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Last updated: March 13, 2024

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PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

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The First U.S. National Park Is Still Iconic as Ever — How to Visit

Here’s everything you need to know before planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park.

• Planning Your Visit

How to Get There

• Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do in the Park

Wildlife and natural features, places to stay, places to eat.

Daniel Ribar/Travel + Leisure

Yellowstone National Park, which straddles Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite national park , and it was the most popular park in 2023 according to Google . So what’s all the fuss about? Well, it has otherworldly geothermal elements, is a treasure chest of iconic megafauna and elusive predators, and, frankly, is simply stunning. 

You could spend years here and still find something new to be awestruck by. Unfortunately, many people who visit barely scratch the surface. T+L spoke to two Yellowstone experts, Daryl Hunter and Linda Veress, who want visitors to take a bigger bite out of the park. “I recommend people get out of their vehicles and walk around, go for a walk. So many people will just drive around and around. Even if it’s just a short walk around the boardwalk, being outside, experiencing the peace makes a huge difference,” Veress said. 

“A mistake some people make is they go to the first puff of steam they see, and then they see it, and it’s okay, and then the second one, and it is okay. And then they’re tired of looking at okay springs, and they drive right by the good ones and miss them,” Hunter said. 

We don’t want you to miss the good ones. Enter: this guide to Yellowstone National Park. 

Meet the Experts

• Daryl Hunter has lived near Yellowstone since 1987, exploring every corner of the park as a wildlife and landscape photographer and interpretive guide. 
• Linda Veress is a park spokesperson who has worked and lived in Yellowstone for ten years.

Planning Your Visit 

Daniel Ribar/Travel + Leisure

You don’t need to reserve a spot for your vehicle to enter Yellowstone National Park. Just remember that if you’re coming in through the South Entrance, you’ll pass through Grand Teton National Park first. There are separate entrance fees for each park, ranging from $20.00 to $35.00.

That said, you'll need to book accommodations and campsites well in advance — Yellowstone gets packed fast. “It’s not a place that [visitors] want to show up and think that they’ll be able to get a place to stay at the last minute,” Veress said. 

If everything is booked inside the park, no problem — there are gateway communities you can stay in. “The closest ones will be West Yellowstone and Gardener. Those are just outside the park entrances. Some people will drive in from Jackson or Cody, but those are farther away,” Veress said.

Once you’re in the park, plan your time wisely. “You can spend a big week out there. Most people spend about three days or so,” Hunter said. If you only have a few days, follow Hunter’s advice: “Do the lower loop the first day, the upper loop the second day. The upper loop has more wildlife and fewer thermal features, and the lower area has many thermal features.” He also recommends that if you’re that close, you might as well drive to Jackson Hole for a day and see Grand Teton . 

Tamas-V/Getty Images

Yellowstone has five entrances. The year-round North Entrance and the Northeast Entrance are closest to the northern loop, Mammoth Hot Springs, and more wildlife; the West Entrance is excellent for seeing geysers; the East Entrance is on the lake; and the South Entrance is closest to Jackson. You’ll need a car if you’re not on a guided tour.

Consider flying into Bozeman, Montana , or Jackson, Wyoming. You can also fly into Salt Lake City or Idaho Falls. Car rentals are typically cheaper from Idaho Falls or Bozeman than from Jackson. You can even fly into Jackson, spend a few days there before heading to Yellowstone, and then drop off your car in Bozeman or vice versa.

Best Time to Visit 

kwiktor/Getty Images

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park varies depending on what you’re after. The summer season, typically from mid-April to the end of October, is ideal for traditional sightseeing, camping, and hiking. Most of the park’s roads are open during this time, allowing easy access to popular attractions.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting in May or June before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. These times offer a more peaceful experience with fewer visitors and better rates. Additionally, scheduling visits to popular areas like Old Faithful during early or late hours can help avoid peak crowds.

The park is quieter in the colder months, but has limited access. Only one road remains open year-round, so there are fewer opportunities for exploration unless you hop on a snowmobile tour. Access to the park’s interior is restricted to these guided tours. “You can stay at the snow lodge at Old Faithful and take ski trips. It’s a different way to see the park,” Veress said.

Visit Lower Geyser Basin.

To get a good sense of Yellowstone’s geothermal features, Hunter likes “everybody to see the Lower Geyser Basin , where the Fountain Paint Pot is. If you go to those two, you don’t have to go to other springs if you don’t have a lot of time.” The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is an easy half-mile trail. 

See Grand Prismatic Spring.

Grand Prismatic Spring is an iconic sight in Yellowstone. The Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail allows you to see its shocking blue and orange colors from above, or you can follow the wooden walkway right next to it. 

Ride a snowmobile or snowcoach.

If you visit Yellowstone in the winter , you have some exceptionally neat options to explore the park. Roads close, which limits your transportation to snowmobiles and snowcoaches — the only ways you’ll be able to see Old Faithful and Lower Falls. “If you don’t like being cold, you can take the snow coach. And make your reservations a long time ahead,” advised Hunter. Excursions sell out quickly.

Take a vintage car tour.

Hunter highlighted the unique experience of touring Yellowstone in vintage vehicles with retractable canvas roofs and panoramic windows. These historic yellow buses were initially introduced in the 1920s. Today, eight vintage White Motor Co. buses can show you the park in style.

Go for a ride.

“We have commercially guided outfitters that do either day or overnight horseback rides in the park,” Verress said. So, although no barns are actually in park bounds, you can still get in the saddle. For a truly memorable trip with another kind of ungulate, look into llama treks. 

See Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Many people Hunter has taken on tours prefer this spectacular waterfall — in what’s dubbed the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone — to Old Faithful. “Lower Yellowstone Falls is a highlight for everybody,” he said. 

Best Hikes 

Yellowstone offers plenty of accessible flat and paved paths and boardwalks that can easily take up an entire day, but if you have the time and ability, definitely head out on a day hike. Hunter especially likes the 1.6-mile hike to Fairy Falls, which shares its trailhead with the path to Grand Prismatic Overlook. You can extend your journey to Spray and Imperial geysers if you're up for further adventure. 

Storm Point Nature Trail takes you to a beautiful lake lookout (and a colony of yellow-bellied marmots). The kid-friendly Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek, and Little Firehole Loop is 3.5 miles and offers waterfalls and panoramic vistas of Biscuit Basin. The Lamar River Trail to Cache Creek takes you through meadows that become blanketed in wildflowers in June and July.

Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife is one of its main draws, the keystone species being majestic bison and elk, grizzly and black bears, and gray wolves. 

The best time to catch a glimpse of grizzly bears and wolves is in the spring, particularly in northern regions like the Lamar Valley. “A good place to see black bears is in the vicinity of Tower Junction,” Hunter said. “There is a five-mile radius right around Tower Junction.” But you can also see them further south: “The Hayden Valley has gotten really good over the past 10 years,” he said.

If you’re eager to see bison, July and August are your best bets, especially in Hayden Valley where hundreds of bison will likely be roaming and causing traffic jams. “That’s the breeding season, and it’s a fun time to watch them because they’re all animated and looking for the ladies,” Hunter said.

Come September, during the rut — when male elk battle for dominance — early mornings come alive with elk bugling. Mammoth, Hayden Valley, and Madison Valley are great spots to see the show.

Courtesy of One&Only Resorts

Like anything, the best place to stay Yellowstone depends on your preferences, as luxury accommodations rub elbows with affordable lodges and campsites. Since Yellowstone is vast and involves significant driving, Veress recommends prioritizing where you stay based on what you want to see most. Different parts of the park offer distinct experiences, such as geothermal areas, wildlife viewing, and the lake area. For instance:

• Consider staying near Old Faithful or West Yellowstone for geothermal attractions and activities. “You can get some good lodging just on the border of Yellowstone and West Yellowstone, Montana, and Gardener, Montana,” said Hunter. “It’s usually easier to get reservations in those places, and you’re still right next to the park. 
• For hiking and higher elevations, lodging near Cooke City might be preferable.

Old Faithful Inn

Many lodgings within Yellowstone are old-fashioned and antique in style but still wonderful because of their historical charm. Yellowstone’s in-park lodge, Old Faithful Inn , built in 1903, is right by the eponymous geyser and, according to Hunter, “a work of art.” He elaborates: “That’s a cool place to stay. Make sure that you get one of the rooms with the bathroom.” The older rooms don’t have ensuite bathrooms; you must go down the hall. But they’re still an incredible look at how things were in the early 1900s. 

Lake Hotel and Cabins

Lake Hotel , constructed in 1895, is another charming historic venue. Its architecture resembles the colonial style commonly found on the East Coast during that era. 

Glamping with Excursionist

For an incredibly luxe experience, Excursionist , a luxury tour operator, offers a private camp experience . They’ll build you and your travel mates a custom camp with flushing toilets, cozy comforters, and private naturalist-led tours. 

One&Only Moonlight Basin

Located in Big Sky, Montana, One&Only Moonlight Basin is about an hour from Yellowstone. Although not within the park, it’s a more than acceptable luxury option when the in-park hotels inevitably book up a year before your planned trip. 

Getting out into nature is what it’s all about, right? Yellowstone has 2,000 campsites across 12 campgrounds, plus endless backcountry sites. The best Yellowstone campsites for a night in the great outdoors include Mammoth Campground (the only campground open year-round); the seasonal Madison Campground , where you can see bison grazing and meadows blooming in spring and summer and elks in the fall; and Grant Village Campground , which is close to conveniences like a restaurant, gas station, and visitor center.

Yellowstone National Park’s dining options range from full-service restaurants in historic hotels like Mammoth Hotel and Old Faithful Inn to grab-and-go eateries. Bear Pit Lounge at Old Faithful Inn offers dining right by the iconic geyser.

Outside the park in West Yellowstone, try Madison Crossing ’s locally inspired menu, which includes bison nachos, trout cakes, and elk strip steak. Espresso West is a popular coffee cabin known for its simple setup and menu of morning staples.

Of course, you can’t beat a packed lunch picnic.

Related Articles

The Perfect 3 to 4 Days in Yellowstone Itinerary

Last Updated on February 29, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a thorough 3 to 4 days in Yellowstone itinerary is essential when visiting this gorgeous natural area straddling Wyoming and Montana. As one of popular parks in the US (and the first created) it is for good reason. Powerful geysers, colorful hot springs, wildlife, and more all await visitors upon their arrival to Yellowstone.

There is a lot to see and do in this iconic national park so this guide will take you through all of the essential information that you need to know before visiting Yellowstone.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone is a huge park. There are countless features and areas to explore. If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Yellowstone, three to four days is the minimum amount.

With 3 days, you’re going to be able to see a good portion of the Park’s highlights and have enough time to explore them. If you can spend 4 days, this will give you more time to dig deeper and enjoy America’s oldest national park even more!

A three-day or four-day visit is generally packed solid with activities. If you can make it happen, it’s ideal to spend 5 days in Yellowstone or even longer in the park as there’s always more to explore in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone is a popular park with lots of things to do, but it can be hard to decide between visiting here or other nearby parks, such as Yellowstone or Glacier or even Yellowstone or Grand Teton . If you decide to visit any of them, just make sure you budget enough time.

Getting To & Around Yellowstone

Yellowstone is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with parts of the park extending into Montana .

If you’re visiting from far away, the nearest major airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Here you can rent a car to drive throughout the park. There are several main entrances to the park where you’ll be able to purchase a park pass, one per vehicle. 

The main entrances of Yellowstone are each near a major section of the park, so try to create a trip that begins in the area of the park you reach first to save yourself some driving time.

The North Entrance is closest to Mammoth Hot Springs, West Entrance is closest to the geyser basin, South Entrance is closest to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, East Entrance takes you to Yellowstone Lake, and the Northeast Entrance is nearest to the valleys known for their wildlife spotting.

The best way to see Yellowstone is by car. There is no public transportation throughout the park, so having a car at your disposal for transportation is necessary. This is especially true if you visit any of the valleys known for wildlife sightings. The roads are easily accessible and marked with clear signage. 

If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com which shows prices from many car hire suppliers. Alternatively, you can look at renting an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy which could be a good option if travelling to Yellowstone from further away such as from Denver or driving from Seattle.

Yellowstone experiences a dramatic change between seasons. While visiting any time of year grants you exceptional views, you should make sure to pack accordingly. A visit in winter warrants winter boots, a large jacket, and other supplies to keep you warm.

You might also consider bringing tire chains or installing winter traction tires on your vehicle. Summers are comfortable and warm. Pack comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet exploring the various hot spring and geyser areas, and clothes you’re comfortable moving around in. 

Lodging in Yellowstone comes in several forms. During the summer months, you should consider camping in one of the park’s many fitted campgrounds. Make sure you book a campsite as far in advance as possible.

Yellowstone is popular and campgrounds fill up months in advance. If camping is not your desired overnight accommodation, consider staying in a yurt or lodge instead. You can also choose to stay just outside the park for a slightly more affordable option.

3 to 4-Day Yellowstone Itinerary

Keep in mind that your Yellowstone trip can be as personalized as you want. The best places highlighted here are suggested favorites throughout the park to inspire your trip planning. Yellowstone has a little something to offer everyone and you should take advantage. 

Day 1 – Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Hot Spring & More

West thumb geyser basin.

Kick off day one at the West Thumb Geyser Basin and you’ll be hooked on Yellowstone. Located along Yellowstone Lake, there is a great contrast between the sprawling lake and the steaming colorful pools of water side by side.

Some of the area’s most impressive features lie close to the lakeshore: Abyss Pool and Black Pool. Both pools are vibrantly blue and deep, inspiring their names. The Fishing Cone, also known as Hot Spring Cone, is another favorite feature of the West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin

After exploring the West Thumb, head over to the postcard image of Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful. This geyser was discovered in 1870. It drew attention because of its predictable and frequent eruptions, unlike other geysers in the park and is one of the most popular and best things to do in Yellowstone.

You can sit back and relax on the porch of the Old Faithful Lodge while enjoying these regular eruptions. Don’t leave the area when you’re done at Old Faithful. Stay to explore the Upper Geyser Basin. The Sponge Geyser, Castle Geyser, Beehive Geyser, and much more all await your discovery. 

Midway Geyser Basin

The Midway Geyser Basin might have few hot springs, but the ones it does boast are huge. Here you’ll find the Excelsior Geyser, a 200 by 300-foot crater that pushes out over 4,000 gallons of water per minute.

There are a variety of hot springs, ranging in size, color, and temperature. Walk the boardwalk through this geyser basin to enjoy its impressive sites. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Grand Prismatic. 

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring

You’ve most likely seen photos of the Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s one of the most well known and impressive hot springs in the entire park.

Grand Prismatic is the largest spring in the park and third largest in the world, you most likely won’t be able to see the opposite side through the steam while visiting. The pool’s water travels 121 feet to reach the surface. It’s a cannot-miss site when you visit Yellowstone National Park. 

Day 2 – More Geysers & Hot Springs

Lower geyser basin.

On day two, continue your journey through the park’s thermal sites by starting at the Lower Geyser Basin. Here you’ll find an array of hot springs and geysers. There are two trails you can choose from to explore the area: Morning Mist Springs and the Quagmire Group or Sentinel Meadows.

Make sure to visit the nearby Fountain Paint Pots, where you’ll find several vents pushing through thick mud. The SIlex Springs and Celestine Pool are two popular hot springs.

Norris Geyser Basin

Norris is known for being the oldest and hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone. It’s located outside the caldera that composes Yellowstone and on the intersections of some major faultlines, making it one of the most active areas in the park.

The most popular attraction is the Steamboat Geyser, also known as the tallest geyser in the world. However, it only erupts once every 5 to 21 days. You can explore both the Back Basin and Porcelain Basin while here.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs was created over thousands of years as calcium carbonate flowed from the ground and hardened. Today, these stark white travertines cascade down the hillside, pouring steam and boiling water from their cracks.

Like Norris, Mammoth Hot Springs is located outside the caldera but is fueled by the same geothermal energy that powers the rest of Yellowstone. While visiting the area, keep an eye out for elk resting in the travertine hot springs. 

Boiling River Hot Spring

The colorful hot springs throughout the park look enticing to jump in, but their intense temperatures prevent it. However, there is one place where you can soak in water heated by the Yellowstone caldera.

The Boiling River is where water from a large hot spring feeds into the Gardner River, mixing the river’s cool water with the spring’s boiling temperature to create a pleasantly warm section. A portion of the river is blocked off by a rock wall to create small soaking pools aside from the river’s rapids. 

Day 3 – Tower Falls, Lamar Valley & Blacktail Plateau

This 132-foot waterfall is tucked back in a canyon yet easily accessible. Iconic photos of the waterfall show the pinnacles that stand above where the waterfall begins to cascade down. They were formed by a lava flow that cracked and parted as it cooled.

If you’re looking for an easy hike to warm up on day three, this is it. There is a paved trail leading 150 yards to an overlook of the waterfall. 

Lamar Valley

If spotting wildlife is a favorite activity of yours, a visit to Lamar Valley should be high on your Yellowstone road trip. The best time to visit the valley is in the early morning or late evening as this is when most animals are out searching for food.

Keep your eyes peeled for elk, bears, coyotes, and bison throughout the valley. You’ll want to have your binoculars and camera ready. Make sure to drive carefully as animals frequently dart across the road. 

Blacktail Plateau

For a drive that’s off the beaten path (literally), check out Blacktail Plateau. This 6-mile one-way dirt road zigzags through the backwoods and meadows of the Mammoth Hot Springs region.

It’s another great opportunity to spot wildlife in action but without the crowds you’ll most likely find at Lamar Valley. Make sure you research the road conditions ahead of your visit and bear in mind that RVs, buses, and trailers aren’t allowed. 

Day 4 – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mud Volcanoes & More

Grand canyon of the yellowstone.

Your fourth and final day in Yellowstone begins with a visit to one of the park’s most iconic destinations. The yellow-tinted walls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone inspired the park’s name. Here is where you’ll find the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

You can hike along the south rim of the canyon, but make sure to walk carefully and wear good hiking shoes as there are places where there’s no trail barrier. 

Hayden Valley

This expansive sub-alpine valley is another favorite destination for wildlife spotting in Yellowstone National Park. The valley floor is an ancient lake bed. Here you’ll find buffalo, elk, wolves, coyotes, and grizzly bears.

Like Lamar Valley, make sure you visit in the early morning or evening. If you want to catch the wildlife and avoid the crowds, try the morning. Anticipate running into traffic if you visit in the evening. 

Mud Volcano

Yellowstone is filled with vibrant and colorful pools, but it also has boiling pots of mud. The mud volcanoes contrast the tranquil hot springs with their brown, smelly, and bubbling mud that nearly blend in with the landscape if it weren’t for the steam and bubbles.

The Sulfur Caldron is a favorite – a site you’ll smell before you see. A walk through the mud volcano area during your 4 days in Yellowstone NP will round out your entire trip to the park. 

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high elevation lake, sitting at 7,733 feet above sea level. It has 110 miles of shoreline for you to explore. The historic Yellowstone Lodge sits right alongside the lake and provides a quiet resting place after a long day of exploring the park. If you want to experience the lake up close, consider rowing or kayaking. 

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone

If you’re spending 3 days in Yellowstone or if you have time for 4, then you’re going to need to find a great place to stay that’s located close to the national park.

Bentwood Inn – This luxury hotel is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a place to stay that is within easy reach of Yellowstone. Located in Wilson, WY, they have countless plush rooms on offer, breakfast included each morning, and they even offer wine and cheese for guests in the evenings.

Yellowstone Park Hotel – Located in West Yellowstone, Mt, this mid-range hotel is an excellent choice. Located close to Yellowstone NP’s western entrance, they have a number of great rooms available and even have an on-site swimming pool.

Private Rental – A private rental — like this cabin close to the Park’s west entrance — is a great option if you’re after a bit of privacy or want your own self-catering option while visiting the park. There are countless properties to choose from that will suit most budgets and tastes.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Yellowstone hotels!

Your time in Yellowstone National Park will be well spent no matter how you structure your days. It’s most important that you craft a trip that fits your interests. Take this route as inspiration while creating your itinerary for Yellowstone. 

Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone? Have any questions about visiting this national park? Let us know in the comments!

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12 Best Stops on a Seattle to Glacier National Park Road Trip

10 Best Stops on a Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

A wonderful itinerary for a short visit! However, due to maintenance work and road closures any routes cannot be completed as planned, especially if planning a trip in late spring and summer. My husband and I have had the good fortune to have visited Yellowstone several times on longer trips, staying outside the Park, i. e West Yellowstone, Cody, WY. and Red Lodge, MT which provided access from different entrances. Also a drive to the Park via the Bear Tooth Highway (from Red Lodge) is a must see. In addition to road closures and maintenance work, one has to factor in time lost due to backups on roadways due to animal sightings and animals on the roads.

thanks for the post Audrey,, just too man variations and options for yellowstone.. I think we’ll use this as a foot hold and plan around it !!!

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The complete guide to Yellowstone National Park

Apr 15, 2021 • 19 min read

Yellowstone National Park is the rare destination that lives up to its own mythology ©Matt Munro/Lonely Planet

This place was named not by the French fur trappers who wandered through in the late 1700s looking for pelts or by John Colter – the member of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition who struck off on his own and stumbled across a place so uncanny his reports of what he saw were dismissed as pure fantasy. Yellowstone was named by the Indigenous Hidatsa people whose phrase  Mi tsi a-da-zi  called attention to the unusual hue of the stones lining the Yellow Rock River.

For thousands of years, Yellowstone's unique landscape has changed in ways both dramatic and minute. It's also continued to attract visitors, whether they're the ancestors of the Hidatsa following winter game, colonial-era settlers, or vacationing families on a classic summer road trip. There's certainly no bad time to visit Yellowstone. Open ten months out of the year, there's something new to experience in any season. And while some elements like wildlife and weather can be unpredictable, one thing is for sure. Whether you're visiting for the very first time or you've come back again and again over the years, you're in for a treat whenever you set foot in the park.

From strolling the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk to see famous spouts like Old Faithful or making your way through the mist around Grand Prismatic Spring to enjoying a winter safari through the Lamar Valley and cross-country skiing to Lone Star Geyser, there's a little something for everyone. 

Here's what you need to know to start planning your trip – and for more detail pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks travel guide  and Yellowstone National Park Planning Map.

Editor's note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Yellowstone National Park began a phased reopening on June 1. Services and facilities will remain limited through 2020. Check the  national park website  for the latest info.

About Yellowstone National Park

Millions of years ago, this was a fairly ordinary swath of rivers, mountains, and grassy valleys. But then a geologic hot spit that once sat underneath what is now Idaho's  Craters of the Moon National Monument  shifted to the northeast where the Rocky Mountains meet the Snake River Plain. A long, slow drift to the confluence of what is now Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and one cataclysmic eruption later, the place we now know as Yellowstone was born – including its famous geysers, hot springs, and travertine falls.

Since then, Yellowstone's living, breathing landscape continues to evolve. Beneath the boardwalks tourists criss-cross to see the park's thermal features, under the rolling rivers and the paws of bears and wolves is a vast super caldera, the mouth of a series of massive eruptions, the last of which occurred as recently as 630,000 years ago. The park's colorful, superheated paintpots, springs, and boiling rivers are the product of ongoing volcanic activity underneath a thin layer of the earth's crust, while its dramatic canyons reveal where the Yellowstone River has carved through millennia of hardened lava flows that have built up stunning basalt cliffs and ridges. 

The Indigenous tribes who wintered in Yellowstone specialized obsidian tools made from all that abundant volcanic material endemic to the area. These arrow and spear points were so highly prized that they have been found in archeological sites far east of the Mississippi, working their way down long, well-established trade routes between tribes. Despite the unique landforms and abundance of resources, however, Yellowstone didn't attract serious interest from white colonizers until after the Civil War, when the Cook-Folsom-Peterson Expedition arrived in 1869.

Unlike previous visitors from back east, whose accounts were taken as the stuff of myth, fantasy, and salesmanship, the Folsom party's accounts of what they saw in Yellowstone were taken seriously, backed up by maps and detailed surveying notes. It didn't take long for colonial settlers who'd arrived in the region on the heels of so-called Indian Removal to begin advocating for preserving the area, rather than opening it up to private developers for logging and mining.

Those recommendations were quick to reach the U.S. government in Washington D.C. By 1872, photographs and paintings by artists like Thomas Moran were amazing the public back east and won over not only the populace, but politicians, too. President Ulysses S. Grant made Yellowstone the country's first national park that year expressly "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people" – a surprising choice in a rapidly industrializing nation that often saw wilderness not as a playground, but a resource to exploit. 

The decision to establish Yellowstone as a national park had stunning implications, and arguably ushered in the first real era of American tourism and outdoor recreation. Wealthy visitors made the long journey to Wyoming territory on brand new rail lines and stayed in luxurious lodges, touring Yellowstone in bright yellow stage coaches. Eventually, America's growing middle class followed in the first automobiles and RVs , eager to see the mythic American west for themselves.

The creation of Yellowstone also gave rise to the whole National Parks Service when further lands like Yosemite and Sequoia were designated as national parks nearly 20 years later. Park rangers, too, were a new invention descended from a post-Civil War military in need of a new assignment. Soldiers who'd once served on the front lines against the Confederacy found themselves defending Yellowstone from vandals and outlaws who hadn't yet grasped the concept of conservation.

Major Attractions

Today, Yellowstone is a smorgasbord of things to do and see, and some of its very best features are incredibly easy to access. That said, there's also plenty of ways for adventurers to work up a sweat, like climbing to the top of the park's many summits or taking in views of the caldera from the shore of Yellowstone Lake while you drop a fishing line into its depths. From peeping wildlife in the Lamar Valley to dipping off the beaten path on a guided horseback tour, Yellowstone is as rich in experiences as it is in natural wonders.

Thermal Features

Some of the most famous and eye-catching features in the park, including Old Faithful , the Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Fountain Paint Pot  trail, Mud Volcano , West Thumb Geyser Basin, Norris Geyser Basin , Porcelain Basin, and the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces are viewable year-round.

The park's many thermal areas are connected by scenic drives and, once you arrive, smooth boardwalks punctuated by plenty of bump outs for photo opportunities. While the scenery is ceaselessly spectacular, steamy, and mysterious, the rainbow hues of the thermal features and their attendant bacterial colonies pop – especially in the winter, when they contrast technicolor bright against banks of fresh snow.

Stunning Vistas

Tower Fall is a must-see, cascading 132 feet over dramatic volcanic towers into the Yellowstone River like something out of  Lord of the Rings.  The viewpoint is just a short walk from a place to park and the adjacent Tower Fall Campground .

Despite the less evocative name, Lower Falls is an even more impressive scene. For one, it's the tallest waterfall in the park, over twice as high as Tower Fall and bigger even than Niagara back east. It's viewable from multiple points on the rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, including the aptly named Lookout Point and Artist Point, as well as Red Rock Point, and Uncle Tom's Trail .

Inspiration Point is one of the best spots to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone in all its glory. If you're short on time and wondering what to see on your first visit to the park and what to save for subsequent, longer tours, squeeze in Inspiration Point for sure.

Point Sublime is just a short mile-long nature walk with views that offer more of the Grand Canyon's details and brilliant shifts in color – a product of the area's rich geologic history and volcanic origins. It's especially thrilling to see steam rising up from small fumaroles on the canyon walls and along the banks of the river, suggesting just how much the Yellowstone landscape is a living, breathing thing, and how much activity is literally bubbling just out of view.

Yellowstone Wildlife

Bison are everywhere in Yellowstone and you're sure to see some any time of year – possibly quite close, as they aren't shy about stopping traffic to cross the street or amble down the road at their own pace. While it's important to keep your distance, stay in your vehicle, and never, ever feed wildlife of any species, the chance to see one of North America's most iconic animals in its natural habitat is something special indeed. 

That said, there are many more animals to view in Yellowstone than just these fuzzy giants, and you'll be sure to see many visitors armed with telescoping lenses and binoculars who are hoping to get a glimpse of the park's permanent residents, including grey wolves, elk, moose, mountain goats, bears, lynx, coyotes, mule deer, foxes, otters, and wolverines.

One of the best ways to see wildlife is to visit in the winter and take a tour on one of Yellowstone's snow coaches. The park's knowledgeable, close-knit team of guides are well-versed in where to find wildlife day-to-day and have the best shot at getting you where you need to be to catch a glimpse. Plus, they do the driving so you're free to keep your eyes peeled and your hands on your camera to catch thrilling split-second moments like foxes diving high in the air to "plonk" down on their prey.

Watching wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

Hiking and Backpacking

Yellowstone doesn't have quite the athletic reputation of parks like Yosemite, Arches, or Zion , which are practically synonymous with American rock climbing and canyoneering. But there's plenty in Yellowstone best seen from the trail or ski track to please outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels – just remember to pick up a backcountry camping permit if you'll be heading out on overnight.

Morning Glory Pool sits not far from the Upper Geyser Basin and is well worth adding a little extra perambulation. The colors are even more brilliant in person than in photos, set off by lush, muted stands of evergreens.

Lone Star Geyser  can be reached by hike, mountain bike or cross-country ski tracks – an outing which follows a picturesque section of the Firehole River to an impressive 45-foot high gusher that erupts roughly every three hours. Coincidentally, that's about long it'll take you to make the out-and-back if you're on foot.

Bunsen Peak is a moderate to challenging hike of under five miles that's named for the same gent who invented the Bunsen burners you might have used in high school chemistry class. It offers expansive views of the northern part of the park around Mammoth Hot Springs – especially with the residual effects of the 1988 fires that swept through Yellowstone.

Electric Peak is a strenuous undertaking, spanning 20 miles of prime Yellowstone terrain and 3,808 feet of elevation gain and loss. Bring your bear bells and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views, fields of goldenrod, and glimpses of Yellowstone's varied geologic layers as you climb to the summit. You might even see a moose, especially if you turn this from a dawn-to-dusk day hike into a short backpacking trip.

The Black Canyon of the Yellowstone is a hard 13 miles, but it's full of adventurous details like a suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River, the cascade of Knowles Falls, and ancient rock slides. Follow in the footsteps of Teddy Roosevelt, early Yellowstone explorers, and even miners as you make your way to Eagle Creek Campground and back.

Insider’s guide to Yellowstone: where to trek and geyser gaze without the crowds

Watersports in Yellowstone

You can't take your kayak out on Yellowstone's streams – fair enough, since half of them have well-earned names like the Boiling River . But you can paddle Yellowstone's lakes and ponds, including Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake, and Shoshone Lake . There's a lot to see that's well worth the upper body workout.

Anglers will be rewarded with abundant fish, including some species native to the park. Wildlife watchers will appreciate the opportunity to observe fauna on the shore without ending up in a bison jam or rubbing elbows with other visitors. And yakpackers have the unique ability to reach remote areas of the park not on foot, but one paddle stroke at a time.

You can book guided river rafting trips  out of Gardiner, Montana to shoot the Yellowstone River's rapids, kayak tours,   and even overnight paddle expeditions  if you don't have your own watercraft, or are traveling long-distance. You can also rent rowboats and outboards at Bridge Bay Marina, or a variety of watercraft from private companies outside the park.

The extra-adventurous can bring their dive gear and explore under the surface of Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin , and the Firehole River at Mystic Falls – all under-the-radar national park  scuba destinations .

Everything you need to know about paddling in Yellowstone National Park

When to Visit

Yellowstone is open to visitors year-round, though it closes for two short shoulder periods a year to transition between seasons. Yellowstone generally closes between March through April each year to give crews time to plow the roads and prepare the park for peak season. The park also shuts down in September and October to winterize its infrastructure.

The most popular months to visit Yellowstone are July and August when families are on summer vacation and temperatures are the warmest. If you want to avoid significant crowds, it's better to come at the beginning or end of the summer season, though temperatures might be a little cooler. 

During the summer, weather in Yellowstone is warm and pleasant during the day, with highs in the 60s and 70s, but can still dip down into the 30s and 40s (Fahrenheit). It's always wise to pack layers and sunscreen, and to ere on the side of camping gear rated for lower temperatures.

Winter in Yellowstone is criminally overlooked, with prime opportunities for viewing wildlife like bison, elk, foxes, weasels, and even the park's famous wolves. You'll also face next to no crowds, except around Christmastime, giving you ample opportunity for photos or simply soaking up the contrast of fire and ice uninterrupted. 

In winter, temperatures can hover around zero or below, though the low humidity makes it easy to layer warmly, especially if you're planning an active day of snowshoeing or skiing. Avoid cotton clothing in favor of wicking, insulating fabrics like silk, wool, or synthetic base layers, and make sure you have good socks and gloves. 

Getting There and Getting Around

The easiest way to reach Yellowstone is by flying into one of the region's airports, including Jackson, Wyoming; Bozeman, Montana or Idaho Falls. Cody, Wyoming and Billings, Montana are also options. In peak season, you can also fly directly into West Yellowstone, Montana.

Bozeman is often the best deal and is a very fun college town with plenty to see and do on your way in and out. Grab a beer and a bite at Montana Ale Works if you have the chance. Meanwhile, Jackson, Wyoming has earned its outsize reputation as a mountain town worthy of a vacation in its own right – swing by Snake River Brewing if time allows, where you will run into everyone from young guns to backwoods mystics to thoughtful western old timers.

Highways 20, 191, 89, 212, and 14/16 all connect to or border Yellowstone National Park, depending on whether you're driving in from Montana, Idaho or Wyoming. You can make a road trip of reaching Yellowstone from Jackson by driving north through Grand Teton National Park. Another option is to drive west from Devil's Tower National Monument on the Wyoming/North Dakota border, or northeast from Craters of the Moon – which will give you a sense of just how much power the Yellowstone hotspot has packed in millennia past. 

Once you are within the park, there are a few main roads linking the five entrances to the park, including the Grand Loop Road, Norris Canyon Road, West Entrance Road, North Entrance Road, South Entrance Road, and East Entrance Road. The only road open in the winter months is the Grand Loop Road to 212 through Tower Junction between the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana and Cooke City Montana.  

Patience is a virtue, as in most popular national parks. Traffic can be slow in peak season when the park is most crowded, especially if there's a "bison jam" caused by tourists stopping int he middle of the road to snap photos of nearby wildlife. Keep calm and keep your eyes open – and don't forget to fill up at Yellowstone's handful of gas stations when you have the chance.

Where to Stay

Summer lodging in yellowstone.

In summertime, you'll have your pick of accommodations from lodges to cabins to campgrounds and even yurts, with a wide range to choose from within each category depending on your style and what part of the park in which you'd prefer to be based.

Especially in peak season, you'll want to book accommodations well ahead of time, especially if you're hoping for a prime room in the Old Faithful Lodge or your pick of campsites. Yellowstone can book out months or even a year in advance, even in a year when travel has been curtailed by a global pandemic.

The iconic Old Faithful Inn, completed in 1904, is a prime example of "parksitecture" and is a testament to over a century of Yellowstone Visitors, close to both Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. The massive stone fireplace is a dreamy place to curl up after a long day of sightseeing, too.

The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is another gorgeous piece of Yellowstone history – parts of it date back to 1911, but most was built in 1936. The whole place was recently renovated, with chic updates to the guest bathrooms and many improvements made with sustainability in mind, like the recycled glass countertops. Don't miss a meal at the dining room across the street – the Elk Sliders with tarragon aioli are a treat, and the Bison Top Sirloin is especially memorable.

Grant Village , constructed in the 1980s, is tucked away near both Yellowstone Lake and Grand Teton National Park on the southern side of YNP. Visitors will especially appreciate the stunning views from the Lake House Restaurant and Grant Village Dining Room .

Lake Yellowstone Hotel  was most recently updated in 2014, also with an emphasis on sustainability. The hotel swaps rustic charm for Colonial Revival glam and boasts some of the better internet connectivity in Yellowstone.

Canyon Lodge is the newest addition to the Yellowstone's collection of accommodations. This LEED-certified development gives you prime access to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone , and is a contemporary take on the classic parksitecture found at the Old Faithful Inn. 

11 sustainable ways to experience Yellowstone National Park

Cabins and Cottages

Cabins and cottages are available throughout the park as well, with options at Lake Yellowstone, Lake Lodge, Canyon Lodge, Roosevelt Lodge, Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Old Faithful Lodge.

Cabins typically come with two options – those with their own baths including showers but not tubs, or those with sinks but shared bathroom facilities. The exception to this are the new Canyon Lodge Cabins, which have full bathrooms. The most historic is the Roosevelt Lodge Cabins, built in the 1920s near Tower Junction.

Campgrounds

Like other types of lodging, camping is available throughout Yellowstone at Madison Campground, Grant Village, Canyon Campground, and Bridge Bay Campground. 

RVs can be no longer than 75 feet to navigate Yellowstone's roads, but most campsites cannot accommodate rigs long than 40 feet. Be sure to read up on length limits when choosing a campsite in Yellowstone as they vary from campground to campground.  

Madison Campground and Canyon Campground the most conveniently located for seeing as many different areas of Yellowstone as possible. Grant Village is excellent for families and first-time campers, with easy access to the amenities at the nearby hotel. Canyon Campground and Bridge Bay are some of the most scenic places to camp. 

Rangers patrol the campgrounds frequently to make sure you're complying with bear safety protocols and other regulations – so be sure to read up ahead of time on safe food storage practices and use the provided bear lockers. You can purchase firewood at check-in, and campsites are typically equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and space to park your car.

Backcountry Camping 

While backcountry camping is currently closed due to COVID-19 , there are 300 sites within Yellowstone. Because Yellowstone is so rugged and remote, and because it's home to bears and other apex predators, it's important to have some backcountry experience before taking advantage of these sites, and to be well-versed in Leave No Trace principles . 

When there isn't a pandemic on, you can obtain permits within 48 hours of your visit from any of nine different ranger stations and visitor centers. Some can be reserved farther in advance, but are awarded by lottery starting April 1st from a running pool of reservation requests submitted by mail, fax, or in-person. 

Winter Lodging in Yellowstone

In the winter months, Yellowstone operates limited facilities including the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. These are open from mid-December to the first of March. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel can be reached from Gardiner, Montana in private vehicles, but during the winter season the Old Faithful Snow Lodge can only be accessed by commercial snow coaches. 

While the Old Faithful Snow Lodge was built in 1999, its architecture is faithful to the period style of the neighboring Old Faithful Inn, and offers plenty of rustic romance. There are cozy fireplaces surrounded by welcoming club chairs, a bar and restaurant that turn out a delicious and varied menu (get the huckleberry pancakes), as well as ski and snowshoe rental onsite.

There's an ice skating rink just steps from the Snow Lodge entrance and in the evenings you can enjoy an outdoor fire pit – preferably after a tipple of MT 1889 Whiskey or a Big Sky Brewing's Moose Drool Brown Ale at the Firehole Lounge . If you get lucky, you might even spy some bison wandering just outside from the Geyser Grill dining room – they sometimes like to check out the Upper Geyser Basin themselves.

You might also like: The complete guide to Mammoth Cave National Park From stagecoach to motorcoach, a history of RVs in the USA Our top 10 picks for backpacking cooking gear

Make sure you're ready for anything with  travel insurance  from our trusted partners. Check out  adventure tours  for every traveler from our trusted partners.

This article was first published Jun 16, 2020 and updated Apr 15, 2021.

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PLANNING A TRIP TO YELLOWSTONE: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

Post Summary: Everything you need to know for planning a trip to Yellowstone. Advice on where to stay, when to go, and the best tips for an epic Yellowstone vacation.

Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park can feel like a monumental undertaking. The sheer size of the park alone is enough to make any seasoned planner run for the hills. Before we took our big trip to Yellowstone, I spent a lot of time scouring through different books and sites to craft the perfect Yellowstone itinerary . To save you hours of reading through different Yellowstone travel guides, I created this Yellowstone trip planner so you can go to one place to find everything you need.

This guide on how to plan a trip to Yellowstone will cover:

-When to go to Yellowstone -Where to stay in Yellowstone -How to plan a Yellowstone trip itinerary -Must-see sights in Yellowstone -What to pack for Yellowstone -Getting to Yellowstone -Useful resources -Tips for visiting Yellowstone

RELATED POSTS: The Best Home Rentals in Yellowstone for every Budget The 10 Best Things to do in Yellowstone with Kids Everything you Need to Pack for a Trip to Yellowstone The Ultimate 4 Day Yellowstone Itinerary 10 Hidden Gems in Yellowstone

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we truly think are helpful.

Planning A Trip To Yellowstone

While it’s possible to wing a trip to Yellowstone, it’s not advised. The popularity of the park (over a million people visit a year) and its colossal size mean pre-planning a Yellowstone trip and itinerary is essential to maximizing your time there.

Here are the first two things you want to figure out when planning a trip to Yellowstone.

1. NEED TO KNOW When do you want to visit the park? How many days do you have to visit?

Best time to go to Yellowstone

In general, the best time to go to Yellowstone National Park is in the summer months of July and August. This is also the most crowded time of the year. The reason it’s often touted as the best time of year to visit Yellowstone is that the weather is nicer and, barring unforeseen closings, the entire park is accessible.

July and August weather averages in the mid 70’s Fahrenheit and drops down to the low 40s at night. That being said, the weather in Yellowstone can fluctuate quickly, so there’s always the chance of rain and thunder.

We visited in August, and while it was crowded at the park’s main sights, we never found it hard to find secluded, quiet spots. If you want to get away from crowds, it’s absolutely possible in the busy months. The summer months also have the advantage of being when large Bison herds congregate in the valley.

While July and August provide the best overall experience, let’s dive deeper into the best time to travel to Yellowstone since it will be different for everyone.

Visiting Yellowstone in the early Spring (March, April) This is one of the roughest times to visit because snowy, wet weather will cause muddy hiking trails, icy conditions, and multiple closures in the park. Due to Yellowstone’s high elevation, it will still feel like winter, and snow will be present. Most facilities like hotels, visitor centers, and campgrounds are closed. The upside is the park will be crowd-free, it’s a great time to spot wildlife (babies in particular), and the waterfalls will be gushing from ice melt. Visiting Yellowstone in the late Spring (May, June) If you’re set on visiting Yellowstone in the spring, the best time is May to June when more parts of the park will be accessible. A small number of concessions will start to open, wildflowers will begin to bloom, and wildlife sightings (bear cubs in particular) will be in full effect. Largely considered one of the best times to visit for its lack of crowds and the extraordinary opportunity for wildlife sightings.

Visiting Yellowstone in Fall (September-October) Early fall is a magical time in the park when the fall colors start to appear, and the elk are in rut. Crowds will have diminished, and some hotels and visitor centers will still be open. Most amenities will close by the end of October. With cooler weather ranging from the ’50-’70s, you won’t have to battle harsh winter conditions – although an early snowstorm is always a possibility in Yellowstone. It’s also a good time to spot bears since they come down to lower elevations to fatten up before hibernation.

Visiting Yellowstone in Winter (November – March) Visiting Yellowstone in winter can be a truly magical experience, but the effort it takes makes it best suited for adventurous types. Most roads will be closed by early November, with the exception of the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the NE Entrance. Entering the park through the other entrances is only permitted via snowmobile, snow coach, snowshoe, and cross-country ski. You will need to find a snowmobile tour or get a special permit to enter the park . The only lodges open during the winter season are Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

Where To Stay in Yellowstone

Once you’ve decided when to go to Yellowstone, you can start to figure out where to stay in Yellowstone. Here’s where knowing more about what kind of Yellowstone itinerary you want will help you decide where to stay.

The reason? Yellowstone is gigantic. The main road of the park has the shape of the number 8. This road is called the GRAND LOOP . From the Grand Loop, there are five roads that offshoot to the five entrances of the park.

To give you a perspective, the time it would take you to drive the Grand Loop is estimated at 4-7 hours. That’s without any stops to see sights. The reason there’s a huge berth of time in the estimate is that wildlife traffic jams (from visitors stopping to look and from bison standing in the middle of the road), tourists looking for parking spots, and road closures often create hold-ups.

Staying at a hotel in the park

Since the park is huge, we highly suggest staying in the park to reduce driving time . That being said, if you choose to stay in Grant Village in the south and visit Mammoth Hot Springs in the North, it could mean five hours of driving that day! That’s why having a vague idea of your Yellowstone itinerary is important. Many people opt to stay in two different areas of the park during their visit to reduce driving time.

The most central location is to stay in the Canyon Area at Canyon Lodge & Cabins . A good option is to stay at Canyon Lodge and Old Faithful Inn , both of which are close to the park’s main highlights. Old Faithful Inn is a crowded spot, so if you’re looking for something a little more restorative and peaceful, I would also check out Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins .

Lodging for all 9 Yellowstone Hotels can book out a year in advance, so you must book early. If you cannot secure lodging in the park, you’ll need to find somewhere else or wait till it’s closer to your desired dates and check every day for last-minute cancellations. You can look here for all other Yellowstone lodging options available in the park.

Camping in the park

Hotels in the park are expensive. There’s no way around it. To make it worse, the price doesn’t mean it’s an upscale experience. If paying $400 a night for an average to a below-average hotel room is out of the question for you, another option is to camp in the park.

We camped at Madison and Bridge Bay Campground to split up our time and loved it there. There are 12 front country campsites in the park, and most are first come-first served, except for Bridge Bay, Madison, Canyon, Fishing Bridge, and Grant Village. You can learn more about the campgrounds HERE .

Staying outside of the park

If neither of those options works for you, then your next option is to stay in a vacation rental or hotel near one of the five entrances to the park. If you choose that option, remember that the drive from the park entrance to the park’s main road can be up to an hour long, depending on which entrance you use. Staying outside of the park will mean a lot of driving time.

I’ll break down the different entrances below, along with lodging recommendations for each entrance.

If you’re interested in staying in a home rental, you can check our post on the best vacation rentals in Yellowstone for every budget.

Entrances to Yellowstone

Here’s a breakdown of the five different entrances to Yellowstone. We’ll look at which Yellowstone entrance is the best and the cities you could find lodging in for each entrance.

West Yellowstone Entrance Driving Distance and Time from Entrance to Grand Loop: 14 miles, 45 minutes This is the most popular entrance and the best choice if staying outside of the park. Located in West Yellowstone, MT, it has plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations. Burnt Hole Cabin is a 2-bedroom home rental right near the entrance and within walking distance of restaurants. For a more conventional hotel stay, The Kelly Inn, is an affordable choice with free breakfast and comfortable beds, and is within one mile of the entrance. If you’re willing to drive more, the VRBOs in Island Park, Idaho , are about 25 minutes away from the entrance but tend to be nicer.

North Entrance Driving Distance and Time from Entrance to Grand Loop: 5 miles, 15 minutes Gardiner, MT, is the closest town just outside of the entrance and is a good location for visiting the Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Boiling River. It’s further from areas like Old Faithful and West Thumb Geyser Basin, but doable if you don’t mind a long drive. Gardiner is a cute, small town with grocery stores, a small selection of restaurants, and gas stations.

The Arch View Studio is a nice, simple guest house on VRBO for two people that offers all the same amenities as a hotel but is bigger and cheaper. If traveling with a family, the Gardiner Home is a beautiful home rental with a deck overlooking the Yellowstone River. I also love the look of this chic two-bedroom house rental with a loft.

If you prefer a hotel over a house rental, the Park Hotel Yellowstone is a well-rated hotel with clean, comfortable rooms.

Northeast Entrance Driving Distance and Time from Entrance to Grand Loop: 29 miles, 1 hour The closest city to this entrance is the tiny city of Cooke City, MT. With a population of just over 100 people, it offers a grocery store, restaurants, and a gas station. It’s a great entrance for access to the Lamar Valley; however, it is far from everything else in the park.

I would suggest staying near this entrance only if you are passionate about animal watching and want to be as close as possible to the Lamar Valley so you can get there before sunrise. The Mountain Lux Guest House is a beautiful home with a hot tub and sauna to enjoy after visiting the park.

East Entrance Driving Distance and Time from Entrance to Grand Loop: 27 miles, 1 hour The closest city to the entrance is Cody, Wyoming. We don’t suggest staying here simply because it’s 53 miles from the entrance to the park. That means it will take you around two hours to get to the Grand Loop of Yellowstone. While Cody, Wyoming, is a cute town with some interesting sights, its distance makes it tough for anyone looking to go in and out of the park every day.

South Entrance Driving Distance and Time from Entrance to Grand Loop: 22 miles, 45 minutes The south entrance is the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. While 10 miles is all that separates the two parks, there is only one lodging choice, the Headwaters Lodge and Cabins . Otherwise, you would need to drive 55 miles through Grand Teton National Park to lodge in the cute city of Jackson, Wyoming. Because of traffic and length, staying outside the South entrance is generally not recommended for anyone looking to visit the park every day.

Making a Yellowstone Trip Itinerary

When planning a trip to Yellowstone, your itinerary is vital to helping you create an amazing trip. Here are some key things to think about when planning a Yellowstone itinerary.

2. NEED TO KNOW What parts of the park do you want to see? How many days do you want to visit?

How many days do you need to visit Yellowstone National Park?

Figuring out how many days you need to visit Yellowstone is dependent on how deep you want to explore the park.

Three days at Yellowstone is enough to allow you to see all the park’s main highlights.

Four days at Yellowstone allows you to see all the main highlights, with an additional day to go hiking or explore more features of the park.

(RECOMMENDED) Five to Seven days at Yellowstone is for anyone who is looking to explore all the main highlights with extra time for hiking, fishing, or relaxing in the beauty of the park.

Not everyone has 5-7 days at their disposal, so if you want to get the main highlights, we suggest doing four days in the park. If you notice, we don’t suggest one or two days in Yellowstone. With traffic, parking, and crowds, it would make for a stressful and rushed time at the park. Do people do it? Of course. If you only have one day in the park, focus on doing two or three main highlights to enjoy your time there fully.

In general, it’s best to visit a section of the park each day to maximize your time there.

Best things to do in Yellowstone

Now that you have an idea of how many days you want to spend in Yellowstone, it’s time to plan out an itinerary. The best way to start planning a trip to Yellowstone is to familiarize yourself with the must-see spots and their location in the park. From there, you can plan out an itinerary from there.

We have an entire post with an in-depth four day Yellowstone itinerary . Check it out to get a day-by-day breakdown of what to do, advice on where to stay, as well as inspiration for your trip.

Here are the main highlights in Yellowstone that are considered must-dos when visiting the park.

1. Old Faithful Geyser 2. Mammoth Hot Springs 3. Grand Prismatic Spring + Midway Geyser Basin 4. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone 5. Wildlife Viewing in Lamar Valley and/or Hayden Valley

Here are secondary highlights for those who have time and want to dive deeper into the park’s geothermal features.

1. Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory Pool 2. West Thumb Geyser Basin 3. Norris Geyser Basin 4. Yellowstone Lake 5. Boiling River

And then, of course, there are hiking trails, fishing spots, and lesser-known off-the-beaten-path spots in Yellowstone . Be sure to check out our Yellowstone itinerary post to get the full rundown.

What to pack for Yellowstone

A Yellowstone packing list is dependent on what time of year you will be visiting. This shortlist is intended for June to September travel. While the weather will be nice (especially in July and August), you’ll want to be prepared for sudden shifts in weather. Also, due to the high elevation, nights can and will be cold. We visited in late August and experienced beautiful warm weather and bursts of torrential rain and thunder, with nighttime and early morning temps in the upper 20s Fahrenheit. A week after we left, a snowstorm came through, and the park was coated in snow. Anything is possible in Yellowstone! Pack clothing you can layer up.

For an in-depth look at what to pack for Yellowstone, as well as where to get the supplies, check out our Yellowstone packing list post .

1. Bear Spray 2. Water shoes 3. Rain jacket 4. Comfortable walking shoes 5. Hiking boots 6. Binoculars 7. Sunhat 8. Sunblock 9. Bug repellant 10. Backpack 11. Trash bags 12. Reusable water bottle 13. Quick dry towel 14. Picnic blanket 15. Flashlights or headlamp 16. Clothing layers 17. Camera + Go Pro

Getting to Yellowstone

There are quite a few airports to choose from, but most are small airports with higher prices. The closest airports are Jackson Hole Airport, located in Jackson, WY, and Yellowstone Regional Airport, located in Cody, WY.

You can also look into the following cities to see if they offer cheaper options:

• -Billings Logan Internation Airport in Billings, MT
• -Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Bozeman, MT
• -Idaho Falls Regional Airport in Idaho Falls, ID

If all those choices are too pricy, many people opt to fly to Salt Lake City International airport due to easier and cheaper flight options. The drive from Salt Lake City is about five hours to the West Yellowstone entrance.

No matter where you fly, you will have to rent a car since there is no shuttle service within the park. You can check Rentalcars.com to see current car rental prices. Rentalcar.com is an aggregator that compares rental prices from different providers.

Entrance Fees to Yellowstone

Entrance fees are per vehicle and are $35. The pass is good for seven days from the date of purchase. You can save some time by purchasing your vehicle pass before you arrive.

If you plan to visit Grand Teton National Park during your Yellowstone trip and any other National Parks or federal lands in the same year you visit Yellowstone park, you might want to consider buying an America the Beautiful Pass . Good for one year, the pass gives you entrance to every National Park and more than 2000 federal recreation sites. A fantastic choice that can save a lot of money if you have additional National Park travel plans. You can learn more and buy the annual pass HERE.

Useful Resources and Tips for Planning a Trip to Yellowstone

Is Yellowstone a good park to visit with kids or toddlers? Yes! We visited the park with our three-year-old, and he loved it. Yellowstone is a fabulous place for kids. If you want help with your Yellowstone family vacation planning, you can read our entire post on visiting Yellowstone with kids and the best things to do with them.

How is the internet and cell service? Barely existent. While there may be spots where you can get a patch of service, it’s not something to rely on. I have T-Mobile, and my husband has AT&T, and neither one of us was able to connect. The park claims to have hot spots you can jump onto, but those were pretty unreliable. Be happy if you do get it, but don’t expect it.

If there’s no cell service, how do I figure out directions? I’m so reliant on GPS! I know. Me too. First off, the park is very easy to drive in, and everything is clearly marked. That being said, we can’t recommend enough downloading the Yellowstone National Park app that has offline directions and maps to all of the sights in the park. We found it really helpful when looking for trailheads and picnic areas. It also has a wealth of other amazing information that is good to have. It offers education about what all the geothermal features are and fun facts about the park. Download it BEFORE you get there. You can also get a Yellowstone map from the visitor centers.

What’s the food situation in Yellowstone? Cafeterias, restaurants, ice cream stands, and grocery stores are available in all the park’s main sections. All are located close to the hotel lodges or inside the hotel. You can see a full list of dining options here . As is to be expected, food prices are higher than what you would pay outside of the park.

If you’re looking to save, you can bring your own food in and picnic in various areas around the park. Just remember to dispose of all food in a bear-proof trash can or take it with you to dispose of later if none are available.

Are there gas stations in Yellowstone? Yes, gas stations can be found in Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and Tower Junction.

I’m overwhelmed. Can I just go on a tour and have someone be my personal Yellowstone vacation planner? Yes! We have never personally done a tour, so we can’t recommend any to choose from. But, what you can do is look through the tour service Viator to see if they have any that appeal to you. Viator is owned by TripAdvisor and has the same system where they collect reviews. It’s a great way to see what’s out there and if it’s highly rated.

Is a bear going to eat me? Ahh, those cute but enormous bears. While the likelihood of you getting attacked by a bear is very unlikely, practicing bear safety and following all rules set by the National Park Service is vital to keeping not only you safe but the bears safe as well. To further my point of how unlikely it is, since the park’s establishment in 1872, eight people have been killed by bears in the park. You can read more about your likelihood of getting attacked by a bear HERE .

The best way to keep yourself and the animals safe is to hike in groups of three or more, to make noise while you hike, and to keep your senses aware (no listening to headphones). Also, have bear spray with you and know how to use it. We use this bear spray brand and so far have never had to use it!

Lastly, never touch, approach, or feed any animals in the park and stay at least 100 yards away from wolves and bears and at least 25 yards away from all other animals, including elk and bison. Most animal-related injuries are from visitors not following these simple guidelines.

You can read more about safety in the park HERE .

Should I visit Grand Teton National Park while I’m at Yellowstone? Any other spots to visit? Yes! If you have time, a day or two at Grand Teton NP and exploring Jenny Lake is a great way to see a completely different park. If you really want to collect some national park passport stamps , make a long road trip out of it and head North to Glacier National Park. If you want a break from the National Parks, you can also spend a few days in the fun and hip city of Jackson, Wyoming.

Okay, I’m getting excited. Anything else I should know? Yes, that old saying about the early bird catching the worm? It applies to Yellowstone! Get yourself up before sunrise and start your day early. Seeing Yellowstone uncrowded with the hot springs letting off a cloud of steam is pure magic. Get up early and beat the crowds. You won’t regret it.

Also, give yourself a lot of time for everything. Traffic and road closures are very commonplace. We dealt with a fire, an overturned fuel truck, traffic jams from drivers looking at bison, and routine road maintenance. It’s part of the package that comes with Yellowstone. Give yourself a buffer and go with it.

Here’s a recap and checklist for planning a trip to Yellowstone.

1. Decide when you want to visit the park 2. How many days do you want to stay in the park 3. What sights are on your must-do list 4. Sketch out a simple itinerary for hotel planning 5. Book lodging 6. Buy necessary items for your trip 7. Download Yellowstone App 8. Count the days till you’re in Yellowstone!

You’re ready to start planning a trip to Yellowstone! Let me know if I missed anything and if you have any questions in the comments below.

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READ NEXT: 11 Amazing National Parks in the East 160 Questions for your next Road Trip The Ultimate Road Trip Food List

Hi, we’re Christina and Brad, Idaho based writers and photographers who live to explore. We did a short stint of traveling full time with our two year old and discovered we're much happier as part time nomads. What does that mean? We travel a lot! And then we go home. We love helping fellow parents and everyday adventurers discover new places and experiences.

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One comment.

It’s great that you elaborated on the importance of planning to make the most out of your time. My aunt mentioned last night that she was arranging a tour for her birthday and asked if I had any suggestions for where we should go. Thanks to this educational article, I’ll be sure to advise her that we should think about doing a Yellowstone private trip because it will provide us with wonderful memories.

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A beginner's guide to visiting Yellowstone National Park: Everything you should see and do

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

I recently returned from an incredible trip to Yellowstone , our nation's first national park. It was very strange to be there in the days of COVID-19, but it was also one of my best visits yet, as it wasn't as crowded as it's been in the past. It was also my first time actually staying inside the park, which was quite a treat.

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Of course, you could easily spend weeks exploring the sprawling 2.2 million acre park and still not see it all. But even a day trip here or long weekend getaway is well worth your time. Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

What to see and do in Yellowstone

Let me start with the highlight: the wildlife.

Among the many rare species you might encounter are grizzly and brown bears, wolves, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, elk, deer, buffalo, moose and every matter of birds. You can easily pull off the road and see any or all of these animals at once. Buffalo, in particular, are known to cause traffic jams as they use the same roads you do to commute.

Travelers will also discover a ton of adventure in this park. You can camp, hike in the backcountry, boat, fish, cycle and, in the winter, you can even try cross-country skiing.

Both biking and hiking are great ways to experience the natural wonder of this incredible park, and there are plenty of mountain biking and off-roading opportunities. Campsites are available from just $5 a night, and there are approximately 900 miles of trails to explore in the park — just be hyper-aware of your surroundings, as you'll be sharing the territory with some fearsome predators. When I was there last, I saw both bears and wolves.

There are so many amazing hikes here that aren't too difficult and are within walking distance of accessible parking areas. My favorite was probably the hike to Mystic Falls from Biscuit Basin, not too far from Old Faithful. The 2.5-mile round-trip walk takes you to a dramatic waterfall. If you hike a little farther you might luck out like I did and see Old Faithful erupt on the horizon.

Old Faithful

Probably the most famous of all Yellowstone's attractions, Old Faithful is a massive geyser that erupts reliably every 60 to 110 minutes. It's a cone geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin and easily accessible by road, and park rangers can tell you when the next eruption is during the day. There are benches from which you can watch the spectacle. It erupts about 20 times per day, and the plume of water and steam can be as high as 180 feet!

You can usually stay at a lodge near Old Faithful, but for the 2020 season, only cabins are available.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

This river valley formed by the Yellowstone River is probably my favorite part of Yellowstone. I've been here now in several different seasons and it's always changing, always distinctly different and always awe-inspiring.

There are several viewpoints, and it's one of the most dramatic areas in the country. I'm especially fond of Artist Point. As you can imagine, they call it that for a reason.

You can also check out the Canyon's Lower or Upper Falls viewing areas. I highly recommend doing the Brink of the Lower Falls observation point where you can really get a sense of the river's immense power. If you're driving, be prepared to pull over constantly to get a new perspective.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs was one of the first parts of the park that saw policing back in the 1800s when poaching was a problem. The U.S. Army had a base there (it still houses park employees) and it's home to historic Fort Yellowstone.

Travelers will also find the Mammoth Hot Springs lodges and cabins, places to eat and even a gas station.

But the best features are the dramatic hot springs laced with boardwalks for closer observations. You can get a good look at the many steaming hydrothermal pools and the travertine terraces. You can walk (or drive) to the Upper Terraces. There's also a hiking trail circling the pools and falls, but bring your bear spray. In a 24-hour span, I saw a grizzly bear and her cubs, and the next morning I saw another grizzly near the road.

There are also herds of elk that call the area home. You're pretty much guaranteed to see elk during a trip here.

Biscuit Basin and Mystic Falls

Not far from Old Faithful you'll find Biscuit Basin, which is home to gorgeous hot springs and small geysers with fairly regular eruptions.

The mix of colors and textures in the rocks is striking. You can follow a wooden walkway and it will eventually lead to an easy hike to Mystic Falls and a spectacular waterfall in a river valley.

Related: State-by-state guide to reopening America

There are also plenty of fun family-friendly activities just outside the park in cities such as Gardiner and West Yellowstone, Montana. Consider, for example, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. You and the kids can see live bears and wolves who can't return to the wild and learn a ton about the fearsome animals from a safe distance.

Whether you're exploring the park by foot or car, don't forget to grab an $80 annual national park pass . Yellowstone National Park normally charges a $35 entrance fee per vehicle, so if you have any other national park trips on the horizon, you can easily get your money's worth.

The best times to visit Yellowstone

The peak time is definitely summer when everything is open. It can get hot, but it's generally not humid. You should pack shorts for the daytime, and be sure to bring sweaters, a sweatshirt or a coat. Yellowstone is in the mountains and it gets cold at night even in the summertime.

You can travel here all year long, including during the winter , which would be a magical (albeit cold) time to visit Yellowstone. Warren Smith, a chiropractor at HealthSource in Butte, Montana, told me he has cross-country skied into the park from West Yellowstone, and outfitters will take even take you snowmobiling.

My personal favorite time to visit is in the early fall when the crowds are thinner, and the colors begin to change. Temperatures are more moderate and it's not quite so hot. You get more of the park to yourself and wildlife is more likely to be around. Keep in mind, though, there can be freak snowstorms even in September — so pack for anything.

Read our complete guide on the best times to visit Yellowstone .

Where to stay in Yellowstone

There are plenty of places for you to stay in and around Yellowstone. Both vacation rental properties and hotels are plentiful at all five entrances to Yellowstone (there are three in Montana and two in Wyoming).

Related: How to visit the national parks for less

Points hotels near Yellowstone

Search Cook City, Gardiner, Red Lodge or West Yellowstone in Montana for hotels or rental properties near the trio of Montana entrances. There are also plenty of places to bed down at the two Wyoming entrances. You can search Cody, Wyoming and areas in Idaho.

If you're looking for places to spend points, however, there are far fewer options unless you're willing to stay a few hours outside the park in places like Bozeman, Montana or Idaho Falls, Idaho.

There's a nice Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in July started at $281 a night. That's steep, but if you book early you can certainly find better rates. A long weekend in September will set you back $252 a night, or you can use 45,000 IHG Rewards Points per night.

I booked a room here in July and, despite the last-minute reservation, managed to secure a decent rate. Just watch out for added taxes and fees (unlike the rest of Montana, there are taxes in West Yellowstone). The final price ended up being almost $300 a night. Ouch.

There are also two Choice hotel properties travelers may want to consider: An Ascend Hotel for $212 a night and a Comfort Inn starting at $186 a night in West Yellowstone. Choice also has select properties in Livingstone, Montana, but that's an hour away from the park.

Travelers can also consider the Days Inn by Wyndham West Yellowstone (from 15,000 Wyndham points per night). And if you have Best Western Rewards points, you could try the Best Western Desert Inn or the Best Western Weston Inn , both from 28,000 points per night.

If you're looking for a major chain hotel, you'll need to head to Bozeman, Montana for a Hilton or a Marriott property. Rates are generally better, but it's a good 2-hour drive to Yellowstone. Prices are also high during the peak summer season — yes, even in 2020 — and can easily run at least $250 per night.

When it welcomes its first guests on Aug. 18, the 122-room Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman will be one of the area's most exciting new properties. The art deco building dating back to 1941 and features a whiskey bar, a rooftop pool and a concert hall. It's about an hour from Big Sky and two hours to the north entrance to Yellowstone .

In Big Sky, the relatively new Wilson Hotel, a Residence Inn by Marriott, is one of the first from a major brand in the area.

Related: How to use points to stay near national parks

Staying inside Yellowstone's borders

Within the park, travelers will discover several rustic lodges. Xanterra is the concessioner for all accommodations inside Yellowstone National Park (as well as Glacier and others, too). Many of the large lodges have existed for more than a century, so keep that in mind and manage your expectations accordingly.

Related: I went to Glacier and Yellowstone during COVID-19 and it was weird

Hotels sell out quickly during the high season. Even this summer, with the coronavirus crippling travel, there isn't much availability. In fact, only cabins are available in the park right now. Lodges are closed and are likely to remain shut down for the remainder of 2020. That makes inventory even scarcer than it usually is this time of year.

I was able to find some dates with availability, but prices are high. At Mammoth Falls Lodge cabins, rates were $277 a night for dates in July and August.

Back in June, I stayed in the cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge. They are charming but basic. The beds are small, and there's no air conditioning. Still, it was really fun staying inside the park and having easy access to hiking trails and the beautiful Mammoth Springs.

The cabins at Old Faithful Lodge are cuter and just steps from the famous Old Faithful geyser. They're tiny, sure, but the perfect base for exploring the nearby geysers, mountains and hot springs when I stayed there in June. Rates in August start at $174 a night.

If you're thinking about staying inside the park this summer, you want to act fast.

Betsy O'Rourke, chief marketing officer at Xanterra, told TPG earlier this year, "We open the inventory 13 months out and we sell out in a few hours. However, about 30% of that inventory cancels and gets rebooked."

Her advice? Check back frequently. "Our cancellation policy is 48 hours out, so we do get cancellations even close in."

You can find better deals if you're willing to stay at a vacation rental instead. Airbnb has plenty of properties, especially for travelers who want something unconventional like a traditional log cabin, glamping-style tent or a treehouse.

Even last minute, there's availability on Airbnb outside the park. I recommend searching for West Yellowstone or Gardiner. I found plenty of options near Montana's Western entrance to the park starting at $157 a night.

Luxury accommodations near Yellowstone

It can also make a lot of sense to use your credit card points to help offset the cost of an upscale stay near the park. Consider redeeming a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book a stay at an independent property. You could also "erase" a qualifying travel charge by using a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

The Under Canvas "glamping" lodge is just 10 minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance. I found availability in August for $264 a night. With taxes and fees, a four-night stay would be just over $1,200.

If you really want to splurge, try the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana — it's about 4.5 hours from the park, and rates start around $1,600 a night. Paws Up resort in Greenough, Montana is also a 4.5-hour drive, and rooms will set you back about $1,700 a night. And the first five-star, ultra-luxury hotel in the entire state, a Montage in Big Sky, will debut in 2021.

Camping in Yellowstone

Of course, you can always camp inside Yellowstone. Yellowstone has 12 proper campgrounds with over 2,000 individual spots. You can head over to Yellowstone National Park lodges to make reservations, which cost $27 a night, on average.

Other campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis. They fill up quickly in the summer, and in 2020 not all campgrounds are available because of the pandemic, so your mileage may vary. A search in July found just four of the 12 campgrounds open and accepting reservations. In fact, most were full by 7 a.m.

If you have an RV or camping equipment, you can stay outside the park in the surrounding national forests for very little — or nothing at all. It's called dispersed camping, and travelers comfortable with a more primitive stay should consider the surrounding Custer Gallatin or Bridger Teton National Forests.

How to get to Yellowstone

Flying to yellowstone.

You can fly to a number of cities that put Yellowstone within reach. The easiest and closest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana, which bills itself as the "Gateway to Yellowstone." It's the busiest airport in Montana with nonstop service to 21 U.S. cities.

Related: New routes make it easier than ever to visit these top US National Parks

American Airlines has been betting big on Montana and added four seasonal flights last year for this summer. American was set to fly to Bozeman from Los Angeles (LAX), New York-LaGuardia (LGA) and Philadelphia (PHL) and to Kalispell (FCA) from LGA. None of those flights are happening, but we're hoping they return next year.

American normally flies from Newark (EWR), Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) nonstop to Bozeman. I found tickets in September for between $377 and $425 in the main cabin. Award prices started at 25,000 AAdvantage miles in coach or 50,000 miles for first class, plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.

United flies to Bozeman from six of its hubs, and Delta Air Lines also flies from six hubs, including Salt Lake City (SLC). At this time, Delta is only flying from Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC). Alaska Airlines has flights from Portland, Oregon (PDX) and Seattle (SEA), and Allegiant flies from four cities including Nashville, Tennessee (BNA). Frontier flies from Denver (DEN), and Sun Country now flies from its Minneapolis hub. JetBlue normally flies from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) but this summer, they're not flying from New York.

Give yourself two hours for the drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone depending on traffic, weather and which park entrance you're using. There are a variety of operators that offer guided tours of Yellowstone. Karst Stage is one touring company that operates charter buses and day trips from Bozeman to the park.

You can also fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming. The airport is only 45 miles south of the park. It also gives you easy access to Grand Teton National Park. American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all fly to Jackson Hole airport, and Frontier offers seasonal service.

Delta has flights from Salt Lake City for about $300 in the main cabin in August or 23,000 SkyMiles plus $11.20.

You could also fly to Idaho Falls, Idaho and its Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). It's just under 100 miles from Yellowstone. Allegiant offers year-round, nonstop flights from Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix-Mesa (AZA), and seasonal service from Los Angeles and Oakland (OAK).

Delta offers year-round, nonstop flights from Salt Lake City and seasonal service from Minneapolis, and United has service from Denver. United's flights to IDA were about $347 round-trip in main cabin or 25,000 United miles and $11.20 in taxes and fees.

Of course, there's always Yellowstone's eponymous airport. Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located just 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park . Delta flies into this airport from Salt Lake City, and I found tickets from $175 in August.

Where to eat in Yellowstone

Montana and Wyoming aren't exactly known as foodie paradise. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, but haute cuisine isn't exactly a thing.

Personally, I recommend doing grocery runs and always keeping a picnic ready for those mountain meadows you stumble upon. Be sure to pack lots of snacks, as restaurants are typically only open in the high season and often have limited hours.

They are also few and far between, especially inside the borders of the park, and they're especially scarce in the age of coronavirus. In fact, most restaurants inside the park remain closed, and the few that are open are take-out only. Forewarned is forearmed.

Smith, the chiropractor from Butte, told me he really likes two places in West Yellowstone: the Slippery Otter Pub that serves bison and elk burgers, and The Branch Restaurant and Bar. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited in early July (probably due to COVID-19). Hopefully, it will reopen next year.

One of the most important things to know about visiting the national parks right now is that most of the bathrooms I encountered in both Yellowstone and Glacier were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. If you go, definitely have a plan for the call of nature. Folks driving motorhomes will be fine, but be sure to plot your visit and use bathrooms wherever you find them.

Getting around Yellowstone

I strongly recommend renting a car (or an RV!) for your trip to Yellowstone National Park. The park is really designed for drivers, with major roads taking you to most of the iconic attractions. Still, if you really want to explore, bring hiking boots. And don't forget to pack your bear spray. You can't fly with it, though, so buy bear spray after your flight.

If you'd rather not drive, seasoned park veterans take visitors on the famous Yellowstone Yellow Bus Tours . The vintage 1920s buses are an iconic part of the park's heritage. The long, yellow buses with rollback tops are perfect for gazing at the mountains without worrying about the notorious curves in the park's roads.

"These days, a fleet of eight vintage White Motor Co. buses ferry visitors on guided wildlife-watching tours, photo safaris, sunset tours and more," says operator Xanterra. "The distinctive antique yellow vehicles have retractable canvas roofs and panoramic windows, making them ideal for sightseeing. Plus, they're really cool to ride around in."

They also book up quickly, so you'll want to be aggressive with your planning. But, unfortunately, Yellow Bus tours are not running during the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns.

You could also bike around the park, but there's not a lot of separated bike lanes. There are, however, a few trails specially designed for mountain biking. There's a complete guide to biking in Yellowstone here , but you can also rent bikes at Old Faithful Lodge.

Bottom line

Yellowstone National Park should be very high on your travel bucket list. It's a great time to go local and explore the nation's many national parks. Yellowstone is a personal favorite, and getting to see wolves and bears here was one of the highlights of my entire year.

If you're traveling to Montana, don't limit yourself to Yellowstone National Park, though. Across the state, there's Glacier National Park and countless sites that tell the incredibly important history of Native Americans in the United States. Big Sky, not far from Yellowstone, is also surging in popularity. It's a great spot for skiing in the winter.

I highly recommend a visit here this year, especially since travelers with a U.S. passport might find they can't venture too far from home. Just be sure to pack your masks and have a firm plan for where to stay — and use the bathroom — before you go.

Additional reporting by Meghan Hunter.

All photos by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.

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• YELLOWSTONE LIVE

6 can’t-miss stops in Yellowstone National Park

This iconic landscape is a hotbed of geothermal activity and wildlife—and it’s best explored by road.

The vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring.

America’s oldest national park includes 2.2 million acres of forests, lakes, and mountains. Heat and volcanic activity from the depths of Earth power this dramatic landscape, evidenced by its geysers, fumaroles, and hot springs.

Whether you have two days or two weeks, a road trip is the perfect way to explore Yellowstone National Park’s natural wonders at your own pace. The park can be accessed from five different gates in three different states: Wyoming , Montana , and Idaho . These winding roads will lead you through sublime vistas and past abundant wildlife, including elk, bison, grizzlies, black bear, pronghorn antelope, moose, and bighorn sheep. But perhaps best of all is the opportunity to witness the eternally mesmerizing, bubbling, gurgling, steaming earth.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The rushing Yellowstone River slices through one of the park’s canyons.

Yellowstone has countless vantage points with views of Yellowstone Lake, forests, rivers, and waterfalls. The observation decks at Artist Point , a short walk from the parking lot on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone , offer a stunning view of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. The canyon is marked by steep white-and-yellow cliffs and its vents and spires reveal thermal activity that continues unabated underground. The falls are an equally dazzling site from Lookout Point   on the North Rim . If you have time to spare, a trail hike is an essential part of the adventure.

Old Faithful  

Few sights in Yellowstone match that of watching Old Faithful : a huge plume of steam and water gushing out of the ground and shooting 100-184 feet into the air. Perch on one of several wooden boardwalks built around the geyser and watch it erupt with your camera in hand. With its reliable eruption times (every 60 to 110 minutes) it’s easy to plan a visit to witness a blowout. Afterwards, the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center   offers a quick lesson on the geology behind the world’s most famous geyser.

Mammoth Tiers

Visitors take in the scenic view at Mammoth Hot Springs, where wooden boardwalks wind through the landscape.

On a slow drive-through of the Mammoth Hot Springs   area, visitors can see the churning thermal landscape and grazing elk right from the car. Venture out onto the network of wooden boardwalks that wind their way through a multitude of travertine terraces with abstract shapes and contours. Colors change as heat and minerals combine, and bacteria and algae transform the pools and surfaces. A two-hour walk along the Lower Terrace Interpretive Trail   is a good way to imbibe the essence of this park.

Yellowstone Lake and Geyser Basins

A herd of bison move through one of Yellowstone's valleys at sunset.

Although smaller than some of the others, West Thumb Geyser Basin   is a spectacular must-see. In this small area on the edge of Yellowstone Lake, it’s easy to view all the thermal features that make this park so unique. Hot springs, bubbling pools, mud pots, fumaroles and lakeshore geysers empty into the lake’s chilly waters. Outstanding features include Abyss Pool , a 53-foot-deep blue pond, and Fishing Cone , a submerged geyser that becomes visible only in the summer when lake water levels drop. Time permitting, make a stop at Norris Geyser Basin , a short distance south of Mammoth Hot Springs. It’s home to the world’s tallest active geyser and a colorful display caused by the combination of various minerals and the lifeforms that exist in the torrid environment.

Grand Prismatic Spring

To get to the Grand Prismatic Spring , Yellowstone’s largest hot spring, drive to Midway Geyser Basin   and then walk along the boardwalk. Through the steam rising off the surface, a large turquoise pool ringed with orange and yellow comes into view like a dream. Temperatures around the pool are high, especially during the summer. The rainbow colors are best viewed from a height—take a slightly strenuous hike up the Midway Bluff trail   for the perfect vantage point.

Lamar Valley and Firehole Canyon

Yellowstone highlights that are worth the detours are Lamar Valley for its wildlife, and the Morning Glory Pool on the outer areas of the Upper Geyser Basin for its teal and orange waters. Firehole Canyon Drive,   which skirts the edge of a cliff along the Firehole River, makes for another interesting drive. Swimming is possible here because the boiling hot spring water meets the cold snowmelt of the river, bringing it to a bearable temperature.

Where to stay

Old Faithful Inn: A stone’s throw from Old Faithful geyser, this landmark, lodgepole pine hotel exudes warmth and old-world charm.

Old Faithful Snowlodge and Cabins: This stylish hotel was made with numerous recycled and repurposed materials as well as wood.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel: This is the oldest lodging in the park going back 126 years, but has recently been renovated in art deco style. Though on the banks of Yellowstone Lake, most rooms don’t actually overlook it, but wildlife can be seen roaming near the building.

Lake Lodge Cabins: Not far from the Lake Yellowstone Hotel is another set of charming historic cabins with front porches and rocking chairs. Two fireplaces in the lobby keep the place warm and inviting.

Lone Mountain Ranch : A National Geographic Unique Lodge, this clutch of Old West cabins nestles in a forested valley 18 miles upstream of Yellowstone and offers guided horseback, canoe, and cross-country ski trips.

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Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Guide and Itinerary

Yellowstone National Park is world-renowned for its epic landscapes, unique wildlife, and fascinating natural history. Each year millions of people come from all over the globe to witness Yellowstone’s wonders, and for some, it has been a lifetime dream. In this blog post, I am sharing everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Yellowstone National Park, including all the best things to see and do!

If you’re new to my blog you may not know that I visited all the US national parks in 2017 , so this guide truly comes from firsthand experience. To date I have visited Yellowstone National Park five times, and I plan to visit many more times in the future!

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

Yellowstone National Park Guide

Yellowstone National Park has a rich history. It was established as a national park by US congress in 1872 , and signed into law by president Ulysses S Grant. This was the first national park in the entire world, and paved the way for the protection of future national parks all over the globe.

Today, Yellowstone remains as probably the most well-known of the US national parks, and in recent times has opened its gates to roughly 4 million people each year . It sits in the north-western portion of Wyoming, but a small part of the park extends into both Idaho and Montana. Within the boundaries of the park also happens to be the Yellowstone Caldera , a 34 x 45 mile super volcano within the national park. With this comes extreme volcanic and seismic activity, the reason for its thousands of geothermal features, geysers, and springs.

Taking a road trip to Yellowstone is a dream for a lot of Americans, and it’s also a huge draw for visitors from all around the globe. Thankfully it is quite easy to get around Yellowstone, and can be rather affordable if you are willing to camp or plan ahead. In this guide I will go over everything you need to know , including how to get there, where to stay, the best things to do, photography tips, and more! I hope this is able to make your Yellowstone adventure the best it could possibly be.

When to visit Yellowstone

Yellowstone is technically open year-round , but there are a lot of closures during the winter period in the park from October till May. The most popular times to visit are June through August, but personally my favorite months in the park are May, September, and early October when the crowds are smaller and it should be free of snow. You can still visit Yellowstone during the winter , but personal vehicles will be limited to the road between Gardiner (MT) and Cooke City (MT), the only part of the park where the road is open and maintained in winter. To reach the other parts of the park you will need to have a means of cross-snow travel such as a snowmobile, or take a tour through the park on one of the snow-cats. Be sure to check out the park’s website to research road closures before visiting as dates change every season depending on the weather.

How to get to Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone region is in a pretty remote area of the country, located almost 5 hours from the nearest major city (Salt Lake City). There are a number of ways for guests to access the park , and I will go into detail about some of them below.

Arrive by car

Yellowstone has five entrance stations that are each located in different sections of the park. Where you are driving from previously will determine which of these you will want to enter. The most popular entrance is West Yellowstone as it is the quickest entrance to reach from Salt Lake City (4.5-5 hour drive). Salt Lake City is the nearest major city from which you can fly into and drive from. Another popular way to enter the park is the south entrance station, being just a short drive from Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Airport.

Use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals and for car rentals compare using Kayak across multiple rental agencies.

Arrive by plane

While you cannot fly directly into Yellowstone National Park, you can fly into one of a few nearby towns . The closest of which is West Yellowstone, only a short 5 minute drive from the West Yellowstone entrance. Bozeman (MT) and Jackson Hole (WY) are a couple of alternate options, both being less than a 1.5 hour drive from Yellowstone entrances.

Arrive on a tour

There are a variety of options if you would prefer to visit the park on a guided tour . The advantage of this is that the logistics are all sorted for you! Here are some amazing tour options:

• 4 Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Nature Tour
• Private 2-Day Tour of Yellowstone National Park
• Yellowstone National Park – Full-Day Lower Loop Tour
• Yellowstone Private Fishing Trip
• Yellowstone Lake Guided Sea Kayak Tour

Where to stay

Guests have a range of options for accommodation during their visit to Yellowstone National Park. You will have the choice to stay in Anything from camping in a tent to a stay at the historic Old Faithful Inn,

Yellowstone hotels

• Old Faithful Inn : historic lodge located in the most popular part of the park. Walking distance to Old Faithful Geyser, as well as many others on the Upper Geyser Basin Loop. Also features a beautiful dining hall, cafeteria, gift shop, and coffee cart. Lodge rooms and suites available.
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins : famous hotel located near the Mammoth Hot Springs. Options for hotel rooms, suites, or cabins. Walking distance to Mammoth Hot Springs area and nearby dining hall, general store, and gift shop. One of two accommodations open in the winter, and the only accessible by car in winter.
• Canyon Lodge & Cabins : Largest hotel in the park, featuring more than 500 rooms, restaurants, and a gift shop. Options for cabins, suites or standard lodge rooms.
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins : beautifully located right next to the Old Faithful Geyser. One of only two accommodation options in the park in winter, and only accessible by snow cat in winter. Has a dining room, grill, and gift shop. Other options include Lodge Lake Cabins , Old Faithful Lodge and Cabins , Lake Yellowstone Hotel , Roosevelt Lodge and Grant Village .

Yellowstone camping

• Twelve campgrounds located in the park. Five can be reserved through  here  (options to tent camp or stay in a camper van/RV), rest are first-come, first-served.
• Nearby dispersed camping can be found through  freecampsites.net ,  Campendium , and   iOverlander
• Alternatively use The Dyrt to find your campsite, use my code reneeroaming for a free 30 day trial.

Stay outside of the park

There are a range of options outside the park , but the closest are in the towns of West Yellowstone (MT), Cooke City (MT), and Gardiner (MT). Here are a few of my recommendations:

• Crosswinds Inn : comfortable and affordable hotel that is walking distance from West Yellowstone restaurants, and a 3 minute drive from the west entrance station.
• Under Canvas Yellowstone : try out glamping and be located just 10 minutes from Yellowstone’s west entrance.
• Travelodge by Wyndham Gardiner :  affordable accommodation just a few miles from the north entrance station.
• Alpine Motel of Cooke Cit y : basic accommodation in the heart of beautiful Cooke City. Great base for wildlife viewing at the Lamar Valley.

Nearby vacation rentals

Below are some suggested vacation rentals close to Yellowstone National Park, including near the west, north and east entrances:

• Trapper Cabin : adorable cabin in West Yellowstone with covered porch.
• Kozy Cabin : larger cabin option also in West Yellowstone with views over Denny’s Creek
• The F ishing Shack : located on the Madison River this spacious cabin sleeps up to 8 people and is in beautiful peaceful setting
• Denny Creek Cabin : basic newly built cabin in West Yellowstone with gorgeous wooden rustic beds
• Yellowstone Beauty Loft House : as the name suggests this beautiful loft house is an amazing place to stay in Gardiner
• Rigler’s River Rest : Riverside cabin with beautiful deck and firepit for cosy evenings near North Yellowstone entrance
• Riverfront Cabin : Spacious cabin with incredible views to the north entrance
• Carbella Cabin : Beautiful A-Frame cabin with huge windows and wonderful views across the park.

Best things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a huge park, with so many stops along the way to keep visitors busy. As such, below you will find each area broken down into it’s own section along with my top recommendations.

Old Faithful / Upper Geyser Basin

Upper Geyser Basin is the busiest area of the park, and for good reason! Here there is ample parking, a gas station, lodging, a variety of food options, and access to many hiking trails. It is also home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser , which was first discovered in 1872 and named for its long history of predictable eruptions. This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the park, and can get very busy. I recommend visiting it in the early morning or later in the evening when it will be a little quieter. You can see the estimated time of the next eruption on the board at the nearby visitor center..

This area is also home to the most densely populated geyser basin in the world, the Upper Geyser Basin. It can be seen via an easy 3 mile loop , and is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Yellowstone National Park. It’s hard to go wrong on any of the hikes in this area (they’re all spectacular!) but you can join a guided hike if you want to get a little more local knowledge while you explore.

Many of these geysers along this walk go off at regular, predictable intervals, so be sure to check in at the Old Faithful Visitor Center before beginning your hike to help you plan when to see the eruptions. Some of the must see stops are Castle Geyser, Riverside Geyser, Grotto Geyser, and Morning Glory Pool. Beehive Geyser is incredible if you can catch it going off!

While you are in the area, I also suggest you going inside the Old Faithful Inn , even if you are not staying there.

Built in 1903 using local wood and stone, this is considered the largest log construction in the world and is absolutely stunning. The dining hall food is also quite delicious if you’re feeling hungry! If you are after something a little faster and cheaper, the Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria on the other side of Old Faithful geyser has some great options.

Biscuit Basin

Just north of the Old Faithful is another beautiful part of the Upper Geyser Basin, Biscuit Basin . The best way to explore Biscuit Basin is via its short loop trail (0.65 miles). Along the way you will see geysers and colorful hot pools, including Black Opal Pool, Jewel Geyser, Sapphire Pool, Shell Spring, Mustard Spring, Avoca Spring, and Black Pearl Geyser.

Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is possibly the most recognizable feature in all of Yellowstone. Due to its popularity, I recommend getting here early in the morning or later in the afternoon so it’s a little quieter in terms of crowds. If you don’t want to plan all your stops yourself, consider taking a guided tour! This full-day tour includes Grand Prismatic as one of the highlighted stops.

There are two ways to see the spring. The first way is to park at the Grand Prismatic Spring Parking Lot and take a short boardwalk loop trail that goes right by the spring. This is beautiful, but if you will also want to see that famous postcard viewpoint from. To do this you will need to park at the Fairy Falls Trail Parking Lot and hike a short 1 mile round-trip trail to the overlook . Be aware there is a short but relatively steep uphill section, so those with difficulties walking may want to stick to the boardwalk mentioned previously.

Norris Geyser Basin

The Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most impressive geyser viewing areas of the park. It is home to the hottest and oldest of the geysers in the park, with some thermal features in the area dating back at least 115,000 years. It is also the home of Steamboat Geyser , the tallest geyser in the world, which can erupt up to 400 (120m) feet high! Unfortunately Steamboat’s eruptions are not on a predictable schedule, but you might just get lucky! There are two sections to explore in the Norris Geyser Basin, one being the Porcelain Basin (3/4 mile, 1.2km), and the other being the Back Basin (1.5 miles, 2.4km). I recommend checking both out as they are relatively short walks and both have some really unique features worth seeing. If you only have time for one, Porcelain Basin would be my pick.

Mammoth Hot Springs

The travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs are a unique and beautiful sight within Yellowstone National Park. The soft, earthy tones here and so pleasing to the eye, and there are some really amazing textures throughout the landscape which are always really cool to see. The area has a few different parking lots that you can use to park for exploring these terraces, just pick one that has space and walk as far as you like. There’s a nice boardwalk that takes you from the parking lots to all of the features, but do be aware there are quite a few stairs. Mammoth Hot Springs is a popular stop on any visit to Yellowstone, so you can always explore this area with the help of a tour. This 2-day guided exploration of Yellowstone and this 4-day tour both include stops to explore here.

If you’re a history buff, you can also check out the historic Fort Yellowstone . In the early days of the national park US soldiers were sent into Yellowstone by the Secretary of Interior after issues with poaching, vandalism, etc. Their living quarters remain to this day and tours are available through the park. In this area is also the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel , as well as a gas station, public restrooms, cafeteria, dining hall, gift shop, and general store.

Lamar Valley

America’s Serengeti – this is a name often used to describe Lamar Valley . This is probably my favorite part of the whole national park, and one that I spend a lot of time in with each visit. The Lamar Valley is a large river valley surrounded by mountains and filled to the brim with wildlife. It is home to the famous Junction Butte and Lamar Canyon wolf packs , as well as huge herds of bison, pronghorn, grizzly bears, badgers, bald eagles, and more. What I love about the Lamar Valley is that you are always bound to see something exciting. Whether it’s being held up by a large herd of bison crossing the road , a lucky encounter with one of the wolf packs, or getting to see a grizzly bear cross the Lamar River, I’ve always been left in awe by this place. Your best chance at these special sightings is getting there very early in the morning , or staying out close to sunset as the animals are more active during these times. Remember to bring binoculars! IT is also a really fun experience to visit Lamar Valley with a naturalist guide. You can book a tour that will provide all the scopes and binoculars you need, too.

There are no hotels in the Lamar Valley, but there are a couple of small primitive campgrounds (Slough Creek and Pebble Creek). These are first-come first-served, and are definitely hard to secure with their limited availability, so plan to get there very early if you want to snag a site. Another option is to stay in nearby Cooke City . One of my favorite things to do in Yellowstone is to head to the Lamar Valley in the late afternoon , drive up and down watching wildlife until sunset, and then finish up the day by driving north-east out of the park to Cooke City (MT) and getting a delicious pizza at the Miner’s Saloon … SO GOOD!

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the most dramatic views in Yellowstone National Park. I remember the first time I saw it I was blown away. The powerful Lower Falls drop into a gigantic canyon, which is accented by steaming thermal features and colorful walls.

Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon can be viewed from many viewpoints, but the classic view is from Artist Point . Another of my favorite viewpoints is from Uncle Tom’s Point which requires you to walk down 328 stairs down (and subsequentially back up) and 500 feet of elevation to the overlook. The payout is a really close view of the impressive lower falls, and on a sunny day, you will probably even get a beautiful rainbow! This is one of the highlighted stops on one of my most recommended guided full-day West Yellowstone tours .

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin is the first large geyser basin that visitors coming up from the south will encounter. Although in my opinion there are more impressive geyser basins in other areas of the park, West Thumb is unique in that it sits right next to the gigantic Yellowstone Lake which provides some pretty epic views. The two most beautiful and impressive features in West Thumb Geyser Basin are the Abyss Pool , Black Pool , Collapsing Pool , and Fishing Cone , so make sure to check these out!

Fun fact – Fishing Cone was named in the old days when visitors would catch a fish from the lake, then cook it while still on the hook over the geyser. This is now prohibited and actually has been found to be unhealthy, so please don’t try to replicate this haha.

Hiking trails in Yellowstone

Yellowstone, although a very beautiful national park, is not one that’s famous for its hiking trails. Due to the geothermal activity in the area and abundance of wildlife, trails are kept to a minimum in the park. In saying that, there are still some really great options for those wanting to get out and move their legs. Here are a few hiking trails I recommend:

Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn

Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn is 6.5 miles (10.4km) roundtrip and has 1400 feet of elevation gain. One of the most famous in the park, this hike takes you to an old fire lookout at the summit of Mount Washburn. Keep an eye out for Bighorn Sheep that are known to frequent the area!

Bunsen Peak out-and-back

Bunsen Peak out-and-back is 4.6 miles (7.4km) roundtrip and has 1285 feet of elevation gain. This hike has great 360 degree views at the top including the Gallatin Range and Mammoth Hot Springs area.

Trout Lake is 1.2 miles (1.9km) and located near the north-east entrance. This hike is an short loop trail that takes you to a picturesque lake that has plentiful wildflowers surrounding it in the summer. Not surprisingly, this is also a great lake to fish for trout (make sure to have the right permit!).

Avalanche Peak

Avalanche Peak is 4.7 miles (7.5km) round-trip and has 2073 feet of elevation gain. It’s a fun, steep hike up to Avalanche peak which features epic views down to Yellowstone Lake and beyond.

Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls is 4.9 miles (7.8km) and has 216 feet of elevation gain. This is a classic Yellowstone hike that is mostly flat and a great one to get out and see the park by foot. Fairy Falls at the end is also a pretty great payoff for the exercise.

Yellowstone photography tips

Yellowstone National park is famous for its wildlife viewing and photography . Large game roam free throughout the valleys and mountains here, and you are guaranteed to come across something cool on your visit here. Not only that, but the vibrant springs and dramatic geysers also make for great photography subjects. Below you will find tips to help you capture images you will be proud of during your visit to Yellowstone!

My tops tips for Yellowstone photography

• Bring a zoom lens . Something like a 100-400mm will be great for capturing wildlife while still staying at a safe distance. A 70-200mm lens can work for animals like bison and elk where you only need to keep a distance of 25 yards (25ish meters), but most likely won’t be enough for bears/wolves.
• A teleconverter can help to give your current lens some extra range. I use a 1.4x teleconverter often when photographing wildlife and it definitely helps me capture some images I otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
• Always have your camera set up and ready to go. Wildlife can appear at the most unexpected times, so having your camera ready to go will help you capture those fleeting moments instead of having you miss them while you fumble through your camera bag.
• Explore Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley for the golden hours just after sunrise, and just before sunset. The light during these times is beautifully dramatic and golden, much better for photography than the harsh light in the middle of a sunny day.
• Try using a wide aperture to create separation between the animal and the background. This will help create better photos in busy scenes and also has the benefit of helping to draw the viewers eye to the subject.
• Pack a wide angle lens (like a 16-35mm ) so you can also capture images of the various hot springs and geysers.
• Bring a circular polarizer (like this one ). These are fantastic at cutting annoying glare that you might get on the springs, helping you see deeper into them and assisting to bring out more of the natural colors. It also often helps bring some more definition to the eruptions from the geysers.

Getting around the park

Yellowstone is a big park (the largest of the national parks in the lower 48 states to be exact!) and it can be confusing to navigate. Below you will find all the insiders tips for getting around!

Get a Yellowstone pass

Firstly, to enter Yellowstone National Park you will need to purchase a 7 day Yellowstone pass which will cost $35 for a private vehicle, or an annual Yellowstone pass for $70. Alternatively, you can use the America The Beautiful pass which covers you for all National Parks (+ other places) for a year. These can be purchased for $80, and is the best option if you plan to visit a variety of national parks in a 12 month period. Read this blog post for tips on how to plan your trip .

Driving around the park

Yellowstone is an easy National Park to drive around from May-October . Depending on the season, most/all roads should be open during these months, and they are all well maintained. Parking lots can fill up and be pretty crazy during the busiest months of June-August , so I recommend getting to the most popular areas such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Winter travel

As I spoke about earlier, it is much more difficult to travel around Yellowstone in the winter once the snow settles in. All roads are closed to private vehicles, except the one up north between Gardiner (MT) and Cooke City (MT). To visit any other parts of the park during this time, you will need to take a tour on one of the snow cats , or have your own cross-snow travel vehicle.

Bison traffic jams

Something unique to Yellowstone is the “ bison jam “. Sometimes you may come across a herd of bison that just decided to cross the road when you arrived. Give them space, snap a few photos, but be sure to move on as soon as it is safe to go around them so you don’t hold up traffic . Please also make life easier on the rangers (and fellow visitors) by pulling completely off the road whenever you want to stop, and only doing so in purpose built pull-outs. Just because you see something cool doesn’t give you the right to block traffic, find a safe spot to pull off and walk back if necessary.

Be sure to check for and observe all road closure before your visit to Yellowstone National Park.

Take a tour

If you prefer a guide there are a lot of amazing tours available, this Yellowstone Tour with Local Guide is a great way to get the locals perspective as you explore the park. If you go in the snowy months this Snowmobile Tour avoids any road issues, as does the Private Snowcoach Tour . For anyone interested in wildlife spotting it can be really helpful to go with someone who knows the patterns of the animals habits, this Wildlife Watching Tour or the Winter Wolf and Wildlife Tour are great options for optimal wildlife spotting. For longer guides this Full Day Lower Loop Tour will cover all the bases in one day or take the Self Guided Audio Tour . Another great option to think about is the Old Faithful and Hot Springs Tour .

Yellowstone National Park itinerary

There are numerous itineraries you could take for exploring Yellowstone National Park. In my opinion three nights / four days is the perfect amount of time to explore the park, so that is the itinerary I have created for you below! This itinerary is perfect for spring through fall when the park roads and accommodations are open.

3 night / 4 day Yellowstone itinerary

Keep in mind that I chose West Yellowstone as a starting point because it is the most popular entrance to the park. In saying that, you can tailor the itinerary to suit wherever you are coming from.

Enter Yellowstone National Park via the west entrance station . You can get to West Yellowstone by driving or flying and I suggest arriving as early in the day as possible.

Your first stop will be Lower Geyser Basin where you will take the Fountain Paint Pot Trail . Spend about 30 minutes strolling past hot pools, mudpots, steaming fumaroles, and erupting geysers.

Next stop by Midway Geyser Basin to explore Grand Prismatic Spring. I suggest stopping at both the main boardwalk and also take the hike up the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail (via the Fairy Falls Parking Lot). I would allow at least one hour to explore both these areas, but you may want longer.

A quick stop to walk the Biscuit Basin Loop will be the next thing on your list. This short boardwalk trail will take approximately 15 minutes and you will see plenty of colorful hot springs and spurting geysers.

Your last stop of the day will be at Old Faithful Inn , where you will stay the night. Check into your accommodation, make a dinner reservation, and check the lobby for predicted geyser eruption times. Then spend the last remaining hours of the day viewing Old Faithful Geyser and walking as much of the Upper Geyser Basin Loop (3 miles) as possible. I highly recommend viewing Castle Geyser, Riverside Geyser, Grotto Geyser, and Morning Glory Pool.

Set your alarm early because today will be busy! If you didn’t get a chance to properly explore Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin, be sure to do that this morning. Then check out of the Inn and start driving east.

Your first stop will be West Thumb Geyser Basin . Take a short walk around the area (about 30 minutes) and be sure to stop by Abyss Pool, Black Pool, Collapsing Pool, and Fishing Cone.

Jump back in the car and start heading north to the Canyon area of the park. On the way you will see beautiful views of Yellowstone Lake and the Hayden Valley . Be sure to look out for wildlife!

Next up you will be exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone . I suggest viewing the canyon via Artist Point . If you are feeling adventurous then also take the short walk to Uncle Tom’s Point (keep in mind that it requires walking up/down 328 stairs).

The day isn’t over yet! Get back in the car and start driving northeast towards the Lamar Valley . On the way you should definitely look out for wildlife as we have spotted numerous bears between the Canyon and Tower Roosevelt areas.

You will want to arrive in the Lamar Valley at least a couple of hours before sunset. Take your time driving around valley as you take in the beautiful landscapes and wildlife . You are almost guaranteed to see bison and may very well also see moose, antelope, wolves, and bears.

After sunset make your way out of the northeast entrance and stay the night in Cooke City . I suggest having dinner at the Miner’s Saloon .

Wake up early so you can be driving back through the Lamar Valley at sunrise or just after. That will give you the highest chances for wildlife watching and enjoy the valley with beautiful golden light.

Once you are done exploring the Lamar Valley you can start heading west towards Mammoth Hot Springs. This is a great time to get a Yellowstone hike in. Some suggestions are Trout Lake (1.2 miles) or the Dunraven Pass – Mount Washburn Trail (6 miles).

Make your way over to Mammoth Hot Springs and spend the rest of your day exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces . Walk as far or as little as you want and if you’re a history buff you can also check out nearby historic Fort Yellowstone . Stay the night in Mammoth Hot Springs or Gardiner.

Your first stop today will be Norris Geyser Basin . There are two sections to explore in this area, one being the Porcelain Basin (3/4 mile, 1.2km), and the other being the Back Basin (1.5 miles, 2.4km). I recommend checking both out as they are relatively short walks and both have some really unique features worth seeing. If you only have time for one, Porcelain Basin would be my pick.

Next up you will have some time to explore anything you missed on day 1 (e.g. Lower Geyser Basin or Grand Prismatic Spring) before driving back out to West Yellowstone.

You could also join an organised multi-day tour to take the planning out of your hands. These are great options with different meeting points.

• 2-Day Guided Tour
• From Jackson: Grand Teton and Yellowstone Winter 4-day Tour
• From Salt Lake City: Grand Teton and Yellowstone 4-day Tour
• 4-Day Tour with Lodging
• From Bozeman: 4-day Winter Tour

Map of itinerary

How to stay safe

Yellowstone National Park hosts some of the most breathtaking, but also some of the most dangerous natural sights on the planet. As such, it is vital to follow the National Park Service’s rules when visiting the park.

Stay on trail

Firstly, never stray from the path . Yellowstone’s geothermal activity spreads all throughout the park, and falling through what looks to be safe ground into a boiling hot spring is not a nice way to go. Many people have died or become disfigured as a result of this, so for the safety of yourself and the protection of these areas, stick to the trail.

Keep your distance from wildlife

Secondly, give wildlife space . They are called WILDlife for a reason, and these animals are unpredictable. They may look cute, but if you get too close and they feel threatened, they may threaten your life in retaliation. The national park recommendations are to keep a distance of 100 yards (90m) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23m) from bison and other animals. If you get too close and an animal attacks, not only are you in trouble, but the animal is likely to be destroyed in response. Give them space.

Bear safety

It is important to note that Yellowstone is home to some large predators, including grizzly bears . You shouldn’t need to worry too much in busy geyser basin areas, but if you are planning on hiking less busy trails it is recommended you hike in groups of three or more, and carry bear spray with you at all times. Bears should not be feared, but you do need to take extra caution when hiking through a region like this with such a high population of them. Check our my bear safety blog post for more in-depth information.

What to bring

What you should pack for a trip to Yellowstone will depend on the time of year you visit and the activities you have planned. Below you will some general items that everyone should consider bringing on their trip.

It’s a good idea to bring a pair of binoculars to Yellowstone. These will allow you to see wildlife from a safe distance and zoom in on the interesting geothermal landscapes. Invest in a pair ( like these ) or rent them once you arrive at the park.

Reusable water bottle

There are free water bottle refill stations almost everywhere in Yellowstone, so be kind to the environment and bring a reusable water bottle on your trip. Some of my favorites include those by Hydroflask , Nalgene , and Stanley .

Walking shoes

Even if you don’t plan to hike, you will be wanting a pair of walking shoes when exploring Yellowstone. The boardwalks can sometimes get slippery and some trails may be muddy, so a waterproof and grippy pair of shoes will be ideal. I also have a blog post all about the best hiking shoes for men and women to help you choose what is best for your needs.

What you pack for layers and outerwear will heavily depend on what time of year you visit. During the summer months I would recommend a lightweight windbreaker or light down jacket . For the spring and fall I would suggest a warmer insulated jacket as the temperatures can get down to freezing. For winter I would recommend a heavy insulated parka .

Sun protection

Even winter can bring sunny (but cold) days in Yellowstone and sun protection should be a consideration year round. I would suggest packing sunglasses , a sun hat , and sunscreen .

You will definitely want to pack your phone or a camera to capture pictures in Yellowstone! Click here to read all about what’s in my camera bag .

Nearby places to explore

Yellowstone is located relatively close to many other incredible destinations. These are some of my top recommendations for nearby places to explore :

• Grand Teton National Park ( read my in-depth park guide )
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Glacier National Park
• Yellowstone Hot Springs
• Big Sky, Montana
• Cody, Wyoming
• Stanley, Idaho

PIN for later planning

Related guides.

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Discovering the Best Things To Do in Punta Gorda: Florida’s Hidden Gem

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10 comments

Hi i am planning a five days four nights trip from salt lake city to yellowstone this June. Kindly help me routing my trip.

René muchas gracias por esta guía está maravillosa! Super facil y guiada, es la mejor guía de todo internet! Estaba estresada por estar leyendo y buscando en otros sitios, entoces me dije, pero yo sigo a René, ella debe de tener algo en su sitio web, y bingo! Lo tienes todo!

How do I save your my google maps so I can edit it to make it work for me?

I visited Yellowstone National Park when I was 6, I don’t remember much but I do remember it was beautiful and Old Faithful was amazing to me at the time. I hope to go back in the next couple of years so I can see it again and take more time to explore some of the sites you’re recommended and appreciate the wildlife more. Thanks for sharing.

I agree with Idalis above. I have researched and read and read and just got more and more overwhelmed. Your blog is wonderful. Just what I needed. Thank you.

Great guide. Road tripping this summer from PA. Thanks heaps Renee. Cheers, Erik

This is literally the best guide ever. I have seen so many and they all ended up confusing me more. Thank you!

I’m planning a trip for my sister’s family this June. They will be staying in Island Park, they will have 4 kids, 4 adults, and 2 seniors in their party. Im looking at your 4 day itinerary, can you provide me with which color is for each day and would this itinerary fit their family and place they are staying?

Awesome blog – very helpful – Thank you !

I was lucky enough to visit Yellowstone a few years back and it was one of my most memorable trips. Reading your blog and seeing your photos brought back so many wonderful memories. Thankyou Renee.

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Yellowstone | Grand Teton | Winter Glacier | Badlands

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Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone

Discover the beauty of Yellowstone's neighbor national park to the south, Grand Teton, and its neighboring town, Jackson.

• Signal Mountain Lodge in Grand Teton National Park - Stay at the only resort located on the shores of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park, with camping and boat rentals available.

Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone

One of the most direct routes to Yellowstone launches in Salt Lake City, with attractions all its own, and travels up the west side of the Teton Mountain Range. Stunning wildlife, ski towns and western culture dominate this tour.

• Diamondville/Kemmerer Area  - Gateway to the Bridger and Teton National Forest, including Yellowstone. Unearth a fossil, visit the JC Penney Motherstore and camp in the Hamsfork Recreation Area .
• Southeastern Idaho  - The 11 communities of Southeast Idaho have museums, an historic state park, hot springs, Bear Lake and fantastic wildlife-watching for the Yellowstone and Grand Teton vacationer .
• Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Eastern Idaho is full of adventure and great outdoor activities such as Yellowstone Bear World, fly-fishing, biking, rafting and camping.
• Flaming Gorge Country - Halfway between Yellowstone and Arches National Parks is an unspoiled playground of stunning natural features. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers year-round adventure for families of all ages. Scenic trails. Superb boating. DIY rafting. Trophy fishing. Wow. Flaming Gorge is a ‘must see’ stop on your next western journey.
• Cache Valley, Northern Utah - Stay a day and explore Logan, Utah. Famous for outdoor beauty, hands-on heritage experiences, food tour and performing arts.
• Salt Lake City, Utah - Salt Lake is a combination of metropolitan city and quaint mountain town; the towering Wasatch Mountains embracing Salt Lake offer a dramatic backdrop to the vibrancy and activities of downtown.
• Park City, Utah - Discover the endless activities this charming mountain town has to offer including hiking and biking on over 400 miles of trails. After a day of adventure, explore the shops, galleries and restaurants on Historic Main Street and wind down with a local craft beer or whiskey.
• Dinosaurland - One of the West's biggest secrets is northeastern Utah, an easy day's drive south of Yellowstone National Park. Some call it Dinosaurland, and you'll find it offers adventure and sites not seen anywhere else in the world.
• Bear Lake Valley - Come to the "Caribbean of the Rockies" with an intense turquoise blue lake. Jet ski, go sailing, boating, fish, swim and play on our sandy beaches. Winter offers snowmobiling, ice fishing and snow skiing.
• Yellowstone Vacations - Stay in West Yellowstone, Mont., and you will be one step closer to enjoying the majestic scenery of the national park. The west entrance is the closest entrance to world famous Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Hot Spring.
• Days Inn by Windham West Yellowstone - Conveniently located off highways 191 and 20, this hotel near Yellowstone’s West Entrance offers great value and quick access to the most popular attractions in the area.
• Natural Retreats Park City - Handpicked for prime mountain access and high-end amenities, these vacation rentals include private homes nestled on the slopes, luxury lodge condos at Silver Star, and ski-in, ski-out estates in gated communities at both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort.

Yellowstone to Glacier National Park

On the north side of Yellowstone, you'll find wildlife galore along the banks of scenic rivers. But there is culture here too. See a world-class art museum, hot springs, historic towns and high peaks under Montana's big sky on the way to Glacier National Park.

• Montana’s Glacier Country - Home to iconic Glacier National Park, Western Montana’s Glacier Country is a region that needs to be explored. It’s time to discover your Montana moment.
• Great Falls, Montana - Resting on the high plains along Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front Range, Great Falls is located at the confluence of the Missouri and Sun Rivers, the ideal gateway for your Genuine Montana experience.
• Missoula, Montana - Situated halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Missoula is an impeccable balance of ultimate adventure by day and unique, hip culture at night.
• Southwest Montana - Hemmed by the snow-crowned peaks of Glacier National Park to the north and the geological marvels of Yellowstone National Park to the south, this vast region holds the best of Montana.
• Visit Yellowstone Country - This unparalleled year-round vacation destination, made up of five Montana counties: Gallatin, Park, Sweet Grass, Stillwater and Carbon, offers recreation, lodging, dining, seasonal activities and cultural treasures.
• Visit Helena - Helena truly offers an extraordinary range of mountain biking and convenient trailhead shuttles. Or get out on a hike or boat the waters at Gates of the Mountains. After your adventure, drop into town where five microbreweries await.
• Central Montana - Wide-open spaces. Gracious people. Where a rugged past meets a vibrant present. Central Montana remains an authentic experience unlike any other.
• Gardiner, Montana - Quaint, Old West-style Gardiner sits on the north edge of Yellowstone, making it a convenient gateway town. It's the only year-round entrance to the park.
• Big Sky, Montana - Tucked in the flanks of the green mountains that roll up to Big Sky Resort, come to Big Sky for world-class recreation such as hiking, biking, rafting and in the winter, skiing.
• Natural Retreats - Offering Big Sky vacation rentals to suit every vacation style, from mountain chic slopeside homes to grand hilltop chalets and modern condos.

Chicago to Rushmore to Yellowstone

Take your family on the All-American road trip starting in the Midwest and traveling through South Dakota's Badlands on through Wyoming's cowboy country to Yellowstone. Explore the Black Hills, Devils Tower and more en route.

• Drive the Safest and Easiest Route to Yellowstone - See hidden treasures on the way to Yellowstone via HWY US 16: The Cloud Peak Scenic Skyway, Ten Sleep Canyon, Petroglyphs, Ancient Mammoth Hunters and Museum.
• Billings, Montana - Billings is the scenic home base for Yellowstone trips and a wild West destination in its own right. In the heart of southeast Montana, Billings is knows as "Montana's Trailhead."
• Southeast Montana - Visit epic battlefields, breathtaking canyons, museums, dinosaur dig sites and more en route from the Black Hills to Yellowstone National Park.
• Crazy Horse Memorial - Near Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, another rock carving in process honors Crazy Horse, the legendary Lakota leader, and his people.
• Missouri River Country - This unspoiled land offers a fantastic getaway for those who truly enjoy the outdoors and have a spirit of adventure - from hunting and fishing to exploring the history of dinosaurs and Lewis and Clark.
• Rapid City, South Dakota - Explore nearby South Dakota national parks, learn about American heroes, take in local arts and culture, explore the outdoors and indulge in a unique dining scene in Rapid City.
• Park County Travel - Explore the communities of Buffalo Bill’s Cody Yellowstone and see that the Wild West isn’t so wild after all. Find welcoming accommodations, fine restaurants and plenty of adventure.

Denver to Yellowstone

Start your trip to the park in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Then travel through Wyoming's southern cowboy towns and native nations before exploring Yellowstone's southern ranges.

• Sweetwater County, Wyoming - Take a national park road trip & fill up on adventure, history and the cowboy spirit in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, the perfect stopping point to refuel and rediscover.
• Carbon County, Wyoming - Carbon County is a year-round destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. We say, “Star count is more important than thread count."
• Cheyenne, Wyoming - Get a cowboy’s welcome at the place known for the world’s largest rodeo, Old West museums and huge painted boots scattered about town.
• Colorado State Parks & Wildlife - Colorado’s 42 state parks are places to have fun, get away and recreate in beautiful settings. Book your camping reservations or find activities across the state.
• Moffat County, Colorado - The 1.7 million acres of pristine, picturesque public lands, abundant wildlife, wild horses, and untamed rivers define Moffat Country.
• Casper, Wyoming - World-class fly-fishing is not the only game in town. From a rowdy ride on a pioneer wagon to a hike up Casper Mountain, you’ll be doing your own trailblazing.
• Laramie, Wyoming - Explore a colorful historic past and some of the region’s best scenery. Find unparalleled adventure within a short drive of the city or visit the historic downtown with great lodging, art culture, nightlife and unique shopping.
• Wind River Country - Towns like Riverton, Lander, Dubois and the 2.2 million-acre Wind River Indian Reservation offer incredible outdoor recreation and the history of Wyoming from the Mountain Man to wild mustangs.

Tour Guides and Tour Apps

Don't miss a thing by following an expert - a literal "Yellowstone Travel Guide."

• GuideAlong - Get the driving app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GuideAlong automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.
• Active Adventures - Explore the best of the world’s most beautiful destinations, from the well-known to the well-hidden. Discover natural wonders and dynamic cultures with expert guides leading the way and every detail handled from start to finish.

About Outside Interactive, Inc.

Planning a Trip to Yellowstone? Here’s the Best Time to Visit

Featured in this article is the best time to visit Yellowstone to get the best of what the park has to offer in all four seasons.

Emmanuel Desouza • May 23, 2024

Yellowstone National Park is a magical destination year-round. If you follow this hack, you’ll get to experience its bliss during every season of the year. If you have a favorite time of the year, whether it be the haze of winter or the dry air of fall, there’s something special to be experienced there. Here’s a guide to help you decide when is truly the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park throughout the year.

Spring, from April to June, is a beautiful time of the year to see Yellowstone. You get to experience the park coming back to life after the long winter. Temperature ranges from 30F to 60F, the snow starts to melt, waterfalls are at their most powerful, and wildflowers begin to bloom. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with animals emerging from hibernation and baby animals making their first appearances. At this time there are fewer crowds compared to summer.

July to August in summer is the most popular time people visit Yellowstone, so expect to see large crowds during this time. All the park’s facilities and roads are open, making it the best time for exploring the park and all its relief. The weather is quite warm (70F to 80F), and is most ideal for camping and hiking. All trails are accessible for hiking.

Fall offers a quieter, more serene experience in Yellowstone, from September to November. There is a fall in the size of crowds, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the leaves display their spectrum of colors. It is a stunning sight to behold. During this time of the year you will meet fewer visitors, roads closure will commence (around October) and temperatures get cooler in the range of 30F to 60F.

Winter (December-March) transforms Yellowstone into a snowy paradise. It’s the perfect time for those who enjoy winter sports, including snowshoeing and ice fishing. However, you should expect freezing temperatures and the closure of access roads to regular vehicles. Plan accordingly and make sure you have proper attire.

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National Parks

5 day glacier national park to yellowstone itinerary.

Want to experience two of the best national parks in one epic trip? This 5-day itinerary takes you from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone, with two adventure-filled days in each park. This guide details the highlights, plus important things to know. 

Two of America’s most iconic national parks are located about 400 very scenic miles apart. From the stunning glacial lakes of Glacier National Park to the geothermal wonders in Yellowstone, these are two parks on many traveler’s national park bucket lists. 

In this guide, we share how to get from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone , plus a 5-day itinerary that gives you two days to explore each park. 

Article contents

• About Glacier & Yellowstone
• Itinerary overview
• Know before you go
• Day 1: Glacier
• Day 2: Glacier
• Day 3: Driving
• Day 4: Yellowstone
• Day 5: Yellowstone
• What to pack

About Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks

Glacier National Park is in far northwestern Montana on the US-Canada border. Often called the “Jewel of the Continent,” this spectacular park is home to over 35 glaciers, milky blue lakes, wildlife galore, and over 700 miles of epic hiking trails. 

Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in the world. It’s home to over half of the world’s geysers and geothermal features, making the park truly one-of-a-kind. 

Yellowstone sits primarily in northwest Wyoming, but also crosses over into Idaho and Montana – which is what makes it such an ideal road trip destination from Glacier.

Psst! We have complete guides to both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park on our sister site. 

Glacier National Park to Yellowstone Itinerary Overview

This 5-day itinerary starts in Glacier with two action-packed hiking days. Day 1 includes several smaller hikes, while Day 2 is an all-day hike. 

Day 3 of the itinerary is a transit day, but don’t let that get you down.  There are plenty of sights to see along the way as well as fun towns to stop in for a meal or just a stretch. 

Day 4 and 5 will be spent in Yellowstone National Park. On these slightly more relaxed days, you’ll enjoy the highlights at one of the country’s most iconic national parks. 

Note: If you prefer to start from Yellowstone, simply do the itinerary in reverse and end in Glacier.

How much time do I need in Glacier National Park?

As with most national parks, the more time you have, the more you can explore Glacier’s 1 million-plus acres and hundreds of lakes. 

Of course, not everyone can carve nearly a week out of their lives to explore a national park. So while more is better, you can absolutely enjoy a shorter visit to Glacier National Park. 

Our two-day itinerary shows off the park’s highlights so you can maximize time and still have a few days to check out Yellowstone! 

How much time do I need in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone is more than twice the size of Glacier, covering over 2 million acres, so the situation is similar where more time is better. However, two days is certainly enough to get a taste.

When to go to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks?

Overall, the best times to visit Glacier and Yellowstone are summer and early fall (June through early October).

Summer is the peak season, when everything is open and accessible and weather is mostly favorable. However, both parks get extremely crowded, and accommodations (including campsites) sell out far in advance. 

Spring and fall can be nice, but weather is dicey and major sections of both parks, including roads, are closed between October and May — sometimes into June (or July, in Glacier!). 

Having said that, September and early October are fantastic . Summer crowds are gone, it’s a great time for wildlife viewing, the weather is gorgeous, and all the roads in the parks are open through mid-October.

Winter is magical in both parks, but access is limited due to closures and lack of services/facilities. However, if you’re not planning on doing any hiking, Yellowstone is one of the best national parks to visit in winter , especially because you’ll avoid the massive crowds. 

Wanna try out vanlife on your Glacier National Park to Yellowstone road trip?

It’s no secret we are obsessed with #vanlife. If you don’t have the time (or interest) in  building your own conversion  but you still want to give vanlife a test drive, we’ve got you covered! We put together an entire guide to the best  campervan rental companies in the US over on our sister site, including  exclusive discounts for our readers!

One company we’d recommend looking into is  Escape Campervans . They have 12 different locations across North America and come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip. Plus, their rates are fair and affordable.

BONUS:  We’ve partnered with Escape to give you a  10% off discount when you use our  link !

Things to know before visiting

• Both parks experience major road closures in the winter and spring, allowing visitors to explore very small sections 
• Cell phone reception is spotty at best 
• Parking lots fill up and crowds form early, so try to get an extra-early start
• Accommodations sell out quickly and far in advance for summer (up to a year!) 
• Glacier and Yellowstone are in bear country, so make lots of noise on trails, carry bear spray, and store food properly
• Aside from bears, tons of wildlife call both parks home. Give them plenty of room, and don’t approach or attempt to feed them. 99

America the Beautiful annual park pass

If you’re planning to visit more than just Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, we’d highly encourage you to look into getting an annual park pass. At $35+ per vehicle upon entry, visiting the national parks in the U.S. can get expensive.

For just $80 per year, you can purchase the America the Beautiful park pass . This pass grants you free access to all of the national parks. Plus it also covers your entrance to over 2,000 natural, historical, and recreational sites across the United States.

If you still need convincing, check out our article: National Park Annual Pass: Is it Worthwhile? + How to Buy

And now with all that info out of the way, let’s get into the fun part! 

Day 1 | Glacier National Park

Although Glacier has several entrances, we recommend first-timers start in West Glacier. There are more services and amenities here, plus some of the most popular trails and sites. 

Lake Mcdonald + Apgar Village

One of Glacier’s best views is also one of its most accessible. Lake Mcdonald is one of the first stops from the West Glacier entrance and it showcases what the park is all about: larger-than-life snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and breathtaking scenery. 

Soak in the views, especially at sunrise or sunset, and get out on the water, too. Rent kayaks or paddle boards, or take a lake cruise during the summer. 

Before hitting the road, browse the shops and grab a coffee in Apgar Village. 

Going-To-The-Sun Road

Known as the GTTSR, this jaw-dropping road spans 50 miles across the park from Apgar to St. Mary. It crosses the Continental Divide and provides countless “ooh-ahh” moments. 

Driving the GTTSR one-way without stopping takes about two hours, but could easily be a full day. The road is closed from mid-October through most of June and sometimes into early July, so keep that in mind when deciding when to visit. 

Hike the Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake

Near Apgar, the Trail of the Cedars is a relatively flat, easy 0.7-mile hike that passes through spectacular scenery. If you’re up for it, complete the full 5.9-mile hike to Avalanche Lake. 

Psst! This is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park . Check out our article to see the rest!

Hike to Hidden Lake at Logan Pass

The GTTSR crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and as you’d expect, it’s spectacular. The drive itself is just as spectacular, actually, about one hour from West Glacier. 

Once there, hike to Hidden Lake Overlook, just under 3 miles round-trip. The overlook is an easy going hike and if you’d like more of a challenge, head down to the lake. 

Hidden Lake is frequented by grizzly bears and mountain goats, so the trail sometimes closes temporarily beyond the overlook. Also, parking is a major issue at Logan Pass, so plan to stop extremely early or late in the day. 

Don’t forget to bring your bear spray for hiking in this park!

Wild Goose Island

This short and sweet stop near St. Mary is one of the most photographed spots in the park. Simply stop and enjoy the breathtaking view.

St. Mary is a quick stop. Grab a late lunch or have a picnic before heading back west on Going-to-the-Sun Road. 

On your way back, stop at any overlooks that strike your fancy and not the difference in views from one direction to the other.

Psst! If you plan on camping over night, check out our complete guide to camping in Glacier National Park .

Day 2 | Glacier National Park

Day two is one of the toughest yet most rewarding of this Glacier National Park to Yellowstone itinerary. We’re suggesting two options, but both include all-day trails widely considered some of the best hikes in all of Montana. 

Option 1: Highline Trail

For avid hikers, it doesn’t get much better than the Highline Trail . The trail starts at Logan Pass, so get on the road early to secure a parking spot. 

There are several ways to break up the 15-mile hike, but we recommend doing the full trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet and back. You can also detour to Grinnell Glacier Overlook if you’re up for adding two additional steep miles for a stunning view. 

The Highline is long, but not terribly technical or difficult. You’ll have plenty of flat miles along the way, plus non-stop breathtaking views to keep you going. 

Highline Trail Glacier National Park Hiking Guide

Option 2: Many Glacier Hike

As an alternative to the Highline, head to Many Glacier. Few visitors get to this side of the park, as it’s not as accessible as other areas, but it’s by far the most impressive. 

Some of the best hikes start here, including Grinnell Glacier (10.6 miles), Cracker Lake (12 miles), and Iceberg Lake (9.3 miles). 

After hiking, head back to your lodging and rest up for the road trip tomorrow! 

Cracker Lake Trail Guide for Glacier National Park

Day 3 | Road trip

• Distance: 400 miles
• Driving time: 7-8 hours

After two busy days in Glacier, today should be more relaxed. There are several route options for getting from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone, and all are equally fantastic — never-ending views and plenty of interesting stops.

The biggest decision is which Yellowstone entrance to visit. For two days, we recommend West Yellowstone because it has the greatest concentration of highlights . 

When planning your trip, keep in mind that West Yellowstone isn’t accessible for 5-6 months of the year.

Flathead Lake & Big Fork

Massive Flathead Lake is stunning. Stop to go for a swim or paddle, or simply enjoy the scenery. It’s also popular for trout fishing. 

Dozens of breweries and laid-back restaurants and bars dot the lakeshore, and the town of Kalispell is also worth a stop. 

Missoula is a fantastic city combining big city amenities and Montana ruggedness. It’s fantastic for art or history lovers, with several museums, galleries, and historic areas. 

Montana University is also here and downtown is full of wineries, breweries, and quirky boutiques. During the summer, there are frequent farmers’ markets and other outdoor events.  

A historic mining town with deep roots, Butte feels a bit like stepping back in time. The World Museum of Mining is worth a stop, and there are several mine tours in town. 

The resort town of Big Sky is about an hour from West Yellowstone. Four-season recreation includes hiking (don’t miss Ousel Falls!), rafting, horseback riding, biking, and winter sports.

Day 4 | Yellowstone National Park

Especially in the summer, Yellowstone’s Grand Loop gets extremely crowded and traffic can be frustrating. Bring snacks to hold yourselves over and start as early as possible!  

Old Faithful

As one of Yellowstone’s most famous attractions, Old Faithful draws huge crowds trying to get a glimpse of the eruptions, which shoot up to 100 feet high. 

Old Faithful erupts on a very predictable schedule, every 60-90 minutes. Interestingly, exactly when depends on the previous eruption — if it was 2.5 minutes or less, the next eruption should be 65 minutes later. 2.5-minute or longer eruptions mean Old Faithful will erupt again at 91 minutes.

To avoid some of the crowds and get a different view of the eruption, hike 1.5-mile (roundtrip) Observation Point . 

Upper Geyser Basin

Next, take the easy hike to Upper Geyser Basin. This is the world’s highest concentration of geysers and geothermal features (and unsurprisingly, the busiest part of Yellowstone)!

To get there, walk 1.4 miles along the boardwalk from Old Faithful to Morning Glory Pool. You’ll pass colorful, otherworldly geysers, hot springs, and colorful pools. 

Biscuit Basin

Much quieter Biscuit Basin is just a few minutes away, home to several colorful pools and geysers. Take a short drive or hike the 2.2-mile (one-way) Artemisia Trail if you’re feeling ambitious. 

Walk the 0.6-mile boardwalk and enjoy the bright colors and lack of crowds. You can get significantly closer to geysers in Biscuit Basin, but remember — do not leave the boardwalk!

Grand Prismatic Spring

End your first day in Yellowstone at one of the park’s stunners: Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s the third-largest geothermal spring in the world!

The spring’s vibrant colors truly can’t be captured in photos or explained with words; you HAVE to see this place with your own eyes. 

You can see Grand Prismatic well from the boardwalk, but for an unbeatable view, head to Grand Prismatic Overlook, one of the best hikes in Yellowstone . The easygoing, 1.6-mile roundtrip hike gains 135 feet of elevation and is a perfect way to end the day.

Day 5 | Yellowstone National Park

The final day of your Glacier National Park to Yellowstone trip includes two jaw-dropping sites. Again, these areas get extremely crowded early, so get started before the sun if possible.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Carved out by the Yellowstone River, this breathtaking geological gem is over 20 miles long and up to 1,200 feet deep. 

Fun fact: The canyon’s yellow walls are thought to be the river’s namesake (and later, the park’s). 

Head to iconic Artist’s Point first, a short walk from the parking lot on the southern rim. After enjoying the straight-on views of Lower Falls, hike down to the Brink of the Lower Falls. It’s a steep climb, but short and mostly paved. 

Next, stop at Lookout Point for another view of the falls and on your way out, stop at Inspiration Point for one last look. 

Another option is hiking the 3.2 miles from Inspiration Point to Yellowstone Falls (or vice-versa) along the canyon rim. 

Mammoth Hot Springs

The final Yellowstone stop is Mammoth Hot Springs, northeast on Route 89 toward Gardiner. It’s one of the largest geyser basins in the park and it’s incredibly unique. 

The geysers are in stepped terraces unique to this area of the park, and many of them are as white as snow. Take the 1.75-mile boardwalk trail that connects several different geysers to experience them all!

What to pack for your Glacier National Park to Yellowstone itinerary

• National park pass
• Hydration pack and/or water bottles
• Bear Spray (note that you can’t fly with it, but you can get it–rent or buy–almost anywhere near either park!)
• Bug spray (we prefer the natural stuff )
• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Camera and tripod ( this is our favorite for hiking)
• Hiking boots/shoes or Chacos if you prefer sandals
• Comfortable hiking clothes (lots of layers!)
• Swimwear (if you’re visiting in the summer and plan to take a dip!)
• Hiking snacks
• AllTrails Pro (or download Google Maps offline for the area in case you lose service)

You may also like…

• Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
• Camping in Glacier National Park: Best Campsites
• USA National Park Checklist & Guide
• Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

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Have you ever been to Glacier or Yellowstone National Park? What was your experience like? Are you planning a trip from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone and still have questions? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

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Yellowstone National Park: What To Do If You Only Have One Day

B ubbling hot springs, abundant grizzly bears and bison, and the famous Old Faithful geyser are just some of the reasons Yellowstone National Park attracts roughly five million visitors every year. Is it possible to see Yellowstone in one day? Sort of. Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined, so fully experiencing the park requires a few days. But you can see many attractions in a single day's drive, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the world's first national park. This wonderland of geothermal features is located mostly in Wyoming, but small bits extend into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone has five main entrances. The west entrance, near the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, is the most popular entry point, so this guide primarily uses this entrance as the starting point, though we've also provided a few adjusted itineraries for those arriving at different entrances.

The park roads form two loops on top of each other, shaped like the number eight. While you could conceivably drive both loops in one day, doing so wouldn't leave much time to get out of the car to enjoy the sights. We'll focus mostly on the Lower Loop, where a majority of the park highlights can be found. Drawing from personal experience, with suggestions from the National Park Service, these recommendations are designed for those visiting from June to October, as most park roads are closed to motorized vehicles except snowmobiles in Yellowstone in winter and spring.

Read more: The Most Beautiful Places In America's State And National Parks

Gather Everything You Need To Take Into The Park

Yellowstone is a place where it's essential to make some advance preparations before entering the park, especially with limited time. For example, although Yellowstone offers some dining options, it's wise to gather up snacks and meals for the day. The park's restaurants tend to be expensive and crowded, so you're better off bringing sandwiches you can eat quickly while sitting in a picnic area.

Before entering the park, download park maps to your phone, since cell service is hit-or-miss throughout Yellowstone. Next, decide on your route. While this itinerary includes many of the park highlights, you can always make adjustments to suit your preferences. Visitors who are more into hiking and less into viewing hot springs may want to swap out a couple stops on this list for a longer hike at one of the trailheads.

Much of Yellowstone is above 8000 feet in elevation, so rain, wind, and snow can appear even in summer. Bring layers of clothing, including a knit hat and a rain jacket, to prepare for unpredictable weather. Bring bear spray as well if you plan to do any hikes into the backcountry. Finally, to maximize your one day in Yellowstone, be ready to head into the park as early as possible. In June and July, the sun rises before 6 a.m., so if you're willing to leave your hotel around 5:30, you can beat the rush into the park and get 14 to 15 hours of daylight inside Yellowstone.

Firehole Lake Drive

After entering the park via the West entrance, head down to Firehole Lake Drive. The three-mile loop road is about 45 minutes from the park entrance and passes by colorful hot springs and active geysers. This road features a boardwalk where you can get out and view Firehole Lake up close, surrounded by steaming vents that create a fog in the air. Great Fountain Geyser is one of the major highlights on Firehole Lake Drive. This geyser is one of the more impressive geothermal features in the park, but it only erupts once every 8 to 12 hours. Nearby White Dome Geyser offers a better chance to see a thermal water eruption, as its eruptions vary from 10 minutes to three hours apart.

Having only one day in Yellowstone means you probably won't be able to make it up to Mammoth Hot Springs near the northern boundary of the park, but the many geysers, springs, and fumaroles on Firehole Lake Drive are a good substitute. Remember to always stay on the boardwalks when walking near geothermal features in Yellowstone. People have been seriously burned and even killed by walking off the path and falling through the thin crust of soil onto scalding water.

As a note, don't confuse Firehole Lake Drive with Firehole Canyon Drive, which is another side road not far away. That road leads to a small waterfall and swimming hole but is probably worth skipping if you only have one day in Yellowstone.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring lives up to its name. At more than 120 feet deep and 370 feet wide at its widest point, according to the U.S. Geological Survey , Grand Prismatic is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone. It's also one of the most photographed, thanks to its bright blue water and yellow and orange hues along the edges.

Grand Prismatic Spring is located in Midway Geyser Basin, which features a few other noteworthy spots, including Turquoise Pool, Opal Pool, and Excelsior Geyser Crater. You'll pass them all on the short walk from the parking lot to Grand Prismatic Spring.

Consider walking the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail , which starts from the Fairy Falls Trailhead and covers 1.5 miles round-trip. The walk only requires about 40 minutes and leads to a viewpoint looking over the spring. This may be your best bet for a short, scenic hike. Trying to squeeze Yellowstone into one day means there just won't be time for many hiking opportunities.

Old Faithful

Just a short drive from Grand Prismatic Spring, your next stop could be Yellowstone's most recognizable natural feature, the Old Faithful geyser. Old Faithful is one of the reasons Yellowstone is a bucket list destination  for many. This landmark shoots thousands of gallons of water more than 100 feet in the air, with the typical eruption lasting a few minutes.

Those who stick to this itinerary should reach Old Faithful by 10 a.m., which should result in smaller crowds than those typically found later in the afternoon. The National Park Service says that Old Faithful eruptions take place between 68 and 94 minutes apart. Stop inside the Old Faithful Visitor Center when you arrive (or check the NPS app in advance) to see the next predicted eruption time.

Hopefully, luck will be on your side, and the geyser will be ready to put on a show shortly after you arrive. But if you end up with a lot of time to kill waiting for the next eruption, consider walking the 1.6-mile Observation Point Trail, which provides an elevated view of the Old Faithful area and Upper Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake doesn't seem to be as well-known as some of the park's other features, but it's one of the most striking attractions in the national park. The massive lake covers more than 130 square miles, making it the biggest lake above 7000 feet elevation on the continent. The park road hugs the lake for several miles, providing plenty of chances to pull over and see it up close. 

West Thumb Geyser Basin on the far western end of the lake may be the ideal place to stop, since you'll also be able to see the hydrothermal features right next to the lake. Walk the boardwalk at West Thumb to view roughly a dozen hot springs and pools. Lakeshore Geyser and the Fishing Cone hot spring are unique because they're located right on the shore of the lake. Sometimes, they are submerged under lake water, and other times, they're fully visible.

Boating and paddleboarding are permitted on Yellowstone Lake, but a license is required, and you'll have to bring your vehicle and equipment, as there are no board or kayak rentals inside the park. The lake is impressive to see, but unless you plan on fishing or boating, there's no particular reason to linger. View the geysers at West Thumb, take a few pics of the lake, and then continue heading north.

Hayden Valley

Hayden Valley is a great place to see American bison in the summer. Driving through this valley near the Yellowstone River, you'll likely encounter hundreds of bison on the fields next to the road and sometimes blocking the road itself. Don't be surprised if you get stuck in a bison traffic jam, when cars are forced to wait patiently while the animals cross the road.

Bison nearly became extinct in the 1800s due to hunting, drought, and loss of habitat. The  National Park Service notes that by 1894, Yellowstone was the only remaining place in the country with wild bison still roaming. Today, roughly 6000 bison live in Yellowstone, and they've become a symbol of the park and a conservation success story. Enjoy your views from a distance. The NPS encourages people to stay at least 100 feet away from bison. Though they may appear gentle, the animals can turn violent quickly when someone gets too close.

In the middle of Hayden Valley, you'll find a parking area with a boardwalk leading to several highly active geothermal features with unusual names. The standout is Mud Volcano, a geyser that looks like a pool of bubbling muddy water. Sulphur Caldron, meanwhile, is exactly what it sounds like -- a bubbling spring with a powerful sulfur smell. Other attractions you can walk to in this area include Grizzly Fumarole, Black Dragon's Caldron, Sour Lake, Sizzling Basin, and Dragon's Mouth Spring.

The Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone

Carved by the Yellowstone River, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a must-visit natural feature. The Canyon is 24 miles long and about 1000 feet deep, and the ideal place to view it is from Canyon Village. This is one of the most memorable parts of the park, so take your time enjoying the area.

Explore North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive, both of which are only a few miles long and have lots of pullouts and parking lots along the way. Short walking trails take visitors to vantage points along the canyon's edge. Walk to Lookout Point or Grand View along North Rim Drive for the best views of the water rushing through the canyon. Perhaps the most dramatic sections of the canyon are the two largest waterfalls: Upper Falls, which features a drop of 109 feet, and Lower Falls, which plunges 308 feet.

Inspiration Point doesn't have the best views of the canyon's interior, but it's a good place to visit to fully appreciate the depth of the canyon. This point features a walkway extending partly into the gorge, where you can look up at the canyon wall on the other side.

Dunraven Pass

From the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone parking lots, the drive back to West Yellowstone is about one hour if traffic cooperates. Assuming there's still plenty of daylight left in the day, drive north a bit to Dunraven Pass. At 8859 feet, Dunraven is the highest mountain pass in Yellowstone. The views of the surrounding valleys are outstanding, and grizzly bears are often spotted in this area. Park at the Mount Washburn Trailhead and hang out for a bit. This is a good spot to eat dinner, take in the sights, and see if any wildlife emerges.

In July and August, the Mount Washburn Trail is a great, moderately challenging hike that gets visitors away from the main park road and a bit into the Yellowstone backcountry. The full hike is nearly seven miles round-trip and features 1400 feet of elevation gain, but you can always walk a shorter portion of the trail without going all the way to the top. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep as you move up the mountain, and be sure to carry bear spray and/or travel in a group. Note that rangers do not recommend hiking Mount Washburn in September or October, as grizzly activity greatly increases during that time when bears converge on the mountain to dig up pine nuts and moths.

Norris Geyser Basin

After Dunraven Pass, it will likely be time to start heading back toward your hotel. Along the way, make some final stops in the Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and oldest geothermal area of the park. Considered the world's tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser can spray up to 300 feet in the air, but it erupts infrequently. Steamboat usually goes many days between eruptions, and they cannot be predicted. Prior to 2018, Steamboat Geyser had only erupted a handful of times this century, according to the NPS . But starting in 2018, the geyser became more active. In the past few years, it has erupted between 7 and 48 times per year. Don't count on seeing an eruption, but it's still worth visiting, just in case.

Artists Paintpots is a one-mile loop in the basin that leads to mudpots and hot springs. Hikers on this trail can also see dead trees that remain from the devastating 1988 forest fires that burned 36% of the park. The Norris area also features two interesting museums, although both close before 5 p.m. The Museum of the National Park Ranger is housed in a former U.S. Army outpost from 1908 and tells the story of the history and responsibility of park rangers, while the Norris Geyser Basin Museum is a National Historic Landmark and offers interesting facts about the area. From Norris Geyser Basin, head back to West Yellowstone, and relax after a very long and hopefully memorable day in Yellowstone!

Itinerary For Travelers Coming From The South Or East Entrance

If your day in Yellowstone is beginning from the park's South or East Entrance, the recommended itinerary will be mostly the same, just in a different order. Yellowstone Lake will be the first major attraction you encounter. Continue to drive around the entire Lower Loop and hit each of the suggestions above.

Visitors using the South Entrance will be driving up from Grand Teton National Park, which lies only 30 miles south of Yellowstone and is a must-visit spot in Montana . The main points of interest on South Entrance Road are Lewis Lake and Lewis Falls, a modest, 30-foot waterfall with a roadside area to pull over and view the falls.

Entering Yellowstone through the East entrance from Cody, Wyoming, adds a couple more attractions to the schedule. Eleanor Lake and Sylvan Lake both have scenic picnic areas. Lake Butte Overlook is a one-mile spur road that leads to a remarkable viewpoint overlooking Yellowstone Lake with the Teton Mountains in the distance. Another benefit of coming in from the East Entrance is that you can drive through Hayden Valley in the early morning, when wildlife is more likely to be active.

Itinerary For Travelers Coming From The Northeast Entrance

The Northeast Entrance from Cooke City, Montana, is on the complete opposite end of the park from Old Faithful and the rest of the Lower Loop. Therefore, folks coming in from the Northeast will have to skip many of the previous suggestions. Instead, visitors should stick to Yellowstone's Upper Loop. On East Entrance Road, you'll pass through Lamar Valley, a great place to see wildlife, including wolves. If you see a group of people with binoculars at a pullout on the side of the road, that's a great time to get out of the car and find out what they're looking at.

The Upper Loop also includes the Tower-Roosevelt area, home of the 132-foot-tall Tower Fall and the Petrified Tree, the stump of a 50 million-year-old fossilized redwood tree. After visiting these, move on to one of the major attractions on the Upper Loop (and the entire park), Mammoth Hot Springs. These springs feature impressive natural terraces composed of travertine, a chalky material formed when limestone reacts with thermal water.

After Mammoth Hot Springs, head back east and you should still have time to drive down to Dunraven Pass, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley. Old Faithful will likely be too far away to visit, unless you bypass most other attractions.

Itinerary For Travelers Coming From The Northwest Entrance

The Northwest entrance near Gardiner, Montana, is commonly used by folks looking to visit Yellowstone on a budget . Hotels in Gardiner tend to be more affordable than park lodges, and the town is just outside the park boundary. If you're coming from the Northwest Entrance for one day in Yellowstone, the first noteworthy spot is the park entrance itself, where Roosevelt Arch looms large over the road. President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the arch in 1903. Today, it's a historic landmark and one of the signature sights of the park.

It's feasible to make it down to Old Faithful coming from the Northwest Entrance, but you may have to skip a few other stops. If you really want to see Old Faithful, go directly there from the Arch. Enjoy the eruption, and then head back north, making a stop at Grand Prismatic Spring before heading over to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

From there, you can complete the Upper Loop in a counter-clockwise direction, stopping at Dunraven Pass and Tower Fall, if time permits. Save at least an hour to explore Mammoth Hot Springs on your way out of the park. If you prioritize the attractions you most want to see and exercise good time management, one day in Yellowstone will be sufficient to see a big chunk of the park.

Read the original article on Explore .

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3 day trip fro Salt Lake city - Yellowstone National Park Forum

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3 day trip fro Salt Lake city

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Can someone please help a route that minimizes travel and where to stay each of these 3 nights?

Flying into SLC and fly out from Jackson Hole (JAC) or Idaho Falls (IDF) costs the same amount as in/out from SLC.

But one way car rental is coming to $900 vs $150 if I rent and return in SLC.

So flying in and out of Sale Lake City.

Day 0 Friday: Arrive Salt Lake city , sleep

Day 1 Saturday: Bonneville Salt Flats and Park City

Not sure whether to sleep in SLC city or head up to YS side and get some driving done.

Our preferred hotels for nights 2, 3 and 4 are

Jackson Hole or Idaho Falls.

Day 2 Sunday:

Day 3 Monday:

Day 4 Tuesday: Flight back home from SLC at 2PM. So need to be at airport by noon. Thinking of staying in Idaho Falls Monday night, Drive to SLC Tuesday morning.

11 replies to this topic

With your very minimal time for this trip, driving out to the Salt Flats (about a two hour round trip from SLC) and then driving the opposite direction for another hour to go to Park City, is a very poor use of your time.

Saturday: Yellowstone. Folks on this forum can help you with where to stay.

Sunday: Yellowstone - perhaps lodging towards the south entrance to minimize the drive on Monday.

Monday: Drive thru of Grand Teton NP and then on to SLC by this route.

South from Jackson on highway 89. At the Freedom, Wyoming junction, turn right. Take that road (Pioneer Historic Byway) to Soda Springs, Idaho. In Soda Springs take, highway 30 to Lava Hot Springs/I 15. Then it's I 15 south to SLC.

This is about a 4.5 hour drive no stops.

Because you would be driving in to SLC on Tuesday AM with the heavy rush hour traffic, I think you need to actually stay in SLC on Monday night, or in Woods Cross, Utah which is about 20 minutes from the airport.

And, I think we need to know the dates of your trip. That may have an impact on hotel availability.

I bought refundable tickets.

Arriving SLC at 7PM Friday 5/24.

Departing SLC at 2PM Tuesday 5/28.

Alternatively, we can start driving towards YS on Friday night.

Come back to SLC on Monday night, Do early morning Salt Flats on Tuesday and catch flight in afternoon.

A weekend at the Salt Flats??? It's a three hour round trip drive, plus whatever time you spend looking at the salt flats. So at best, it's a half day unless your trip is when there's some kind of special event going on out there.

Plan a future trip to Yellowstone/GTNP when you can give the area the time it's due. Folks on this forum will tell you that's a week or more.

However, it's your trip, you get to choose what you want to do.

When are you traveling?

Connie, the trip is this weekend.

The trip is this weekend.

Thank you all for your responses.

We missed Unni Salt flats last year due to medical issues and had to shorten the trip.

As a consolation, we wanted to go to Bonneville from Texas and I understand it is just a few hours deal.

But since we are flying anyway and have 4 days, thought about adding YS. I doubt with kids limited time off from school, we will ever be able to spare more time. So yes, it will not be full experience of YS but just to get the best out possible out of short time we have.

Hope it all works out for you and you have a good experience.

Now we will return on Tuesday from JAC airport at 2PM.

1. Should we drive on Saturday night after visiting Salt Flats to YS or Sunday AM OK?

2. Can we stay in Jackson Hole and make trips into park?

Any updated suggestions based on this plan?

I doubt you’ll spend a lot of time at the salt flats. Get an early start to the day and then head north to either Jackson or Yellowstone.

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Yellowstone coyote not alone; can you spot the other mammal, share this article.

A bit of advice for anyone visiting Yellowstone National Park: While  searching for wildlife, always take a moment to look behind you.

This could be rewarding even you’re already observing large animals.

The accompanying images show a coyote that I photographed last May as I stood alongside a road with dozens of others observing a cinnamon black bear with two cubs.

Photo: ©Pete Thomas

The bears were down a forested slope, perhaps 80 yards from the road. The coyote was behind us, on the opposite side of the road, passing almost unnoticed about 40 yards away.

I didn’t realize until that evening that a smaller critter was in the image, watching the coyote. Can you spot and ID the critter? (Answer below.)

Of course, coyotes do not rank high on many tourists’ spotting lists. But I found it interesting that this coyote was on the move and so close to so many people who had no idea it was even present.

Mountain goats on a ridge. Photo: ©Pete Thomas

On the same trip, also in Yellowstone’s northern range, I was with perhaps 30 tourists watching a lone black bear descending a slope toward the road. People jockeyed for spots from which to observe or photograph the bruin.

Directly behind us, high atop a rocky peak, mountain goats maneuvered in and out of sight. They were distant and the accompanying image is cropped and grainy, but I was glad to have documented the sighting before turning my attention back to the bear.

Ground squirrel watching the coyote. Photo: ©Pete Thomas

My mammal sightings log for three full days included 14 individual bears, the coyote and ground squirrel (see photo above), the mountain goats, dozens of pronghorn and hundreds of bison.

I’m hoping to be equally fortunate during my next trip at month’s end.

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8 RV Tips for Yellowstone National Park

Bring your rv home where the buffalo roam, but follow these tips and tricks..

Yellowstone is great for RV camping, but RVers should avoid mountain roads, know where to dump and store food away from bears. Follow these eight tips to RV camping in Yellowstone.

1. Routes To Avoid

Driving an RV can feel like riding on the back of an enormous dinosaur when you are traveling on narrow mountainous roads. That’s why it’s important to research your route to and from Yellowstone National Park to avoid driving stressful steep grades and harrowing hairpin turns. For starters, you may want to avoid the Bighorn Mountains east of Cody, Wyo ., which is the closest town to the park’s East Entrance. Also, if you’re wanting to be cautious, you may avoid the Beartooth Highway that links Red Lodge, Montana to the park’s Northeast Entrance . There are safer, alternate roads to get you where you need to go.

However, reader Kim Gipple had this to say about driving an RV over Beartooth, “We wondered how hard it would be to navigate an RV on this road. The road was smooth and well maintained and there are guardrails where needed. Curves and pull-offs are well marked. Speed limits, including those around curves, are appropriate even for an RV.”

“Other drivers and cyclists were cautious and respectful,” Gipple says. “Overall, this was a piece of cake!” Read the full story about her 31-day national park RV adventure .

2. RV Size Really Matters

To make a Yellowstone site reservation, you need to give the combined length of your RV and any other vehicles or towed vehicles. Know the length of your truck in addition to the length of your trailer when fully open. Sites accommodating a maximum combined length of 40 feet or more are limited. Most campsites in Yellowstone will not accommodate oversized units. If you arrive at the campground/RV Park with equipment that differs from your reservation specs, campground staff will not be able to accommodate you.

3. Know the RV Campgrounds Inside Yellowstone

RVs are welcome at all campgrounds within Yellowstone, but the following seven are the most RV-friendly. All campgrounds require reservations, with the exception of Mammoth Campground Oct. 15-Apr. 1.

Fishing Bridge – The Upper Loop of the RV park has 172 renovated and paved sites ranging from 40-feet to 95-feet in length. The 40-foot sites are double-wide and back-in. Most of the new sites include pull-through drives, and all of the Upper Loop has upgraded 50 amp/30 amp and 110-volt electrical service and picnic tables. (All other sites/loops were not renovated. There are 30- to 35-foot double-wide, back-in sites in other loops and 30-foot single-wide back-in sites. Some  RV sites are single-wide and will not accommodate side-by-side parking of RV and a tow-vehicle. Reserve at www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/camping/

Bridge Bay –  Bridge Bay has RV, tent and combination RV/tent sites. RVs up to 40 feet long can fit into pull-through and back-in sites. The sites may not be level, so  plan accordingly. There are no utility hookups, but an RV dump station is just outside the campground entrance near the Bridge Bay Marina and Fishing Bridge RV Park. Whether the dump station is open is dependent on weather and may not be available early summer and late fall because of freezing temperatures. Reserve at www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/camping/

Canyon –  Canyon Campground offers RV, tent and combination RV/tent sites. There are no hookups. RVs up to 40 feet long can use pull-through and back-in sites. Sites may not be level.  There is an RV dump station in the campground. The availability of the dump station is dependent on weather and will be closed with freezing temperatures. Pay showers and coin laundry are available. Reserve at www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/camping/

Grant Village – Grant Village has more than 400 sites that are a mix of tent, RV and combination tent/RV sites. It  can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in certain sites. The sites may be back-in or pull through. Sites may not be level.  There are no hook-ups, but there is an RV dump station, which is open, pending whether freezing temperatures close it temporarily. Reserve at www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/camping/

Madison – This campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet long may be accommodated in pull-through and back-in sites. There are more than 270 individual sites and three group sites. The campground can accommodate RVs and tents. There is a dump station. Reserve at www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/camping/

Mammoth – You’ll find sites that can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet in length at this campground and generator use is allowed. There are 82 sites available, some sites year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve at www.recreation.gov .

Norris – Norris Campground’s 111 sites include those that can fit an RV up to 50 feet in length. The campground has flush toilets and generator use is allowed. Reserve at www.recreation.gov .

4. Full-Service for RVs Is at Fishing Bridge

Fishing Bridge Campground is the only park campground with full hook-ups and a dump station. It underwent renovations in 2022 which include new and larger sites.  Four comfort stations were renovated  to current ADA (accessibility) standards.

It’s easily accessible from the East Entrance, a 53-mile drive from Cody, Wyo. RV sites here accommodate a tow unit and towed unit side by side. A 35-foot site will accommodate an 18-foot truck and a 35-foot unhooked trailer side by side in the site. Adjust for slide outs.

Be aware that grizzly bears frequent this area north of Yellowstone Lake. For this reason, Fishing Bridge RV Park is for hard-sided campers only. No tents or tent campers are allowed.

5. Leveling with You

Yellowstone’s RV sites at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village and Madison campgrounds have dumping stations and are either pull-through or back-in with limited width for slide-outs and may not be level. Mammoth is the only park campground open year-round and can accommodate RVs up to 75-feet-long. There are no hook-ups or dump station.

6. Best Yellowstone Entrances to Park Your RV

The West and North Entrances give you the quickest access to iconic park attractions such as  Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful with the least amount of driving and hill climbing. You’ll be able to spend more time outdoors, enjoying Yellowstone’s incredible sights.

Both West Yellowstone, Mont ., at the park’s West Entrance, and Gardiner, Mont ., at the North Entrance, are home to a variety of full-service, privately owned RV parks .

7. Other Gateway Options

From Yellowstone’s South Entrance, you can drive two miles to Headwaters Campground , which has an RV park with hook-ups, pull-through sites and a dump station. It’s also close to Grand Teton National Park.

Near the Northeast Entrance, there is Soda Butte Campground with 20 RV spaces, 1 mile from Cooke City along US-212. This campground has no hookups.

From the East Entrance, drive 29 miles to Green Creek Inn and RV Park, which is approximately half way between Yellowstone and Cody, Wyoming . Green Creek offers pull-through and back-in sites, as well as water, electricity and sewer.

8. Keep Your Food Away From Bears

Bears have incredibly strong sense of smell , so avoid a run-in with them by storing all your food-related items from forks and trash to grills and coolers in a hard-sided vehicle or in your campground’s shared food storage box.

Pssst. Want to receive a printed insider’s guide to Yellowstone, 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.

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5 Awesome US Northwest Summer Road Trip Ideas

We love visiting the northern states in the summer. It is still warm but usually not scorching hot which is the perfect weather we look for in an adventure road trip where we will be out hiking and exploring!

Here are our 5 recommended Northwest US Summer Road Trip Ideas:

Table of Contents

Northwest Road Trip 1: Yellowstone – Glacier

If you haven’t visited Yellowstone or Glacier this is the trip you will want to take and is our top recommended Northwest Road Trip.

5 Days In Yellowstone

Day 1 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: West Yellowstone Visitor Center
• Drive: Firehole Canyon Drive
• Stop 2: Fountain Paint Pots Nature Trail
• Stop 3: Grand Prismatic
• Stop 4: Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
• Stop 5: Biscuit Basin Trail
• Stop 6: Old Faithful Inn and Visitors Center
• Stop 7: Old Faithful
• Stop 8: Old Faithful Geyser Trail
• Stop 9: Kepler Cascades
• Stop 10: Lone Star Geyser Basin

Day 2 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: Artist Paintpots Trail
• Stop 2: Visitor Center and Fort in Mammoth
• Stop 3: Roosevelt Arch
• Stop 4: Yellowstone Hot Springs
• Stop 5: Boiling River Hike and Swim*
• Stop 6: Mammoth Hot Springs Lower Terraces
• Stop 7: Mammoth Hot Springs Upper Terraces
• Stop 8: Hike Bunsen Peak (optional)

Day 3 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – South Rim
• Stop 2: Artist Point
• Stop 3: Brink of the Lower Falls Hike
• Scenic Drive: Hayden Valley
• Stop 4: Mud Volcano
• Stop 5: LeHardy Rapids
• Stop 6: Hayden Valley Wildlife

Day 4 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Museum
• Stop 2: Fishing Bridge Store
• Optional Activity 1: Hike Storm Point
• Optional Activity 2: Boating on Yellowstone Lake
• Stop 3: Yellowstone Lake Beach – Sand Point
• Scenic Drive: Sylvan Pass
• Stop 4: Lake Lodge for Sunset

Day 5 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: Tower Roosevelt Waterfall Hike
• Stop 2: Calcite Springs Overlook
• Stop 3: Specimen Ridge
• Stop 4: Roosevelt Lodge (Lunch)
• Scenic Drive: Blacktail Plateau Drive
• Stop 5: Hellroaring Suspension Bridge Hike
• Stop 6: Lamar Valley for Wildlife at Sunset
• Optional: Cowboy Cookout (plus Horseback Riding or Stagecoach Ride)

Bonus options in Yellowstone:

• Lamar Valley
• Hike Mount Washburn
• Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour
• Lake Yellowstone Kayak Tour
• Visit the town of West Yellowstone
• Bike the Basin

Feeling overwhelmed by all the awesomeness that is Yellowstone?! We get it! The park is huge and there is so much to see and do. We have visited the park over 6 different times and have put together 1, 3 and 7 day guides to help you plan your ultimate trip to Yellowstone:

3 Days In Glacier National Park

Day 1 in Glacier National

• Start West Glacier (West Entrance)
• Stop 1: Agpar Visitor Center
• Stop 2: Lake McDonald Lodge
• Stop 3: Trail of the Cedars Trailhead
• Stop 4: Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Stop 5: Logans Pass Visitor Center and Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
• Stop 6: Jackson’s Glacier
• Stop 7: St. Mary Falls Trailhead
• (extra stop if you have time/energy for another hike)
• Stop 8: Wild Goose Island Overlook
• DINNER St. Mary Village
• END St. Mary Lodge & Resort (East Entrance)

Day 2 in Glacier National Park

• Start at St. Mary Lodge & Resort (East Entrance)
• Stop 1: Grinnell Glacier Hike (Including Shuttle Boat)
• Lunch: Many Glacier Hotel
• Stop 2: Josephine Lake Horseback Riding
• Stop 2B: Apikuni Waterfall Hike (ALTERNATIVE OPTION)
• Dinner: Nell’s at Swiftcurrent Restaurant
• Dessert: Soft serve huckleberry ice cream in Swiftcurrent General Store
• End at St. Mary Lodge & Resort (East Entrance)

Day 3 in Glacier National Park

• Start at: St. Mary Lodge (East Entrance)
• Stop 1: St. Mary Falls Hike (if you didn’t do it on day 1)
• Stop 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Lunch: Picnic lunch at pull-out
• Stop 3: Highline Trail Hike
• Stop 4: Lake McDonald Beach
• Dinner: Great Northern Bar & Grill
• End at West Glacier (West Entrance)

Planning a trip to Glacier? We put together a series of digital guides that take the guesswork out of planning. Stop-by-stop itineraries for making the most of 1, 3 or 7 days in Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat, what hikes to take and the best driving routes.

We’ve even included links for you to book your stays and buy your park passes. Everything you need in one convenient digital guide. Just download and go!

If you want to extend your trip you could look to add Grand Teton’s National Park on to your trip. It is located south of Yellowstone so you could do this order: Grand Tetons – Yellowstone – Glacier or the opposite way: Glacier – Yellowstone – Grand Tetons.

Northwest Road Trip 2: Montana Road Trip

Day 1 in Bozeman, Montana (this is also where you can fly into)

• Hotel: Lewis and Clark Motel
• Stop 1: Bozeman Hot Springs
• Dinner in Bozeman (multiple options)

Day 2 in Bozeman, Montana

• Stop 1: Museum of the Rockies
• Stop 2: American Computer And Robotics
• Stop 3: Rock Climbing with Montana Alpine Guides

Day 3: Bozeman to Livingston, Montana

• Stop 1: Float, Fish or Both on the Yellowstone River
• Stop 2: Yellowstone Gateway Museum
• Dinner: Mint Bar and Grill
• Hotel: Travelodge

Day 4: Livingston To Red Lodge, Montana

• Breakfast: The Other Cafe
• Stop 1: Rent an UTV from Red Lodge Power Sports
• Stop 2: Clay Class at Red Lodge Clay Center
• Stop 3: Golfing at Red Lodge Mountain
• Stop 4: Walk Around Downtown
• Hotel: The Pollard Hotel

Day 5: Red Lodge to Cooke City

• Breakfast: The Pollard Hotel
• Stop 1: Horseback Riding with Elk River Outfitters
• Stop 2: Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
• Stop 3: Drive: The Bear Tooth Highway
• Dinner: Miners Saloon
• Hotel: Soda Butte Lodge

Day 6: Cooke City, MT into Yellowstone To Gardiner, MT

• Breakfast: Pilots Perk
• Stop 1: Cooke City – Visitor Center
• Stop 2: Head into Yellowstone National Park
• Stop 3: Tower Roosevelt Area – Towers Fall Hike
• Lunch: Roosevelt Lodge
• Stop 4: Hike Mount Washburn
• Stop 5: Stagecoach or Horseback Riding
• Stay: Sunny Slope House

Day 7: Yellowstone Wildlife Tour and Hot Springs

• Stop 1: Yellowstone Wild Tour (full day tour)
• Stop 2: Yellowstone Hot Springs

Day 8: Explore More Of Yellowstone

• Stop 1: Roosevelt Arch
• Stop 2: Hike Bunsen Peak
• Stop 3: Visitor Center and Fort in Mammoth Hot Springs
• Stop 4: Mammoth Terraces
• Added Stay and Activity: Sage Lodge and Chico Hot Springs

Day 9: Drive to West Yellowstone

Stop 1: Canyon Area of Yellowstone Stop 2: Lookout: Artist Point Stop 3: Hike Uncle Tom’s Trail Stop 4: IMax Show on Yellowstone Hotel: Kelly Inn

Day 10: Explore West Yellowstone and YNP

• Stop 1: Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
• Stop 2: Museum of the Yellowstone
• 1st Stop: Grand Prismatic
• 2nd Stop: Overlook Hike
• 3rd Stop: Old Faithful and Old Faithful Geysers hike
• 4th Stop West Thumb
• Hotel: Kelly Inn

Day 11: Biking and Yellowstone Lake

• Stop 1: Rent Bikes at Free Wheel And Heel
• Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and the Beach
• Hike: Storm Point

You can click here for full details on this road trip!

Northwest Road Trip 3 – Oregon Coast Road Trip

Stop 1: Southern Oregon Coast

• Humbug Mountain State Park
• Coquille Point
• Jerry’s Rogue Jets

Where To Stay: Coast Haven

Stop 2: Mid Oregon Coast

• Play at the Sand Dunes
• Rent ATV’s
• Yahacts town and Yahacts Brewery
• Thor’s Well
• Tide Pools – to right of Thors well
• Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
• Hobbit Beach Trail
• Newport to go crabbing!

Where To Stay: Overleaf Lodge and Spa

Stop 3: Northern Oregon Coast

• Indian Beach – Tide Pools
• Ecola Viewpoint and Ecola State Park and Crescent Beach
• Cannon Beach
• Goonies House
• Buoys Brewery
• Astoria Brewing Company
• Fort Stevens State Park

Where To Stay: Rivertide Suites Hotel.

Click here to get all the details for this trip.

Northwest Road Trip 4 – Central Oregon

Stop 1: Bend, Oregon

You could stay here for a full week or stay for a couple days and pick and choose what you would like to do.

• Float the Deschutes River
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument
• Obsidian Flow Trail
• Lava River Tube
• Paulina Falls
• The High Desert Museum
• Farmers Market
• Music In The Park
• The Last Blockbuster
• Dakotas Brick Shop
• Smith Rock State Park
• Steelhead Falls
• Rent Bikes for the Deschutes River Trail
• Cascades Lake Scenic Drive
• Alpine Lakes
• Tumalo Mountain Trail
• Tumalo State Park
• La Pine Natural Slides
• Paulina Lake Hot Spring
• SunRiver Brewery
• Deschutes Brewery
• Legend Cider
• Silver Moon brewery
• Immersion Brewery
• Bend Brewing Company
• Worthy Brewery
• Tumalo Cider

Here is the full post on Bend Oregon: 23 Fun Things To Do In Bend Oregon [Plus where to stay]

Stop 2: McKenzie River Area

• 242 Scenic Byway
• Proxy Falls Trail
• Dee Wright Observatory
• Belknap Hot Springs
• Waterfall Loop – Sahalie and Koosah

Here is our full post on the McKenzie River Area: Mckenzie River Oregon: Epic 3 Day Itinerary

Stop 3: Portland, Oregon

Day 1 in Portland:

• Breakfast: Slappy Cakes for breakfast, where you can make your own pancakes at the table
• Stop 1: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
• Lunch: Kachka – Enjoy authentic Russian cuisine for lunch
• Stop 2: Pips and Bounce Ping Pong 12-6pm summer happy hour
• Dinner: Bollywood Theatre – Indian Cuisine the whole family will love
• Dessert: Salt and Straw Ice Cream – Take a walk on the wild side with these off the wall hand made ice creams

Day 2 in Portland:

• Breakfast: Voodoo Doughnut and Blue Star Donuts if you want to compare them.
• Stop 1: Rose Garden – Take in the huge variety of beautiful roses
• Stop 2:  Portland Japanese Garden
• Stop 3: Portland Children’s Museum
• Lunch: Little Bird Bistro
• Stop 4:   Portland Art Museum
• Dinner: Mediterranean Exploration Company OR Eat at Living Room Theatre while you enjoy a show! 

Day 3 in Portland:

• Breakfast: Pip’s original for donut and chai
• Stop 1: Portland Saturday Market – 11 – 4:30pm
• Stop 2: Waterfront Trail
• Lunch: Afuri – Get some Ramen and Dumplings
• Stop 3: Powells Used Book Store
• Dinner: Pok Pok Thai – Take the kids to experience Thai Flavor at Pok Pok Thai
• Stop 4: Oaks Park roller skating open skate: 7-9:30

Click here to see the whole post: 32 Epic Things To Do In Portland With Kids [Itinerary Included]

** You should add in a stop at the Columbia River Gorge area to see some of the amazing Oregon Waterfalls!

Stop 4: Hood River Fruit Loop Trail

This would be a 1 day adventure!

• 1st stop – Ground Espresso Bar and Cafe
• 2nd stop – Apple Valley Country Store For Scones And Breakfast
• 3rd stop – The Old Trunk – U-pick 10am
• 4th stop – Montavon’s Berries – U-pick And A Harvest Host
• 5th Stop – Mt. View Orchards, Cider And Winery
• 6th Stop – Draper Girls Cider To Grab A Growler
• 7th Stop – Stave and Stone Wine Estates
• 8th Stop – Lavender Farm Hood River Lavender
• 9th stop – Fox Tail Cider
• 10th stop – Double Mountain Brewery For Dinner

Click here to see the whole post: 10 Amazing Stops On The Hood River Fruit Loop [Map Included]

Northwest Road Trip 5 – Washington State

Stop 1: Olympic National Park

• Arrive: Hoh Rainforest Area (make sure to arrive first thing in the morning so you have the day to explore the Hoh Rainforest)
• Stay: Hoh Rainforest
• Explore: The Olympic Coast (Ruby, Kalaloch and Rialto Beach)
• Where to Stay: Forks area
• What To Do: Explore Sol Duc Falls area, do hikes, hang out at Lake Crescent and enjoy the area
• Stay:  Sol Duc Hot Springs  area
• What To Do: Explore Hurricane Ridge
• Stay: Hurricane Ridge area

You can also add on a stop in Port Townsend!

Click here to see the full post: 12 Fun and Exciting Things To Do In Olympic National Park

Stop 2: Seattle Washington

Check out this post from my friend that lives in Seattle on what to do there: Weekend In Seattle

Stop 3: North Cascades National Park

We would recommend spending 2-3 days here and picking from the following list:

• Cascadian Farm Farm Stand
• North Cascades Visitor Center
• Gorge Creek Falls Overlook Trail
• Video Of North Cascades
• Diablo Lake Overlook
• Ross Lake Overlook
• Blue Lake Trail
• North Cascades Highway
• Washington Pass Overlook
• Skagit General Store
• Skagit Information Center and Train
• Sahale Glacier Trail (Cascade Pass)

You can see the full post here: 17 Amazing Things To Do In North Cascades National Park

Pin This Post:

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DISCLOSURE : This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Yosemite vs Yellowstone: Which national park is the best?

From the best for camping to the one hikers love, there are some key differences when it comes to the famous national parks

Two of the country’s most well-known national parks both start with the same high-value Scrabble letter, Y. That means they sometimes get confused, so we’re here to sort things out, and even do a little comparing between the two of them. Although both parks were established in the late 1800s and have vast square footage filled with incredible natural beauty and wildlife, some key differences appeal to different groups of people. If you’re a photographer, for instance, you’ll feel more of a pull towards Yosemite , where Ansel Adams created so many of his epic images (and where you can visit the Ansel Adams Gallery). In contrast, if you are a scientist, you may be more drawn to Yellowstone  because of the interesting science behind the geothermal wonders. Whichever park you visit (and our best recommendation is to visit both, multiple times), you’ll find the awe of nature, which makes your time there unforgettable, and you’ll be figuring out when you can make the next journey out there.

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Yosemite vs Yellowstone

Which park has the most famous natural feature?

At Yosemite, the once-a-year Firefall draws visitors from all over to see the sun touching Horsetail Fall, a waterfall on the massive face of El Capitan, making it look like it’s on fire. At Yellowstone, Old Faithful geyser erupts on average every 92 minutes (sometimes as quickly as every 35 minutes and sometimes as long as 120 minutes). Once it’s underway, you have somewhere from one to five minutes to enjoy the water as it reaches a height of 90 to 184 feet. Since Yellowstone’s famous feature is something you can see year-round, we’ll give this point to it.

Winner: Yellowstone

Which park is the oldest?

Yellowstone has the honor of being the nation’s first national park, declared on March 1, 1872. It took nearly two decades for the next two parks to be named: Sequoia National Park on September 25, 1890, and then a scant five days later, Yosemite National Park on October 1 of that same year.

Winner:  Yellowstone

Which park is the best to visit year-round?

Yosemite’s beautiful any time of year, with plenty for snow enthusiasts to do. There’s even a ski area, Badger Pass, which is one of only three serviced ski areas in an American national park. You can snowboard or ski alpine or Nordic there. At Yellowstone, you can only ski Nordic (cross-country). Yellowstone has two outdoor skating rinks (one near Old Faithful Snow Lodge and one near Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel), while Yosemite only has one (at Curry Village)—but it's right at the base of the beautiful rock monolith Half Dome. Be aware that in Yosemite, some roads are closed in winter… but Yellowstone is really only open for “oversnow” travel in winter by snowmobile or snowcoach.

Winner: Yosemite

Which park is the easiest to get to?

While smaller airports can be found in Yosemite’s vicinity , the closest good-sized ones are Oakland and Sacramento, each 3.5 hours drive away. And the drive into Yosemite can be, let’s say, pulse-gripping! There’s even an area our family calls Nag’s Peak, thanks to someone in the car (me) begging for people to go slower. Note: Yosemite has five entry gates, and people coming from the San Francisco Bay Area usually go through the Big Oak Flat entrance. The closest airport to Yellowstone is Bozeman International, just a 1.5-hour drive away. As with Yosemite, there are smaller, closer airports, and Yellowstone has five entrances.

Which park has the best wildlife?

Both parks have an incredible diversity of wildlife—and much of it is visible! At Yosemite Valley, you’re practically guaranteed to see a bear, while at Yellowstone, traffic jams form when bison cross the road. We’re especially enamored of the wolf restoration efforts at Yellowstone, which brought wolves into the park from Canada in the 1990s to help re-establish them after their decimation. There was also that time two years ago when a wolverine was spotted in Yellowstone, one of only seven documented to be living in the park and adjoining forests. Finally, since the National Park Service says that Yellowstone holds the “largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states,” we’re going to give this one to them!

Which park is best for hikers?

It kind of depends on how intensely you hike! If you’re up for one of the most exciting yet relatively doable hikes of your life, Yosemite’s Half Dome cables is the brag-worthy hike of a lifetime as you summit across a dramatic rockface with tumble-to-your-death possibilities. And if you’re even more into the climbing life, El Capitan is where Free Solo was filmed, and you can often stand on the valley floor at twilight and see the lights of climbers on the rockface. Yosemite’s got 750 miles of rewarding hikes , ranging from a flat, paved surface through the valley to beautiful backcountry treks. At Yellowstone, 900 miles of trails reward hikers—especially hardy ones who don’t mind fording the occasional creek or raging ice-runoff river. We recommend the easy 0.7 Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail, which winds you through a lot of geothermal pools on a sturdy boardwalk.

Winner:  Yosemite

Which park is best for camping?

Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds, all reservable sites except for Mammoth Campground, first-come, first-served from October 15 through April 1. Yosemite has 13 campgrounds, all of which can be reserved during the summer months. During winter, some of its campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Believe it or not, you may need to plan a year or so in advance to get the campground reservation. You’ll need to take serious measures at both parks to avoid bears finding your food (or cosmetics) attractive.

Which park is best for cool hotels?

Each park has a beautiful example of “Parkitecture,” the recognizable rustic lodge look that is so attractively designed to blend into nature rather than upstaging it. At Yosemite, The Ahwahnee is a four-star hotel that’s still on my bucket list (we roam its public areas whenever we visit; watch for elements that inspired Stanley Kubrick, like the blood-red elevators), while at Yellowstone, you’ll be dazzled by the Old Faithful Inn. Right by the geyser, this two-star hotel has a jaw-dropping lobby supported by 75 foot lodgepole pines and an enormous rhyolite fireplace. It’s one of the biggest log-style structures in the world; our family enjoyed the one-hour walking tour. You’ll also be impressed by the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, a National Register building in the Colonial Revival style.

Answer: Yellowstone

Which park has the best waterfalls?

There are plenty of waterfalls throughout Yellowstone, including some you can see from the car. The most famous is the Lower Yellowstone River Falls, which drops 308 feet. Similarly, Yosemite offers many splendid waterfalls, rewarding both hikers and car drivers. Yosemite Falls is the most famous one—and the tallest waterfall in North America —plunging an incredible 2,425 feet at its seasonal height in May.

Which park best honors its Native American heritage?

Tough question since both park’s establishments were at the cost of Native American bloodshed. At Yosemite, land was seized from the Miwok people through violence and murder. Today, you can visit the recreation Indian Village of the Ahwahnee, built in the 1920s and underway before the last authentic village was removed in the 1960s. The good news is that the 1992 roundhouse is in use by local tribes for ceremonies. At Yellowstone, a multitude of tribes lived within the 3,472 square miles, and battles between U.S. soldiers and Native Americans ensued. In 2022, Yellowstone renamed one of its mountains First Peoples Mountain; its previous name honored an army officer who led the Marias Massacre against Native Americans in 1870. Yellowstone also created a new Tribal Heritage Center in 2022 to honor the 27 tribal nations who lived on lands now known as Yellowstone for over 11,000 years and to better acknowledge the land theft that created the park.

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Taking a road trip? These Western NC places voted among top 10 in US to stay. What to know.

Several Western North Carolina locations have been voted as top choices in the country for road trip lodging this summer, according to USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice . From vintage trailers by the river to midcentury roadside motels, the choices in WNC alone have a little something for everyone.

It isn't the first time WNC has topped a 10Best list . Methodology provides locations chosen by an expert panel to voters in the community, who choose their favorite options to add to the lists.

Here's what to know about the WNC options chosen by readers for the 2024 10Best road trip roundup.

More: Asheville, WNC communities earn multiple 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for beer, breweries

Best glamping 2024

Coming in at first place on this list is Sky Ridge Yurts. Located at 200 Sky Ridge Drive in Bryson City, Sky Ridge Yurts has eight structures available for booking. 10Best praised the three-person Santeelah and six-person Fontana, and mentioned the cooking areas, full baths, heating and air conditioning available in each that make the yurts a true glamping experience.

10Best glamping spots

• Sky Ridge Yurts (Bryson City, North Carolina)
• Beaver Island Retreat (Beaver Island, Michigan)
• Piney River Ranch (Vail, Colorado)
• Treebones Resort (Big Sur, California)
• Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo (River Ranch, Florida)
• Nomad Ridge at The Wilds (Cumberland, Ohio)
• Little Arrow Outdoor Resort (Townsend, Tennessee)
• The Destination (Dadeville, Alabama)
• The Resort at Paws Up (Greenough, Montana)
• Borealis Basecamp (Fairbanks, Alaska)

More: WNC city voted among 10 Best Small Towns in the South: Here's why

Best roadside motel 2024

Two WNC options made the 2024 10Best list of best roadside motels. First was the Sunset Motel at third place. Located at 523 S Broad St. in Brevard, the motel has a wide range of rooms including a separate cottage on the property available to reserve. Rooms feature midcentury modern themes.

Rhodes Motor Lodge was the other WNC choice on the list, coming in at seventh place. The lodge at 1377 Blowing Rock Road in Boone features two stories of rooms all facing the Blue Ridge Mountains. In fact, the views were among the specific features praised by 10Best. Their house bar and restaurant, Canteen, serves homestyle meals and a rotating selection of local craft beer and ciders, plus wine and cocktails.

10Best roadside motels

• The Groovy Nomad (Trenton, Georgia)
• Sugarloaf Mountain Motel (Virginia City, Nevada)
• The Sunset Motel (Brevard, North Carolina)
• Roadrunner Lodge Motel (Tucumcari, New Mexico)
• Bear Cove Inn (St Ignace, Michigan)
• The Local - St. Augustine (St. Augustine, Florida)
• Rhode's Motor Lodge (Boone, North Carolina)
• The Starlite Motel (Kerhonkson, New York)
• Americana Motor Hotel (Flagstaff, Arizona)
• The Ozarker Lodge (Branson, Missouri)

More: West Asheville eatery is No. 2 on national Best New Restaurants list: What's on the menu

Best national park lodge 2024

Pisgah Inn, located at 408 Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, was sixth on the list. The inn, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Pisgah National Forest, has a rich history beginning in 1919, when it first opened, and is one of only two remaining park lodges on the 469 miles of the parkway.

At an elevation of 5,000 feet, Pisgah Inn features views of the forested mountains and plenty of nearby hiking trails. 10Best also mentioned the quality of the meals served at the inn's dining room.

10Best national park lodges

• Jackson Lake Lodge (Grand Teton National Park)
• Paradise Inn (Mount Rainier National Park)
• Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone National Park)
• Skyland (Shenandoah National Park)
• El Tovar Hotel (Grand Canyon National Park)
• Pisgah Inn (Blue Ridge Parkway)
• The Ahwahnee (Yosemite National Park)
• Many Glacier Hotel (Glacier National Park)
• The Inn at Death Valley (Death Valley National Park)
• Glacier Park Lodge (Glacier National Park)

More: This NC amusement park ranked in the top 10 countrywide; Coaster, entertainment praised

Best vintage trailer hotel 2024

Asheville River Cabins was fourth on the list of best vintage trailer hotels of 2024. At 318 Wanderlust Ridge in Arden, Asheville River Cabins offers reservations for private cabins and vintage Airstream trailers. Its website suggests hiking the property's river trail or tubing down the river.

Currently, riverfront Airstream rentals start at $159 per night. Airstreams are equipped with full kitchens and private fire pits.

10Best vintage trailer hotels

• The Vintages Trailer Resort (Dayton, Oregon)
• Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground (Buellton, California)
• SkyStream Resort at SkyPark Camp + RV Resort (Skyforest, California)
• Asheville River Cabins (Arden, North Carolina)
• Sou'wester Historic Lodge & Vintage Trailer Resort (Seaview, Washington)
• Hart's Camp (Pacific City, Oregon)
• AutoCamp Yosemite (Midpines, California)
• AutoCamp Cape Cod (Falmouth, Massachusetts)
• Lake Bastrop North Shore Park (Bastrop, Texas)
• Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

'I don't think that's wise': Video captures herd of bison charging tourists in Yellowstone

If you needed a reminder as to why you should avoid approaching giant wild animals while enjoying the great outdoors, a recent video out of Yellowstone National Park may jog your memory.

A video taken by Adella Gonzalez on Wednesday captured the moment tourists at Yellowstone learned this lesson the hard way when they found out just how fast wild bison can run.

Gonzalez told newswire service Storyful that she was on vacation at the park with her family when she noticed a group of bison ambling near a walkway. Keeping a safe distance, Gonzalez used her phone camera to zoom in and capture the herd, which she said was being approached by some brave tourists.

“We noticed tourists getting very close to the bison," she told Storyful.

A group of roughly eight bison can be seen shambling across a pathway in the video, walking past a man who appears to be sitting very still on a bench.

As the bison continue to take their leisurely walk across the path and back into the grass, another group of people can be seen deciding to get closer and cross mere feet in front of the herd.

“I don’t think that’s wise,” a woman can be heard saying before the bison begin to seemingly feel a bit claustrophobic, moving to charge at the group.

"The pack of bison began to get agitated and started running,” Gonzalez told Storyful.

Most popular national parks: What is the most visited national park in the US? Answers to your biggest park questions

Sure enough, the bison in the video pick up the pace and begin charging at the tourists, who quickly notice and begin to flee. The bison can be seen giving chase as the group hightails it out of their way.

“Oh my heavens…Oh no! Don’t run! Holy cats! Oh my god! They’ve got the zoomie zooms!” a woman in the background says as she watches the pursuit.

Luckily for the visitors, they were able to get out of the way in time, allowing the bison to continue running their intended path unfettered.

"I hope they're OK," says the voice behind the camera.

Luckily everyone was OK, according to Gonzalez, who reported no injuries as a result of the encounter.

Do not approach the animals, says National Park Service

Like any other wildlife living in the parks, the National Park Service advises tourists never to approach bison and to watch the protected animals from a distance.

According to the organization, bison are the largest land mammals in North America, with males weighing up to 2,000 pounds and females about 1,000 pounds. They are also agile and can run up to 35 miles per hour - "faster than you," points out NPS.

"Seemingly docile, mammals such as bison and elk account for most of the wildlife-human encounters. Visitors and wildlife can get injured - sometimes these encounters are deadly," advises NPS. "Protect these wild animals and avoid hazardous encounters by keeping your distance. For their safety and yours, stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife."

To drive the point home, the NPS webpage dedicated to Yellowstone features several videos of bison encounters gone wrong - one such clip shows a "bison goring at West Thumb" in which a group of tourists surrounding a bison gets a scare when the animal uses its powerful horns and head to launch a man feet into the air amid a chorus of screams.

"While bison may seem as harmless and slow, they can be very dangerous and fast. This video shows what can happen when you approach too closely," says the caption.