Yellowstone National Park is a crown jewel of the American wilderness. Spanning over 2.2 million acres, it’s a land of geysers, hot springs, rugged mountains, and incredible wildlife. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore more, here’s a comprehensive guide to make the most of your time in this iconic park.

Introduction to Yellowstone

Yellowstone, established in 1872, is the first national park in the world. It’s famous for its geothermal wonders, including Old Faithful, and its diverse ecosystems, home to bison, bears, elk, and wolves. Beyond the main attractions, Yellowstone offers a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. For me, visiting Yellowstone felt like stepping into another world- a place where nature takes center stage, and every moment feels like an adventure.

When to Visit

• Best Seasons:
• • Summer (June-August): Great for hiking and wildlife viewing, but expect crowds
  • Fall (September-October): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and stunning foliage
  • Winter (December-March): Unique experience with snowshoeing and wildlife spotting, but expect limited access to roads
  • Spring (April-May): See baby animals and blooming wildflowers, though some areas may still have snow
• Time of Day: This is a popular park, so arrive early to popular spots like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring

How to Get There

• Nearest Airports: 
• • Bozeman, Montana (BZN)
  • Jackson, Wyoming (JAC)
  • Idaho Falls (IDA)
• Driving: Yellowstone has five entrances- North, Northeast, East, South, and West. Choose one based on your starting point and itinerary

Park Fees and Passes

• Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle for 7 days
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80 for unlimited access to all national parks for a year

Where to Stay

• Camping: 
  • Inside the park: Madison, Grant Village, and Canyon campgrounds are popular options (book early!)
  • Outside the park: National forests offer more affordable and less crowded alternatives, but because this park is so large I recommend staying in the park to reduce driving times
• Lodging: Old Faithful Inn and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are iconic choices, but be sure to book well in advance
• Nearby Towns: West Yellowstone and Gardiner offer convenient lodging and amenities

Itinerary:

Day 1: Geyser Basin Highlights

Excelsior Geyser Crater on the Midway Geyser Basin Trail

Start your adventure by entering Yellowstone through the West Entrance, perfect for exploring the park’s famous Geyser Basin area. Here’s what to do:

1. Firehole Falls Drive: Begin with a scenic drive alone Firehole Falls to enjoy a picturesque waterfall and river views.
2. Artists Paintpots: Stroll through bubbling mud pots and colorful geothermal features.
3. Norris Geyser Basin: Walk the boardwalks of one of the hottest and most dynamic geothermal areas in the park. Don’t miss Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world, which erupts unpredictably but is an incredible sight if you’re lucky.
4. Grand Prismatic Springs: Visit Midway Geyser Basin to marvel at this iconic rainbow-hued spring. For the best view, take the Fairy Falls Trail to an overlook offering a stunning perspective of the spring’s vibrant colors.
5. Old Faithful: Watch the famous geyser erupt (occurs every 60-90 minutes) and explore the nearby Upper Geyser Basin Boardwalk, home to a concentration of geysers.

Where to Stay: For convenience, consider staying at Canyon Campground, which puts you closer to tomorrow’s early start. Be sure to reserve your site in advance.

Day 2: Northern Loop & Wildlife Watching

Bear Cub in Lamar Valley

Get up early and head to the Northern Loop for a day filled with wildlife and scenic beauty.

1. Lamar Valley: Arrive at sunrise for the best chance to see bison, wolves, bears, and other wildlife. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to fully appreciate the animals in their natural habitat.
2. Hike Trout Lake: A short, scenic hike offering peaceful views of a pristine alpine lake. The trail is family-friendly and provides a chance to spot otters and waterfowl.
3. Tower Falls: Take a short walk to this striking waterfall surrounded by towering rock formations.
4. Mammoth Hot Springs: Explore the boardwalks and terraces of this unique geothermal area. The limestone formations are created by mineral deposits and constantly changing.

Where to Stay: For convenience, consider staying at Canyon Campground again. Take advantage of the facilities for a hot shower and laundry after your day.

Day 3: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a highlight of the park.

1. Upper Falls and Lower Falls Viewpoints: Visit these iconic waterfalls and admire their power and beauty
2. Brink of the Lower Falls: Hike to this viewpoint for an up-close perspective of the cascading water.
3. Artist Point: Enjoy the quintessential view of the canyon with its dramatic cliffs and colorful layers.
4. Inspiration Point: Discover a unique vantage point for photographing the canyon.
5. Yellowstone Lake: End your day with a relaxing visit to the largest high-elevation lake in North America.

Where to Stay: I recommend staying at Bridge Bay Campground.

Day 4: Lakes and Geysers

West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail

Wrap up your Yellowstone adventure with a day focused on geysers and lakeshore exploration.

1. West Thumb Geyser Basin: Walk along the boardwalk to see colorful geothermal features on the edge of Yellowstone Lake.
2. Explore Yellowstone Lake: Spend time soaking in the serenity of this expansive lake, with options for picnicking or easy lakeside walks such as Storm Point Trail.
3. Hayden Valley: Visit this nearby valley for more chances to spot wildlife.

Where to Stay: To make your drive out of the park easier the next day, consider staying at Madison Campground. Be sure to reserve your campsite in advance.