and we will send it to you right away. You’ll get a .pdf file containing our top tips for visiting Yellowstone.

Agree with  Full Suitcase Privacy Policy

IMPORTANT! Please check your mailbox to confirm subscription. If you don’t see the email right away, please check Promotions and Spam folders.

More information for your trip to Yellowstone:

• Overview: Plan a Perfect Yellowstone Trip
• What to know: Yellowstone Travel Tips
• When to go: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone & What It’s Really Like to Visit Yellowstone in Summer
• Where to stay:  Guide to Yellowstone Accommodation
• Short visit: Best of Yellowstone in One Day
• For families:   Yellowstone with Kids
• Must-see:   Grand Prismatic Spring & The Old Faithful
• Fun to do:   Boiling River
• Nearby:  One Day in Grand Teton & What to See In and Near Jackson, Wyoming
• What to pack:  What to Wear and What to Pack for Yellowstone in Summer

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for USA National Parks:

• Best Things to Do in Arches National Park
• Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
• Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
• Best of Grand Canyon in 1 Day
• Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• Yosemite Travel Tips
• Glacier National Park Itinerary
• Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• Olympic National Park Itinerary
• Acadia National Park Itinerary

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Makara Chan

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Thank you so much for this!! Helped with last minute planning big time.

Monday 2nd of October 2023

Glad to help. Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 17th of September 2023

Wow!! This was definitely insightful for our first and upcoming trip this coming week! We are so excited and happy to have 5 nights 6 full days to experience and explore this beautiful national forest. Thank you for all of your advice on highlights and places not to miss out on.

Glad to help, Tiffany. Have a great time in Yellowstone!

Tuesday 4th of July 2023

Hey You may want to take off the boiling river since it washout in 2022.

Thursday 6th of July 2023

@Jurga, You are amazing! Thank you for taking time and replying on time for my planning. I really appreciate your efforts. 😊

Wednesday 5th of July 2023

@Jurga, This website is so wonderful. Thank you so much for putting together such a detailed info. I need a help, after 2022 flood. Which points on the above list should i ignore? Just learned about boiling river. TIA

Hi Robert, we already have this information in our article about Boiling River to which we link from all the other articles related to it. However, it's practically impossible for us to update each and every guide on our website every time something like that changes, especially in the situations like this where the official site doesn't clearly state if they will be able to restore/reopen this area or not. All they say is that swimming is not possible there at the moment. That's why we also always encourage people to check the current conditions page on the official site for the latest updates. But yes, we're keeping an eye on the official site and if they announce that the area is definitely not going to reopen, then we'll do our best to update every article.

Friday 30th of June 2023

Just found your wonderful website. Since we are planning our third trip to Yellowstone in September 2023 I want to say thank you. Through you website I have found new places to visit and you've given me more information on places to revisit. What a fantastic website!

Glad to help, Becky, and thanks for your kind feedback. Have a great time in Yellowstone!

Wednesday 7th of June 2023

Great info! We used this to plan our trip last week and it was wonderful. Thank you so much for all the work you have put into this!

@Linda, Any info you want to pass on after your recent trip?

Thursday 8th of June 2023

Glad to hear that, Linda. Yellowstone is amazing, isn't it! Happy travels.

5 of the best road trips in Yellowstone National Park

Feb 18, 2023 • 6 min read

These road trip routes will help you see the best of Yellowstone National Park © Hector Knudsen / Getty Images

Yellowstone National Park is vast.

It encompasses more than 3400 sq miles and it includes more than 450 miles of roads, providing plenty of space to explore. Driving yourself means you can spend as much time as you like doing the best things that Yellowstone has to offer , whether that's gazing at geysers or hiking the 900 miles of trails.

Be sure to keep your eye on the gas gauge and bring water and food along with you. Also, check the roads you'll need will be open when you plan on coming . Most of the  park's roads are closed for much of the year (generally closing in early November before reopening in April or May). Services within the park are also very limited outside of peak season, so be prepared.

Parking can be difficult at popular spots — try to aim for early or late in the day to avoid having to wait for a spot. If you're driving an alternative fuel vehicle, be sure to check on  fueling station availability . 

Driving yourself offers freedom and the opportunity to explore some lesser-known sites that might not be part of organized tours, but be sure to see the park's  tips for drivers . If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, there are numerous  tour options available. However you visit, brush up on  bear safety and read the  park's safety advice on wildlife, environmental hazards, hydrothermal features, and other things to keep in mind. Here are the five best road trips in Yellowstone National Park.

1. Grand Loop

The ultimate Yellowstone road trip Start and end at any of Yellowstone's five entrances, 142 miles; allow 2–3 days

Yellowstone National Park's main roads create a " figure-eight" shape , so driving around the exterior of both loops to make a "Grand Loop" is a great way to hit many of the park's highlights. Two or three days is reasonable, but the park can keep an avid explorer busy for far longer. Enter the park from any of its five entrances and proceed either clockwise or counterclockwise around the exterior of the figure eight until you've returned to your original entrance.

Driving the Grand Loop will bring you to many of the park's most popular geothermal areas, including  Old Faithful ,  Midway Geyser Basin ,  Norris Geyser Basin ,  Mammoth Hot Springs , and  West Thumb Geyser Basin . It will also bring you through Hayden Valley, which is a great place to look for wildlife, to  Tower Fall , and the  Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone , among other sites.

Detour: Combine a trip to Yellowstone with a visit to  Grand Teton National Park , which is just beyond Yellowstone's South Entrance.

2. Upper Loop

Best route for Yellowstone's scenic wonders Start and end at Yellowstone's North Entrance; 80 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone's Upper Loop is a highlight reel of scenic wonders. Start at the park's North Entrance, just outside Gardiner, Montana, and explore the Mammoth Hot Springs area, including the famous terraces. Allow at least a full day to drive this loop, including Tower Fall, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — be sure to check out  Artist Point  — as well as  Mt Washburn and Norris Geyser Basin.

Detour: Take a side trip from the  Tower-Roosevelt area into Lamar Valley , which has some of the best wildlife viewing in the park.

3. Lower Loop

Best drive for geysers, wildlife, and more Start and end in Jackson, Cody, or West Yellowstone; 96 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone's Lower Loop covers some of the park's most beloved features, including Old Faithful and the Hayden Valley. The loop itself is 96 miles, but you'll also need to add the distance to and from your entrance and gateway town of choice: select from Jackson or Cody , Wyoming, or West Yellowstone , Montana.

This route gives you a chance to see Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, Artists Paintpots, Midway Geyser Basin and the  Grand Prismatic Spring , West Thumb Geyser Basin, Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley, among other highlights. There's so much to do you might like to plan more than one day for exploration.

Planning tip: On a trip during summer months, try to visit the park's most popular attractions during  off-peak hours , which means early or late in the day, to beat the crowds and make parking easier.

4. Geyser gazing road trip

Best drive to Yellowstone's most accessible geysers and thermal features Start at Yellowstone's South Entrance; end at the North Entrance; 95 miles; allow 1–2 days

If you love fantastical geysers, multi-colored hydrothermal springs, bubbling mud, and hissing steam, then take a drive up the park's western side for a glimpse at some of Yellowstone's most incredible sights.

The park contains more than 10,000 such hydrothermal features — including over 500 geysers — and this route showcases some of the most fascinating ones that are easily accessible. Start from the South Entrance, explore West Thumb Geyser Basin, and head west towards Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. Continue west and north exploring other hydrothermal areas, such as Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pot, Norris Geyser Basin, and Mammoth Hot Springs, among many others, eventually exiting through the North Entrance.

Planning tip: Pack a cooler and enjoy lunch at one of the  numerous picnic areas along this route. Be sure to leave the picnic site cleaner than you found it, and always be aware of bears and other wildlife .

5. Yellowstone's wildlife safari

Top driving route to see Yellowstone's wildlife Start at Yellowstone's East entrance; end at the Northeast Entrance; 91 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone is home to a huge amount of wildlife, including 300 species of birds and 67 different types of mammals, with big-hitters being the black bears, grizzly bears and gray wolves. The challenge is spotting them – where the animals are and whether or not you see them depends on seasons, weather, food availability, and luck.

Begin your wildlife adventure at the East Entrance, making your way along the northern shore of Yellowstone Lake (keep an eye out for grizzlies near Fishing Bridge). Then proceed north through the Hayden Valley, stopping in pullouts to scan the valley for bison, black bears, elk and wolves. Head north over Dunraven Pass, keeping an eye out for animals by Mt Washburn, before heading east at Tower-Roosevelt into the Lamar Valley, which is one of the best places in the park to spot gray wolves and herds of bison.

Planning tip: Be sure to bring your binoculars, spotting scope, and  long camera lenses . Sometimes wildlife can be quite far away, and you must keep your distance . Stay a minimum of 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals.

This article was first published Mar 22, 2013 and updated Feb 18, 2023.

Explore related stories

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

After years of hard work, what better way to celebrate than with an amazing adventure? Here are the best places for a graduation trip.

Jan 5, 2024 • 7 min read

Oct 18, 2023 • 9 min read

Sep 23, 2023 • 7 min read

Jul 3, 2022 • 8 min read

Apr 8, 2022 • 8 min read

Nov 5, 2021 • 8 min read

May 27, 2021 • 7 min read

Jul 11, 2020 • 20 min read

May 17, 2020 • 3 min read

The Perfect Yellowstone Itinerary for Your Next Trip

Whether you're with the kids, on a girlfriend's getaway, or flying solo, this travel guide hits all the high spots.

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

In general, this schedule provides a well-rounded mix of outdoor and cultural pursuits, a lot of scenic drives and even a bit of pampering. You'll probably notice as much time is spent outside of Yellowstone's borders as within them. For most folks, this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, so I advise seeing as much of the surrounding sights as possible. I promise you'll regret it forever if you miss Cody and Jackson Hole , not to mention the showstopping Grand Teton National Park .

A word on timing your trip. The world's first national park is open year-round, but come winter all but two of the lodging options close, along with most other facilities, entrances, and roads. And while it doesn't bring in the hordes that Great Smoky Mountains National Park does, Yellowstone can get crowded in the summertime, especially around popular sites with boardwalks, like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs.

If you have kids, consider booking your vacation as close to the shoulder season as possible, like late August, right before school starts, or the beginning of June, immediately after it ends. The weather can be brisk in early summer, with snow still piled high on the mountain peaks, but pulling on outerwear is worth it to have the park mostly to yourself, as I often did. Otherwise, I hear Yellowstone is also wonderful in September. And if you want to stay in the park's lodging, plan early! Reservations open 13 months in advance and fill up fast.

My Yellowstone Itinerary

• Day 1 : Depart Sheridan for Cody. Explore Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Overnight at Irma Hotel.
• Day 2: Raft with Wyoming River Trips. Attend Nite Rodeo. Overnight at Irma Hotel.
• Day 3: Depart Cody for Yellowstone National Park. Explore Yellowstone National Park. Overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins.
• Day 4: Explore Yellowstone National Park. Overnight at Old Faithful Inn.
• Day 5: Depart Yellowstone National Park for Jackson Hole. Trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips. Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch.
• Day 6: Paraglide with Jackson Hole Paragliding. Massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa. Overnight at Spring Creek Lodge.
• Day 7: Depart Jackson Hole Airport.

Day 1: Depart Sheridan for Cody ➡ Explore Buffalo Bill Center of the Wild West ➡ Overnight at Irma Hotel

Driving Distance Sheridan to Cody: About 145 miles

There are several airports you can fly into that will get you close to Yellowstone, and which one you should choose depends on what entrance you'll be using to access the park. They include Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport , which is about a 90-minute drive from the North Entrance and two hours from the West Entrance ( Yellowstone Airport is located about 10 minutes from the West Entrance, but it's smaller and offers fewer flights); Yellowstone Regional Airport , which is near Cody and an hour from the East Entrance; and Jackson Hole Airport , which is located inside Grand Teton National Park and an hour from the South Entrance.

I actually didn't utilize any of those airports coming into Wyoming but instead started my Yellowstone adventure in Sheridan, a lovely and historic cow town where I stayed with friends for a few days. After picking up my rental car bright and early, I hit the road via Route 14. The highway climbs into the Bighorn Mountains, rambling through pine forests in lower elevations fog-laden and mysterious, past peaks drenched in snow and sunshine. The drive took me into Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area , a must-see stop, with 1,000-foot-tall cliffs towering high above a meandering river.

Located less than two hours from Cody , Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is also definitely worth a detour if you're staying in the town. I was able to easily spot the mustangs, said to be of Colonial Spanish American heritage, from the road. Strong and stout, with gleaming coats and incurious gazes, these iconic symbols of the American West were so beautiful they brought tears to my eyes. Full-day tours to see the horses are available from the guide service PryorWild and depart from the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center in Lovell.

Fair warning: it isn't easy to tear yourself away from the jaw-dropping natural splendor within and surrounding Yellowstone. You're going to want to build in time to linger over the landscape into your itinerary. By the time I made it to Cody, I was running a little late, so I headed straight to Buffalo Bill Center of the West . I’d been told to plan to spend hours touring it, but I was still amazed by its size.

Five museums in one, the Center houses the Cody Firearms Museum, the world’s finest collection of American guns; the Whitney Western Art Museum, a rousing exhibit of Western art; the kid-friendly Draper Natural History Museum, devoted to Yellowstone’s flora and fauna; the Plains Indians Museum, a beautifully-realized exploration of this country’s original peoples; and the Buffalo Bill Museum, which traces the life of the American legend. I was probably most intrigued by the Whitney and its magnificent portraits of the animals I was hoping to encounter in Yellowstone.

By the time I checked into Cody's celebrated Irma Hotel I was tuckered out, although I still made time to head to the property's restaurant for the house specialty: juicy and tender slow-roasted prime rib. Built in 1902 by Wild West showman Buffalo Bill Cody and named for his daughter, the Irma today retains its charm and character. That's particularly true of the dining room, which still sports the famed cherrywood bar given to Cody by Queen Victoria. After my meal, logy from the long day, I was happy to retire early to my room, which was simple but comfy.

Day 2: Raft with Wyoming River Trips ➡ Attend Nite Rodeo ➡ Overnight at Irma Hotel

Because I'd been up so early on my big travel day, I slept in a bit the morning of Day 2. After a stroll through the Downtown Historic District, I took off for Wyoming River Trips . Family-owned since its inception in 1978, the company serves up a range of rafting and kayaking options. I opted for the three-hour Full Canyon Rafting Adventure, which was the perfect way to ease into my trip. The sun, shining down from boldly blue skies, was warm, even if the water was chilly. Not that there was too much splashing happening. The 12-mile section of Shoshone River we paddled was low-key, with Class I and II rapids, the mildest of the standardized whitewater classification system.

There was plenty of time to take in the magnificent Red Rock Canyon surrounding us—a sight I'd expect to see in southern Utah more than eastern Wyoming—and to chat with our affable guide, who was happy to answer my questions about the area’s wildlife. (Among other facts, I learned definitively that Yellowstone is filled with bison, not buffalo, and the latter do not feature humps.) This trip would absolutely be appropriate for families, as long as the littles weigh at least 50 pounds.

Speaking of family fun, the Cody Nite Rodeo , which kicks off every evening from June through August at 8 p.m., is ideal entertainment for all ages. The night I went it was packed with cheering people from age two to what looked like 92. Children can get their faces painted by rodeo clowns, learn to rope and even participate in the hilarious Calf Scramble, which involves chasing a couple of baby cows around the arena and trying to pull the ribbons off of their tails.

Founded in 1938 by a former performer in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, the Cody Nite Rodeo is said to be the world's longest-running nightly summer rodeo. It's a much-loved, authentic and action-packed outdoor event frequented by locals and vacationers alike, chock full of true blue Wild West cowboy mystique. For two hours I sat munching on popcorn as I watched bull riding and steer wrestling, team roping and women’s barrel racing. I groaned at the clown’s corny jokes, gasped at the spills the bareback riders took and felt truly grateful that I had a chance to attend this most wonderfully American of competitions.

Day 3: Depart Cody for Yellowstone National Park ➡ Explore Yellowstone National Park ➡ Overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins

Driving Distance Cody to Yellowstone Northeast Entrance: About 80 miles

Following another sublime night's sleep at the Irma, I was up before daybreak to head to Yellowstone . I'd decided to use the park's Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, Montana, rather than the East Entrance, which is closer to Cody by about 25 miles. I'd been told by locals that the Northeast gate experiences even less traffic than the East gate, and provides the best chance to see some of the park's celebrated animal population. If, that is, I got there bright and early. So bleary-eyed, I headed off in my rental down the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, hoping that waking before dawn's early light was going to pay off.

It did. The sun hadn't been up for too long as I handed my $35 vehicle fee to the ranger at the gate. Upon entering the park I was rewarded almost immediately with a sight that made me gasp aloud: a mother moose tending her baby. They weren't far from the road, but I might have missed them if not for a photographer standing beside his truck. He told me he'd seen this same female yesterday, without the calf—the newborn was just a day old. I watched them for what felt like hours before I resumed my journey, keeping my eyes peeled as I entered the Lamar Valley. Dubbed the American Serengeti for its copious amounts of wildlife, it's home to grizzly bears and wolf packs.

I didn't spot either species, but as I spent that first day in the park slowly motoring around the Upper Loop road, I saw an unbelievable array of animals. From the bison lumbering past my car and elk trotting alongside the road, to the coyotes frolicking in a pasture and the black bear munching vegetation, it was a veritable parade of critters. I suppose Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres are as well-known for their geothermal activity as their wildlife, but what I most cherished about my time there was the opportunity to see the West's most majestic beasts in their native environment. Unlike so much in life, Yellowstone lives up to the hype.

That's not to say Yellowstone's landscape didn't appeal to me. The Upper Loop, a 142-mile track that makes up the northern half of Yellowstone's historic Grand Loop Road, includes access to Tower Fall. The waterfall dramatically plunges 132 feet and is surrounded by pinnacles formed by ancient lava flow. It was breathtaking, though I found the Yellowstone River's Grand Canyon even more impressive. Measuring 20 miles long and more than 1,000 feet deep, it's home to two waterfalls. There are loads of trails that wind along and down into the canyon, but I stopped at Artist Point, which provides a picture-perfect view of the 308-foot Lower Falls.

I would have liked to explore the area more, but I needed to check in to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins . Renovated a few years ago to the tune of $30 million, the hotel, which mostly dates to 1936, is surprisingly sleek and modern. After dropping my luggage off in my room, I headed for a drink at the Map Room Bar, where I was greeted by the sight of the watering hole's namesake stretching across the wall. According to the bartender, the massive map of the U.S. was crafted in 1936 from more than 2,500 inlaid pieces of 15 different kinds of wood. But my cocktail sunk me: I could barely keep my eyes open over my plate of mushroom pasta in the dining room. I was back up to my room and in bed by 9.

Day 4: Explore Yellowstone National Park ➡ Overnight at Old Faithful Inn

My early night paid off in an early morning, and before heading south toward Old Faithful, I took a long stroll through Mammoth Hot Springs , an otherworldly network of hydrothermal features and naturally occurring terraced travertine deposits. The boardwalk made for an easy walk, and I enjoyed the slightly foreboding vibe of the site, which was dotted here and then by dead trees, blackened and skeletal, and ethereal mists rising from the earth. There weren't many people there, probably because it was so early in the day, which made the whole experience a little more eerie. Aside from the Lamar Valley, I think this was my favorite part of the park because it was totally unlike any place else I'd ever experienced.

I spent the rest of the day driving south toward Old Faithful , stopping at sites that interested me. That included a lot of geysers—after all, Yellowstone protects about half the world’s active geysers—like the ones in the Norris Geyser Basin. Tucked away where the western Upper and Lower Loop meet, it's said to be the oldest thermal zone in the park and, at more than 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest one, too. I found the Norris Museum, which was built in 1930 and acts as a sort of gateway to the basin, worth a peek for its exhibits explaining the ins and outs of geothermal activity.

Most beautiful of all was Grand Prismatic Spring, which lies within the Midway Geyser Basin , further south on the Lower Loop. Eye-popping orange on the perimeter, it morphs into yellow, green, and turquoise before opting for a deep, rich blue in the center. Along with its colors, what struck me immediately was the sheer size of it: it's 370 feet across. A boardwalk gets you close (but not too close). There are other pools and a geyser at the basin, but for me, they couldn't compare to Grand Prismatic Spring. It was the undisputed star of the show.

By the time I reached Old Faithful, I was ready to call it a day. Luckily, the geyser only kept me waiting for about 10 minutes. According to a ranger I talked to, it blows its stack roughly every hour and a half for as long as five minutes, reaching an average of 130 feet in height. The eruption I saw didn't seem as high or as long, but it was fun to see. Afterward, I dropped by the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center , which was loaded with info about the geyser, as well as the Yellowstone supervolcano. It's an extremely kid-friendly facility, with a dedicated room for "Young Scientists" featuring hands-on displays.

Next, it was on to the Old Faithful Inn , built in 1903-1904 of locally sourced pine and stone. One of the largest log buildings in the world, it's a National Historic Landmark and the most popular lodging in Yellowstone. The lobby is immense, rising more than 70 feet high, and after I checked in I came back to sit and people-watch in front of the monolithic stone fireplace. The inn has an onsite deli, so I grabbed a quickie sandwich to save some cash and then headed back to my room.

I was staying in the Old House, the original part of the hotel, so in addition to no air conditioning, wifi, or television (all fine by me), there was no private bathroom. Although I didn't love getting up in the middle of the night to walk down the hall to the communal facilities, the room, with its rustic log walls, was so charming it was worth the inconvenience. (Some rooms in the Old House do feature bathrooms, which might be a better choice for families with small children.)

Day 5: Depart Yellowstone National Park for Jackson ➡ Trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips ➡ Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch

Driving Distance Old Faithful Inn to Jackson: About 95 miles

It was another early morning as I hit the road to Jackson along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway. I was sorry to leave Yellowstone, but the drive south cut through Grand Teton National Park , and the scenery, to my astonishment, was even more dazzling than what I'd seen the past several days. Spreading out before me rose the young range of the Rockies that are among the most photographed mountains on the planet. The jagged, snow-drenched peaks were so magnificent that I pulled the car over and just sat for a spell, dumbfounded. I was making good time, however, so I had time for a quick wander around Jackson.

I headed for the Town Square, where a chatty resident answered a question for me: Jackson is the chichi town I was currently exploring. Jackson Hole , the name I'd heard bandied about most, is the 50-mile-long valley in which it perches so prettily. After a gander at the park's beloved entryway arches, made of hundreds of elk antlers gathered by Boy Scouts from the nearby National Elk Refuge, I headed to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar across the street. The establishment is famous for its live music—everyone from Willie Nelson to Waylon Jennings has played there—but I contented myself with a peek at the saddle bar stools and a pricey (but decent) burger.

I needed to fortify myself, because up next was a trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips and Trail Rides, which I understand is now closed. (I'd recommend Willow Creek Trail Rides , which provides rides through the same area and welcomes kids 8 and older, instead). After meeting my guide, Bob, at the Willow Creek Trailhead, we begin our journey into the Bridger-Teton National Forest . It had begun to rain, but the landscape was so magnificent I didn't care a bit. Through meadows dotted with silvery sagebrush we climbed, into aspen groves and piney woods, the Tetons standing silent guard.

Eventually, seeing my joy at riding past slopes dotted by elk, under skies graced by red-tailed hawks, Bob asked me if I’d like to cross Willow Creek, swollen with rain. I agreed and we forded it once, then, thrillingly, again. The current was strong, the water high, but my horse’s steps were sure and I never felt unsafe. Finally, after hours, our ride came to an end. Exhausted, wet and sore, I'd just spent one of the best afternoons of my life. I thanked Bob and took off for Spring Creek Ranch , where I was spending the last two nights of my trip.

Tucked away on a wildlife sanctuary above Jackson, the property features posh inn rooms, townhouses and mountain villas. I'd splurged and chosen the latter, which, with multiple bedrooms, would be ideal for a family. The view from the upper deck of my villa alone made the price worth it, with the verdant valley spread out below me, the Grand Tetons soaring beyond. Cool as the night was, I slept with my windows open to experience the fresh, fragrant mountain air as it blew down from the higher elevations on its way into Jackson Hole.

Day 6: Paraglide with Jackson Hole Paragliding ➡ Massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa ➡ Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch

I awoke in pretty much the most beautiful place I've ever been, in the most luxurious bed I'd ever experienced, but my mood was still tinged with sadness. It was the last of my amazing trip—though one final adventure awaited. That morning I was going to fly with Jackson Hole Paragliding . It was something I’d never done before: strap myself to a professional paragliding pilot and jump off a perfectly good mountain. And that first step was going to be a doozy: 3000 vertical feet more or less straight down.

I met up with Scott, my pilot, and we took his truck up the switchback trail behind Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. After placing a helmet on my head, he tucked me into my harness as the parachute was unfurled behind us. Scott explained that when the time came, I needed to stride firmly toward the edge of the drop. The chute, he said, would fill with wind, pulling us into the sky. When he noticed me shaking, he suggested I take some deep breaths. I did, and it helped calm my anxiety. A little.

And then almost before I knew it we had lifted off and I was in the air, thousands of feet above the earth. I screamed with more joy than fear as Scott guided us over the valley. It was surprisingly peaceful—at least until he began turning us in tight spirals. It was like riding the fastest, highest merry-go-round in the world, and just when I thought I wouldn't be able to stand it anymore, he pulled us out of it and we gently landed. Scott asked me what I thought and, not exaggerating a bit, I hollered, “I want to do it again!”

But I couldn't, because it was time for my massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa . If there is a more perfect combination than following up paragliding with a pampering massage, I don’t know what it is. I'd booked an hour-long Noble Massage, which combined elements of Swedish and deep tissue techniques. Under my therapist’s capable hands, the adrenaline faded, slowly replaced with deep calm. It was the ultimate in pleasure—moving from exquisite tension to total tranquility—and the best way I think I could have ended my Yellowstone adventure.

Day 7: Depart Jackson Hole Airport

Driving Distance Spring Creek Ranch to Jackson Hole Airport: About 12 miles

It's a straight shot north to Jackson Hole Airport from Spring Creek Ranch, a trip that only takes about 20 minutes. The airport itself, the only one located within a national park, provides non-stop service to and from destinations like Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Newark, depending on the season. It is as upmarket as the rest of Jackson Hole, with plenty of exposed wood and stone, plus fireplaces and leather chairs in the waiting areas. I especially got a kick out of the big sign reminding passengers to get rid of their bear spray before entering security (there are two recycling stations specifically for cans of the stuff, too).

As my plane pulled away from the gate, I thought about my trip, which even then I knew had changed me. Part of it was simply successfully navigating the challenges, and joys, of a week-long road trip through the Wild West alone. Although the expedition went surprisingly smoothly, I had no one to depend on but myself if I ended up lost, ran out of gas, or got a flat tire. I felt a little stronger, more capable, even bolder—especially after facing my fear of heights by paragliding. I surprised even myself for signing up for it, but I think the untamed spirit of the Wild West tends to encourage a bit of boundary-pushing.

I don't know that I would change much about this itinerary. I do wish I could have spent another day in Yellowstone, but I just couldn't swing any more time away. That said, I regret not hiking there. I walked the boardwalks but I never got on a trail or out in the backcountry. That was mostly due to time constraints, although I also didn't feel comfortable hiking solo. My sense of direction isn't the strongest and there's a reason why Jackson Hole Airport has that bear spray sign. They're a valid enough concern anyone heading into the parks should carry a can. If I ever get back to Yellowstone, I think I might arrange for a guided hike. In the meantime, I'll just dream of my return.

Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.

.css-1shyvki:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-right:-0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-1shyvki:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:none;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:inline-block;}} Travel .css-unxkmx:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin:0.7rem auto 0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-unxkmx:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-unxkmx:before{display:block;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-unxkmx:before{display:none;}}

20 Rules Guests Follow at the Kentucky Derby

The Country's Ten Best Spots for Birdwatching

Plan a Trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan

Scenic Spots to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse

The 15 Best Beaches Near Orlando

A Weekend in Connecticut's Litchfield County

I Stayed at Maui's Fairmont Kea Lani

20+ Magically Free Things at Disney World

You Can Stay Inside a Stack of Pancakes for Free

30 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the U.S.

The 30 Most Charming Small Towns in Connecticut

The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park

TripSavvy / Brianna Gilmartin

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, is in the fall and spring when crowds have thinned out and the weather is still relatively nice. Summer, particularly July and August, has the warmest and most desirable weather, but the high number of tourists and vehicles can make exploring the park a challenge, especially if you’re hoping to see wildlife (though herds of bison can be seen year-round).

Whenever you decide to go, use this guide to help plan your trip to this popular national park, known for its geysers (Old Faithful is the most well-known), hot springs, waterfalls, mud pots, and wildlife—you can see grizzly bears, wolves, elk, bison, and moose.

The Peak Tourist Season in Yellowstone National Park

Located in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, this park attracts more than 4 million visitors each year, with July and August welcoming the highest number of tourists. November through April receives the lowest number of travelers. Exploring the park’s natural attractions and getting the chance to spot wildlife is more enjoyable outside of the overcrowded summer months.

Flights to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or to Bozeman, Montana—the closest international airports to Yellowstone National Park—are typically less expensive outside of the summer months. Hotel prices are, in general, lower during the off season after Labor Day, when children have returned back to school and summer crowds have dissipated. Keep in mind, the park does have road closures due to weather, so plan accordingly.

How to be Safe in Yellowstone National Park

Dangers exist throughout the park, most of which are avoidable.

• The best place to view animals is inside of your car. Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 years from bison, elk, and other animals in the park. Never feed wildlife.
• The boardwalks and trails in the park’s thermal areas are there for your protection. Stay on the designated paths to avoid injury or death. Keep children close to you and never let them run on the boardwalks.
• Don’t stop in the middle of road to view wildlife. Use the pull-outs to avoid car accidents and to allow other drivers to pass. If you encounter a wildlife traffic jam, which does frequently happen, stay inside your vehicle and be patient for the animals to pass.

The Weather in Yellowstone National Park

In the spring and fall seasons, the weather during the daytime is typically between 30 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures below freezing in the teens and single digits. The summer season experiences the warmest weather (usually between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit), however, thunderstorms can happen, and nighttime temperatures can be quite cool, necessitating warm layers and rain gear. The winter season brings cold weather, settling between 0 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but don’t count this season out. The wildlife viewing is incredible, there are hardly any visitors in the park, and the natural landscapes look stunning under a blanket of snow.

Most of the park sits at 6,000 feet above sea level, or more, so the weather can be unpredictable even in the summer months. It’s best to be prepared for the weather with lots of inner and outer layers. Also, when driving in the winter months, or when roads are snow-covered, be sure to have a vehicle equipped with proper tires.

While the weather can be quite chilly (low 30s to low 60s Fahrenheit), it’s not unbearable. There are many perks for visiting the park this season. Crowds will have scattered, but wildlife will still be active—keep an eye out for bears, elk, and raptors, and lodging and camping will be more affordable and available. Not only will you see colorful foliage, but also, many of the park's animals will migrate to lower elevations due to the weather. Dawn and dusk are excellent times for wildlife viewing and the good news is that sunlight hours dwindle this season so you won't have to rise too early. Bears will be preparing for hibernation, so you may see them as they forage for food. Elk mate during the fall and you can see these creatures around Mammoth Hot Springs—or hear their bugle throughout the park. Fall is also the migration season for hawks and other raptors—don't forget to look up!

Event to check out: Free to the public, the Bridger Raptor Festival celebrates birds of prey in and around Bozeman, Montana, at the Bridger Bowl Ski Area and the Gallatin National Forest. Learn about impressive wildlife through the Wildlife Film Festival, live raptor talks and programming, and nature walks and hikes.  

There’s no doubt about it, the winter season is freezing. Exploring nature, seeing wildlife—wolves and bighorn sheep can be spotted—and experiencing the park when there are very few other tourists is the magic of this season. You’ll need to cross-country ski, snowshoe, drive a snowmobile, or ride inside of a snow coach as many of the roads will be closed. There are many winter touring companies that can provide an otherworldly, yet safe, experience. Rivers and lakes will be frozen, and the landscape will be covered in a layer of snow and ice. Driving the road from Mammoth Hot Springs to the northeast entrance is a sure bet as it’s open to traffic year-round.

Events to check out:

• Experience the Yellowstone Ski Festival each November, a cross-country skiing adventure on the Rendezvous Ski Trails. Highlights include skiing clinics, competitive races, biathlon races, gear demos, and an indoor ski show.
• The Bozeman Ice Festival is designed for winter climbers—beginner level through advanced—in Montana.
• The Cody Cowboy Christmas Stroll is a fun Wyoming community event, featuring a parade, ice carving, shopping, live music and caroling, and roasting marshmallows.

While the weather can be quite unpredictable, spring is a wonderful time to visit the park, before the substantial number of tourists arrive for summer. Be sure to check the park’s website for current conditions, road closures, construction, and openings days, which are weather-dependent. Late spring is also a neat time to view wildlife as you’ll see baby animals emerge.

• Every April, National Park Week , a presidential declaration, celebrates America’s best idea through special programming, digital experiences, and events.
• MSU Foundation Wine & Food Festival is a large social event held each spring in Billings, Montana.

The summer months experience the best weather in the park, drawing visitors from all over the world. You can expect hotel, cabin, and camping accommodation prices inside the park to be at a high. Old Faithful Inn , for example, is quite popular and you’ll have to book well in advance to stay during their opening season of May through October. If traveling in the summer, plan your vacation well ahead of your visit to make the most out of your visit.

• The Cody Stampede Rodeo , held outdoors in Cody, Wyoming, is a fun family-friendly summer event, held every year on the fourth of July weekend, since 1919.
• Yellowstone Beer Fest , also held annually in Cody, Wyoming, highlights breweries from across the country.
• The Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds and Exhibit Hall hosts the Last Stampede and Fair. Think: rodeos, parades, live music, a carnival, 4-H events, and street food.
• Learn about Native American culture by attending the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival , held in August each year on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, featuring Powwows, drumming circles, traditional dancing, and The Indian Relay Races.

The best time to visit Yellowstone is in either the fall or spring, when the crowds are not too big and the weather is still nice.

Spring is a great time to see wildlife in Yellowstone, as this is when animals like bison, bears, and wolves have recently given birth and it's possible to spot baby animals.

The park tends to be the most crowded in July and August when many families are taking advantage of summer vacation and the nice weather.

Yellowstone National Park: The Complete Guide

The Best Time to Visit Japan

10 Reasons to Visit Yellowstone in the Winter

The Best Time to Visit Spain

The Best Time to Visit Morocco

Your Trip to Montana: The Complete Guide

The Best US National Park for Every Outdoor Activity

Tips for Avoiding the Summer Crowds at National Parks

The Best Time to Visit Boston

The Best Time To Visit San Diego

The Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City

The Best Time to Visit Montana

Winter Vacations in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

Weather in Yellowstone: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Best Time to Visit Washington D.C.

Weather in Montana: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

CURRENT PRICES END MAY 12

Outside Festival feat. Thundercat and Fleet Foxes.

FROM JUST $44

Powered by Outside

When Is the Best Season to Visit Yellowstone?

That's like asking, "who is your favorite child".

There simply is no “best time” to visit Yellowstone. Every season offers something different to those who travel to the world’s first national park.

Spring in Yellowstone

Contrary to what you might experience in spring in places like Texas, California or Missouri, you will not find warm weather nor wildflowers during March, April or May in Yellowstone. It’s the most challenging time to visit the park, and the last season we’d recommend visitors come.

The spring is called the “mud season” and is a low-volume time to visit Yellowstone. It can still be cold and snowy. The remaining snow of winter thaws turning the park’s roads, trails, meadows and campgrounds—you guessed it—muddy, icy, snowy and difficult to navigate.

Many roads in the park remain closed in spring, limiting where you can go, and a lot of the facilities are closed, including hotels, restaurants and visitor centers. This season may yield swampy hiking conditions, occasional mudslides blocking parts of the Grand Loop, slushy snowpack and freezing pouring rain that could hamper activities in Yellowstone like driving, skiing, biking or boating.

The upside to going in spring? Tourism is at a minimum during these months (with good reason) leaving the park, weather and roads permitting, all to yourself. And you’ll have a chance to see baby animals. But you’ll be limited on what roads you can take, where you can go and what you can actually see.

More about  springtime in Yellowstone

 Summer in Yellowstone

The months between Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend are exceptionally beautiful, although they draw the highest volumes of families taking summer vacations and road trips.

Summers alone attract more than three million tourists, but you can beat the influx of campers and sightseers if you travel to Yellowstone early in June or September. Catch a quieter Yellowstone in the early days of September, after kids are back to school, bison are nearly done with finding mates and the mosquito swarms die down.

5 Ways to Celebrate Summer’s Arrival in Yellowstone

Autumn in Yellowstone

Leaves and grasses turn lovely yellows and oranges. There’s that slight bite in the air. And the masses of summer tourists have returned home.

Fall in Yellowstone National Park is a magical time to visit for dozens of reasons -just make sure you check for road closures (usually early November) and pack appropriately for unpredictable weather. Because fall is getting to be a more popular time to visit because crowds are lower, you’ll still want to book your reservations months in advance. Yellowstone’s best-kept secret is no longer a secret.

Visiting Yellowstone in September and early October can be especially exciting because the elk are in rut and act a little crazy. If you are a witness, stay at a safe distance .

More about  autumn in Yellowstone

Winter in Yellowstone

A winter in Yellowstone is simply magic. Steam from thermal vents and springs turn to frost on nearby trees, elk post-hole through thick snow, and geysers burst boiling hot water scattering into droplets that freeze in the air.

The season begins late in December and lasts sometimes through March, open for cross-country skiing, ice-climbing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and exploring the ski and snow vehicle trails that cut through snowy basins like Black Sand, and frozen waterfalls that shimmer like frosted chandeliers.

More about  winter in Yellowstone  and  Average Weather per Season in Yellowstone .

Pssst. Want to download an insider’s guide to Yellowstone, with information on where to stay and what to do? Order our free stunning Yellowstone Trip Planner  filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation.

Popular on Yellowstone National Park

Get a free Yellowstone trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information.

Healthy Living

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

11 Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone National Park for Easy Access and Great Views

From cozy lodges to a colonial-style landmark, here's where to stay on a visit to the three-state-spanning national treasure.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

In addition to being the country's first national park, Yellowstone is arguably the most iconic, with beautiful hot springs, geysers, and more than its fair share of wildlife. People come from all over the world to watch Old Faithful erupt and to spot one of the park's furry inhabitants, like grizzly bears, wolves, bison, foxes, lynx, moose, and elk.

Yellowstone spans 3,472 square miles within three states, so you can't expect to see it all in a day — no matter how efficiently you plan your time. You'll need a home base to rest your weary legs and dream of what tomorrow may bring. Maybe a moose encounter? How about a hike around a sprawling geothermal spring?

To help get you started on accommodations, we've assembled a list of some of Yellowstone's best hotels, lodges, and cabins. While properties within the park tend to be the most convenient, we've also included a few just outside (including one pet-friendly option that's just a mile from an entrance).

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins is a mere 10-minute walk from its namesake, and it's one of the few in-park properties that remain open in the heart of winter. You can book a room in the main lodge or relax in your own simple cabin — both offer cozy, rustic decor to round out your Western experience. The lodge has its own full-service dining room and a quick-service grill. Plus, kids ages 11 and under stay free when accompanied by an adult.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

This property on the northern end of Yellowstone National Park is a short walk from the tiered Mammoth Hot Springs (you won't want to forget your camera for this one). Much like the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, the aptly named Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins is one of the few in-park properties that stays open in the winter. Just keep in mind that the accommodations are simple, and basic rooms have shared bathrooms. You can upgrade to a room with a private bathroom, a suite with a living room and TV, or a cabin with a hot tub. Arguably the hotel's biggest perk is the herd of elk that's known to come and graze on the property's grounds.

Canyon Lodge & Cabins

This summer-only property is the park's largest, with more than 500 rooms spread across five lodges as well as 100-plus cabins to choose from. For a more rustic stay, book the latter; the hotel-style lodges are noticeably newer thanks to a multiyear redevelopment. Canyon Lodge & Cabins sits on the east side of the park, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River , and it has a restaurant, cafeteria, and deli.

Grant Village

The expansive Grant Village is made up of six two-story buildings that house 300 guest rooms. While the property is set squarely within the park (near the Abyss Pool hot spring and Big Cone geyser), it's only open during the summer months. Each room has a woodsy, casual feel and basic amenities — you won't find air-conditioning or TVs here. Major perks of Grant Village include a cabin-style restaurant that's set on a pier overlooking a lake and easy access to Grand Teton National Park .

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

Providing an elegant alternative to the ubiquitous Old West style, this National Historic Landmark overlooks Yellowstone Lake, the largest body of water in the park. The summer-only property dates from 1891 and hotel rooms are set within a restored colonial-style building. You can even stay in a two-bedroom suite that once hosted President Coolidge. Three on-site eateries include a high-end dining room serving seasonal fare.

Lake Lodge Cabins

This in-park property features one large lodge (with views over Yellowstone Lake) and just under 200 cabins, each with a private bath and Western decor. While Lake Lodge Cabins is closed from October through May, it does have two roaring fireplaces, perfect for early fall mornings, and a sprawling porch ideal for lazy summer afternoons. Located near West Thumb Geyser Basin, the property is less than 30 miles from both Old Faithful and the neighboring Grand Teton National Park.

Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn dates back to 1903 and has an in-park location that's hard to beat — it's just six minutes by foot from Old Faithful and less than three miles from Morning Glory Pool and Kepler Cascades. The draw of this inn is its iconic (and historic) stone fireplace, restaurant, and lounge. Plus, certain rooms have phenomenal geyser views.

Absaroka Lodge

While not located within Yellowstone National Park, Absaroka Lodge in Gardiner, Montana, is just 10 miles from the north entrance, which is open year-round. And unlike many properties inside the park, this lodge overlooking the Yellowstone River is open 365 days a year. All accommodations have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies, and suites with kitchens are available.

Old Faithful Lodge Cabins

Another historic park property set near Old Faithful, Old Faithful Lodge Cabins has roots that date back to the 1920s and a smattering of cabins set around a main lodge (which has tremendous views of the geyser). Certain accommodations don't have private bathrooms, so be sure to book a Frontier Cabin if a shower is non-negotiable. The summer-only lodge houses a bakery and snack shop in addition to a cafeteria.

Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins

The Roosevelt Lodge is set near a campsite once used by President Theodore Roosevelt (hence the name). It offers guests an array of rustic cabins to choose from, including some with wood-burning stoves and private baths. With a history that dates back to the 1920s, family-style dining, and a location near some of the park's most beloved waterfalls, this in-park property is hard to beat. The summer-only lodge lends itself to warm-weather activities, like trail rides, stagecoach adventures, and Western-style cookouts.

Pine Edge Cabins

The seven rustic log cabins at this property are a mere mile from the park's northeast entrance in the quiet community of Silver Gate, Montana. While this entrance is only open in the summer, Pine Edge Cabins is one of the few accommodation options that welcomes pets and has full kitchens. In your little home away from home, you'll also find a wood-burning stove, deck, and grill.

Related Articles

2 Days in Yellowstone: What to Do, See, and Eat

I f you’re only spending 2 days in Yellowstone National Park, you’ll want to hit the highlights of what to do, see, and eat in the park.

Since the park is so big, you’ll need to focus on the highlights of this area as well as maximizing your time for the most exciting trip possible.

Below, you’ll find a detailed 2-day itinerary for this incredible national park, including our suggestions on the best places to stay, great hikes to do, and where to see wildlife, perfect for first-time visitors.

As with all of the content on my website, I’ve included options that are great for the entire family. We hope you love your time in Yellowstone as much as we did!

This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.

2 Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary for Families

Where is yellowstone national park.

Yellowstone National Park is located mostly in Wyoming, but extends into both Montana and Idaho.

What’s the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park?

There are several airports within relatively close driving distance to one of Yellowstone’s 5 entrances, including those in Bozeman, Montana, and Jackson, Wyoming.

Based on the recommended activities for this short trip, the airport at Jackson, Wyoming, puts you closest to the southern entrance so you will spend less time driving and more time actually in the park.

Which park entrance and exit should I use for this trip?

Since we’re concentrating our efforts on the southern half of the park, you’ll want to enter through the southern entrance, which is closest to both Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming.

This itinerary puts you in a great location at the end to extend your time in this area by exploring Jackson and Grand Teton National Park by going back through the southern entrance.

Alternatively, you could end your time in Yellowstone by going through the eastern entrance to visit Cody, Wyoming.

Will I need a rental car for my stay in Yellowstone?

Yes, you will need a rental car for your time in Yellowstone National Park.

There isn’t any public transportation in the park, and the area that you’ll cover even on a shorter itinerary like this one is vast.

Pick up a rental car at the Jackson Hole Airport, where you’ll find Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, and Enterprise.

Do I need reservations for Yellowstone National Park?

No, Yellowstone National Park currently does not require reservations to enter the park.

You will have to pay an entrance fee ($15 per car) that is good for up to 7 days.

If you have an interagency pass, you can enter for free.

Self-guided Tour Suggestion

Since you’ll only be in Yellowstone for a few days, you might be tempted to drive around and hope for the best.

However, you will be missing out on SO many of the amazing features of this park.

To maximize your understanding of the park’s history, geology, and wildlife, I highly recommend purchasing the GuideAlong tour for Yellowstone National Park .

This affordable app was one of the highlights of our time in Yellowstone—and we also purchased the self-guided tour for nearby Grand Teton National Park , too.

The GuideAlong tour doesn’t need wifi once the tour is downloaded to your phone, and the narration starts and stops automatically as you get to each point of interest.

It was better (and much cheaper!) than having a real guide in the car since we could replay sections for clarification, or skip over sections if we were bypassing one area of the tour.

2 Day Yellowstone Itinerary Overview

Since the park is so big, you’re not going to be able to do everything in 2 short days.

Instead, we’re highlighting some of the must-do activities in the park and interspersing them with lesser known (but still incredible) stops.

This approach will give you a great taste of what Yellowstone has to offer—and will hopefully entice you to come back to explore even more of the park!

Only about 2% of Yellowstone National Park is accessible by road—and you can drive for hours and hours through the park’s various ecosystems.

There are 2 main roads within the park, which roughly make a figure 8.

Since we’ve got limited time on this trip, but we still want to do as much as possible, we’re going to focus our journey on the lower circle of this figure 8.

Essentially, we’ll work clockwise around that lower loop, starting at the bottom center, heading over to the Old Faithful area, climbing up towards Artist’s Paint Pot, then exploring the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Itinerary Day 1

Welcome to Yellowstone National Park!

The world’s first national park, Yellowstone has been wowing visitors since it was first established as a protected area in 1872.

This itinerary assumes that you’re staying in or near the park the night before, so you can be sure to start your day in the park early.

The best place to stay for an early start on Day 1 would be Grant Village, which is the first visitor area within the park from the southern entrance.

While Grant Village isn’t the most glamorous of places in the park (and it certainly isn’t nearly as fun, historic, or interesting as our favorite Roosevelt Cabins elsewhere in Yellowstone), it is quiet, safe, and comfortable.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

In any case, you’ll want to start your day just north of Grant Village in the incredible West Thumb Geyser Basin.

We’re not rushing off to Old Faithful—yet—because this often-overlooked area is well worth an early morning visit.

The West Thumb Geyser Basin has a large parking lot next to the boardwalk.

This area is one of our favorite easy hikes in Yellowstone , and it’s perfect for everyone in your family thanks to the beautiful scenery and manageable length.

There are more than a dozen major hydrothermal features here with dozens of smaller ones throughout.

You’ll even find a steam vent in the parking lot!

Along the boardwalk, you’ll find brilliantly colored hot springs, the famous Fishing Cone feature, and stunning views of Lake Yellowstone.

Take your time exploring the sights along the boardwalk, and plan to spend about an hour or so slowly walking around this area.

Old Faithful Area

When you’re ready to move on, head back to the car and continue clockwise on the lower loop road towards Old Faithful.

(If you’re listening to the GuideAlong tour for this park , the narrator will help you with directions!)

At the Old Faithful exit, head all the way down to the last parking lot, which is by the Old Faithful Lodge and diagonal to the Visitors Center.

This puts you in easy walking distance of the Visitors Center, Old Faithful, and the trailhead to dozens of other geysers.

If you plan on renting bear spray, you’ll also find a pick-up tent for Bear Aware here.

If you’re not sure if you want to rent or buy bear spray at Yellowstone , I have an entire guide breaking down the costs, pros and cons, and usage.

Geyser Schedule

Of course, you can’t get to this point in the park without seeing Old Faithful!

The world’s most famous geyser is worth stopping and waiting for. You can find an estimated time of the next eruption in the NPS app, so you’ll know if you need to hurry and find a spot on the boardwalk or leisurely explore this area.

Don’t stop there: this area has many more geysers along a paved walking and bike path. Some—like the Beehive geyser—might erupt erratically and at any time, while others have a more consistent timing.

Check the board in the visitors center for estimated times. The rangers will also make an announcement in the center when those erratic geysers are erupting.

Visitors Center

You could easily spend an hour or more in this beautiful visitors center.

There’s a great overview movie in the theatre with comfortable chairs.

You can also walk through the interpretive displays, talk with a ranger about your plans, get maps for your journey, or pick up your Yellowstone Junior Ranger booklets.

The Yellowstone Forever store is also located here. It has books, posters, sweatshirts, backpacks, stuffed animals, backpack patches, and more.

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria

Head over to the Old Faithful Lodge located along the boardwalk behind Old Faithful.

Confusingly, there are 2 other hotels in this same area: the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and the Old Faithful Inn.

We’re aiming for the huge log cabin-style hotel that’s to the left of the visitors center if your back is to the Old Faithful geyser.

Just off of the main lobby area in the Old Faithful Lodge is a cafeteria with a wide array of options ranging from burgers and burritos to salads and Asian noodle bowls.

While it isn’t the best restaurant at Yellowstone, my family appreciated the wide variety of food options available here.

Even my notoriously picky 6-year-old found something he was willing to eat (a hot dog and chocolate milk).

Grand Prismatic Springs

Next up on our itinerary is one of my family’s favorite stops in the entire park: Grand Prismatic Springs.

You can choose to experience the colorful springs in 2 different ways.

By hiking the Grand Prismatic Overlook portion of the Fairy Falls Trail, or

By using the boardwalk directly over and through the springs.

While I encourage you to do both if you have the time and interest, I’ve found that the colors of the pool can be seen much more clearly from the overlook hike, where you’re looking directly down onto the entire pool area.

The boardwalk hike gets you down next to the Grand Prismatic springs and several other, smaller hot springs, but you can’t see the color gradients as brilliantly.

NOTE: parking here can be abysmal, particularly mid-day in the peak of summer. Be patient and wait in the line of cars to get a spot in the parking lot. Alternatively, you can grab a spot on the side of the road, but we didn’t feel comfortable walking down the narrow shoulder with young kids.

Artist’s Paint Pots

If you have the energy for one more hike, I recommend stopping at Artist’s Paint Pots, which is located between Madison and Canyon Village on the lower loop road.

This short hike takes you through lodge pole pines into a hidden collection of gloopy mud pots, iron-red hot springs, and stunning views of Mount Holmes in the distance.

There are a couple of flights of stairs at various points on this hike, but most people should be able to handle them without much issue.

Overnight: Day 1

After our time at Artist’s Paint Pots, you’re likely ready for a rest and some food.

Let’s head onto our location for our overnight stay: Canyon Village Lodge.

This newer collection of large hotels is at the heart of Canyon Village, an area of the park that also offers a campground, grocery store, multiple restaurants, shopping, and a visitors center.

We’ve stayed in 2 different areas of this lodge: the Rhyolite lodge and Washburn lodge. Both had large, clean rooms, easy elevator access, and comfortable beds.

Once you’ve checked into your room, walk over to the main Canyon Village area for dinner.

There is a large cafeteria here with several options, including an Asian noodle bar, a lounge with heavy appetizers, and an American cuisine area with roast chicken and sides.

We found that the prices here were higher than the quality of foods called for, but that was the case throughout the park.

Of everything we ate in Canyon Village, the M66 appetizers platter from the lounge was the tastiest and the best value. For just under $20, we had a loaded plate of chicken wings, fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, and multiple dipping sauces.

After dinner, you can see what evening programs are being held at the visitors center, play chess back at Washburn Lodge, or sit by the fireplace in the Eatery section of the dining hall.

Itinerary Day 2

Hopefully, you wake up rested and refreshed for another action packed day in one of the world’s most beautiful national parks!

Today, we’re exploring the second half of that lower loop, and, in the process, we’ll experience some very different ecosystems than we saw on Day 1.

Have a quick breakfast in your room if you’ve stocked up on groceries, or grab something hot back over in the dining hall.

If you go the latter route, you’ll find everything from cold cereal to oatmeal bowls to bacon, egg, and hashbrown platters.

Hayden Valley

I recommend an early start for today because that’s when we’ll have the best chance to seeing wildlife like moose, bison, elk, and bears move around.

You can see wildlife at any time and in any area of the park, but the best wildlife viewing is either in Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley.

Since we don’t have time to do both, we’re heading south through Hayden Valley this morning.

Although the drive through Hayden Valley normally only takes around 30 minutes, don’t rush here.

You’ll likely see cars slowing down to get better views of the animals moving about.

If you’d like a good picture, or if an animal approaches the roadway, the best course of action is to pull over on the wide, paved shoulder.

Don’t get out of your car if the wildlife is moving towards you. Those bison might look unwieldy, but they can move surprisingly quickly if they feel provoked.

Lake Yellowstone Boat Tour

Another reason we’re heading through Hayden Valley today is to get to our ranger-led boat tour of Lake Yellowstone.

This tour is one of our recommended things to do in the park with kids as it provides a unique perspective of one of the most important features of this area—and kids generally love boats.

>> For more recommendations on what to do with your kids, see my Ultimate Yellowstone Family Vacation Guide . <<

This reasonable priced, 1 hour long tour leaves from the docks at Bay Bridge Marina.

As a reminder that wildlife could be anywhere, we found a large bison grazing right next to the docks while we waited to board our boat!

Your tour will take you along the northwestern corner of Lake Yellowstone, where you’ll learn about the hydrothermal features under the lake, see the remains of an early visitor touring boat, and learn a few ghost stories about the Lake Yellowstone Hotel.

Our guide, Ranger Jim, was full of fun facts and silly jokes which kept my kids focused during the tour. He also passed around laminated photos, maps, and charts as visual aids for each of his talking points.

Overall, this tour is a must-do on your Yellowstone trip since it is so different than anything else available in the park.

Lunch at Fishing Bridge

After your tour is over, head over to the Fishing Bridge area on your way back towards Canyon Village.

In the Fishing Bridge store is a little soda shop and grill which served up some of the best food we had in Yellowstone.

We loved the black bean burger with spicy salsa, and cheeseburgers with fries. My kids adored the grilled chicken fingers, and have eaten them multiple times in the park.

It’s also more reasonably priced than other restaurants in the park.

Plus, there’s a fun, retro vibe to the place.

End your meal with a scoop of Wilcoxson’s ice cream . The huckleberry is sharp but sweet, but I preferred the Buffalo Chip flavor with chocolate ice cream, caramel swirl, and Snickers pieces.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

To help us burn off some of that yummy lunch, we’re headed to the south rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

This geological feature isn’t discussed nearly as much as the Grand Prismatic Springs or Old Faithful, but we found it to be every bit as awe-inspiring.

If you’d like to simply view the waterfalls that bookend the canyon, you can stop at 2 places:

The Upper Falls Viewpoint on South Rim Drive, and

Artists Point at the end of South Rim Drive.

However, I’m all about getting out of the car whenever possible, so I’d recommend doing the 2 mile roundtrip hike from the Upper Falls Viewpoint to Artists Point and back.

While the trail itself is fairly flat with hard packed dirt, there are several sections where there are no guiderails and a nearly sheer drop down the walls of the canyon.

We took our 6 year old this trail, and it gave my heart more than a few scares. We ended up holding his hand and walking on the far side of the trail, but beware of that before you take really little kids on the trail.

Artists Point has a perfect view of the Lower Falls. See if you can spot the hot springs bubbling along the edges of the Yellowstone River below!

Other activities in the Canyon Village Area

If you’d like to see even more of the Canyon, drive over to the north rim.

You can tackle the steep hike to the Brink of the Lower Falls, which drops 600 feet in elevation over about a quarter-mile.

Or, you can walk around Inspiration Point for less crowded views of the yellow, gold, white, and red canyon walls.

If you’re ready for a hiking break, head over to the interpretive center at Canyon Village, where you can learn more about the geology of this area. There are some great interactive exhibits that teach visitors about earthquakes, the park’s formation, and more.

Overnight: Day 2

Your 2 days in Yellowstone is already over, but you’ve seen and done some amazing things.

I recommend another night in Canyon Village as you’re likely going to need a rest before heading out for more adventures elsewhere in Wyoming and beyond.

Need some inspiration on where to head next?

Grand Teton National Park is less than an hour away from the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and offers up stunning views of mountains, rivers, wildlife, and more.

Grand Teton National Park with Kids: A Guide

A Guide to Easy Hikes in Grand Teton

Grand Teton vs. Yellowstone: Which is Better?

2 Days in Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

Colter Bay Cabins: Best Place to Stay in Grand Teton National Park

• Latest Latest
• The West The West
• Sports Sports
• Opinion Opinion
• Magazine Magazine

These are the best U.S. national parks to visit for National Park Week

Hike, watch sunrises, encounter abundant wildlife and hang out with friends at these magnificent national parks.

By Alyssa Bradford

This week, until April 28, marks National Park Week! Throughout this period, parks, programs and various partners will host events and activities for you, family and friends to enjoy.

Whether you’re seeking the challenge of a hike, the tranquility of a scenic drive or the thrill of wildlife watching, national parks provide endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Moreover, many parks offer accessible trails, facilities and programs designed to accommodate all ages, individuals with disabilities and pets.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking landscape found in Colorado, perfect for outdoor lovers. With towering mountainous peaks, thick forests and stunning lakes, it is a great spot for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography.

Wildlife: Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bears and birds.

Personal tip: Go on the trail ridge road, which will lead you to the highest point in the national park and give you the chance to see elk from only a few feet away. For a once in a lifetime opportunity, I recommend biking, but most visitors drive up.

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is a place with cultural significance. The park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, rainforests, bamboo forests and pools.

Wildlife: Nēnē (Hawaiian goose), mongoose and ‘Ua’u (Hawaiian petrel).

Personal tip: Wake up early to make it to the sunrise. While it is possible to view the sunset on the top of the volcano, the sunrise is more spectacular, it is less crowded and you can participate in the traditional Hawaiian E Ala E chant.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park’s red rocks, found in southwestern Utah, were carved by the Virgin River. Here, visitors can explore scenic trails, hike through the Virgin River, see waterfalls and visit ancient rock art.

Wildlife: Mule deer, bats, bighorn sheep and rock squirrels.

Personal tip: Getting a permit to hike Angels Landing is worth it. The thrilling hike takes you across steep portions of the mountain, holding onto chains to safely navigate the landscape. Besides feeling accomplished, being able to view the whole park from the summit is incredible.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is located primarily in Wyoming but extends into Montana and Idaho. The park is most known for its geysers, including Old Faithful, which erupts regularly, and wildlife.

Wildlife: Bison, moose, bears, wolves and elk.

Personal tip: Visit Yellowstone in the early spring, around April. At this time, you will be able to see all of the newborn bison with their beautiful red coats. Furthermore, in early spring, it can still snow! When snow lands on a bison’s coat, it does not melt. It is incredible to see.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, located in Montana along the Canadian border, is a wilderness of mountains, ancient glaciers and lakes. Glacier has over 700 miles of trails and gives individuals the opportunity to do a wide range of activities such as whitewater rafting or horseback riding, besides hiking.

Wildlife: Bears, moose, bats, bighorn sheep, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions and pikas.

Personal tip: Plan a trip to Glacier with friends or family and spend the entire week! Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road, boating, fishing, hiking and stargazing are all available at this park, many of which activities are fun for all ages.

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy . We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Yellowstone ’s Best Episode From Each Season: Hard-Hitting, Death-Defying and Utterly Heart-Crushing

Charlie mason.

• Share on Facebook
• Show more sharing options
• Submit to Reddit
• Post to Tumblr
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on WhatsApp
• Print This Page

From the start, Yellowstone has been the TV-viewing equivalent of riding a bucking bronco: thrilling, terrifying and altogether unpredictable. Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount Network hit, which returns for the back half of its fifth and final season in November, has served up everything from a raging bull in a bar to a buffalo-related car crash, from a bear attack to enough smackdowns to leave our screens black-and-blue.

And no. No way. Don’t even think about asking us to count how many withering zingers the series’ co-creator has written for Kelly Reilly’s human tornado, Beth Dutton; we couldn’t do it if we tried. (Review the best of her best burns here .)

Today, TVLine looks back at the drama’s entire run to single out the most resonant episode from each season, whether because of the action that it packed or the depth of feeling with which it saddled us. To see which entries made the cut, just keep scrolling. Then, by all means, hit the comments to let loose with the alternative installments that you would have chosen instead.

“Daybreak” (Season 1, Episode 1)

Right from the start, Yellowstone let us know that it was a go-for-broke kinda drama. We were just getting introduced to the Duttons when all hell broke loose, and a shootout over stolen cattle resulted in John’s elder son Lee being killed by Monica’s brother Robert and Robert being killed by Monica’s husband Kayce. So, uh, yeah. Monica was gonna have a lot to deal with, and John, the mess of a lifetime to clean up.

“Resurrection Day” (Season 2, Episode 7)

Especially harrowing, even by Yellowstone ’s standards, this gut punch of an episode found Jamie not just contemplating suicide in the wake of Sarah’s murder but ready to act on that impulse, rifle in hand. As or more disturbing, the Beck brothers sent henchmen to Beth’s office, where they murdered her assistant in cold blood and brutalized her in ways that left us, if not her, traumatized for seasons to come. (Watch Rip ride to the rescue above.)

“The World Is Purple” (Season 3, Episode 10)

If anyone were ever to ask you just how bats—t crazy Yellowstone can get, your answer would almost certainly be Season 3’s insane finale. With Market Equities targeting the ranch and Jamie’s biodad just dying to dance on John’s grave, the episode concluded with the Dutton family’s patriarch being gunned down at roadside, Kayce being used for target practice in the Livestock Commissioner’s office and Beth being blown to kingdom come. Hell, there was so much going on, we never did find out what happened to poor Lug-Nut Boy. (Watch the s—t go down above.)

“Grass On the Streets and Weeds On the Rooftops” (Season 4, Episode 10)

All this installment needed to make it Season 4’s standout was the sequence in which Beth kidnapped a preacher to marry her and Rip in an impromptu backyard wedding ceremony. But the hour went a step beyond to leave jaws on the floor. Upon learning that Jamie’s biological father was responsible for John’s shooting, the bride strong-armed him into committing patricide and, arguably worse, leaving himself at her mercy. (Watch the “I dos” above.)

“Horses in Heaven” (Season 5, Episode 4)

Near the midway point of the series’ final season came this heart-shredding hour in which not only did Beth learn that Jamie, who’d taken away her ability to carry a child, had one of his own, but Monica and Kayce buried the baby whose arrival they and Tate had been so eagerly anticipating. The bittersweet highlight? John comforting Monica with the story of his ill-fated little brother who, in his father’s estimation, had lived a perfect life since all he’d known in the brief time that he’d drawn breath was his mother’s love. (Watch the poignant scene above.)

Now it’s your turn. Comment away with the Yellowstone episodes that you consider the all-time best.

Cancel reply

Email * Your email address will not be published. We will notify you when someone replies.

Rip saving beth in the office is one of the most intense scenes ever. Fighting for their lives…amazing!!

Most Popular

You may also like.