Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of natural beauty. One of the most popular parks in the world, it is full of amazing scenery and geothermal landscapes. Located in north-west Wyoming, it is the oldest national park in the country. It covers more than 2.2 million acres and has treks and pathways that lead to stunning waterfalls, geysers, canyons, and lakes.
The gorgeous scenery often changes with the season, but we’d argue you’ll find something beautiful anytime you visit. From snaking rivers and green valleys, to calm lakes, sprawling canyons, majestic waterfalls, and lunar-like thermal hotspots, there is so much to see and explore in the park.
As Yellowstone is a large and complex national park, proper planning is important to get the most out of your trip. Check the official website for details on opening and closing dates of park amenities and entry points, as these may vary from season to season.
With a diverse selection of activities for every kind of traveler, you are sure to enjoy yourself amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. Experience once or all of the best things to do in Yellowstone.
Take note to the following list of entrance fees that might apply to all attractions within Yellowstone National Park:
Entrance Fees (valid for 7 days):
• Private Vehicle Permit: $30
• Individual Permit: Foot or bicycle: $15, Motorcycle: $25
• Yellowstone and Grand Teton Pass: $50
Annual Recreation Pass:
• Yellowstone National Park Annual Pass: $60 (valid for 12 months of unlimited visits to Yellowstone National Park)
1. Go on a road trip at Grand Loop Road
Red car on Grand Loop Road through Golden Gate Canyon | Ronnie Chua, Shutterstock
The best way to explore the expanse of the Yellowstone National Park is through a self-drive tour around the Grand Loop. The Grand Loop spans 140 miles and is the primary road system in Yellowstone National Park. The road system allows you to access a handful of the most striking natural attractions of the park and is an incredibly scenic drive. Most attractions will have signs indicating their distance to guide travelers.
While on the road, you might catch glimpses of the wildlife freely roaming the area. Driving the entire length of the loop can take you around four to seven hours, traffic permitting. Traffic can get worse, almost at stop and go, during the summertime, so plan accordingly.
Grand Loop Road
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: Only entry fees to the Yellowstone National Park apply
Get directions
Best place to eat near Grand Loop Road according to locals and visitors:
• Miners Saloon (4.5/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$$)
• Meadow Creek Lodge (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Happy Hour Bar & Grill (4.6/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Grand Loop Road.
The best hotel to stay near Grand Loop Road based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Park Hotel Yellowstone (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Get the classic snapshot of Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
View at a vivid Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone river seen from Artist Point | Filip Fuxa, Shutterstock
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is the top destination in Yellowstone National Park. Twenty miles long, the Grand Canyon is around 4,000 feet wide and 1,200 feet deep in places. In short – it’s a massively impressive example of natural architecture.
The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is to see it from the Artist Point, a lookout that’s a short walk from the canyon’s edge. Be rewarded with sweeping views of the pink and yellow stones forming the sides of three powerful waterfalls. To get to Artist Point, travel south of the Canyon Village junction for two miles until you reach South Rim Drive. Artist Point is located at the end of this road.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: Only entry fees to the Yellowstone National Park apply
Get directions
Best place to eat near Grand Canyon of Yellowstone according to locals and visitors:
• Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. (4.8/5 stars, Barbecue, $$$)
• Texas Roadhouse (4.5/5 stars, Steak house, $$)
• Le Peep (4.6/5 stars, Breakfast, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
The best hotel to stay near Grand Canyon of Yellowstone based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Yellowstone Gateway Inn (9.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Watch Old Faithful erupt
Tourists watching the Old Faithful erupting in Yellowstone National Park, USA | f11photo, Shutterstock
Considered the largest active geyser field in the world, Yellowstone does not have a shortage of geysers. Right in its midst is perhaps the most famous geyser in the world: Old Faithful. Named after the reliability of the geyser’s eruptions, Old Faithful draws excited visitors throughout the year who are eager to watch the magnificence of the spray. It consistently erupts every ninety minutes, spewing water 150 feet into the air.
Wait in anticipation for an incredibly consistent natural phenomenon. It will make you appreciate Mother Earth and all her complexities. Check the estimated time of eruptions posted at the Old Faithful Education Center. For a less-crowded vantage point, take the boardwalk up Geyser Hill for a panoramic view (and photo) of Old Faithful.
Old Faithful
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: Only entry fees to the Yellowstone National Park apply
Ph: 307-344-2751
Get directions
Best place to eat near Old Faithful according to locals and visitors:
• Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. (4.8/5 stars, Barbecue, $$$)
• Miners Saloon (4.5/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$)
• Texas Roadhouse (4.5/5 stars, Steak house, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Old Faithful.
The best hotel to stay near Old Faithful based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Paddle across Yellowstone Lake
Tourists in kayaks paddle in the West Thumb Geyser Basin, on the shore of Lake Yellowstone | Edgloris Marys, Shutterstock
Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park. Covering 136 square miles of surface area and with 110 miles of shoreline, it is perfect for fun water activities. The lake offers boating, cruise tours, and fishing. However, one of the best ways to experience the calm and serene waters of Yellowstone Lake is to paddle on it.
Go out on a kayak in the middle of the deep blue waters. With the sun at your back, let the bright blue sky and the lush green scenery fill your eyes and your memory. Quietly paddling around Yellowstone Lake is a one of a kind experience. To use kayaks and other non-motorized boats, a permit is required. This can be secured from the visitor centers, back country offices, or general stores. They cost $5 per day or $10 per season.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone National Park, 459 Lake Village Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: Only entry fees to the Yellowstone National Park apply
Get directions
Best place to eat near Yellowstone Lake according to locals and visitors:
• Miners Saloon (4.5/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$$)
• Texas Roadhouse (4.5/5 stars, Steak house, $$)
• (4.5/5 stars, Steak house, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Yellowstone Lake.
The best hotel to stay near Yellowstone Lake based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• 1872 Inn (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. See Giant, Colorful Hot Springs
Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park | Lorcel, Shutterstock
Yellowstone is like a geothermal amusement park with hundreds of colorful springs and pools to explore. Much of Yellowstone is on a volcanic crater with hot magma just below the surface. This creates heat sources for the many hot springs around the area.
Grand Prismatic Spring, the third largest spring in the world, is a favorite amongst visitors. It is larger than a football field! This chromatic beauty of spring is one of the park’s most iconic features. The spring gets its amazing rainbow colors from heat-loving microbes, thriving in its intensely hot and acidic waters.
Make sure to stay on authorized paths and view from a safe distance, though. Failure to do so may be costly, as the park imposes fines for those who disobey, and it might even be potentially deadly.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: Only entry fees to the Yellowstone National Park apply
Ph: +1 307-344-7381
Get directions
Best place to eat near Grand Prismatic Spring according to locals and visitors:
• Miners Saloon (4.5/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$$)
• Texas Roadhouse (4.5/5 stars, Steak house, $$)
• Meadow Creek Lodge (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Grand Prismatic Spring.
The best hotel to stay near Grand Prismatic Spring based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Stage Coach Inn (7.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Experience Yellowstone’s wild side
Uncle Tom’s Trail in Yellowstone National Park | Matthew Thomas Allen, Shutterstock
Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places to enjoy the wilderness. With over 1,100 miles of hiking trails, you can find the perfect adventure for you here. Some of the popular trails are to Bunsen Peak, to Mt. Washburn, and Uncle Tom’s Trail.
You may want to start at Uncle Tom’s Trail, a short one-mile hike that offers a rewarding and staggering view of the Yellowstone River’s Lower Falls. This trail requires fit hikers as it features 328 stairs you go up and down on. Beginning at the famed Grand Canyon, you descend upon the steep and dizzying stairs ending at a viewing area near the 308-foot waterfall. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a sparkling rainbow in the midst of the mist the waterfall generates.
Uncle Tom’s Trail
Uncle Tom’s Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: National Park Entrance Fee
Ph: +1 307-344-7381
Get directions
Best place to eat near Uncle Tom’s Trail according to locals and visitors:
• Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. (4.8/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$$)
• Happy Hour Bar & Grill (4.6/5 stars, Steak house, $$)
• Meadow Creek Lodge (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Uncle Tom’s Trail.
The best hotel to stay near Uncle Tom’s Trail based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Yellowstone Basin Inn (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Admire the wildlife at Hayden Valley
View of a herd of bison in the grass in the Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming | EQRoy, Shutterstock
Hayden Valley is a wildlife paradise. It was previously a lake bed that now serves as the largest stomping grounds for free-roaming bison, many of which surround the Yellowstone River. Other wildlife such as coyotes, waterfowl, buffalo, elks, grizzly bears, and wolves are present in the area.
Enjoy a safari adventure and stop by one of the many vantage points overlooking the valley to view the animals. It may require a bit of patience to see the wildlife in action. Bring your binoculars or other equipment to see the animals better. Some of them may be difficult to see with the naked eye.
Hayden Valley
Mammoth, WY 82190, United States
Admission: Only entry fees to the Yellowstone National Park apply
Get directions
Best place to eat near Hayden Valley according to locals and visitors:
• Miners Saloon (4.5/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$$)
• Meadow Creek Lodge (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Texas Roadhouse (4.5/5 stars, Steak house, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Hayden Valley.
The best hotel to stay near Hayden Valley based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Faithful Street Inn (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Stroll through Norris Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA: Norris Geyser Basin | Alex Cimbal, Shutterstock
Norris Geyser Basin is one of Yellowstone National Park’s largest thermal basins. It is also the hottest and most volatile of all geyser basins in the park. It is split into two large basins, Porcelain and Back, each with their own attractions and highlights.
Porcelain Basin is a compact and open space with a more difficult walking trail. It has an interesting mix of colorful geysers, hot springs, and vents, the highlight being the Black Growler Steam Vent, a vent of steam rising from a seemingly blackened hillside. Back Basin, on the other hand, sprawls through the forest and creeks of the park, with platformed pathways as a guide. It is home to Steamboat Geyser, the tallest in the world, with eruptions reaching over 300 feet.
Norris Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: Only entry fees to the Yellowstone National Park apply
Ph: +1-3073447381
Get directions
Best place to eat near Norris Geyser Basin according to locals and visitors:
• Kippers Food Trailer (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Meadow Creek Lodge (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Happy Hour Bar & Grill (4.6/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Norris Geyser Basin.
The best hotel to stay near Norris Geyser Basin based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Rainbow Ranch Lodge (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Appreciate the Mammoth Hot Springs
Tourists visiting Palette Spring Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park | Mendenhall Olga, Shutterstock
The Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique and stunning piece of a naturally sculpted beauty. Located in the northern Mammoth District of Yellowstone National Park, it is not quite like any of the other thermal features in the park. It is said to be like an inside out cave because of the limestone-forming terraces surrounding the area.
Marvel at the beautiful Terrace Mountain, the largest carbonate-depositing spring in the world. The spring has a gorgeous and colorful mix of brown, orange, red, and green. Accentuating its beauty are the travertine terraces descending to the nearby Boiling River. It is definitely not a sight to be missed! The area has two terrace boardwalks, upper and lower, to explore the over fifty springs surrounding the area.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: Only entry fees to the Yellowstone National Park apply
Ph: +1 307-344-2263
Get directions
Best place to eat near Mammoth Hot Springs according to locals and visitors:
• Miners Saloon (4.5/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$$)
• Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. (4.8/5 stars, Barbecue, $$)
• Meadow Creek Lodge (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Mammoth Hot Springs.
The best hotel to stay near Mammoth Hot Springs based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• 1872 Inn (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Spend a night or more under the stars
Natural Wonders in Yellowstone National Park | icedoux, Shutterstock
One of the best experiences Yellowstone National Park has to offer is the beloved American past time: camping! There is no better way to experience the Wild West than to rough it outdoors.
Yellowstone offers many different camping grounds to suit your requirements and your agenda for your visit. One of the favorite camping sites is Bridge Bay Campground. As one of the park’s largest campsites, it has modern facilities such as flushing toilets and sinks with running water. It also features the amazing Yellowstone Lake and Absaroka mountain range as your backdrop. As the campsite is popular with visitors, it is highly advised to reserve a site months before your intended visit.
Bridge Bay Campground
Yellowstone National Park, Bridge Bay Campground, 260, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
Admission: $15 per night, per site ($27.00 Summer 2020 approved rate)
Ph: +1 307-344-7381
Get directions
Best place to eat near Bridge Bay Campground according to locals and visitors:
• Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. (4.8/5 stars, Barbecue, $$$)
• Miners Saloon (4.5/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$)
• Happy Hour Bar & Grill (4.6/5 stars, Bar & grill, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Bridge Bay Campground.
The best hotel to stay near Bridge Bay Campground based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Cowboy’s Lodge and Grille (8.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Join a snow coach tour
A snowmobile tour at Yellowstone National Park | Great Scott, Wikimedia Commons
While Yellowstone is most popular during the summer, winter at the national park offers a whole new level of beauty. The most enjoyable way to tour Yellowstone during the winter months is on a snow coach tour. A snow coach is essentially a bus snowmobile; it travels smoothly over the snow while giving better views. There are several agencies offering different kinds of tours to see Yellowstone’s most popular attractions, often depending on the weather.
See white sheets of snow over Yellowstone National Park and watch it become a winter wonderland. Tours not only stop at thermal features but also on lookouts to spy on snow-capped mountains and wildlife. If you wish to have a more intimate and personal experience, most agencies also offer the option to customize your snow coach tour.
Like this article? Share it!
Subscribe to get more travel tips and guides like these to your inbox.
