Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, is a vast and untamed wilderness teeming with geothermal wonders, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Spanning three states – Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, this iconic park offers something for every kind of traveler, from thrill-seekers and photographers to families and nature lovers. If you’re planning a visit, here’s your ultimate guide to the top things to do at Yellowstone National Park.
Things to Do at Yellowstone National Park
1. Marvel at Old Faithful Geyser
No trip to Yellowstone is complete without witnessing the park’s most famous geothermal feature—Old Faithful. This iconic geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet into the air. Be sure to check the visitor center for estimated eruption times and grab a front-row spot early!
2. Explore the Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s most colorful and breathtaking hot spring. With vibrant rings of orange, yellow, green, and blue, it looks like something from another planet. Walk the boardwalks or hike to the overlook on the Fairy Falls trail for a stunning aerial view.
3. Drive the Grand Loop Road
Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road is a 142-mile scenic route that connects the park’s major attractions. Plan at least two days to enjoy stops at places like Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake, and the Hayden and Lamar Valleys.
4. Watch Wildlife in Lamar Valley
Nicknamed the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is the best place in the park to spot wildlife, especially during dawn or dusk. Expect to see bison herds, elk, pronghorn, bald eagles, and even wolves or grizzly bears if you’re lucky. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens!
5. See the Yellowstone Falls and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Carved by the Yellowstone River, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone features steep, colorful walls and two stunning waterfalls—Upper and Lower Falls. Visit the Artist Point overlook for one of the most photographed views in the park.
6. Take a Hike
Yellowstone has over 900 miles of hiking trails ranging from short boardwalk strolls to challenging backcountry treks. Popular day hikes include:
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Mystic Falls Trail – a moderate hike with a scenic waterfall.
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Mount Washburn Trail – a strenuous climb with panoramic views and potential bighorn sheep sightings.
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Fairy Falls Trail – leads to a tall waterfall and the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook.
7. Go Boating or Fishing on Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. You can take a guided boat tour, rent a kayak, or fish along its shores. Keep in mind that permits are required for both boating and fishing, and regulations are in place to protect native species.
8. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
Located near the North Entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs features a unique landscape of cascading travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich water. Wander the boardwalks and explore the historic Fort Yellowstone area nearby.
9. Camp Under the Stars
With 12 campgrounds and over 2,000 sites, camping is a great way to immerse yourself in Yellowstone’s natural beauty. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months. For a more rustic experience, backcountry camping permits are available.
10. Attend a Ranger Program
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Park rangers offer free educational talks, wildlife walks, evening programs, and guided hikes. These programs are a great way to learn about Yellowstone’s geology, ecology, and conservation efforts from the experts.
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Tips for Visiting Yellowstone:
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Plan ahead: Lodging and campground reservations fill up months in advance.
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Be wildlife smart: Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other animals.
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Pack layers: Weather can change rapidly, especially at high elevations.
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Download offline maps: Cell service is spotty throughout the park.
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Leave no trace: Respect nature, stay on trails, and follow park rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellowstone National Park
1. Where is Yellowstone National Park located?
Yellowstone is primarily located in northwestern Wyoming, but it also extends into Montana and Idaho. The park has five main entrances: North, Northeast, East, South, and West.
2. When is the best time to visit Yellowstone?
The most popular time to visit is June through September, when all roads and services are open and wildlife is active. May and October offer fewer crowds and mild weather, while winter (December to March) offers a unique experience with guided snowmobile or snowcoach tours.
3. How many days do I need to see Yellowstone?
For a good overview, 3 to 5 days is recommended. This allows time to explore major sights like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the Lamar and Hayden Valleys for wildlife viewing.
4. What are the must-see attractions in Yellowstone?
Top attractions include:
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Old Faithful Geyser
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Grand Prismatic Spring
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Mammoth Hot Springs
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Yellowstone Lake
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Lamar Valley
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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
5. Do I need a reservation to enter Yellowstone?
No, reservations are not required to enter the park. However, campgrounds and lodges inside the park often require reservations far in advance especially during summer.
Wrap Up
Whether you’re soaking in the otherworldly geothermal features or scanning the horizon for bison and bears, Yellowstone offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be ready for awe-inspiring moments around every corner.
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