plan my trip to yellowstone

Yellowstone Itinerary Ideas from 1 to 5 Days (+Map & Planning Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 25, 2024

Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park and wondering how much time you need to visit the park, how to plan your trip, or what’s the best Yellowstone itinerary for your vacation?

In this post, we share our experience-based advice for visiting Yellowstone National Park, essential tips for planning your trip, and a suggested Yellowstone itinerary for one to five days . Find out!

These planning tips, Yellowstone itinerary for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days, and handy maps will help you get the most out of your trip to Yellowstone, no matter how much time you have.

Good to know: Note that these are all summer itineraries only (approx. mid-May to mid-October). That’s the period when all the roads are open and you can explore Yellowstone to the fullest. In winter, most of the roads in Yellowstone are closed and you can only visit the Old Faithful and the Mammoth Springs areas.

TIP: If you want to visit Yellowstone, but are overwhelmed with all the planning, you can also easily see the park with an organized tour. There are day trips or multi-day tours available. Here you can find our selection of the best Yellowstone tours .

Below, you can find a detailed day-to-day itinerary for Yellowstone. I also included a map for each recommended Yellowstone trip itinerary. That way you have a better idea of where all those places are and how to best plan your time when visiting Yellowstone.

Of course, you don’t have to follow these itineraries precisely, but it gives you a good idea of the main landmarks and the time you need to see them.

TIP: You can jump straight to our Yellowstone trip itinerary suggestions . However, before going into the details of your Yellowstone itinerary and starting to plan your trip, there are some important things you should know! So I suggest that you read that information first. Take a look!

Yellowstone Itinerary & Trip Planning Tips – OVERVIEW

• Essential info – read before planning a trip to Yellowstone!
• How much time you need in Yellowstone?
• Entrance fee
• 1 day in Yellowstone
• 2 days in Yellowstone
• 3 days Yellowstone itinerary
• 4 days Yellowstone itinerary
• 5 days Yellowstone itinerary

Important Info for Planning a Trip to Yellowstone

ACCOMMODATION: Your Yellowstone itinerary will depend so much on the location of your accommodation. Price-quality-location-wise, West Yellowstone is one of the best places to stay near Yellowstone. You can also see what’s available in this area for your travel dates via the map below.

Alternatively, check our detailed guide to the best places to stay in and near Yellowstone via the links below.

READ MORE: Where to Stay In Yellowstone National Park Best Hotels & Cabins Near Yellowstone

TIP: Using the map below, you can find the best deals for your stay. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see all the best deals for accommodation near Yellowstone.

DRIVING DISTANCES & TRAFFIC: Don’t underestimate driving distances in Yellowstone. The park is big and the traffic is busy in summer. On top of that, you may experience delays due to road works and wildlife traffic jams. Furthermore, parking spots at the most popular landmarks are scarce, so you may need some extra time and patience.

Important!!! Please always check the official website for up-to-date information on any road closures or planned works in the park when planning your trip! Also, things can change before your trip, so it’s always a good idea to check it again a few days before your trip.

HOW TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS: All that being said, we visited Yellowstone end of July, the busiest season of the year. It was only busy around the most popular attractions. Actually, it’s quite easy to escape the crowds in Yellowstone if you want to – just go for a walk.

I read somewhere that around 80% of Yellowstone visitors never walk further than 10-15 minutes from their car. We could definitely confirm that from our experience. Don’t be one of those tourists! If you have some time to spare and are physically capable, make sure to make at least several short walks in Yellowstone.

Of course, you have to see the main landmarks and attractions of Yellowstone , but it’s those unplanned experiences, hidden gems, and unexpected encounters that will make your trip more memorable.

WHEN TO VISIT: If you are not sure when to go to Yellowstone, please check our guide for the best time to travel to Yellowstone . If you are planning to visit in the peak season, please check out our experience-based tips for visiting Yellowstone in July and in August .

How much time do you need in Yellowstone National Park

When I was researching our American road trip itinerary , I quickly realized that one or two days are simply not enough for visiting Yellowstone. Not only is Yellowstone the oldest National Park in the world, it’s also one of the biggest and most diverse National Parks we ever visited.

After thorough research, we decided to spend four full days in Yellowstone. It gave us just enough time to see all the main highlights without having to rush. We did quite some hiking, went for a swim, spent time driving the scenic loop road and looking for wildlife…

Yellowstone is so big and so diverse that you could easily spend a week or two here and never get bored. However, if you just want to see the main landmarks of Yellowstone, three or four days is enough. You can also see a lot with just a day or two, especially if you plan your time well and focus on the ‘musts’ – our itinerary suggestions below will help you do just that!

TIP: Don’t pack your days too much and leave some space for unexpected wildlife encounters, bison traffic jams, a beautiful hike, a soak in the warm river, etc. Yellowstone is so much more than just the most famous landmarks!

LEARN MORE: Tips for Your First Trip to Yellowstone

Yellowstone Entrance Fee

You’ll need an entrance pass for Yellowstone. It costs 35 USD per private vehicle and is valid for 7 days. You can buy it at any entrance gate of the park.

However, if you are visiting several National Parks in the same year, it’s better to get an annual National Parks Pass. It’s called America the Beautiful Pass and costs 80 USD for the whole family traveling in the same vehicle. It is valid in all National Parks and 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States for one year from the month of purchase.

TIP: If you only visit for a day, you can also opt for this day tour that includes all the fees . Also this popular 4-day tour includes entrance fee, so you don’t have to worry about any of that.

And now that you know all the practicalities, below, you can find our Yellowstone itinerary suggestions. Take a look!

Here are our Yellowstone itinerary suggestions for any trip duration:

One Day in Yellowstone National Park

If you only have one day in Yellowstone visit the Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin , Grand Prismatic Spring , and drive at least part of the scenic lower loop road .

If you are short on time when visiting Yellowstone, I suggest driving the lower loop passing the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (stop by Artist Point), Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake.

Below is a map indicating all the main landmarks that you should be able to see in Yellowstone in one day.

One Day Yellowstone Itinerary:

• Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail (optional)
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Hayden Valley
• Yellowstone Lake
• West Thumb Geyser Basin

For more details and information for this Yellowstone itinerary, please see our 1-day itinerary via the link below.

READ MORE: One Day in Yellowstone

TIP: If you only have one day in Yellowstone, it might be wise to join an organized day trip rather than go on your own. Experienced local guides will make sure that you get the most out of your very short stay in Yellowstone. Here’s the best Yellowstone day tour (departing from Jackson Hole or Teton Village) that I was able to find. And here is a one-day tour from West Yellowstone .

Here is a map indicating all the best places that you should be able to see in Yellowstone in one day.

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

2 Days in Yellowstone

This is our suggested two day itinerary for the best of Yellowstone. Please note that to see all of this in just two days you will need to start really early and you won’t have much extra time to explore deeper.

This itinerary will make sure you get to see the very best of Yellowstone in 2 days. Take a look!

Two Days Yellowstone Itinerary:

Day 1: Old Faithful Geyser, Old Faithful Inn, and the Morning Glory Pool (Upper Geyser Basin). Grand Prismatic Spring. Norris Geyser Basin. Mammoth Hot Springs .

Day 2: Undine Falls and/or Wraith Falls. Lamar Valley. Tower Fall. Dunraven Pass. Yellowstone Grand Canyon. Hayden Valley. Mud Volcano. Yellowstone Lake. West Thumb Geyser Basin.

You can find our detailed 2-day Yellowstone itinerary and tips for your trip via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Two Days in Yellowstone

TIP: If you have 2 days in Yellowstone and want to see the very best of the park without having to do much planning, consider joining this highly-rated and very complete Yellowstone 2-day/1 night tour (departs from Jackson, WY).

Below is the map illustrating the 2-day itinerary suggestions for Yellowstone. The places indicated in red are described in the 1-day itinerary above, purple – day 2.

Yellowstone Itinerary for 3 Days

If you have three days in Yellowstone , you can explore all the main areas at a more relaxed pace. In addition, you’ll have some time for some lesser-known places that will make your Yellowstone trip even more special. Below is our suggested itinerary.

Three Days Yellowstone Itinerary:

Day 1: Old Faithful and the Geyser Loop Trail (don’t miss the Morning Glory Pool). Grand Prismatic. Norris Geyser Basin.

Day 2: Mammoth Hot Springs . Undine Falls. Wraith Falls. Petrified Tree (not a must). Lamar Valley. Tower Fall. Dunraven Pass.

Day 3: The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone River (Artist Point, Lower Falls). Hayden Valley. Yellowstone Lake.

TIP: If you’d like to do some hiking in Yellowstone, on day 3, you could go hiking along the rims of the Yellowstone Canyon. There’s also a very highly-rated hiking tour with a local guide that you can join in this area.

This Yellowstone itinerary for three days includes pretty much all the main landmarks that you really have to see in the park.

Below is the map showing suggestions for things to see when visiting Yellowstone in 3 days. Places indicated in red are the ones described on day 1 of this itinerary, purple on day 2, and yellow – on day 3.

4 Days in Yellowstone

We stayed four full days in Yellowstone with kids , but our trip itinerary can be used by all types of Yellowstone visitors. More adventurous travelers might want to do a bit more hiking, but if you want to see all the main highlights of Yellowstone without having to rush – this is it .

Here is my suggested four-day itinerary for Yellowstone based on our experience. We visited the Grand Prismatic and the Old Faithful area at the end of our trip and I think it was a good decision. It’s often better to leave the most impressive places for last; that way you appreciate the rest more.

We also spread the visit of three thermal areas (West Thumb Basin, Norris Geyser Basin, and the Grand Prismatic/ Old Faithful areas) over separate days. That way you have more diversity every day. Otherwise, it’s easy to get ‘geysered out’ in Yellowstone :).

Four Days Yellowstone Itinerary:

Day 1: Lewis Falls. West Thumb Basin. Yellowstone Lake. Storm Point hike. Mud Volcano area. Hayden Valley.

Day 2: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (Artist Point, Lower Falls). Norris Geyser Basin. Firehole River (swimming, if possible – check here for up-to-date info).

Day 3: Mammoth Hot Springs. Undine Falls. Wraith Falls. Petrified Tree (optional). Lamar Valley. Tower Fall. Dunraven Pass.

Day 4: Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic). You can also hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. Lower Geyser Basin. Upper Geyser Basin (the Old Faithful Geyser, Old Faithful Inn, and the Geyser Loop Trail), also Biscuit Basin and/or Black Sand Basin.

TIP: If you are looking for the best guided tour option, check out this beautiful 4-day/ 3 night Yellowstone and Grand Teton trip with a focus on wildlife (departs from Jackson, WY).

Below is a map indicating each of the suggested places from our 4-day Yellowstone itinerary. Places indicated in red are the ones described on day 1 of this itinerary, purple – day 2, yellow – day 3, and green – day 4. The blue dots are the places that we mention in the 5-days Yellowstone itinerary further below.

5 Days in Yellowstone

If you have five days in Yellowstone, make sure you see all the main landmarks and highlights described in the four-day Yellowstone itinerary. In addition, you could hike to Mount Washburn . It’s a long hike (6-7 miles (10-12km) depending on the route you choose) and requires a good part of the day.

Another nice option on foot or by bike is Lone Star Geyser . It’s located about 3 miles south of the Old Faithful area and can be reached via a hiking/biking trail from there. It erupts every 3 hours.

Otherwise, you can find plenty of other nice hikes, go for a boat ride on Yellowstone Lake, go for a scenic float or rafting nearby, join a hiking tour , etc.

Take a look at the map above (4 days in Yellowstone) – the blue dot next to Dunraven Pass is Mount Washburn, and the blue dot south of the Old Faithful is the Lone Star Geyser.

So, these are my suggestions for the best way to plan your Yellowstone trip and see the main landmarks of Yellowstone. None of these itineraries are very detailed as they would require separate articles, such as the ones for 1 and 2 days that we linked to above. So if you have any specific questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll try to help.

Please note that every trip and itinerary will be somewhat different because so much depends on the location of your accommodation. We have lots of information and detailed guides for visiting Yellowstone , so please check those articles for more suggestions on how to plan your Yellowstone trip.

Update: Since so many of our readers asked for suggestions on how to best combine Yellowstone NP with Grand Teton NP, Glacier NP, and also with visiting Mount Rushmore, we have published dedicated articles about those places as well. Take a look below!

• Here you can find info on the best places to see and things to do in Jackson Hole .
• Here you can read more about the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park in one day .
• Here you can find a suggested itinerary for both, Yellowstone and Grand Teton .
• Here you can find Glacier National Park itinerary suggestions .
• Here you can read more about visiting Mount Rushmore and things to do near Mt Rushmore .

More information for planning your trip to Yellowstone:

• Overview: Yellowstone Travel Guide
• What to see: Best Things to Do in Yellowstone
• When to go: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone
• What to pack: Yellowstone Packing List
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in and Near Yellowstone & Best Hotels Near Yellowstone
• For families: Yellowstone with Kids
• Must-see: Grand Prismatic Spring & Old Faithful Geyser
• Fun to do: Boiling River

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Tracy Hughes

Tuesday 17th of October 2023

What airport did you fly into? Also, how far was the drive from the airport to Canyon Lodge?

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

Hi Tracy, Yellowstone was just part of a much bigger road trip for us. We flew out of Salt Lake City after we left the park. That was like 6 hrs drive. But there are plenty of smaller airports nearby (1-3 hrs). You can find this information in our Yellowstone travel guide.

Tuesday 19th of September 2023

We just returned from Yellowstone and I wanted to thank you for all the information on your website. It was invaluable for our trip. We could have never seen this much without your tips. THANK YOU!

Thursday 21st of September 2023

Glad to help, Muryel.

Friday 11th of August 2023

Hi Jurga, I'm planning a camping trip to Yellowstone NP for my family in early Sept 2024. We'll be pulling a 30' camper. I like your 4-5 day Yellowstone itinerary and was wondering if you stayed at one particular camp site or did you move to different camp sites to cut drive times? Which one(s) would you recommend? Thank you so much for your help! Brent D.

Sunday 13th of August 2023

Hi Brent, we do not camp so we stayed at the hotels - Canyon Lodge most of the time, plus the Old Faithful Lodge for a night. You can find more info about Yellowstone campsites here.

Monday 24th of July 2023

hi jurga i am thinking to come in oct end and thinking where ot fly from NY and with best price in mind where to stay and how to plan for 4-6 days total .

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

Hi Claudia, first, keep in mind that most roads in Yellowstone close for the winter season on November 1. End of October can also already be quite cold and snowy, so you have to be prepared for some uncertainty. Check the official site for the road conditions and planned closures. For the rest, if you do indeed go in October, you should be able to visit most places as described in our itinerary suggestions, so please check our article for how you could plan your time. As for where to stay, many accommodations inside the park will also be already closed for the season. Only Mammoth Hotel and OF Snowlodge remain open somewhat longer in October, but also not the entire month. So the best places to stay are likely West Yellowstone and/or Gardiner. Please take a look at this article for more information on the best hotels near Yellowstone. Having said all this, if you can plan your trip somewhat earlier, even if just a few weeks, it will make a big difference. End of October is really the very end of the main season. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Sunday 14th of May 2023

We’re booked for 7 nights at Grizzly RV park in mid July. This will be our first trip to Yellowstone! We’re traveling in an RV with a tow vehicle, so we’ll have transportation for traveling around. Any thoughts? I’ve been looking at itineraries and it almost seems like we should have tried to stay in a couple of different places. We’re heading to Lava Hot Springs after that and making our way to Salt Lake City. Thanks!

Monday 15th of May 2023

Hi Mindy, this RV park is located in West Yellowstone which is really one of the best locations to stay for Yellowstone if you can't find a place inside the park. My best recommendations would be to focus on different area each day so that you can explore deeper and drive a bit less. But yes, it's quite inevitable that you will have to cover big distances on some days, for example, if driving to Lamar Valley. So yes, with a week, ideally, you would split your stay between several different areas in the park, but if you can't change your bookings anymore, just make the most of it. With good planning and early start (to avoid the long queues at the park entrance), you can see all the best places using West Yellowstone as your base location. Have a great trip!

PET-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas at Yellowstone, but there are plenty of activities just outside the park for you and your pup.

If you are planning on bringing your dog with you to the park, make sure to check out these  regulations from NPS .

• Take a lap around Earthquake Lake.
• Go for a stroll through West Yellowstone. You’ll find various pet-friendly coffee shops and retailers to visit.
• Hike Coffin Lakes Trail, a moderate hike with stunning views and stream crossings.
• Don’t miss out on the popular Old Faithful geyser. Dogs are allowed on the sidewalks around the visitor center with a leash.
• Have a picnic at Yellowstone Lake and let your dog dip their paws in the chilly water.

Enjoy comfortable, modern, amenity-rich lodging when you stay outside Yellowstone National Park.

Tours & Rentals

Experience an up-close view of the park, while learning about the fascinating history and wildlife.

West Yellowstone Snowcoach Tours

Gardiner Snowcoach Tours

Yellowstone Vacation Snowmobile Tours

Two Top Snowmobile Tours

West Yellowstone Summer Bus Tours

Yellowstone Vacations Snowmobile Rentals

Two Top Snowmobile Rentals

Car Rentals

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 © ©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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Yellowstone | Grand Teton | Winter Glacier | Badlands

Free Yellowstone Trip Planner

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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.

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See wildlife, geysers and mountains views.

>", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-itineraries/yellowstone-glacier-road-trip/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Yellowstone to Glacier National Park Road Trip"}}'> Yellowstone to Glacier National Park Road Trip

>", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/gateway-towns/yellowstone-park-entrances/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "which entrance to yellowstone national park should i take"}}'> which entrance to yellowstone national park should i take, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/park/faqs/yellowstone-budget/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "9 tips to visit yellowstone on a budget"}}'> 9 tips to visit yellowstone on a budget, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/park/faqs/yellowstone-basic-information/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "yellowstone essentials: 12 basic things you need to know"}}'> yellowstone essentials: 12 basic things you need to know.

12 Best Restaurants Near Yellowstone National Park

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Where is Yellowstone National Park?

8 Best Historic Hotels in and Near Yellowstone

Entrance Fees and Where to Get Your Park Pass for Yellowstone

Yellowstone visitors have several options for paying an entrance fee to get into the park or even getting in free.

Editors’ Picks

• How Far in Advance Do I Need to Book Hotels and Campgrounds?
• Can I Bring My Dog to Yellowstone?
• Grand Teton Essentials: 12 Basic Things You Need to Know

Itineraries

10 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone and Beyond

Here's your bucket list to visiting America's first national park.

• 3-Day Eco-Friendly Vacation Itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton
• 10 Things to Do with Kids at Yellowstone
• 4 Best Places to Stargaze under Night Skies in Yellowstone

Where to See Bears, Wolves and More in Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Wildlife is abundant throughout these two national parks. Go wildlife watching in their natural habitat in the areas they frequent most.

• How close can I get to wild animals in Yellowstone?
• Bear Spray: Buying, Using, and Recycling It in Yellowstone
• Wolf Reintroduction Changes Ecosystem in Yellowstone

Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone’s Midway Geyser Basin

Old Faithful may be more famous, but the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is the most photographed thermal feature in Yellowstone. That's because of its crazy-bright colors and enormous size.

• About Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s Famous Geyser
• 8 Best Yellowstone Geyser Basins and Map
• Mammoth Hot Springs Looks Like an Inside-Out Cave

Hiking Trails

Which Yellowstone Trail Should I Hike?

Use our personalized guide

• Hike Mount Washburn in Yellowstone
• Hike the Avalanche Peak Trail in Yellowstone
• 6 Best Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park

Natural Wonders

Did You Know There is a Grand Canyon in Yellowstone?

Giant waterfalls pierce the Yellowstone River while pastel colors mark the locations of hot springs and steam vents in the canyon walls.

• Yellowstone Lake – Where Fire Meets Ice
• 3 Waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
• Listen to the Recorded Sounds of Yellowstone

Chicago to Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip

Take the All-American Road Trip to Yellowstone, starting in Chicago.

• Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Road Trip
• Yellowstone to Glacier National Park Road Trip
• Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip

A Quick Overview Map of Yellowstone

Do you know where you're going?

• Official Yellowstone National Park Map PDF
• Official Grand Teton National Park Map PDF
• Quick Overview Map of Glacier National Park

Neighbor Parks

2-Day Itinerary in Grand Teton National Park

Only have two days? Here's what to do.

• 2 Days in Glacier National Park
• Do I Need a Reservation to Visit Glacier National Park?
• 2-Day Badlands and Black Hills Vacation Itinerary

Gateway Towns

Which Entrance to Yellowstone National Park Should I Take?

Planning a vacation to Yellowstone involves many details, one of which is deciding how you will enter the park.

• 7 Sights in West Yellowstone
• Find the Wild West in Cody
• Jackson, Wyo., Gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton

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>", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/park-itineraries/active-adventures/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "4 Active Yellowstone Adventures to Test Your Stamina"}}'> 4 Active Yellowstone Adventures to Test Your Stamina

Push yourself with these heart-pounding activities in Yellowstone National Park from backpacking to canoeing to cross-country skiing.

After you’ve seen Old Faithful erupt, peered down at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and spotted wildlife along park roads, it’s time to get your heart rate up and explore the majority of the park that isn’t accessible by car. We’ve put together four active adventures that will test your stamina and bring you away from the crowds to parts of the park most visitors rarely see.

Unless you’re visiting Yellowstone in the middle of winter, chances are good that you’ll be sharing the backcountry with grizzly and black bears. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it, hike in groups and make noise to alert these apex predators of your presence.

At more than two million acres in size, there are no shortages of incredible places to backpack in Yellowstone. The choice is easy, however, if you prioritize stunning views. The 21-mile Sky Rim Loop in the northwest corner of the park features a six-mile traverse along a long, grassy spine with views for days. You’ll also get the chance to summit 9,930-foot Bighorn Peak, see petrified tree stumps in the Gallatin Petrified Forest and spot wildlife. The trail is strenuous, with approximately 5,000 feet in elevation gain, but the payoff is worth it.

Because demand for many sites is high, Yellowstone runs an early-access lottery for reserving backcountry campsites each year. For peak season dates of May 15-October 31, apply for the lottery on recreation.gov, March 1-20. You’ll be notified if you’ve been awarded an early-reservation slot on March 25. Those who did will be given a date and time in April where their reservation window will open. If you miss the application period or are not awarded early access, the remainder of reservations will go live on April 26. You’ll need to activate your backcountry permit at a park Backcountry Permit Office within two days of the start of your trip.

Start at the Dailey Creek Trailhead (also spelled Daly Creek on some maps) and hike 3.65 miles to campsite WF2. It’s a short first day, but as the second day’s hike follows the exposed Sky Rim Trail with significant lightning risk, you’ll want to get a super early start. Filter plenty of water as there isn’t another reliable water source for another 10 miles, just before your second campsite.

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.

PIN IT FOR LATER

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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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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Plan an INCREDIBLE Trip to Yellowstone | Your Complete Guide

Jan 18, 2024

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I'm a travel creator and influencer coach based out of Arizona. This blog is where I share the best itineraries for US & beyond, 63 US National Parks , and influencer tips . Read More About Me ⟶

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Located in Northern Wyoming and parts of Montana sits the USA’s first national park: Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park is known for its natural wonders from mountains to geysers to wildlife—there aren’t many places like it. And with so much to see coupled with its remoteness, knowing how to plan a trip to Yellowstone can be tricky.

BUT, this guide has you completely covered. In the next sections, we’ll detail all the planning must-knows any first time visitor should be prepared for to have the perfect trip.

Let’s dive in! And when you’re done with this post, make sure you read my other Yellowstone park guide: Ultimate Yellowstone Itinerary 4 Days

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Table of Contents

Where is Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park is one of the US national parks primarily located in Wyoming. However, parts of the park spread to southern Montana and eastern Idaho.

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest US National Park and one of the largest, spanning almost 3,500 square miles. 

The standard entrance fee is about $35 per park. To save, snag the  America the Beautiful Pass  ($79.99).

Fun Fact: Yellowstone sits on top of a supervolcano that is still active. Ash from an eruption would cover just about the entire western half of the USA! AND, Yellowstone National Park was also the first US National Park established in 1872.

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Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Where to stay near yellowstone national park.

Below are some lodging options for you to consider when thinking about how to plan a trip to Yellowstone!

Under Canvas Yellowstone – A Glamping experience in Yellowstone National Park that’ll make you go, “Why do I even own a tent?”

Elkhorn Cabins and Inn – Another motel that’s great for budget travelers. It’s also 5 minutes from the west entrance of the park!

The Aspen Condos – If hotels aren’t your thing, you can rent some beautiful and cozy condos in West Yellowstone.

3BR Condo with a View – You want a view of the Tetons? You got it. I seriously don’t think I’d ever leave the patio of this 3BR condo!

Staying in Jackson Hole, WY will give you the most flexibility for exploring Yellowstone National Park. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive but will allow you to also explore Grand Teton National Park.

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Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park

The best time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park is August to early September when most of the crowds have left. Expect June and July to be the busiest months. 

But you can visit just about any time of year. Let’s discuss the various seasons now!

Winter can also be a lot of fun in Yellowstone, but you need to come prepared. Activities like snowmobiling can be an exciting way to see the park if you decide to go then. 

Expect low visitation and some park services to be closed. You may have limited park access as well.

Spring, on the other hand, is a great time in Yellowstone. If you visit in spring, you’ll see the most wildlife, gushing waterfalls, and blooming wildflowers. 

All roads to Yellowstone National Park open around Memorial Day weekend.

Again, summer is the most popular time to see Yellowstone National Park, but it offers the most park access. 

Summer in Yellowstone offers access to wildlife sightings and plenty of hiking if that’s what you’re going for.

In early fall, you can beat most of the summer crowds but still enjoy most of Yellowstone’s attractions! However, Yellowstone campgrounds can begin to close in September and October, which is something to keep in mind when planning to see Yellowstone. 

Snow can start falling as early as November (even sooner, depending on the season).

If you’d like a month-to-month breakdown of what to expect in the park, I recommend visiting the Yellowstone National Park Service website!

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How Many Days to Spend in Yellowstone

Exploring Yellowstone in 4 days is the perfect amount of time to see all the highlights the park has to offer and then some!

For a shorter trip, shoot for at least 48 hours in Yellowstone National Park.

Getting to Yellowstone National Park 

The best way to get to Yellowstone National Park will be to fly then rent a car . The airports closest to Yellowstone National Park are Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and Jackson Hole Airport.

Yellowstone Airport WYS

• Located in Montana and primarily runs from May to Mid October
• Visitors can fly into this airport from Salt Lake City
• It is closest to West Yellowstone!

Jackson Hole Airport

• This airport is about a 1.5hr drive to Yellowstone National Park
• If you fly into Jackson Hole, you can make a trip to Yellowstone then explore Grand Teton National Park!
• The Jackson Hole Airport runs all year 

Click here to find cheap flights to Yellowstone with Expedia!

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Packing for Your Trip

You’ll probably do some sightseeing, hiking, and strolling among other things when you get to Yellowstone. Here is what I would pack:

Keen Targhees

Trekking Poles

Osprey Pack

Sony a7RIII

16-35mm f/4

24-70mm f/2.8

70-200mm f/2.8

JOBY Gorillapod

Yellowstone National Park Entrances & Map

When considering how to plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park, it’s important to know about the various entrances! Since Yellowstone is so big, knowing the entrances can help you plan which attractions to see.

Driving from North to South can be about 2hrs, which means you’ll need to plan your Yellowstone itinerary accordingly!

• North Entrance — Considered the “gateway” to the park and close to Mammoth Hot Springs
• Northeast Entrance — Puts you closer to park wildlife areas
• West Entrance — Closest to Old Faithful and has the most dining and hotel options
• South Entrance — The entrance used to get to and from Grand Teton National Park
• East Entrance — About 15 miles from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and brings you close to Yellowstone Lake

It’s essential to have a car when visiting so that you can have access to all the attractions and entrances. 

There is no public transportation within the park, but if you book a tour of Yellowstone National Park , the tour company will typically provide transportation for you.

Below is a map of Yellowstone with the main attractions you’ll want to see (we’ll cover these in a bit).

Click here to view a live version of the map!

FYI: If you visit in winter, you’re going to have to plan because several of these entrances will be closed to commercial vehicles! 

Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Now let’s cover all the amazing things to do in Yellowstone National Park! Use this list when considering how to plan a trip to Yellowstone.

Boiling River Hot Springs —This is the ONLY hot spring in the park you can swim in and is a popular attraction because it sits at a cozy 114 degrees.

Mammoth Hot Springs —A great spot for sunrise or sunset. What makes them unique is their cascading terraces. The “terraces” are made up of two parts: lower and upper. 

Lamar Valley —A vast valley area that’s popular for spotting wolves and bison. Come here for sunrise!

Trout Lake —A beautiful spot to relax and enjoy some mountain views in the park.

Tower Fall —It’s a waterfall that drops 132ft into Yellowstone National Park! The viewpoint can be accessed near Tower Junction. 

Helicopter Tour —From the WYS airport, you can hop on a Yellowstone Helicopter tour that will take you on an adventure from above to see secret mountains and other scenes you can’t get to otherwise. 

Grand Prismatic Spring —Grand Prismatic is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone National Park known for its vibrant orange colors.

Upper Geyser Basin Trail —An easy walking trail that will take you through Yellowstone’s popular attractions like Morning Glory and Old Faithful.

Morning Glory Pool —This thermal pool sports a bright yellow and teal color that’s quite the sight for the eyes. It ended up being one of my favorite things to see Yellowstone National Park!

West Thumb Geyser Basin —Similar to Upper Geyser Basin in the sense that you can walk a small trail and see a variety of geysers and geothermal pools. Some of the main attractions here include Fishing Cone and Thumb Geyser.

Hayden Valley —This is a beautiful sunrise spot, and you might be able to spot some wildlife here too! Known for its hilly scenes and snaking river.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River —One of the most popular attractions in the park, the canyon stretches 20 miles and goes down 1,000 feet in depth. You can admire the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Artist Point and Upper Falls Point.

Old Faithful Geyser —Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the park, which got its name in 1870. It erupts anywhere from 106 to 185 feet every 35 to 120 minutes.

Old West Dinner Cookout —You can book an Old West Dinner Cookout that’ll take place in the Yellowstone National Park backcountry! This is a great way to explore with a group of people and experience some of the old west history Yellowstone is known for. 

Go Horseback Riding —If you want to do something a bit different, book a Yellowstone horseback riding tour ! This particular horseback riding tour will take you along the Continental Divide trail, giving you views of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.

Grand Loop Road —Grand Loop Road makes up the primary road system in Yellowstone that stretches 142 miles. It’s incredibly scenic and the perfect way to see most of the park.

Norris Geyser Basin —Norris Geyser Basin is near North Yellowstone. It includes a variety of geothermal pools and geysers you can explore.

Jump on a Rafting Trip —Book a Yellowstone rafting tour for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Yellowstone Lower Falls —Described as one of the most beautiful sights in the park, a great way to get close to the waterfall is by doing a hike to Artist Point.

Kayak —You can kayak around Yellowstone Lake , which gives you a closer look at some smaller geysers. 

Lewis Lake —This lake is an excellent place for kayaking, hiking, and fishing.

Uncle Tom’s Trail —Similar to Artist Point, Uncle Tom’s will take you to a view of the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Backpack Electric Peak —Want to go on a longer hike? Then Electric Peak is for you! This is a 20.3mi out and back hike that features some of the best views in Yellowstone National Park. 

Union Falls —Union Falls is a giant 250-foot waterfall that cascades deep in the lush forests of Yellowstone and can be reached by hiking 15 miles.

Fountain Paint Pot Trail —A great place to see some thermal pools and should only take about 30min max to complete.

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Photo Planning for Yellowstone National Park

Best sunrise spots in yellowstone national park.

• Lamar Valley
• Hayden Valley
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Yellowstone Lake (watch from the west shore)
• Mammoth Hot Springs

These are the best sunrise spots in Yellowstone National Park! If you’re a morning person, use this section when planning a trip to Yellowstone for some of the best views!

Pro Tip: Just make sure you have your travel camera gear .

Best Sunset Spots in Yellowstone National Park

• Lake Butte Overlook
• Old Faithful Geyser 

From experience, I found that most of the sunrise locations can work for sunset.

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Planning the Perfect Yellowstone Itinerary

• Arrive NorthBoiling RiverMammoth Hot Spring
• Lamar Valley sunrise
• Trout Lake Trail
• Dinner with a sunset
• Helicopter Tour
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Upper Geyser Basin Trail
• Hayden Valley sunrise
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
• Canyon Village

For details on this trip, make sure you check out my 4 days in Yellowstone guide !

Final Tips for Planning a Trip to Yellowstone

Let’s cover some final tips for how to plan a trip to Yellowstone.

Leave Pets at Home

Bringing a pet to Yellowstone National Park will leave you pretty limited. They’re not allowed on trails or boardwalks, so you might want to consider leaving them out of this trip!

If you’re traveling from Jackson, WY, there are some doggy daycare options available. At the time of writing this, DogJax is a highly recommended daycare!

Consider Camping

Interested in camping? Yellowstone has 12 official campgrounds and over a hundred backcountry campsites.

The Yellowstone National Park Lodges manage 5 sites and NPS manages 7. That means you’ll have to navigate through two different reservation systems to find the campsite for you.

So if you want to camp, use these to book your trip: Yellowstone National Park Lodge Campgrounds ; National Park Service managed campgrounds . 

Plan to See Other Nearby National Parks

While you’re visiting Yellowstone, you might as well plan a trip to these other popular parks!

• Grand Teton National Park  
• Glacier National Park
• Mt. Rushmore 
• Badlands National Park

Read Next: Yellowstone to Glacier National Park Road Trip

Overall Thoughts on How to Plan a Trip to Yellowstone

When planning a trip to Yellowstone, I recommend splitting your time between “relaxing” activities (like a dip in the river) and more “intense” attractions (like a helicopter tour). This will give you the best variety and, in my opinion, make your trip that much more special.

There’s so much to see in the park that you might as well do as much as you can!

To see how I recommend putting all these items together, head to my next guide: Ultimate Yellowstone in 4 Days Itinerary

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Excellent blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any ideas? Thanks!

How many days do you think I would need to explore LA or National park and the surrounding areas ? I was thinking maybe 4 nights 5 days.

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I'm a burrito loving explorer who got fired from corporate America and turned that into my dream career as a photographer and blogger. Now I'm here to help you explore life's magic. Thanks for stopping by!

Ultimate Yellowstone 5-Day Itinerary: How to Maximize Your Time without Killing Yourself

Planning a visit to Yellowstone National Park can be overwhelming. The park is enormous and I didn’t know where to start. Available online information is confusing without first-hand knowledge of the park or prior experience. This itinerary will help plan your next Yellowstone trip.

All attractions and lodging recommended in this article are based on visiting between April and October. Winter in Yellowstone is very snowy. Most park roads are only accessible by snowmobile or snow coach during this time.

What do you need to know before you go to Yellowstone?

Book accommodations as early as possible . Reservations are required at most campgrounds and sites are available for booking six months in advance. Spending each night at different locations is the most efficient way to experience Yellowstone.

Gasoline and food are available for purchase inside the park but prices can be higher than usual. Fill your fuel tanks and a cooler with food and drinks before your visit.

You’re going to be here awhile. The park is massive and driving takes time . Each of the main park areas is about half an hour apart. Delays are the norm. All of the park’s road construction happens during the summer. And animals regularly stop traffic and create roadblocks.

Yellowstone is huge and there is no cellular coverage in the majority of the park. Prepare by downloading offline maps and travel apps. The free NPS app has several audio guides for specific geyser basins. I also recommend purchasing the Yellowstone Gypsy Guide app.

Bring comfortable shoes because each geyser area requires walking on boardwalks. Most of the walkways are a mile or less but the mileage adds up quickly.

The park is crowded and the busiest times are between 10 am and 4 pm. Arrive early or stay late to reduce time spent fighting for parking. But if you do come across a full parking lot, be patient because someone will be leaving soon.

Yellowstone Fun Facts

• Yellowstone was established in 1872 and was the first national park.
• The park has over 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
• Yellowstone covers 2.2M acres. The park is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
• Hydrothermal features are classified as geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs. Over 10,000 are present in Yellowstone.
• More than half the world’s geysers are located in Yellowstone.
• Microorganisms called thermophiles give the hydrothermal features their brilliant colors.
• Yellowstone has the largest mammal concentration in the lower 48 states.
• The world’s largest free-roaming herd of bison lives in Yellowstone.
• There are about 290 waterfalls in the park.
• Yellowstone experiences thousands of earthquakes each year.
• Humans have inhabited the park for over 11,000 years based on an obsidian spear found near the northern park entrance.
• Yellowstone lies on top of one of the world’s largest active super volcanos.

How much is admission to Yellowstone?

Admission to Yellowstone is $35 per car and covers 7 days. If you plan to visit other National Parks, the  America the Beautiful pass  is a bargain at $80 per year for unlimited admission to all NPS sites and many other federal recreation sites.

Yellowstone during COVID

We spent three days (~25 hours) exploring the park from the West Entrance and 2 days from the North Entrance. With 5 days in the park, I felt we did a thorough job of covering the area.

The visitor centers and some of the attractions in the park (swimming areas and indoor attractions) were closed due to COVID but we made the most of the open areas. All of the National Park campgrounds were also closed. Only a handful of private concessioner campgrounds were open during our visit.

Getting Around Yellowstone

If you’ve never been to Yellowstone NP, it’s massive. Prepare to spend a lot of time in your car. Animal roadblocks and summer road construction will add to the already long drive times. There are eight main areas along the Grand Loop, which is also shaped like a figure eight. The park is large and it is difficult to know which attractions are worth a stop. Gypsy Guide provides information to help prioritize your stops.

Entertainment and Education: Gypsy Guide

The Gypsy Guide app is a GPS-based audio guide that works offline. Offline functionality is critical since cell service is non-existent in the majority of the park. We were impressed with the technology of the app. It knew what attractions we were approaching and would interrupt our music to share fun facts or give guidance on what to see/do while there.

The app shared different information and stories based on our direction of travel. The insights made the experience more fulfilling and informative. Gypsy Guides information helped us prioritize our stops.

With so many free apps available, I’ve never purchased a phone app before Gypsy Guides, and looking back the Yellowstone/Teton app is worth the $9.99 price.

Planning a Yellowstone Vacation

Don’t do what we did when planning a Yellowstone vacation. We drove for hours to see the park and then turned around and backtracked each evening to get back to our campsite.

We explored a large section of the park over three long days while staying at a free campsite 25 miles outside the west park entrance. Needless to say, we were sick of driving by the end of our three days exploring from West Yellowstone.

Check out this Yellowstone video by our friends Kristen and Jameson.

What to Eat in Yellowstone

I recommend packing a cooler with food for your Yellowstone trip. The park has several general stores and cafes selling food. However, they are spread out and may not be convenient when hungry. Also, we saw long lines of people waiting to order food, and time spent waiting for food means less exploration time. If you want a treat, every park store we visited offered pre-packaged ice cream bars for $2.

I tried a chocolate-dipped huckleberry popsicle at one of the many Yellowstone General Stores. Huckleberry is a popular local thing so I had to try it. It was nothing special and tasted like any mixed berry-flavored ice cream. I decided to give huckleberry a fair chance I would need to find a plain huckleberry scoop outside of the park. To read more about huckleberry and exploring the town of West Yellowstone, check out this blog.

Top Tip for Visiting Yellowstone

Go early or late. Crowds are busiest from 10 am to 4 pm. Approximately 4 million people visit the park each year with the majority visiting during the summer. To avoid crowds visit the park early in the morning or later in the day. Plus animals are more active at dawn and dusk so these are the best times to spot wildlife. If you relocate each day as recommended, you can spend midday setting up camp and then continue exploration in late afternoon.

Where to Stay While Visiting Yellowstone

Spending each night at different locations is the most efficient way to experience Yellowstone. Recommended overnight locations are represented with a green tent in the map below. The goal in selecting these locations is to reduce driving time by packing up each morning and exploring the attractions on your way to the next overnight stop. By packing light and moving daily, you will save a lot of time backtracking to your campsite each evening. Plus you will spend each night immersed in the park’s beauty.

Yellowstone campgrounds and lodges are fully booked most summer nights so book as far in advance as possible. If you want to stay in one location for your whole trip, Canyon Village is the most centrally located area of the park. But plan for substantially more driving time.

Free Camping near Yellowstone

If you have a fuel-efficient vehicle and more time to spend driving, there is free camping available outside the park. We use Campendium to find free campsites .

Free Camping near West Yellowstone Park Entrance

All campgrounds within Yellowstone National Park were full during our visit and a campsite at the private parks in the town of West Yellowstone ranged from $70 to over $100 per night. I was not willing to pay those prices for a week to save a few minutes of driving. So we decided on free camping with a 25-minute commute to the park.

We arrived at Bill Frome County Park in Island Park, Idaho near West Yellowstone, MT on a Sunday afternoon. The park is on the lake and has a boat ramp and fishing docks. Thankfully friends saved us a spot because there were only three open sites. During our week here, we noticed the free county campground attracted both local fishermen and tourists. Some stayed a week or more and others only one night.

The best way to describe the campground is grassy spots along both sides of the driveway down to the boat ramp. The sites were fairly close and we were thankfully parked next to friends otherwise we’d likely have felt too close to our neighbors.

Nothing fancy but it was a free basecamp to explore the western section of Yellowstone National Park. The drive to and from the park was inconvenient but I’d likely stay at Bill Frome County Park again. Since Pippi, our 37′ diesel motorhome guzzles diesel, we prefer to park it once and explore in our fuel-efficient hybrid sedan.

Free Camping near North Yellowstone Park Entrance

At North Yellowstone, we decided to stay closer to the park than we did at West Yellowstone. We found a free camping spot on public lands about 10 miles north of Gardiner, Montana, and the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Gardiner was much smaller than West Yellowstone but also clearly survived on the park tourists. Our camp site was fairly busy but we found a nice spot along the Yellowstone River. This was a great free site for exploring the northern sections of Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Trip Planning Simplified

I recommend tackling the park in segments and have created a color-coded system for simplicity. Each has a separate itinerary section below including our lessons learned and personal experiences from our Yellowstone visit. I intentionally didn’t provide a step-by-step itinerary to allow customization based on where you want to enter and exit the park.

The eight main areas of Yellowstone National Park can be simplified into five separate itinerary.

• Yellow – Madison & Old Faithful
• Blue – Grant Village & Fishing Bridge
• Purple – Canyon Village & Norris
• Red – Mammoth Hot Springs
• Orange – Tower Roosevelt & Lamar Valley

Where to go if you only have one day in Yellowstone?

If you only have one day in Yellowstone, focus your time on the Yellow Old Faithful area .

Ultimate 5-Day Yellowstone Itinerary Overview

Above I split the Yellowstone into five color coded sections for simplicity. These sections each represent a day of exploring and with this itinerary you can see the whole park in five days. Spending each night at different locations is the most efficient way to experience Yellowstone. By packing light and moving daily, you will save a lot of driving time backtracking to your campsite each evening. Plus you will spend each night immersed in the park’s beauty.

Below I outline the key attractions and lessons learned by color coded sections. I also share our personal experiences for each. Again, if you only have one day, focus your attention on the Yellow Old Faithful area .

Yellowstone Purple Area Itinerary: Norris and Canyon Village

Can’t miss itinerary stops from the Yellowstone area from Madison ->Norris Geyser Basin -> Canyon Village are:

• Gibbons Falls
• Artists Paint Pots
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Virginia Cascades
• Uncle Tom’s Trail
• Brink of Upper Falls
• Canyon Village
• Artist Point

Lessons Learned in Yellowstone Purple Area: Norris and Canyon Village

• Norris Geyser Basin is busy. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Parking is limited so slow down to watch for people leaving.
• Don’t skip Artist Point. The views from this point are epic.

Our Experience in Yellowstone Purple Area: Norris and Canyon Village

On our first day, we decided to head north from the West entrance to the Norris Geyer basin and hoped to make it to Canyon Village by the end of the day. We had read this area was best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds but we didn’t arrive at the park until 9:30 am.

We had been up later than planned the night before repairing our heater in preparation for the predicted 38-degree lows and slept in a bit later than usual. As expected Norris Geyser Basin was crowded around 11 am when we arrived. Thankfully about half of the people were wearing masks when closer than six feet from others. We found a Norris Geyser trail guide pamphlet at the trailhead and explored the thermal features along the boardwalk.

While in the Canyon Village area, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, we drove to many Yellowstone River overlooks including the North and South Rim Drive. Parking lots reminded me of the shopping mall at Christmas and we drove slowly to find someone leaving just to get a space in most lots. Unfortunately, a few attractions were closed including Uncle Tom’s Trail (which was on my wish list) and Brink of Upper Falls. However, the view from Artist Point was fairly epic. Artist paintings from this viewpoint were used in marketing campaigns to attract early visitors to the park.

Yellowstone Yellow Area Itinerary: Old Faithful

Can’t miss itinerary stops from the Yellowstone Old Faithful area are:

• Old Faithful
• Grand Geyser

Fairy Falls Trail & Grand Prismatic Overlook

Fountain paint pots.

• Firehole Falls Drive

Lessons Learned in Yellowstone Yellow Area: Old Faithful

• Old Faithful is very popular. Plan to spend an extra day in this area if possible. Photos of Old Faithful nighttime eruptions are gorgeous.
• Be patient. Estimates of eruption times are posted in front of many features so prepare to wait.
• Get off the beaten path. Take the overlook trail to watch Old Faithful erupt from above. Walk the full Upper Geyser Basin path to get away from the crowds and see the colorful Morning Glory Pool.
• The Fairy Falls hike is a nice 5-mile trail with a waterfall payoff.
• Grand Prismatic Overlook offers a birdseye view of the feature. Do this in addition to the boardwalk.
• Don’t skip the Grand Geyser. It’s impressive.

Our Experience in Yellowstone Yellow Area: Old Faithful

We left home just after 7 am with intentions of beating the crowds to Old Faithful. As stated previously, driving around Yellowstone takes a lot of time and it took us two hours to get to Old Faithful. If you only have time for one day in Yellowstone, the Old Faithful area has the most hydrothermal features and would be a good quick Yellowstone trip.

Best Way to See Old Faithful

After arriving at Old Faithful around 9:15 am, we learned the next eruption was expected at 10:14 am. We decided to explore a portion of the nearby Upper Geyser Basin using an NPS trail guide pamphlet while we waited for Old Faithful. Towards the end of the hour, we hiked up to an overlook to see Old Faithful erupt. The overlook is the best way to see Old Faithful. But don’t skip the view from the boardwalk. They are both worth the wait.

Along the overlook trail we also witnessed Solitary Geyser erupt with no one else around – it was pretty exciting.

Like clockwork, Old Faithful erupted within one minute of the prediction and the eruption lasted nearly nine minutes. I was impressed and thankful for our birds-eye view from the overlook.

Later in the day, we watched Old Faithful erupt (again right on time) from the boardwalk where most visitors experience it. Both eruptions were pretty impressive. After seeing professional photographs of Old Faithful erupting at night, I regret not visiting after dark.

Upper Geyser Basin: Walk to Morning Glory Pool

After Old Faithful, we continued along the Upper Geyser Basin walk towards Morning Glory Pool. We just missed the Castle Geyser erupting but did get to see the steam following the eruption.

Grand Geyser is the largest geyser in Yellowstone and should be prioritized. The next eruption was predicted in half an hour so we found a seat and waited. It was a few minutes behind the prediction but the show was impressive.

The Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk was fairly busy but not terribly crowded especially towards the end at Morning Glory Pool. The 2.5-mile walk is definitely worth it to see the bright colors of Morning Glory Pool.

Midway Geyser Basin and the Firehole River

Midway Geyser Basin was very crowded with people swimming in the nearby thermal spring runoff into the Firehole River. The two main attractions here were Excelsior Geyser Crater and the Grand Prismatic Spring. The Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk was very crowded and tested our patience after a full day.

On a separate day, we hiked the Fairy Falls trail. It was a 5.4 mile out and back trail including an overlook to the Grand Prismatic. The parking area was almost full at 8:30 am when we arrived. The trailhead is popular for a good reason. The overlook of Grand Prismatic and Fairy Falls are both beautiful.

Bear Safety in Yellowstone

A hiker on Fairy Falls had recently sustained minor injuries when encountering a mother bear and cub along the trail. The trail was closed for the first few days after the event and when we visited there were warning signs of bears in the area.

When hiking in bear country we carry bear spray and a noisemaker bell which provides wildlife a warning that people are approaching so they can retreat. Bear spray is a larger and more concentrated version of pepper spray that will deter most approaching bears. I attached the bell to my camelback and let it ring whenever we were not around other hikers. The constant noise gets annoying quickly but I decided it was less trouble than a bear encounter.

When hiking or camping if you encounter a bear, avoid them if possible and retreat quietly. If they have noticed you, make yourself known by speaking which will likely scare the bear away. If the bear doesn’t retreat, slowly back away from the area without turning your back to the animal. Bear spray should only be used if the bear is approaching aggressively or charging.

If you want to guarantee a bear sighting and learn more bear safety, visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Check out this blog to learn about our visit.

Fountain Paint Pots contains all four types of thermal features in Yellowstone: geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Red Spouter was a nice example of a fumarole or steam vent. Clepsydra Geyser, Greek for water clock, erupts constantly and was a nice surprise after a tiring day.

Firehole Falls

Gypsy Guide recommended a stop at Firehole Falls. The canyon was already shaded a few hours before sunset but the 40-foot waterfalls were still pretty. During non-COVID times, there is a swimming area nearby.

Yellowstone Red Area Itinerary: Mammoth Springs

Can’t miss itinerary stops from the Yellowstone Mammoth Springs area are:

• Roosevelt Arch
• Historic Fort Yellowstone
• Heritage and Research Center -small museum exhibit in the lobby
• Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace

Bike along the Yellowstone River

• Soak in the Boiling River

Lessons Learned in Yellowstone Red Area: Mammoth Springs

• Mammoth Springs area is grassy with a lot of shade. It is a great place to watch elk grazing.
• The Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace is large and comprised of both boardwalks and a paved road, Mammoth Terrace Drive. Bikes are welcome on the Mammoth Terrace Drive and it was closed to cars during our visit.
• Prepare for walking. Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace requires a lot of walking including stairs.

Our Experience in Yellowstone Red Area: Mammoth Springs

The Mammoth Hot Springs area is located very close to the northern park entrance at Gardiner MT. It was very convenient to visit.

Mammoth Springs

The hotels and historic buildings in the Mammoth Springs area were also surrounded by elk grazing in the manicured green grass. They were very comfortable around the crowds but park rangers were stationed nearby to ensure visitors maintained a safe distance. Self-guided tours of Fort Yellowstone are available in this area but we skipped it.

Mammoth Hot Spring Terrace

The thermal activity in this area of Yellowstone was different than what we had seen in the south and west areas of the park. The northern area had fewer geysers and a lot more white limestone and travertine. It seemed like a different park to me.

Old Gardiner Road offers scenic biking and drives from the park along the Yellowstone River. While camping nearby, we biked approximately 14 miles on the Old Yellowstone Road. The trail ran near along the Yellowstone River and was the original wagon path used to access the park from the north. It was a very scenic and not too strenuous ride along dirt roads and wide paths.

Yellowstone Orange Area Itinerary: Lamar Valley

Can’t miss itinerary stops from the Yellowstone Tower Roosevelt and Lamar Valley area are:

• Wildlife spotting in Lamar Valley

Lessons Learned in the Yellowstone Orange Area: Lamar Valley

• Drive from Tower Roosevelt to the northeast entrance and look for animals.
• Slow down. We saw several cars zoom right past a brown bear.
• Go early or stay late. The best odds of animal sightings are at dawn and dusk.

Our Experience in the Yellowstone Orange Area: Lamar Valley

The northeast section of Yellowstone is the best location for wildlife spotting.

During our three days in West Yellowstone, we saw lots of chipmunk, birds of prey, bison, and elk plus one fox and one coyote. We drove slowly on every park visit looking for bear or wolf but didn’t have any luck in the southern sections of the park.

While staying near north Yellowstone, we woke up early and drove east towards Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing. During our six hours in the park, we saw a grizzly bear, a black bear, moose, deer, many elk and bison. We heard other visitors mention wolves nearby but we didn’t see them. We found Northeast Yellowstone to be much better wildlife viewing than the more popular areas of Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Blue Area Itinerary: Grant Village and Fishing Bridge

Can’t miss itinerary stops from the Yellowstone Grant Village and Fishing Bridge area are:

• Fishing Cone
• Yellowstone Lake
• Isa Lake’s lily pads and the Continental Divide

Lessons Learned in Yellowstone Blue Area: Grant Village and Fishing Bridge

• West Thumb Geyser Basin is large so allow at least an hour to walk the boardwalk.
• Take your camera. Yellowstone Lake is a great backdrop for the features at West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Our Experience in Yellowstone Blue Area: Grant Village and Fishing Bridge

We spent an afternoon exploring the West Thumb geyser basin which sits on the banks of Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high elevation lake in North America and the average summer water temperature is 45°F. The thermal features in this area were enhanced by the beautiful blue lake backdrop.

Some of the hot springs were actually in the lake, like Fishing Cone, which Gypsy Guide called Hook and Cook. Fishermen used to catch fish in the lake, leave them on the hook and cook them in the Fishing Cone hot spring. Lake levels were high and Fishing Cone was underwater during our visit but when water levels are low the cone can be surrounded by dry shoreline. The NPS trail guide had a picture of a tourist posing with an apron and chef hat at Fishing Cone. As you can imagine these photos shoots were dangerous, people got burned and damaged the ground around the cone, so the area was closed to fishing and photo ops.

Yellowstone Wrap Up

Planning a Yellowstone vacation can be overwhelming but by breaking the park into small segments it becomes more manageable. By following our Ultimate 5 day Yellowstone itinerary you can visit the whole park in the most efficient manner. Hopefully, our Yellowstone itinerary and tips will save you some time and energy. And most importantly I hope you will not need a vacation from your vacation.

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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 Itinerary: Plan for 1 to 5 Days

By Helene Sula

Are you ready for the perfect 1 to 5 day Yellowstone National Park itinerary?! Planning a trip to Yellowstone can feel overwhelming, so this guide, complete with maps and itineraries for one day, two days, and more will help you plan your trip. Whether you want to cram everything to do in Yellowstone in one day, see all of the Yellowstone highlights in two days, or want to spread out your time with hikes and all the sites in three, four, or five days.

I just spent the best couple of days visiting Yellowstone National Park and being awe-inspired by it’s beauty. Visiting Yellowstone for 2 days is the perfect way to get a healthy dose of this incredible national park, see its unusual wonders, spot the wildlife, and learn more about the natural, but otherworldly, phenomenon. This itinerary will share all the highlights and must-do’s of the park, and give you tips on how to make the most of your time.

Yellowstone is something you MUST go and see. Pictures and videos simply don’t do it justice. 

The national park idea is often referred to as one of America’s greatest contributions. In 1872, conservationists hailed the founding of Yellowstone as a landmark victory. In 1916 Congress treated the national parks service with the purpose of conserving natural scenery and wildlife. With two million acres of land, multiple park entrances, beautiful drives, 500+ geyser basins to visit, and a multitude of wildlife, you’ll see there is tons to do in Yellowstone.

Recommended Itinerary at Yellowstone

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I suggest spending at least two days in Yellowstone to make the most of your time. However, if you need to, you can cram quite a bit in a day. Of course, you can easily stretch your Yellowstone itinerary in a full 5 days. As the world’s first national park, you’ll quickly see that it is quite large with lots to do. But have no fear! This guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Yellowstone.

I recommend that you come to Yellowstone from Jackson or Grand Tetons. This is about a 2-hour drive and you’ll enter the park from the South entrance. There are 5 entrances to Yellowstone, so it’s convenient to enter everywhere. But for our purposes of where we start, the South Entrance is closest to Old Faithful. 

Be sure to, “pack your patience” as it can be busy and crowded. Wildlife jams occur when people stop or slow down to see the animals.

Yellowstone has been designated a U.S. biosphere reserve, a world heritage site, and is one of the largest national parks in the lower 48 states. Yellowstone encompasses 3,472 square miles (2,221,766 acres) which makes it larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Its boundaries protect over 10,000 thermal hot springs and there are hundreds of thermal features.

There’s also an incredible variety of wildlife providing some threatened species a wilderness habit. The earthquake here in 1959 was on the the largest on earth! Yellowstone is still an active volcano, called a volcanic caldera. The caldera formed over the past 3 eruptions that occurred over the past 2.1 million years. This “super volcano” coated the earth for miles with ash. These layers became compressed, or welded, creating a layer of rock now called Huckleberry Ridge tuff. The volcano erupted twice more, and the most recent eruption left a giant crater or caldera in the heart of Yellowstone that is 30 miles wide and 45 miles long. 

Each year, more than 4 million people visit Yellowstone, so being prepared is key! 

If you only have one day in Yellowstone, this day ensures you get to see some highlights! Below is a map sharing the landmarks and stopping places for each. 

When you come in you’ll be handed a map and info about the park, highlights, and any specific info about closings, etc. The Yellowstone Park's website will also have this information too!

This map highlights all the top places you need to see in one day in Yellowstone.

Start with Old Faithful . You can look online to get a rough idea of when the geyser will blow, and faithfully she blows about every 95 minutes. Of course, a trip to Yellowstone isn’t complete without a visit to this geyser. But it can be the most crowded spot. So you want to be one of the first there to avoid crowds. 

There is a gift shop near Old Faithful but my suggestion is to skip it and keep heading on, beating the crowd. We were glad we did as we saw a line form outside the gift shop. 

Next, drive a very short distance to a not very well marked spot,  Black Sand Basin – we almost missed it! Right after Old Faithful, turn left. Black obsidian volcanic glass sand gives us the name. Here you’ll find INCREDIBLE pools. The four types of thermal features are geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Starting here will give you a good preview of what’s to come. Oranges, greens, and other colors in and around the Hot Springs come from the thermal heat loving microorganisms.

There’s easy to walk board walks nearly every where that will loop you though the sites. 

Next up, is Biscuit Basin . The vibrant pools look as if someone cracked open a giant geode and poured bright blue Dawn dish soap in them. I was mesmerized by the jewel colored blues and greens  At first glance geysers and basins may appear to be stuck in lifeless places, but amazingly, they team with microscopic life year-round. Even the hottest thermal features contain tiny microbes. 

Next, head to Beryl Springs for more hot springs of the Gibbon Geyser Basin streaked with yellow and orange next to the bright blue. 

The über cool Grand Prismatic Spring follows. It’s a hike up to get the view from the overlook (about a mile and a half) but it’s worth it for the superior perspective. Try and observe the rainbow colored steam as you approach as the water vapor reflects the color of the pool!

From here, drive over to the  Artists Paint Pots , one of the coolest features in my opinion. To get here is a one mile trail, containing the hottest hot springs in Yellowstone. These are constantly changing, as the sign reads “the only constant is change.” So my pictures might look different to how it looks today. Also, the consistency changes based on the season. In spring, it’s more muddy since there is plenty of water. But as summer progresses it becomes thicker like stew. Also, be aware of the flying mud!

Don’t just look at the interesting wonders of Yellowstone, make sure to listen, and smell, too. The gurgling and almost heartbeat-like sounds are therapeutic. Although the smells of the sulphur aren't always for the faint of heart!

Towards the end of this very full day, we went to see the Grand Canyon Yellowstone . Make sure to leave time to go to different lookout points for different views. It’s exceptionally lovely. Here, the Yellowstone River plunges 308 feet, for a gorgeous setting.

As you leave the valley, go west towards Hayden Valley and you’ll see grazing bison and maybe even a grizzly bear!

We ended in West Thumb Basin to complete the Southern Loop and saw Sulfur Cauldron as well as the Mud Volcano. Caution, this stuff can be stinky!

You could EASILY push this itinerary into a couple days if you want to take it easy! But we did this in a day and really enjoyed it. To me, you never want to miss anything, so we made sure to see a lot of the highlights the first day.

PRO TIP: Many of the spots today are driving distance. You’ll drive to the attraction then take a short walk around. Each spot will tell you the length of time it takes you to walk around. The signs are also informative and give helpful and interesting information about the park.

If you'd like, and you're particularly short on time or energy, go with a guide! Check out this fully guided Yellowstone itinerary .

If you have two days in Yellowstone, follow the above itinerary, and then add on everything I share below. In my opinion, two days in Yellowstone is the perfect amount to see nearly everything. 

We started our day waking up in West Yellowstone, which is actually in Montana. The park is mostly in Wyoming but a couple sections lie in other states. We drove about 2 hours from here to go to Lamar Valley.  On the way, make sure to check out Roaring Mountain , particularly active in the morning. 

Without question, Lamar Valley is the best place in Yellowstone to see wildlife. Just a short drive around this pretty valley we spotted bison crossing the road, a lone black wolf, a herd of elk, deer, badger, osprey, and chipmunks! The wildlife community in Yellowstone is one of the largest and most diverse on earth.

From here, we’ll continue driving, taking some stops along the way. The Petrified Tree is a quick and easy must see. Then I suggest taking the under a mile loop for the Forces of the Northern Range Trail . This has great information on the area that I didn’t see anywhere else. 

Stop for lunch in a picnic area, alternatively, you can head to Mammoth Hot Springs where you’ll find a busy visitor center and a grill. The line was so long we opted out and had lunch near a river. 

Next are the incredibly cool Mammoth Hot Springs . This is a large complex of Hot Springs billowing hot, steaming water creating layers of white, gray, and orange streaks and pools. This area is vast, you can see just a piece of it, or can spend a couple of hours on the boardwalk exploring.

It was closed when we were there, but you can swim in Boiling River Hot Spring !

We ended day two with the Norris Geyser Basin , a kaleidoscope tie dye basin of raw acidic land and unique pools. Again, it’s up to you how much time to spend here, as this is a large area to walk around. I suggest opting for the Porcelain Springs loop at the very least. The milky color of the mineral deposited here inspired the naming of porcelain basin. 

On the northern loop, there are many waterfalls to see such as Undine Dallas , Wraith Falls , and Tower Falls . So don’t forget to take a look!

I know this was quite a lot of information, so I’ll be breaking down each day, what to add on, as well as tips for the park to make the most of your Yellowstone Itinerary. 

If you'd like your trip planned for you, there's a great, fully guided 2-day Yellowstone tour you can take right here .

If you have extra time in Yellowstone, I definitely suggest adding on a hike. There are so many great hikes in Yellowstone. Some suggestions are Mount Washburn trail which is about 6 miles. There's also Storm Point Hike , or you can take a look at the map and pick an area you want to explore.

You can also spend time at the beautiful Yellowstone Lake. This is a massive lake, so there are many areas to hang out, have a picnic, hike, or enjoy the scenery.

Lastly, you can check out Dunraven Pass , which is near Mount Washburn. This is a scenic drive that is well worth your time!

For four days in Yellowstone, make sure you see all the main highlights I've mapped out for you above. Next, you can add on an activity such as fishing- there are ample areas to do this. You can go with a guided fishing excursion to ensure you catch some fish and enjoy the scenery.

If you want to take your time, you could easily break up my first days of Yellowstone and take it more leisurely, and add in some hikes here and there as you explore the park. As I mentioned, the park is giant. So take time to enjoy some of the activities.

If you have extra time and are not sure where else to go, you can always go to Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole to explore that wonderful and beautiful area of Wyoming. This is a tour of Tetons + Yellowstone here .

Day One – Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Artist Paint Pots, Gibbon Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring (Midway Geyser Basin), Yellowstone Grand Canyon, West Thumb Basin

Day Two – Lamar Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin. If you have a few more days in Yellowstone, I suggest adding on this for each of the additional days you’ll be there. 

Day Three – Hike Mount Washburn Trail (6 mile loop) or Storm Point Hike, Yellowstone Lake, Dunraven Pass

Day Four – Go fishing (this is a fly fishing paradise and you’ll see people fishing everywhere, particularly in Lamar Valley) or hike Bunsen Peak Trail (4.6 mile loop trail).

Day Five – Go on a hike – there are over 1,000 miles of trails in Yellowstone. Today I suggest the Elephant Back Mountain trail which is 3.5 miles. Alternatively, go to Grand Tetons and explore Jackson Hole with this extra day!

How to avoid crowds – get there EARLY, or even during the evening. The busiest time is from about 12 – 3pm. The best days to go are durning the week, preferably Tuesday-Thursday. About 4 million visit the park every year, so being prepared and coming early is your best bet. 

Dogs at Yellowstone – Dogs are not allowed at the attractions or hiking trails in Yellowstone. Which is most places. 

How to save money at Yellowstone – I recommend getting a National Park Pass. This gives you access to all the parks and pays for itself in 2 trips! Especially if you plan to visit any other national parks this year, I think this would be the best way to save money. I also suggest buying souvenirs out of the park. You’ll find a wider selection of things like magnets or t-shirts. In addition, you can bring in your own food. Just make sure you keep food safe because bears can break in.

Yellowstone wildlife – Bison have been known to charge people. Don’t approach them. Bears should also be left alone. Do not leave out food, or approach them, and I recommend carrying bear spray and/or a bell. Let the animals be wild! The best bet for bears is to not surprise them. Never feed any animals. If they get used to human food they start getting too close to humans. I recommend bringing a camera with a zoom lens, since you’ll often see bison roaming the fields, a herd of elk dotted on the rolling hills, or even a bear or wolf. Binoculars are also a good idea as well!

RVing in Yellowstone – We drove our RV and stayed overnight in West Yellowstone, just outside the park. You can camp at the park, but you’ll need to reserve ahead of time! And spots get very busy. We parked our RV very easily in the Grant Village Visitor center for the day while exploring before taking it out of the park to set up camp. There was ample, shaded parking here. 

Eating in Yellowstone – If you're visiting during Coronavirus time I HIGHLY recommend bringing food. Restaurants are not open and there are long lines to get food to go. Just make sure you pack it securely so bears can't get to it.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone – There are TONS of hotels and lodging near the park. I recommend staying the night before in South Yellowstone or near Grand Tetons or Jackson Hole. During our time in Yellowstone we stayed in West Yellowstone in Montana. A great place to stay there is the Clubhouse Inn .

Another good area to stay is in towns such as nearby Cody. Aptly named “ The Cody ” is a good choice.

Some great places to stay in or near Yellowstone park are Canyon Lodge and Cabins, Grant Village, Mammoth Hot Springs and Cabins, Old Faithful Inn, or Lake Yellowstone Hotel.

When to Visit Yellowstone – Summer is the busiest time, but also a great time to easily navigate the Park. Spring brings out more wildlife and wild flowers. Winter is also an interesting time since you'll see different wildlife, but you'll also have to battle the snow. Fall is maybe the best time to avoid crowds and see some fall foliage!

Important note about Covid-19 at Yellowstone – some museums are closed and some shops have limited openings, meaning you might have to wait in line to get inside.

I hope this post has helped you plan the perfect itinerary to Yellowstone! 

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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• Post published: July 28, 2020
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The Ultimate 3-Day Yellowstone Itinerary

Looking to plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park but finding it overwhelming to plan your Yellowstone itinerary? I got you!

Yellowstone National Park is amazing and unique. From colorful geothermal pools, powerful waterfalls, and green valleys filled with wildlife, the park has so much to offer.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you book through my links, at no extra cost to you.

Yellowstone National Park is HUGE and there is so much to see and do. It’s best to have at least 4 days in Yellowstone, but if you are short on time (like I was) you can still see a lot of the highlights in 2-3 days. Keep reading to plan your trip with my 3-day Yellowstone itinerary!

Yellowstone Trip Overview

• PTO/Vacation Days Needed: 1-2
• Entrance Fee: $30 per car (but if you’re planning on visiting multiple national parks this year, I recommend buying the annual national parks pass for $80!)

Before we get to my Yellowstone itinerary, here’s some important info about the park:

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park

The best time to visit Yellowstone is in the summer, when all the roads are open and the weather is warm. (A lot of the roads close in the winter when it snows). July and August are the most popular months to visit, but these are also the most crowded months. I recommend going in June or September for the shoulder season.

How to Get to Yellowstone National Park

Unless you’re lucky enough to live driving distance to the park, flying to an airport near Yellowstone and then renting a car is your best bet. There are a few options:

• Yellowstone Airport (WYS) – the closest airport to the park, just 3 miles from the West Entrance. Flights to this airport can be expensive since it is so small, and normally connect through SLC.
• Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) – the second closest airport in Cody, Wyoming that is 55 miles from the East Entrance. Also will likely be expensive since it’s a smaller airport.
• Bozeman Airport (BZN ) in Montana – this is the airport we flew in to. There are direct flights from LAX. It’s only about an 1.5 drive to the North Entrance, or 1 hour and 45 minutes to the West Entrance
• Jackson Hole (JAC) in Wyoming – This airport is located about 1 hour from the South Entrance
• Billings Airport (BIL) in Montana – located about 1.5 hours from the Northeast Entrance

If you’re looking to do a trip to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, I recommend flying to/from different airports and getting a rental car for one-way drop-off. For instance, we flew into Bozeman and drove through Yellowstone for a few days, heading south into Grand Teton National Park, and then flew back from Jackson Hole Airport.

Pro tip: Buy this guided audio tour ahead of time so you can listen to it in the car and learn about the sites you are seeing!

Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park

You can either book a campground or lodging inside the park, or stay in one of the towns right outside of Yellowstone! Check out the options:

Best Lodging Inside Yellowstone National Park

If you’re looking for lodging inside Yellowstone National Park, note that you’ll often need to book about a year in advance (they book up quickly!) However if you are on top of it and planning your trip that far out, here are some of the best lodging options:

• Old Faithful Inn – the most famous lodge in the park, built in 1904 out of local stone and logs!
• Old Faithful Lodge Cabins – if you aren’t able to get a spot at OF Inn but still want to be in that area, this is another good option
• Canyon Lodge – one of the newer lodges in the park, located near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

You can check out all the Yellowstone National Park lodges at the Yellowstone website .

Best Lodging Near Yellowstone National Park

If you are planning your trip to Yellowstone more last minute and there is no availability to stay inside the park, there are still some great options in the towns just outside the park!

Best Place to Stay in West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is your best bet for looking for a place to stay near the park, as this town is only 3 miles from the West entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The Explorer Cabins have rave reviews, and would be a great option if you have multiple people on your trip and need more room to spread out.

If you want to try glamping, check out Under Canvas Yellowstone to sleep under the stars, but with the comforts of home! I stayed at their Moab location when I spent 2 days at Arches National Park and it was awesome.

There are also come great VRBOs in the area, like this cute cabin that is located walking distance from the park entrance!

Best Place to Stay in Gardiner

Gardiner, MT is another great option for a town to stay in that is super close to Yellowstone National Park – only 1 mile from the North park entrance! I highly recommend staying at the Yellowstone Riverside Cottages . They cottages are super cute, have a beautiful view of the river, and are conveniently located!

If you do end up staying in Gardiner and have more than 3 days in Yellowstone, consider booking this half-day whitewater rafting trip ! The tour leaves from Gardiner and takes you to a remote part of the Yellowstone river. It looks awesome and has great reviews!

Camping at Yellowstone National Park

There are 12 campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park, and 5 of them take reservations. I always recommend ones that you can reserve, so you don’t have to stress about finding a spot once you arrive.

Madison Campground is the most centrally-located campground you can reserve at Yellowstone National Park. It is a crowded campground, but if you get a site on the edge of the loop you have more space. The campground is also close to a river that is great for fly-fishing!

For my trip, I booked two nights at Madison Campground because it is centrally-located to most of the sights in the park, and then booked Grant Village campground for the third night as it was on the southern end of Yellowstone National Park and we were driving to Grand Teton National Park from there.

If you want to camp but also want the comforts of home, renting a campervan is a great option! My favorite campervan company is Travellers Autobarn . Their vans have a stove, microwave, fridge and sink, and can sleep 3 people inside of it. Also, they have unlimited miles which is something that most campervan companies don’t offer! You can pick up the van at their location in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Las Vegas.

If you aren’t able to book a campsite in the park, download the Dyrt Pro app for a map of all the free campsite options available in the surrounding area!

3-Day Yellowstone Itinerary

Yellowstone itinerary: day 1.

• Lamar Valley
• Undine Falls
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Boiling River
• Norris Geyser Basin

Any trip to Yellowstone National Park will require a lot of driving – the park is HUGE and most of the best sites to see do not require hiking more than a mile to get there. The first day of your Yellowstone itinerary is no exception – be prepared for a lot of driving on this day! The good news is that the drive is SUPER scenic, though.

Also, be prepared for random traffic jams caused by Bison crossing the street! You’ll always know if there is some sort of wildlife ahead if you see a bunch of cars stopped.

Stop 1: Lamar Valley

Kick off your trip by heading to Lamar Valley – one of the furthest spots in the park, but worth the journey! It will take you a little under 2 hours to reach Lamar Valley from the Madison Campground/West Yellowstone area. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see wildlife in Lamar Valley, which is what most people come to this spot for.

Once you reach Lamar Valley, keep an eye out for Bison, Elk, Pronghorn Antelope (the fastest land animal in the world!) and Bears! We saw all of these amazing animals during our afternoon spent in Lamar Valley.

I recommend packing a lunch with you, and finding a nice spot in Lamar Valley to get out and have a picnic (with a view!). Just make sure to keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Stop 2: Undine Falls

On your way back from Lamar Valley, make sure to stop by Undine Falls for a quick look! It’s beautiful!

*Note – I had planned to also stop at Calcite Springs and Tower Falls on the road from Lamar Valley to Mammoth Hot Springs, however both were closed with the maintenance of the road that completes that loop. If it’s open when you go, I’ve heard those are both good stops as well!

Stop 3: Mammoth Hot Springs

Next up – stop at Mammoth Hot Springs to check out the unique limestone travertine formations. It sort of looks like the inside of a cave! Note – these are NOT the kind of hot springs you can swim in. This spot can get pretty crowded, as it’s one of the most popular sites in the park. Try to avoid peak times if possible!

Stop 4: Boiling River

Contrary to Mammoth Hot Springs, Boiling River IS a spot where you are able to get in the water! It’s also a bit lesser-known of a spot, so hopefully you’ll be able to avoid some of the crowds here. It’s just a 5 minute drive away from Mammoth Hot Springs.

Unfortunately, the access to Boiling River was closed when we were visiting, but I’ve heard that soaking in the river is an amazing experience!

Stop 5: Norris Geyser Basin

Fun fact – 60% of the world’s geysers are located in Yellowstone National Park. There’s over 10,000 hydrothermal features located in the park, such as geysers, mudpots, hot springs, fumaroles and travertine terraces (lots of oozing, weird-smelling, colorful, bubbling good-ness!) On your way back to your lodging in the West Yellowstone area, make sure to check out the Norris Geyser Basin, one of several geyser basins in the park.

At Norris Geyser Basin there are two different areas: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. We walked through Porcelain Basin – an open area with a boardwalk running through it for a 3/4 mile loop around many colorful, bubbling thermal features. Back Basin is a 1.5 mile walk through a more wooded area scattered with geo thermal features.

Yellowstone Itinerary: Day 2

• Old Faithful
• Upper Geyser Basin
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Firehole River

First Stop: Old Faithful

Old Faithful is probably the most famous landmark of Yellowstone National Park. Named for its frequent and predictable eruption, this geyser erupts every about every 75 minutes. Each eruption lasts about 1-5 minutes and shoots about 140 feet in the air!

Download the Yellowstone National Park app to track the geyser eruption times, and plan to arrive about 15-20 min early to get a good spot to watch. There are benches out front of the geyser so you can sit and wait. I recommend arriving before 10am to beat the crowds (although you can expect this site to always be more crowded than others in the park!)

Stop 2: Upper Geyser Basin

After (or before, if you get there early enough!) seeing Old Faithful erupt, walk around the boardwalks in the area to check out the other geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin area.

Stop 3: Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring is one of those spots that look just as awesome in real life as it does in pictures! The bright rainbow colors of this spring are simply amazing. You can view the Grand Prismatic Spring from above and from ground level. I highly recommend doing both!

Grand Prismatic Spring from Above:

To get an aerial view of the Grand Prismatic Spring, park at the Fairy Falls trailhead and hike about 3/4 mile to the overlook point. The Fairy Falls trail the continues on to a waterfall, for a 5.4 mile rt hike. We just went to the Grand Prismatic Overlook for the sake of time.

Seeing the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring from above is amazing!

Grand Prismatic Spring from Ground Level

After you finish your short hike from the Grand Prismatic Overlook at Fairy Falls, hop back in your car and drive a mile up the road to the Grand Prismatic Spring parking area. The parking lot will likely be full, but you can park on the street instead. Follow the boardwalk around other impressive geothermal features (like the bright blue pool below) before you reach the Grand Prismatic Spring!

It’s awesome being right next to it and feeling the steam come off the spring. The steam itself even looked to be rainbow at some points!

Stop 4: Firehole River

Firehole River (along with Boiling River mentioned earlier in this itinerary) is one of the 2 spots where you can swim at Yellowstone National Park. After your afternoon spent exploring Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, stop by the Firehole River to take a relaxing dip!

Yellowstone Itinerary: Day 3

• West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Kayak Lake Yellowstone
• Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – Artist Point
• Hayden Valley

Stop 1: West Thumb Geyser Basin

Kick off the last day of your Yellowstone itinerary by checking out West Thumb Geyser Basin. It’s a great spot to go to for sunrise if you like to get up early! This geyser basin is unique from the others on this list because they you can see Lake Yellowstone in the background. It looks beautiful!

Stop 2: Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. The water is cold year round (41 degrees F!) so I don’t recommend swimming in it, however there are kayak rentals near the lake if you want to get out on the water!

Stop 3: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

About an hour north of West Thumb Geyser Basin, you’ll reach Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – one of my favorite spots in Yellowstone National Park! This area is absolutely beautiful.

I recommend first stopping at Artist Point on the South Rim to get a view of the huge Yellowstone Waterfall flowing between the canyon.

Next, head to the North Rim to Lookout Point for an even closer look at the waterfall. (Seriously – the waterfall is so epic that it deserves a look from both the South and North rims!) At Lookout Point, you can either take the walkway to the top, or take a switchback trail down to get an even closer look. I took the switchback trail about half-way down to get this shot:

Stop 4: Hayden Valley

Stop by Hayden Valley from anywhere between 5-7pm for a chance to see wolves! It’s definitely not as common as seeing Bison in Lamar Valley, but if you are looking to see a wolf during your time in Yellowstone, this is the place to see them. We watched for about 30 minutes in that time range and didn’t see any, but you may get lucky!

Yellowstone Packing List

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• REI Joule Sleeping Bag (this is the one that I have and I love it)
• Inflatable Sleeping Pad (this is the one that I use)
• Portable Rocking Chair (This thing is AWESOME!)
• REI Flexlite Chair – low profile camping chair that’s a big space-saver
• The COLDEST Water Bottle (seriously – stays colder than Hydroflask or Yeti!)
• Decathlon 2-Second Tent (I love this one – it’s super easy to setup and you can sleep longer because of the blackout material)
• Hiking Boots (These are my favorite!)
• Camping String Lights (these are the ones I have and I love them!)
• Travel Towel
• Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket (I bring this on EVERY camping trip. It packs up small and keeps you warm!)
• Sunski Polarized Glasses
• Camping Cooler
• Portable phone charger
• Cliff Bar Energy Chews (love these things for a boost of energy!)
• Kuhl Softshell Pants – These are my favorite pants to wear hiking or camping when the weather gets chilly!
• Periscoping Roasting Sticks – these come in handy when you want to roast smores or hot dogs over the fire!
• Camping Grill – this is the one I have, and I love it!

Other Important Notes for your Yellowstone Trip

• You will not have cell service in most of the park. I recommend downloading the app called map.me and pre-downloading the Wyoming map so you can use the map/directions (like you would Google Maps) without having cell service. I use this for most of my trips!
• Bring binoculars! This is the best way to see wildlife
• Stay a safe distance away from wildlife!
• Splurge for a nicer rental car. If there was ever a time to upgrade your rental car for something more spacious/nicer – this is it! You definitely spend a lot of time in the car at Yellowstone
• There are markets located in the main sections throughout the park (Old Faithful, Grant Village, Madison, Canyon) where you can get gas, firewood, ice, and snacks, and other goods

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This post has 14 comments.

Thanks for the tips, as always!

Woah, this is so nice and thorough! Thank you so much! I was wondering if you could give a rough estimate of how much you walked/hiked each day in total. Each of us visiting next August is at very different fitness levels, so it will be good if everyone can keep up (or if it’s not enough for some). Thank you so much!

So glad my post was helpful! Yellowstone is one of those parks where there is little hiking required to see the sites. All the spots included in my post are less than a mile of hiking/walking. However, the neighboring park of Grand Teton is full of long hikes (in case anyone in your group is looking for that). Hope that helps!

Hi there, I followed your plan almost to a T and it worked out perfectly. My kids and I had a wonderful time at Yellowstone and beat most of the crowd during the busy 4th July weekend. Thank you for sharing your insight!

Awesome! I love to hear that. So glad you guys had a great time!

Hello, thank you for your detailed post. I’m wondering if I can take my sons stroller? He loves to walk, run, hike etc but at times wants to just chill in his stroller. Are most places stroller accessible?

Hi! Yes, most of the main spots in Yellowstone are stroller-accessible, as far as I remember!

So so thank you for this awesome itinerary. We followed it through and saved so much time, headache and effort. The best itinerary we’ve seen of Yellowstone yet.

Ah that’s great to hear! So glad it was helpful. Hope you had an awesome trip!

Hi Lauren thank U so much for all the information its greatly appreciated! Do u know of any sites that have discounts planes, hotels, rentals etc.

I normally just use Google Flights to buy my flights. You can set up a tracker to notify you if the prices dip. I also take advantage of my credit card points (Chase Reserve) and use points to buy flights + lodging, which is a great way to save money!

Where’s the best place to spend the night between each day in Yellowstone?

Hi! I listed a few specific recs in the blog post, but I recommend either staying at a lodge or campsite inside the park, or at a hotel just outside the park in West Yellowstone. When I went, I stayed 2 nights at Madison Campground because it is centrally-located, and then the third night at Grant Village campground since we were on our way to Grand Teton after. Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for this itinerary. Any binoculars that you could recommend?

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Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend 1-4 Days For First Time Visitors

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Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? If so you have come to the right place. Here we share our ideal Yellowstone itinerary for one to four days. From visiting bubbling mud pots to spewing geysers and wildlife galore you will find everything you need to plan your perfect trip. 

For most families time is limited, but given how much there is to do and see in  Yellowstone, I highly recommend staying for as long as you can to really get off the beaten path a bit to experience more than the top tourist spots. Since we know people are limited in their time, we have given our guide for a 1 to 4 day trip with tips on how to expand it or even cut it shorter if needed.

Jump to a Heading Below

Background of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was the very first national park in the United States and is located in 3 US states – Montana, Wyoming and a sliver of Idaho.  Yellowstone covers a lot of ground with over 2 million acres of land filled with lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges. The park is also home to the Yellowstone Caldera which is reportedly over 600,000 years old and is the source of the more than 10,000 hydrothermal features found within the park. 

Apart from these stunning geologic features, one of the biggest draws to the park is the amazing array of wildlife found here from grizzly bears, wolves, black bears, bison, bald eagles, elk, bighorn sheep, moose and more.

Most visitors find their way to the park during the summer months, however parts of Yellowstone are open year round, even offering adventurous winter activities. That said, the ideal time to visit is during the spring to fall seasons when the temperatures are moderate and most of the facilities are open. 

Check out my Instagram Highlight on Yellowstone with more videos and photos from our most recent visit to the park.

Important Information for Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Don’t Underestimate the Distances (and Traffic)

Driving around Yellowstone National Park can take a LOT longer than you think during peak summer months or even during the shoulder seasons as it is always busy. The roads are all two lanes which can backup quickly, not to mention they often also have wildlife sharing the road which can make travel even slower. 

If you come across a herd of bison crossing the roadway you can be delayed for hours, literally! Between visitors taking photos of these majestic animals and drivers worried about encroaching on their space, you might be stuck for a while waiting for park rangers to clear the herds off the road. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you are trying to get somewhere by a specific time.

Apart from the traffic tie ups, you can also anticipate that many of the parking lots will be full upon your arrival. This can mean waiting for parking or circling over and over. Be prepared for this in summer especially and even during the fall. 

How To Avoid Crowds

One of the best ways to avoid crowds is to have an early start and visit the most popular sites early in the day. We found that visiting the geyser area first thing in the morning was the best option as there were fewer people there at that time and the tour buses from outside the park had not yet arrived. By 11 a.m. however it was packed and much less enjoyable. 

During the height of the crowds, explore the less often used trails or plan on doing your driving tours at other areas of the park. If you are physically able, go for a hike. I read that 80% of visitors don’t hike any while at the park. Getting out on the trails offers opportunities to see wildlife (we saw beavers and deer quietly eating!), see the park through a new lense and find solitude.

How Much Time Do You Need in Yellowstone National Park?

If you only have 1 or 2 days as part of your Montana road trip to spend inside the park, you can see the main tourist hot spots relatively quickly if you stay close to where you want to visit. 

During our visit we spent 4 full days exploring the park which gave us plenty of time to see all the hot spots, visit during early morning hours for animal sightings and time to hike around. 

Best Time of Year To Visit Yellowstone with Kids

Honestly anytime is a great time to visit Yellowstone, but ideally the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall when the crowds have not yet arrived or already left and the weather is moderate. If you must make a summer visit, plan on June as July and August are quite busy.  That said, post COVID we have found that park is quite busy even well into October when many of the sights in neighboring areas are closing down.

Winter is also a fun time to visit even though only a small section of the park is operating. For the winter months, we highly recommend booking a tour to get the most out of your visit. 

Yellowstone Entrance Fees

At writing, entrance fees for Yellowstone National Park is $35 for one private vehicle for a 7 day visit. If you plan to visit any other national parks on your trip, we highly recommend getting the annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80. It is well worth the money! During our last visit we were in Yellowstone for 4 days before driving to Grand Tetons. On our way back to Montana, we had time to stop into Yellowstone again. Had we not had our pass, we would have had to pay another $35! And let’s be honest, you are supporting the National Parks, so why not just upgrade to the year pass!

Accommodation In & Around Yellowstone

For those planning well in advance (or lucky) there are 9 places to stay inside Yellowstone. These lodges sell out almost immediately when they open 6 months in advance. You can also try your luck calling as it gets closer for any cancellations. Below are the lodges within the park to consider:

Canyon Lodge and Cabins: 400+ guest rooms in 5 hotel-style lodges, with an additional 100+ rustic cabins

Grant Village Lodge: 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges.

Lake Hotel and Cabins : Large lodge that has hotel rooms and cabins

Old Faithful Inn: Rustic lodge with hotel room-style accommodations right in the middle of the action.

Lake Lodge Cabins: 186 cabins

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel rooms and cabin accommodations in the northern area of the park

Old Faithful Lodge: Cabins

Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Large lodge that has hotel rooms and cabins

Roosevelt Lodge: Cabin

If you prefer camping, Yellowstone National Park has 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 established campsites inside the park. Much like the hotels, campsites sell out insanely fast, so you will need to book at least 6 months in advance or be lucky enough to snag a cancellation.

As it is insanely difficult to grab a room inside the park, many visitors stay outside of the park. We have always stayed outside of the park and while it does make for longer days and more driving, it is also has the added benefit of more meal options, cooking at home and other activities to do outside of the park. 

Accomodation Outside of Yellowstone 

If you could not snag a place to stay within the park, don’t fret as many visitors stay outside of the park. One of the most popular areas to stay is in West Yellowstone which is probably the closest to the majority of the popular tourist attractions. However we have stayed in the town of Red Lodge which was a great spot to explore the Lamar Valley from.

Another great spot to consider staying in is near the north entrance in Gardiner. This was a great spot for a family visit in that we could visit the hot springs in the evening as well as have easy access to all the areas in the northern parts of Yellowstone. Some people even consider staying as far as Bozeman as there is ample things to do and places to eat, but I don’t recommend that unless you have to!

TIP: Use the map below to find the best deals for your stay. Enter your dates and which area of the park you would like to stay – you can see both the Western and Northern entrances as well as Cody, WY on the other side of the park.

The Best Yellowstone Itinerary with Kids

Planning a trip to Yellowstone with kids can be daunting. The park is massive and there are so many things to do and see that its difficult to fit it all in.  If you aren’t quite ready for the details of your Yellowstone itinerary planning, head over to our post on things you must AVOID when planning a Yellowstone trip . Otherwise, if you are ready for the nitty gritty of itinerary planning, read on. 

This Yellowstone itinerary is intended to give you an overview of some of the most majestic sites of Yellowstone, taking in the major sites like hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles with a few lesser visited sites thrown in too. While it includes many sites for the first few days, you can easily spread these out over your visit, adding in more hikes and off the beaten path places to catch your breath.

Note: This itinerary assumes you are staying near the North entrance of Yellowstone. Adjust the days and contents of each day based on where you are staying. No matter how you cut it, you will backtrack and traverse these roads many times!

Day 1 on Your Yellowstone Itinerary

For your first day in Yellowstone, we recommend driving one part of the main scenic 8 loop hitting some of the most scenic attractions. Exactly where you begin your itinerary planning will depend on where you are staying. Feel free to adjust the specifics of each day to fit into your accommodation location and schedule. 

For those staying in the North of Yellowstone like we did, your first stop will probably be to the Mammoth Hot Springs area. If you can resist, wait until later in the day on your way back as the colors are more vibrant in the later part of the day and it’s typically never that difficult to find parking unlike in other areas of the park.

Instead, you will venture further afield out to the Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing. 

Early Morning in Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is the place to go if you hope to spot wildlife. This is the place to try your luck at seeing the parks infamous wolves which were reintroduced to the park in 1995, as well as the myriad of other animals that call this area home. One of the best places to do this is at Slough Creek Campground. You will not be alone out here even arriving before the sun rises! For the best chances to see the wolves, befriend people with strong scopes set out or consider taking a wildlife spotting tour . 

Driving through the Lamar Valley you will have the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife like badgers, grizzly bears, pronghorns, bighorn sheep and coyotes. Keep your eyes peeled.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to Canyon Village Visitor Center

After your early morning in Lamar Valley, you will need to backtrack a bit to the turn off towards the Canyon Village Visitor Center. At this point you can turn off towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and begin stopping off at the various viewpoints. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the park. Artist Point is one of the most popular spots to see the river running through the deep canyon below.

I have to say that even visiting this area twice, I still enjoy seeing the various angles and views from each stop point. It does get annoying hopping in/out of the car, so at some points it’s worth it to park and walk to a few viewpoints and then head back to the car to continue on further.

Depending which way you go or end up, make sure to take time in the Canyon Village Visitor Center and consider grabbing lunch, ice cream or a snack here. 

Norris Geyser Basin & Museum

Top sights to see here include the Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin. You can easily access these through a mile boardwalk that connects the main areas. There are many areas here that do not have handrails where small children could easily fall in, so do take extreme care here. 

Follow the boardwalk to the Back Basin where you will find your way to Steamboat Geyser which is the tallest geyser in the world at 300-400 feet. This is a nice area to really stretch your legs and see quite a bit at the same time. 

• Mammoth Hot Springs

Depending on where you are staying, you could either head back to your hotel now or continue up to Mammoth Hot Springs if you are staying in that area. Since we last stayed in the Gardiner area, we always ended each day with a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs. 

This area is filled with beautiful shades of cream and white travertine terraces that are stunning. Boardwalks with plenty of stairs, wind through the terraces providing various viewpoints of the different terraces. There tend to be quite a few elk hanging around this area as well, which is a delight for visitors.  You can split the area up between the Upper Terraces parking area one day and the Lower Terraces on another day. 

Looking to Get Out of your Car?

If you are looking for ways to get out of your car and get out to see the scenery up close, consider the Beaver Ponds Trail . This trail is a loop starting and ending around the Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center area. Download the map on AllTrails before you start so you can find the trailhead. We absolutely loved this trail. It was so beautiful, had very few people on it and we saw beavers!

TOP TIP: If you are staying in this area or are looking for something different, head up to the Yellowstone Hot Springs which is a great way to end the day soaking in amazing hot pools with a splash of cold water too! 

Day 2 on Your Yellowstone Itinerary

If you day has gone on much longer than you planned, grab some food here at the Old Faithful Inn or grab a bench to eat your packed lunch before heading on to your next destination.

For those with limited time in the park, we recommend heading to the Grand Prismatic Spring area. We prefer seeing the spring from the overhead on the Fairy Falls Hike trail rather than just viewing from the boardwalk, but either (or both!) will be amazing to see in person. 

• Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin

The best places to view the eruption is from the main boardwalk viewing area, within the Old Faithful Inn or our favorite, hike up to the Observation Point (.6 miles uphill).

If you have hiked up to the Observation area, you can take the trail down the way you came up or you can continue further afield to see other geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin . This area consists of a network of paths and boardwalks taking you to some of the coolest and most interesting hydrothermal features in the park.  

One of our favorites was the one below. 

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Karilyn | Adventure Travel (@nobackhome)

You could easily spend half of the day wandering around this area as there are a ton of really cool, unique hydrothermal features to be seen. For those with the time, consider walking out further on the boardwalks to some of the less visited geysers that erupt at longer intervals. It’s quite exciting to wait a while for one and then to see if finally start erupting. 

Grand Prismatic Spring & Fairy Falls Hike

The hike to the Observation Point is around .6 miles one way and fairy easy. Many visitors combine this excursion with a hike on the 5.4 mile Fairy Falls Trail that goes along the same path but takes you through trees to the impressive falls. The entire hike takes about 3 hours.

If you’re not up for the full hike, just do the 1.2 mile round trip part of the trail to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. Otherwise you can also visit the spring from the boardwalk a bit further up the road. Be prepared for a wait at the parking area as its often quite full. 

For those that are interested in testing the water temperatures, consider purchasing this temperature gun before your visit. My son LOVED having this to find out the various temperatures of the different pools of water. 

Biscuit Basin

If you still have time on your day and want to see more geothermal features, head to Biscuit Basin. This short loop on a boardwalk passes stunning springs that are particularly beautiful. We loved learning about the tiny heat loving organisms called thermophiles that live in the waters and create the various colors.

Firehole River

Fountain Paint Pot

As you are finishing up your day, if you still have some energy left and aren’t overdosing on hydrothermal features, head to the Fountain Paint Pot area. Here you can see an overview of the geothermal features of the park as all the types are contained in this small area.

VISITORS WITH ONLY 1 DAY IN YELLOWSTONE

If you are limited on time, we recommend hitting the top spots like Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. Once you have had your fill of this area, head to the Grand Prismatic Spring . If all you see in Yellowstone are these 3 areas, you will have seen some of the most recognizable sites. While in the Upper Geyser Basin, explore all along the various walkways to really take in the various types of geysers and fumaroles here. 

Day 3 of Your Yellowstone Itinerary

If you have managed to actually fit in all the suggestions on days 1 and 2 of the itinerary, days 3 and 4 can be a bit more relaxed, taking in spots you missed or want to spend more time at. If you know that you have 4 days, try to mix up the days with a hike or two so that you are not overwhelmed with hydrothermal features or feel like you are just hopping in/out of the car all day. 

Early Morning at Hayden Valley

If you would like more opportunities for wildlife viewing, you can take another early morning adventure, but this time out to Hayden Valley. My son dreams of being a wildlife photographer, so we couldn’t miss this opportunity.

Just like in the Lamar Valley for the best views you will need to arrive well before sunrise to set up your spot. Ask around at the ranger stations on your previous day to find out what animals have been seen in this area lately and where exactly you should aim to be. 

Mud Volcano 

After finishing up in the Hayden Valley, head over to the Mud Volcano area for some cool explorations.  This boardwalk is just over half a mile long, however the features presented here are quite interesting! Look for the Churning Cauldron and Black Dragon’s Cauldron as you wander through the various mud pots and hot springs. 

Fishing Bridge & Yellowstone Lake

Continuing on down the road, your next stop will be at Fishing Bridge and Yellowstone Lake. We love this area as it allows you to get out of the car for a hike and time to check out the beautiful lake. Pelican Valley Trail is a great one to explore if you haven’t seen grizzly bears yet and want to chance your luck at sseeing one! This trail can take 3-4 hours. Note this trail can be closed at times if the bear activity is too heavy. 

If you aren’t keen on stumbling over a bear while hiking, head to the Pelican Creek Nature Trail that runs alongside Yellowstone Lake and offers great opportunities to spot birds and see the diverse ecosystems here. 

West Thumb Geyser Basin

Moving on from the Lake, you will head down to the West Thumb Geyser Basin area which is much less frequented than many of the other geothermal areas. Again you will find yourself on a boardwalk that takes you to stunning blue hot springs. Once you have pottered around here, you can start your long drive back to your accommodation. 

Lone Star Geyser & Trail

If you still have energy and there is daylight left, consider the hike to Lone Star Geyser. This is a partially paved trail that utilizes an old service road next to the Firehole River. This 4.8 mile in/out trail takes you to the Lone Star Geyser that erupts approximately every 3 hours. You can check at the trailhead to see if someone has noted down the last time it erupted to know if you will make it or not! This geyser can go up to 45 feet in the air which is a sight to see. The trailhead is located at the Kepler Cascades Parking lot.

Day 4 of Your Yellowstone Itinerary

Today is reserved for all the things you didn’t have time to do on the other days of your trip or to spread the other sights out more. One of the things we recommend the most today is to take time to stop at all the spots between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin area. There are some great spots to check out along the way that you would have passed up each day! 

Scenic Drive Between Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Geyser Basin

Black Sand Basin

This short .5 mile loop boardwalk takes visitors through several active geothermal areas such as the Cliff Geyser, Rainbow Pool and Emerald Pool.

Roaring Mountain

Continuing on from Black Sand Basin is a quick stop at Roaring Mountain. This mountain was named for the numerous fumaroles on the western slope of the peak. This is a quick stop and if you are lucky there might be a tour group here that you can listen on with! 

Sheepeater Cliff

Roosevelt Arch

If you aren’t staying in the northern entrance area of the park, it might be worth your time to venture up to this area just to see the Roosevelt Arch. This was constructed by the Army and one of the cornerstones was laid by Theodore Roosevelt himself in 1903. It’s a great photo opp for sure. 

Soak in the Boiling River (or hot springs)

After your day exploring, make some time to head over to the Boiling River swimming area. While this area isn’t alway open, if it is, it is a fun way to spend some time. Here you can enter a part of the river where thermal hot springs warm the river. IT can get hot and the current can be fast, so take caution.

Or if you rather, head up north of Gardiner to Yellowstone Hot Springs which is an amazing way to spend a few hours. There are shallow and deep hot spring pools as well as cold water pools to cool off in. All outdoors, this makes a great way to end your trip.

Limited time in Yellowstone?

If you have limited time in Yellowstone with kids, we would suggest the following Yellowstone itinerary options.

One day in  Yellowstone:

• Grand Prismatic Spring hike (1.2 miles) and Boardwalk view

With Two Days in Yellowstone National Park, I would add the following:

• Lamar Valley
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Norris Geyser Basin

If you have two days in Yellowstone available to you, I would focus on the first two days of this itinerary. Alternatively, if you would like to include more sites in those two days, I would add on Mud Volcano and at least one small hike.

Even More Time for Yellowstone?

If you have even more time to spend in Yellowstone with kids, I would take longer each day at the sights we mentioned and spread out the visits to everything here. You could also add in a hike each day. Even though these aren’t mentioned much on itineraries there are some great hikes inside and out of the park!

You could spend weeks exploring Yellowstone. It’s such a stunning and diverse National Park. I hope these suggestions for one day in Yellowstone, two days in Yellowstone, 3 days in Yellowstone, and 4 days in Yellowstone give you some great options for how to structure your visit.

Planning to visit Bozeman? Find out the best things to do in and around Bozeman

Looking for an off the beaten path Montana experience? Head to Philipsburg Montana for an Old West experience. 

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There are many ways to plan your vacation to Yellowstone National Park. The free and cheapest way is to use our website, or many others, to plan your trip. Yellowstone is so large and diverse, decisions should be made in advance especially if you're camping or staying at one of the many gateway communities. We have a Maps Directory for lodging and campgrounds to help you out there. Casually gazing at a scale map of Yellowstone, it may seem like the gateway communites are an easy half day drive away, and they are. But you must take in consideration driving through a mountain terrain with very large animals around any corner, the average speed limit (35 mph), bear jams, bison jams and people just in general stopping their vehicles in the middle of the road. All this and we're not even talking about the unlimited attractions in the park.

We have the Official Yellowstone National Park Trip Planner, provided by the National Park Service, that along with their map, is available for free at each of the five entrances to the park. You should consider the Trip Planner as a starting point for planning your trip, here's why. Before the internet and all its' devices, your only option was a travel magazine, television, word of mouth or a Trip Planner. Within a little over the last decade, printed media including magazines, brochures and Trip Planners are becoming somewhat archaic and limited. Still they are more covenient then carrying a laptop or tablet around with you while on the road.

Regardless, we have the Official 2014 Yellowstone Trip Planner available for you here from the NPS if you wish to print a hardcopy.

- Start with the Trip Planner. - Decide what attractions or areas you must see - Decide on where to stay or camp - Start your day arriving at the gate, if possible, before 8:00 am.

Our best suggestion, especially if your options are limited to the peak summer season, is to consider a Yellowstone DVD, along with the Trip Planner and maps. This is the least time consuming and most productive way to plan your trip and insure you won't be frustrated during your valuable vacation.

Yellowstone National Park

America's First National Park

150 Years of Yellowstone

America's first national park was set aside to preserve and protect the scenery, cultural heritage, wildlife, geologic and ecological systems and processes in their natural condition for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Yellowstone serves as the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the last and largest nearly intact natural ecosystems on the planet. Yellowstone has the most active, diverse, and intact collections of combined geothermal features with over 10,000 hydrothermal sites and half the world's active geysers. The park is also rich in cultural and historical resources with 25 sites, landmarks, and districts on the National Register of Historic Places.  

Within Montana

Visit Yellowstone and experience the world's first national park. Marvel at a volcano’s hidden power rising up in colorful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers. Explore mountains, forests, and lakes to watch wildlife and witness the drama of the natural world unfold. Discover the history that led to the conservation of our national treasures “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

Top 10 Hikes in Yellowstone

The top 10 most loved hikes in Yellowstone National Park according to Jake Bramante, the first person to hike all 734 miles of trail in Glacier National Park in one summer.

West Yellowstone

As a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone is an adventure seeker’s playground full of possibilities and exciting events and activities. The same trail system used for snowmobiling in the winter is available for ATV and UTV use in the summer. West Yellowstone makes for the perfect basecamp regardless of the season.

Considered the original entrance to Yellowstone, Gardiner is home to the historic Roosevelt Arch, which was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. Year-round access to the "American Serengeti"—Yellowstone's Northern Range—truly differentiates Gardiner from other Yellowstone gateway communities. 

Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River, Livingston has long served as a cultural hub in Montana. Offering an eclectic blend of shopping, arts and culture, dining, and world-class outfitting and guide services, Livingston has it all. 

Situated only a few miles from the Northeast Gate of Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City is surrounded by Yellowstone National Park, Custer Gallatin National Forest and two Scenic Byways: The Beartooth Highway and Chief Joseph Highway. In winter, Cooke City distinguishes itself with its access to vast, untouched acreage of ideal snowmobiling terrain, but there is no shortage of activities year-round in this gateway town. 

Epic Guide to Yellowstone National Park

C omplete guide to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Everything you need to know to plan an epic trip to this amazing national park including lodging, camping, things to do, history, wildlife, and information on the local area. 

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was created by the United States Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone is located in the United States, mainly in the state of Wyoming, although it extends through Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone, the first national park in the United States,  is also widely considered the oldest national park in the world.

About Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is located above the caldera of the largest volcano in America, very alive but without an eruption since 640 000 years ago. Because of that, it has numerous geothermal phenomena, especially the Old Faithful geyser , one of its most popular attractions. It is famous for its diversity in fauna, due to the fact that hunting of any kind has been prohibited for over  150 years.

The main road in the park is the 142-mile Grand Loop Drive, with upper and lower loops, forming a rough figure eight in the center of the park. On the undulating Yellowstone Plateau, you cross the Continental Divide twice, both with signs showing the elevation at the Continental Divide 8391 feet and 8262 feet.

On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses Grant signed into existence Yellowstone as the world’s first national park. This 2.2 million acres of wilderness covers three states including Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, and was set aside“For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

Today, you can see these famous words as they are written on the Roosevelt Arch, the rock arch entrance as you enter from the north in Garnier, Montana. 

There is just a special feeling driving through the arch as you read these words. You know that you have entered a special place, a place of unspoiled beauty, iconic western scenery, and the birthplace of something truly special, the U.S. National Park System. Perhaps America's best idea yet.

Is Yellowstone National Park worth visiting?

Yes! Yes! Yes! How many times can I say yes? 

At nearly 12,000 square miles, it has an amazing variety of sights to offer, whatever your interests.

Where else in the world can you find geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and other signs of hot geothermal activity, with snow-capped mountain peaks close by, huge meadows dotted with bison, elk, and mule deer, rivers steaming as hot springs empty into them, waterfalls and a canyon, all in one park?

History of Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field resulted from three volcanic eruptions that spanned two million years.

The first cycle occurred over two million years ago and it created the Island Park Caldera. The second cycle happened approximately one million years later and it formed the Henry’s Ford caldera situated west of the first caldera.

The third cycle, which occurred 640,000 years ago, shifted to the Yellowstone Plateau and formed the caldera which is present today.

In Yellowstone, traces of human presence have been found, dating back at least 11,000 years. In the 1950s, construction work on the Gardiner Post Office uncovered a projectile from the Clovis culture.

In 1806, John Colter, who was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, left his fellow travelers to join with a group of trappers led by Manuel Lisa. Under his orders, Colter was sent to explore the upper reaches of the Yellowstone River.

He was probably the first European to have visited this region and come into contact with the Amerindian tribes.

In 1869, the Folsom expedition ascended the Yellowstone River to Yellowstone Lake. It was the first to provide a detailed description of the Yellowstone region.

In 1870,  Montana  residents also organized an expedition (the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition ), led by surveyor Henry Washburn and involving Nathaniel P. Langford and an army detachment, commanded by Lieutenant Gustavus Doane.

For a month, they studied the region, collected numerous specimens, and christened several places. Cornelius Hedges, a writer, and lawyer from Montana participated in the Washburn expedition. Between 1870 and 1871, the newspaper Helena Herald published several articles that detailed his observations.

He was one of the first, with the governor of Montana, Thomas Francis Meagher, to propose making the Yellowstone a protected national park.

In a letter of 1871, addressed to Ferdinand Hayden by Jay Cooke, the latter claimed that his friend, Senator William D. Kelley had suggested creating a law that would make Yellowstone a public park.

Hayden led a second and more important expedition, financed this time by the Government. He wrote a full report on Yellowstone, illustrated with photographs by William Henry Jackson, 33, and illustrations by Thomas Morgan, which made the US Congress protect this region.

On March 1, 1872, US President Ulysses Grant signed the decree creating the "Yellowstone National Park" in order to create a place "free of commercial exploitation, dedicated to the satisfaction of the people." The Hayden Valley takes its name from this geologist.

In order to mitigate the insufficiency of means to protect the national park, between 1886 and 1918 its administration was entrusted to the Army but On October 31, 1918, the Army ceded control of Yellowstone to the National Park Service.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a 146 miles road with an "8" shape was built connecting the most interesting points of the park.

Between 1933 and 1941, the Civil Conservation Corps built the tourist information centers, the campsites, and most of the current roads.

In 1959, a powerful earthquake struck west of Yellowstone on Hebgen Lake and damaged the roads and facilities of the national park.

On October 26, 1976, Yellowstone Park was declared an international biosphere reserve alter on September 8, 1978, it was integrated into the  UNESCO world heritage .

But in 1995, this Committee placed it on the list of endangered world heritage areas. The poor quality of the water, the tourist crowds, and the use of snowmobiles were other reasons for concern.

Following the efforts of the federal government, the situation has improved and in July 2003 the park was removed from the list of endangered areas.

During the dry summer of 1988, some fires caused by lightning devastated 36% of the surface of the park, 783,880 acres, and the most affected part was North Fork.

Today, the National Park Service intentionally causes fires, circumscribed to certain areas already studied in advance, to prevent a catastrophe like the one of 1988.

Things to know before your visit to Yellowstone National Park

The park is open year-round but many features are closed in the winter. 

Entrance fee  

A fee is charged for entry to the park, with a 7-day permit available. The permit provides access to all areas of Yellowstone National Park, as well as nearby Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone Entrance Fee - Private Vehicle - $35

Yellowstone Entrance Fee - Motorcycle - $30

Yellowstone Entrance Fee - Hiker/Biker - $20

Yellowstone Annual Pass - $70

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Free Entrance Days - Check out the 5 days during the year that entrance fees are waived. 

Learn more about  National Parks Passes !

Time Zone  

MST- Mountain Standard Time

Pets  

Pets are allowed in Yellowstone NP but they must be on a leash at all time.

Please remember that there is a ton of wildlife in Yellowstone and they may be attracted to your pet.

Keeping your pet on a leash helps to keep them safe during your visit.

Leashes cannot be longer than 6 feet in length. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet.

Pets are not allowed on any park trails or in the park backcountry. Pets are not considered pack animals.

Cell Service

We have had fairly good service in the park especially on the main roads. There are definitely parts of the park where cell phone service is not available or there may be a intermittent cell signal. 

The park remains open year-round, with the operating hours for the visitor centers depending on the time of the year.

Wi-Fi may be available at the park visitor centers. 

Insect Repellent

It is always a good idea to bring insect repellent with you. We use permethrin bug spray that can be applied to your clothes before you leave for your trip.  

Water Bottle  

Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

There are large parking lots available near Old Faithful. 

Other attractions in the park have smaller parking lots and can be difficult to find parking.

If you are planning to visit Midway Geyser Basin to explore Grand Prismatic Spring you can almost guarantee having to wait for a parking spot.

Food/Restaurants

There are multiple restaurants and fast service counters within Yellowstone.

Canyon Lodge -  Eatery, Falls Café, Ice Creamery, M66 Grill 

Canyon General Store - 60s-style burger counter and ice cream counter

Washburn Lodge - Washburn Lookout (snacks and drinks)

 Grant Village Lodge - Dining Room, Lake House at Grant 

Grant Village General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

Lake Hotel and Cabins - Lake Hotel Dining Room, Lake Hotel Deli, and alcohol bar

Lake Lodge and Cabins - Cafeteria

Lake General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

Fishing Bridge General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

Bridge Bay Marina Store - Snack bar

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins -  Mammoth Hotel Dining Room, Terrace Grill,  Map Room Bar

Mammoth General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

Old Faithful Inn - Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, Bear Paw Deli, Bear Pit Lounge

Old Faithful Snow Lodge - Obsidian Dining Room, Geyser Grill, Coffee counter, 

Old Faithful Lodge -  Cafeteria, Bake Shop, Lobby Snack Shops, Ice cream counter

General Stores (Upper and Lower) - Store Soda Fountain

Roosevelt Lodge - Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room, Old West Dinner cookout

Tower Fall General Store - Snack bar and ice cream counter

There are gas stations located near Old Faithful, Grand Village, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, Tower/Roosevelt Junction, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

National Park Passport Stamps

National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.

Make sure to bring your  National Park Passport Book  with you or we like to pack these  circle stickers  so we don't have to bring our entire book with us. 

Yellowstone NP is part of the 2022 Passport Stamp Set , was the national stamp in the 1989 Passport Stamp Set , and in the 1988 Passport Stamp Set as part of a collage of parks. 

Large Vehicles

There are several large parking lots at the main attractions but will prove difficult on many other roads and smaller parking lots. 

Electric Vehicle Charging

Public EV charging stations are now available in a number of park locations.

The stations are Level 2, and provide 208/240 volt electric service. Charging takes about 4 hours from empty to full. 

Yellowstone Forever , the park’s official nonprofit partner, installed one of the public charging stations at their headquarters and retail store at 308 E Park St. Gardiner, Montana 59030.

Yellowstone National Park Lodges, the authorized concessioner operating the park’s hotels, has installed public charging stations near several of the park hotels:

Mammoth Hot Springs : In front of the Haynes PhotoShop; and behind the Northwest corner of the Mammoth Hotel.

Old Faithful: At the Old Faithful Lodge Cabins (Lower Loop), outside of Shower house 1.

Canyon Village:  In front of both Rhyolite and Washburn lodges.

Lake Village:  In front of Teal employee dorm.

West Entrance/ West Yellowstone MT:  The Gray Wolf Inn and Suites, 250 S Canyon St., and the Holiday Inn, 315 W Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758. Tesla stations are also located in West Yellowstone.

Details about Yellowstone National Park

Size - 2,219,790 Acres

Yellowstone NP is currently ranked at 8 out of 63 National Parks by Size . 

The Yellowstone National Park covers an area of 2,219,790 acres that includes lakes, canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges, Yellowstone Lake being the largest mountain lake in North America.

Date Established  

Yellowstone National Park was created by the United States Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872.

Visitation  

In 2020, Yellowstone NP had 3,806,306 park visitors.

In 2019, Yellowstone NP had 4,020,288 park visitors. 

Yellowstone is one of the top ten most visited National Parks in the United States. 

Yellowstone National Park Address

2 Officers Row

Yellowstone National Park Headquarters

Yellowstone National Park, WY.82190

Yellowstone National Park Map

If you want to check out a detailed map of the park you can purchase a trails illustrated map which highlights 1,000 miles of mapped trails and the main attractions within the park. 

They also sell a Yellowstone map pack that includes:

• Map 302 :: Old Faithful: Yellowstone National Park SW
• Map 303 :: Mammoth Hot Springs: Yellowstone National Park NW
• Map 304 :: Tower, Canyon: Yellowstone National Park NE
• Map 305 :: Yellowstone Lake: Yellowstone National Park SE

Every Trails Illustrated map is printed on "Backcountry Tough" waterproof, tear-resistant paper. 

Where is Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is about a seven-hour drive north of Salt Lake City, three hours from Jackson, and very close to the town of West Yellowstone.

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Gardiner, MT - Borders the north entrance of Yellowstone

West Yellowstone - Borders the west entrance of Yellowstone

Idaho Falls, ID - 108 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes

Bozeman, MT - 78 miles, 1 hour and 25 minutes

Casper, WY - 267 miles, 4 hours and 40 minutes

Salt Lake City, UT - 320 miles, 4 hours, and 50 minutes

Boise, ID -  340 miles, 5 hours and 10 minutes

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

The road through Yellowstone is closed for the winter. 

Grand Teton National Park - 65 miles

Glacier National Park - 366 miles

Arches National Park - 557 miles

Canyonlands National Park - 563 miles

Bryce Canyon National Park - 587 miles

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - 541 miles 

Where are the Yellowstone National Park Visitor Centers?

Albright visitor center.

Location - Located in the northern part of the park near Mammoth Hot Springs

Canyon Visitor Education Center

Location - Location near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. 

Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum

Location - The Fishing Bridge Museum and Visitor Center is located one mile off the Grand Loop Road on the East Entrance Road. 

Flagg Ranch Information Station

Location - The Flagg Ranch Information Station is located in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway

Grant Visitor Center

Location - The Grant Visitor Center is located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, a short distance south of the West Thumb Geyser Basin. 

Madison Information Center and Trailside Museum

Location - halfway between Old Faithful and West Yellowstone

Museum of the National Park Ranger

Location -  The Museum of the National Park Ranger is located off the Grand Loop Road at the entrance to the Norris Campground.

Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Information Center

Location - On the trail within Norris Geyser Basin. 

Old Faithful Visitor Education Center

Location - Near Old Faithful Geyser

This large visitor education center has a great windowed view of the geyser. There is a nice park store, natural wonders of Yellowstone exhibit hall, restrooms, and rangers available to answer questions. 

West Thumb Information Center

Location - West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center

Location - Located in West Yellowstone near the entrance to the park.

This visitor center includes NPS Park Rangers who can answer questions specific to the park. There are also staff members for the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce who can answer questions about lodging and information on West Yellowstone.

Getting to Yellowstone National Park

Cody and Jackson, WY; Bozeman and Billings, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID are close airports that are open year-round. The West Yellowstone, MT airport is serviced from June to early September from Salt Lake City, UT.

The Jackson, Wyoming airport is great! You can rent a car on-site and be in the park pretty quickly. On your way back home you can enjoy comfy leather couches, fireplaces, and a relaxing airport before flying out.

Commercial airlines serve the following airports near Yellowstone National Park all year: Cody and Jackson, WY; Bozeman and Billings, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID.

Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

Located in West Yellowstone just outside of the park. This airport is open from early May to mid-October from Salt Lake City, UT.

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)

Located in Cody, Wyoming. Delta and United offer year-round flights to this airport. One thing to know is the east entrance to the park closes in the winter. 

When making a reservation make sure to confirm if you are flying into Yellowstone Airport or Yellowstone Regional Airport. 

Jackson Hole Airport - JAC

Jackson Hole Airport is located within Grand Teton National Park just south of Yellowstone.

Alaska, American, Delta, and United Airlines all offer year-round flights to and from Jackson Hole. 

Allegiant, Frontier, and Sun Country Airlines offer direct flights between Jackson Hole and Denver in the summer months only.

International Airports

Salt Lake City International Airport - SLC

Regional Airports

Idaho Falls Regional Airport - IDA

Cody, Wyoming

Bozeman, Montana

Billings, Montana

There are five main entrances to the park. These are open depending on weather conditions.

Be prepared that your GPS may not work correctly within the park. Bring a paper map and pick up current maps from the visitor center when you arrive at the park.

For current road conditions call (307) 344-2117

Entrances to Yellowstone National Park

West entrance .

The West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is open during the summer only from Mid-April to early November. 

Winter access is only open by a commercially guided snow coach or snowmobile.

Closest City - West Yellowstone 

Closest Airport - West Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

The West Yellowstone Airport is located one mile north of West Yellowstone. It is open from Mid-May to early October and served by SkyWest Airlines (Delta Connection).

Bozeman Airport is 90 miles north of the west entrance.

Idaho Falls Airport is 110 miles south of the west entrance. 

North Entrance

Closest City - Gardiner, Montana

Closest Airport - Bozeman (BZN)

Northeast Entrance

Closest City - Cooke City, Montana

Closest airport - Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL)

The northeast entrance is not only the gateway to Yellowstone but also on the most scenic drive in America the Beartooth Highway.

Traveling the Beartooth Highway takes you through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains

Closest Bus Station to Yellowstone

Bus service from Bozeman, MT to West Yellowstone, MT via Highway 191 is available all year.

Bus service directly from Idaho to West Yellowstone is limited to the summer months.

Commercial transportation from Bozeman, MT to Gardiner, MT is available during the winter and summer seasons.

Commercial transportation to the park from Cody and Jackson, WY is available during the summer season. 

Closest Train Station to Yellowstone

Train service is not available to Yellowstone National Park.

The nearest train depots are in southeast Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah, and northern Montana.

Best time to visit Yellowstone National Park

The best time to visit Yellowstone is any time you can make it to the park. Every season in the park brings the opportunity to see something amazing.

Yellowstone National Park Weather and Seasons

During spring the roads start to open to visitors starting the third Friday of April.

Spring visitors to Yellowstone can enjoy wildlife viewing including bison calves, black bears emerging from their dens, spring birds, and wildflowers breaking through any remaining snow.

Visitation increases as the days move closer to Memorial Day. All roads within the park are open most years by Memorial Day weekend.

Summer is by far the busiest visitation within Yellowstone NP. More than half of the annual visitors visit the park between June, July, and August.

Starting from Memorial Day weekend visitation increases for the remainder of the summer.

The highlight of visiting during the summer is all of the roads are open and services are available including all of the lodges and campgrounds.

Early in the summer bears are visible as they are enjoying roadside meadows and emerging from dens. Later in the summer, they will start to move to higher elevations.

Bison Rut starts in July and can be seen in Lamar and Hayden Valleys. 

One thing to know about late summer is there is a chance of wildfire smoke obscuring views and making it hard to see anything. 

Visiting Yellowstone during the summer takes planning and a lot of patience! You want to plan to arrive to the park entrances as early as you can! 

By 9 am you could be in a long line just trying to get into the park. 

One benefit of visiting in the summer is the longer days. Plan to stay late to avoid crowds. A lot of visitors will head out to West Yellowstone and surrounding areas for dinner leaving the park easier to explore.

From 10 am to 3 pm the main park attractions of Old Faithful , Grand Prismatic Springs , Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Norris Geyser Basin are crowded and then some!

Plan to visit other attractions like Black Sand Basin , Biscuit Basin , Mud Volcano , and Firehole Lake Drive during the busiest parts of the day. This is also a great time to enjoy a picnic in the park.

Autumn/Fall

Starting in September campgrounds will start to close and some roads may experience temporary weather closures.

Elk are in rut during the Fall which is amazing to see. Listening to an elk bugle is a true National Park bucket list moment.

By October many park roads will begin closing for the winter season. This date can change based on the weather.

Both Dunraven Pass and Beartooth Highway normally close by mid-October. 

By November the park has started winter travel restrictions for all areas except Mammoth. 

During the winter most of the roads within Yellowstone are closed to automobiles.

The roads are open to limited snowmobile and snow coach travel from mid-December through mid-March.

The only road that is open for visitors to drive their own vehicles is between the North and Northeast entrance through Lamar Valley.

Most park facilities are closed in the winter. The only lodging open is Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge and Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

The only campground in the park open year-round is in Mammoth Hot Springs, located 5 miles south of the park's North Entrance.

Visitors in the winter can enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow coach tours, wildlife watching, and a winter wonderland.

Visitation is low during the winter making it feel like you have the park to yourself. 

Best Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

It is physically impossible to see all of Yellowstone in a day! In fact, a week will go by fast in this amazing park with so many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Remember the size of the park, throw in over 200 miles of roads, 900 miles of trails, and fight to get to attractions as Yellowstone has more annual visitors than the population of 24 of the 50 states in America. 

The most visited areas of the park include Old Faithful Geyser, Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin , Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,  West Thumb Geyser Basin, the standing trunk of a petrified redwood tree, about 50 million years old, Mammoth Hot Springs, Fountain Paint Pots , and Morning Glory Pool.

Millions of park visitors come to Yellowstone each year, the number one thing on their bucket list to do is go to the Upper Geyser Basin and see Old Faithful erupt in a predictable fashion.

Of course, Yellowstone is filled with geysers and people explore all through the Upper Geyser Basin plus Biscuit Basin, Black  Sand Basin, midway geyser basin, Norris Geyser Basin, and West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone is America's Serengeti. It is here that you will see one of America's healthiest ecosystems with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Some of the best places to view wildlife include Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley . With that being said we always suggest keeping your camera in your lap because you never know what wildlife you will see as you drive through the park. 

Bring your patience when visiting Yellowstone. What draws visitors to the park-like yourself, is the outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities which include Elk, Bison, wolves, Grizzly, and Black Bears. With wildlife this abundant, it is guaranteed to create traffic jams going from one location to another. Remember that for most park visitors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event and they are just as excited as you are. 

Yellowstone is the core of one of the last, nearly intact, natural ecosystems in the Earth’s temperate zone.

Picturesque Mammoth Hot Springs is located just south of the north entrance of the park. Make sure to take time and walk through the boardwalks and get close to this amazing feature! Wildlife is often seen hanging out in the lawn areas including elk and bison.

Just remember to enjoy these animals from a distance as they are still wild animals.

Take advantage of the park's 900 miles of trails! Besides nothing is better than stretching your legs after a long road trip.

Make sure to stay on designated footpaths as these geysers, pools, mud pots, and vents are heated water and can cause severe injuries and even death.

Remember that Yellowstone is an active volcano, some call it a supervolcano! The 1000-3000 earthquakes a year, active ground deformation, and the 10,000+ thermal features are all evidence of its activity.

There are many beautiful waterfalls within Yellowstone but nothing more famous than Yellowstone Falls. Not only are the falls huge but so is this canyon!  I found myself just staring in amazement.

What are you waiting for, start planning that trip to Yellowstone! It is the one you and your family will always remember.

There is so much to see and do and a week is not enough to see it all. You also have the Grand Teton National Park just South of Yellowstone which is just as spectacular and has just as many recreational opportunities! 

Junior Ranger Program 

The Junior Ranger Program can be picked up at the park visitor centers. This program is a fantastic way for visitors of all ages to learn more about the park. 

There is a special snowflake patch for completing the winter Junior Ranger program. 

Yellowstone allows bicycles and e-bikes on established public roads, parking areas, and designated bike routes. 

All bikes are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles. Bikes are prohibited on backcountry trails, boardwalks, and over snow routes in Yellowstone.

If you don't want to haul your bike with you to the park you can rent them at Old Faithful. 

During the spring visitors can ride 49 miles between the West Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs. The park plows the road but it is not open to motorized vehicles for a limited time. 

Check the  Spring and Fall Bicycling  page for road segment status.

There are designated bike trails within the park including the Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike trail, Bunsen Peak Loop Bike Trail, The Old Gardiner Road Bike Trail, Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail, Lone Star Geyser Bike Trail, and Natural Bridge Bike trail.

Bike trails range from 1-6 hours in duration. 

Guided Tours

From West Yellowstone - Park Tour with a local guide

Discover the stunning natural beauty the flora and fauna in Yellowstone National Park with this tour from West Yellowstone. See sights like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon waterfalls, and Artist Point.

From West Yellowstone - Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour by Van

See the wildlife of the Lamar Valley with a naturalist guide. Watch wildlife with high-powered spotting scopes and binoculars from the comfort of a van.

From West Yellowstone - Lower Loop Active Van Tour

See Yellowstone's hot spots by van with a naturalist guide. Visit Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Lake half day guided kayak tour - Enjoy a relaxed morning with a guided kayaking tour along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Look for local wildlife as you make your way over sparkling waters towards the West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Guided sunset lake kayaking tour - Paddle the glassy waters of Yellowstone Lake and see the awash in sunset tones on this guided kayak tour.

From Jackson - Day tour with entrance fee included

Join a local guide for an amazing day in the world's first national park, home of grizzly bears, elk, bison, wolves, eagles, foxes, and 60% of the world's geothermal features. Stop at Old Faithful, Grand Canyon waterfalls, and other geyser areas.

From Jackson - Park and Wildlife Viewing Tour

Explore Yellowstone National Park on a guided day tour. Visit Old Faithful, the Lower Falls of Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and enjoy opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the day.

From Jackson - Full Day Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

Spend a day exploring Yellowstone's Lower Loop, departing and returning from Jackson. Visit the Old Faithful Area, Midway Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots, the Canyon Area, Hayden Valley, and more.

From Gardner - Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Feel the rush as you raft through rapids, crash over waves and conquer the Yellowstone River. Travel in a raft with a certified safety guide.

From Cody - Full day park tour

Experience the beauty of Yellowstone on this tour from Cody. Visit top sights like the historic Fishing Bridge, the bubbling Mud Volcano, Hayden Valley, Artist’s Point, and Old Faithful.

Hiking at Yellowstone National Park

There are more than 900 miles of hiking trails within Yellowstone National Park. 

Heading out on a day hike does not require a permit. You do want to make sure you have the ten essentials and someone knows where you are headed.

One thing to always remember when planning to hike in Yellowstone is the park is 7,000 feet above sea level. 

Many areas of the park will still have snow until late May and into early June. 

Make sure to check with a visitor center for current trail conditions and closures. Many areas of the park can be closed for bear management.

Hiking in Yellowstone is hiking in bear country! Bringing bear spray with you is always a good idea. 

Wildlife in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is home to numerous species of mammals including the gray wolf (reintroduced species), and the grizzly (threatened species). Other mammals include bison, black bear, mountain lion, elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain goat, and Bighorn Sheep.

The park has well over 1000 native plants in Yellowstone including wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and plants. 

How to beat the crowds in Yellowstone National Park?

The majority of visitors come to Yellowstone from June through August. Holidays and weekends in the Spring and fall are offer very full as well. Winter has far fewer visitors. Try going on weekdays in the spring and fall and if possible, visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer tour buses.

On peak days, in July and August, as many as 25,000 people wait for the famous geyser, Old Faithful, to erupt.

Where to stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park

When planning where to stay while vacationing in Yellowstone you will want to determine which area of the park you are planning to visit.

We suggest if possible staying at a few different lodging options to provide easy access to different portions of the park. 

Yellowstone National Park Lodging

There are nine National Park Lodges located within the park offering over 2,000 rooms. 

Only two lodges are open during the winter - Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

From late spring through fall all of the lodges are open. 

• Canyon Lodge and Cabins : 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
• Grant Village Lodge: 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges. Available to book on Expedia
• Lake Hotel and Cabins : Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
• Lake Lodge Cabins :  186 cabins.
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins :  Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
• Old Faithful Inn : Rustic lodge with hotel room-style accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
• Old Faithful Lodge :  Cabin accommodations.
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge : Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
• Roosevelt Lodge:  Cabin accommodations.

Lodging near Yellowstone NP

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites in West Yellowstone - 3-star hotel. Gray Wolf Inn & Suites is located close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, and provides a firepit, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. Adventurous travelers may like the snowmobiling at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a business center are available to all guests.

Stage Coach Inn in West Yellowstone - Yellowstone Park West Entrance is located near Stage Coach Inn, which provides free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a gym and a 24-hour business center.

Yellowstone Westgate Hotel in West Yellowstone - At Yellowstone Westgate Hotel, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a business center are available to all guests.

Brandin' Iron Inn in West Yellowstone - Brandin' Iron Inn is located close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, and provides free full breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. Skiers and snowboarders can spend time on the slopes at this motel offering ski-in/ski-out access and cross-country skiing. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - Close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, Kelly Inn West Yellowstone provides free continental breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and a firepit. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room WIFI is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a business center.

Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel near Gardiner, MT- Along with self parking, this campground has coffee/tea in a common area and a microwave in a common area. Free continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, concierge services, a garden, and barbecue grills are onsite. All 17 accommodations boast heated floor (bathroom) and offer Wi-Fi and 8 bathrooms. Other amenities available to guests include memory foam beds, premium bedding, and rainfall showerheads. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.

Absaroka Lodge near Gardiner, MT- Absaroka Lodge provides amenities like a terrace and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Yellowstone Big Rock Inn near Gardiner, MT- Yellowstone Big Rock Inn provides a garden and more. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner near Gardiner, MT- Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner/Yellowstone Park Area provides dry cleaning/laundry services and more. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Yellowstone Gateway Inn near Gardiner, MT- 3-star hotel near Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Gateway Inn provides amenities like a garden and laundry facilities. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Yellowstone National Park Camping

There are over 2,000 campsites within Yellowstone spread among 12 campgrounds. 

The only campground that is open year-round is Mammoth Campground. 

The majority of campgrounds within the park open in May and close in late fall. 

Five of these campgrounds are managed by the concessionaire who manages the Yellowstone Lodges. Reservations are handled through the concessionaire. 

• Bridge Bay Campground
• Canyon Campground
• Fishing Bridge RV Park
• Grant Village Campground
• Madison Campground

The National Park Service managed seven of the campgrounds. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov

• Mammoth Campground (Reservable)
• Norris Campground
• Slough Creek Campground (Reservable)
• Pebble Creek Campground (Sites 1-16 Reservable)
• Tower Fall Campground
• Indian Creek Campground
• Lewis Lake Campground

Backcountry Camping

The process for reserving backcountry campsites and obtaining backcountry permits has changed for 2022.

Early Access Lottery - Reservation applications will be accepted beginning in March 1 to the 20th, 2022 on Recreation.gov

Advanced Reservations - On April 26, remaining permits for open campsites will be available on Recreation.gov . Reservations must be made at least 3-days prior to the start date of a trip.

Walk-Up Permits - Walk-up backcountry permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis in person at a Yellowstone Backcountry Office. Hikers can obtain these permits up to 2-days prior to the start date of your trip.

Walk-up Permits cannot be issued over the phone or online through Recreation.gov.

Back Country Permit Fees

Early Access Lottery Application Fee:  $10 non-refundable. The application fee is charged for all applications to the Early Access Lottery regardless of success.

Recreation Fee:  $5 per person, per night plus a $10 reservation fee. The recreation fee is charged year-round for permits secured through Recreation.gov or in-person at a backcountry office.

The $10 reservation fee is charged for all permits except those acquired during the Early Access Lottery.

Permits are required year-round for all overnight stays in Yellowstone's backcountry. A backcountry permit allows the permit holder and group members to camp in a designated location.

Yellowstone maintains 293 designated backcountry campsites. 

Each designated campsite has a maximum limit for the number of people and stock allowed per night.

The maximum stay per campsite varies from 1 to 3 nights per trip.

A list and map of campsites can be found in the  Backcountry Trip Planner  and the online  Backcountry Trails and Campsites map .

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans . These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! 

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Travel Tips

Be prepared for CROWDS!!!

Have a hit list and plan of attack for what you want to see in the park. There is a lot of driving and construction in Yellowstone

Know your game plan and have a backup plan for weather, construction, too many people

Download the Geyser App for Yellowstone so you know Old Faithfu l times and don't miss it by a few minutes and have to wait an hour

Pack snacks and water

Dress in layers

If you want to stay at a Yellowstone lodge make your reservations as far in advance as you can. Many dates sell out a year in advance.

Know you will see more Bison than you can imagine. Don't worry about getting the perfect shot when you see the first one.

Be careful! Be aware of your surroundings.

Be bear aware, practice bear safety

Ask people what they are looking at when you see them pulled over or standing staring in one direction. It will make it a lot easier to see great wildlife.

Use the bathroom when you see it. The park is huge and it can take time to get to the next bathroom.

Go early in the morning and stay late in the evening to decrease the crowds you have to deal with.

Have a full tank of gas when you enter the park.

The park is a high elevation park. Be prepared for weather changes

Check weather and road conditions before you head into the park. Check for updates on Facebook and Twitter from the park and also on the website.

Be prepared to wait in road construction. I know we said it already but really be prepared! You could spend 20-40 minutes staring at the back of an RV or looking at the same trees.

Give yourself as much time as possible to explore the park! While you can drive the entire park in a day it will be a long day and you may not see as much as you want too.

Research the times for Old Faithful during your visit. This will help prevent having to wait for an hour or more to see Old Faithful

If you plan on visiting Yellowstone Falls try and get there early in the day. During the afternoon, the sun is directly behind the falls making it really hard to photograph.

Keep your camera ready during your drive through the park. You never know when a bear or other wildlife will appear.

If you are vegetarian the black bean burger at the grills inside the park is great.

Pack extra camera batteries and smart cards. You will take more pictures than you plan on

Be careful pulling off on the side of the road. In some areas, the dips are a lot bigger than you expect them to be. In the Lamar Valley , there can be quite a drop on the side of the road. If you have a low clearance vehicle be very careful.

Be prepared for road construction while driving through the park. You can be delayed for a few minutes to a lot longer.

Check your gas tank while near the few gas stations in the park. The gas stations are pretty spread out so make sure you have enough gas to get from one area of the park to the next.

Bug spray is your friend! Make sure you have some with you.

Yellowstone National Park information

How did yellowstone get its name.

Yellowstone National Park is named after the Yellowstone River which runs through the park. 

The river was named by the Minnetaree Indians who called it Mi tse a-da-zi, or Yellow Rock River. 

This name was passed on to French trappers who called it Roche Jaune and then later changed by American trappers to Yellow Stone. 

For those who enjoy spirits, the gift stores in Yellowstone carry a Bourbon that is only sold in their stores. It is Roche Jaune Whiskey. This is a very good bourbon, in fact, I get emails from visitors every year asking how they can get another bottle. Make sure to check out my article  Spirits inspired by the National Parks . 

How big is Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined!

The park covers 3, 472 miles including 1,000 miles of trails, 52 picnic areas, 900 historic buildings, and 290 waterfalls. 

Is Yellowstone the largest National Park?

No! Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska is the largest park unit with over 13 million acres. 

What is the highest peak in Yellowstone?

The highest peak in the park is Eagle Peak in the southeastern part of the park at 11,358 feet.

Can you swim in Yellowstone rivers, lakes, or hydrothermal?

Swimming is not really recommended in the lakes or streams because they are COLD!

Firehole Canyon near Madison Junction has a popular swimming area in the summer.

Soaking in any thermal features is illegal and really dangerous!

The only exception to this is the Boiling River north of Mammoth Hot Springs where a large hot spring enters the Gardner River. This area has a mixing of hot and cool waters that make it comfortable to soak in.

How many Geysers are in Yellowstone?

There are more than 10,000 hydrothermal features in the park. Of these hydrothermal, there are 500 geysers with 300 active geysers. 

Over half of all the world's geysers are found in Yellowstone.

When does Old Faithful erupt?

Each eruption prediction is based on the last eruption so times vary by the day.

The average eruption is every 92 minutes. 

Yellowstone National Park Facts

Size - 3,472 square miles

Trails - over 1,000 miles of trails

Picnic areas - 52

Historic buildings - 900

Waterfalls - 290

Hydrothermal Features - 10,000

Geysers - 500, 300 of them are active 

National Parks near Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Craters of the Moon National Monument 

Timpanogos Cave National Monument  

Fossil Butte National Monument

Golden Spikes National Historic Site  

City of Rocks National Reserve

Check out all of the great  National Parks in Wyoming  along with neighboring  Colorado National Parks ,  Idaho National Parks ,  National Parks in Utah ,  Nevada National Parks ,  Arizona National Parks , and  New Mexico National Parks . 

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Last updated: June 3, 2024

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PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

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Tips for Planning a Yellowstone RV Trip

The first national park in the U.S. offers spectacular sights and plenty of space. Taking an RV trip to Yellowstone can feel daunting—but with some extra planning, it’s absolutely worth it.

By Gretchen Holcombe & Roadtrippers

When approaching Yellowstone National Park from the east, your first view is of the vast, wild, and eerie landscape formed by ancient volcanoes. It’s shaped by thousands of years of thermal activity and scarred in more recent times by fire. As you drive farther into the park, the vastness is shared with visitor centers, traffic, and crowds. 

A Yellowstone RV trip can be overwhelming to plan and execute, but it’s absolutely worth it. Yellowstone offers spectacular landscapes with one-of-a-kind terrain and geological surprises at every turn. It’s a place every U.S. traveler should visit, but figuring out the best way to explore the park’s 3,472 square miles can be daunting. 

The good news is that much of the trip planning has already been done for you—just follow the park’s two big loops. RVers can cover ground at a decent pace by planning which stops to make along the loop each day. As you plan, keep in mind that you won’t be able to see everything (after all, the park spans three states), and it’s perfectly okay to just hit the highlights on a first trip and to save certain sights for another time.

Some General Advice for Visiting Yellowstone

It’s difficult to recommend an ideal trip length for a Yellowstone RV trip because there’s just so much to see. An RV trip to Yellowstone generally involves long days with lots of driving and crowds, which can cause exhaustion for even the most seasoned traveler. If you’re planning your first RV trip to Yellowstone National Park, you should give yourself at least five or six days, with a planned rest day where you stay close to the campground. This trip length is manageable for most people, but still allows for enough time to see many of the park’s best sights. 

If you only have a couple of days as part of a longer trip, you can still enjoy some of the sights and get a taste of the park. Pick just a few highlights, and leave wanting more. However long your trip, keep in mind that traffic—often caused by bison or bear jams or by road construction—is very common. Make sure you have the right gear to enjoy the park in all temperatures as Yellowstone’s weather can be temperamental at any time of year. 

If you’re looking to beat the crowds in Yellowstone National Park, rainy days can often bring a rare break from crowds at popular sights, so take advantage of them. Always get an early start to your day. Historically, the park is most crowded in July and August, so planning a trip outside of peak months will also yield fewer crowds. 

Getting to Yellowstone National Park in an RV 

Yellowstone National Park is larger than the state of Rhode Island, and your experience will vary depending on which direction you’re entering the park from.

Yellowstone has five entrance gates: north, south, west, east, and northeast. The biggest challenge for most people in getting to Yellowstone in an RV is figuring out which route to take coming through the mountains from the east, which can be a difficult entrance for RVers. Your three main options are U.S. highways 14, 14A, and 16. The conventional wisdom is that Route 14 is scary in an RV, Route 14A is terrifying, and Route 16 is reasonable. U.S. Route 16 is a well-maintained road with wide shoulders, passing lanes, and minimal steep drop-offs. It will still take you up to 9,666 feet at Powder River Pass and back down again via some long grades, so make sure to brush up on your mountain driving skills before attempting this route. 

The northeast entrance is perhaps the most dramatic and scenic, but can also be challenging in an RV. The route passes through the Beartooth Mountains on U.S. Route 212, which includes switchbacks and steep mountain grades, so it’s generally not recommended for large rigs. 

If you’re arriving from the north, you’ll travel on I-90, which connects to Yellowstone via U.S. Route 89 in Gardiner, Montana. This is the easiest entrance route for RV driving. For those arriving from the west, you’ll enter the park through the West Yellowstone gateway community and then choose either a north or south route. U.S. Route 191 travels north toward Bozeman. If you choose to go south, you’ll travel along U.S. 20 toward I-15, which includes the Targhee Pass—a long up-and-down grade with truck lanes and pull-offs. Both routes are manageable in an RV. Finally, the south entrance connects Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park via U.S. Route 89. You’ll see plenty of RVs on this scenic route, but pay attention to the grades in the Yellowstone section.      

Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park with an RV

Yellowstone is massive, which means you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a campground. You may decide on a single base camp to avoid having to pack up halfway through your trip, but that will mean some very long driving days if you want to hit all the highlights. By choosing two different campgrounds throughout the park, you can split the trip into more manageable segments. 

Another factor to consider on an RV trip to Yellowstone National Park is whether you want to stay inside or outside of the park. If you have a smaller RV and you’re set up for dry camping, there are several National Park Service campgrounds to choose from. If you need hookups, Fishing Bridge is your only in-park option. Outside the park, look to the small towns of West Yellowstone and Gardiner for campgrounds with hookups.

Fishing Bridge, Wyoming

Fishing Bridge is the only RV park with full hookups that’s actually inside Yellowstone National Park, which is the main reason to stay here. While it’s a bare-bones RV park, visitors note that it has a high price tag for national park standards. As long as you go into your experience with expectations in check, Fishing Bridge is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring close-by sites like Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. NOTE: Fishing Bridge is closed for renovations until the fall of 2021 with hopes that it will reopen with some upgrades. 

Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park, Montana

Yellowstone Grizzly , which is located just outside the western park entrance, offers manicured sites and full hookups right in the charming little town of West Yellowstone. The location is within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and other attractions like the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. 

Mammoth Campground, Wyoming

Mammoth Campground is an in-park option without hookups, look toward the beautiful Mammoth Hot Springs area, which is close to the town of Gardiner, Montana. This corner of the park is a long haul from most of the other popular attractions, so you will most likely encounter fewer crowds here. If you’re looking to visit off-season, it’s also the only campground in the park that’s open year-round. Note that the sites here cannot accommodate RVs longer than 30 feet. 

Other Great Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park

• In West Yellowstone: Yellowstone Park/West Gate KOA , Baker’s Hole Campground (USFS)
• In Gardiner: Rocky Mountain RV Park 
• In Yellowstone National Park: Madison Campground , Grant Village Campground

What to Do on a Yellowstone National Park RV Trip

No matter where you go in Yellowstone, you’re bound to see plenty of strange and beautiful sights—the park alone is home to over half of the world’s active geysers, more than 500 in total. But of course, there are some standouts that shouldn’t be missed in this expansive national park. 

Old Faithful, Wyoming

If you only know about one thing in Yellowstone, it’s probably Old Faithful, the geyser that erupts with convenient regularity every 75 minutes or so. It’s not Yellowstone’s most impressive geyser, but it’s by far the easiest to see, both because of the predictable timing and because it’s right outside of the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Due to accessibility, it’s one of the more popular park attractions, so arrive early to beat the crowds. While in the area, make sure to explore the Upper Geyser Basin for even more geysers and other geothermal phenomena. For history buffs, the Old Faithful Inn offers free historic tours of the property, which is an impressive example of early “Parkitecture.” 

Related These 20 National Park Service lodges showcase ‘parkitecture’ at its finest

Midway Geyser Basin, Wyoming

If you continue driving clockwise around the Grand Loop Road, you’ll encounter Midway Geyser Basin just a few minutes away from Old Faithful. Here you’ll find the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, the third largest hot spring in the world. A short boardwalk takes you past the spring to other thermal features nearby. 

Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming

Located in the far northwest corner of the park, Mammoth Hot Springs showcases a completely different landscape from anywhere else in Yellowstone with its steaming travertine terraces. You can get up close to the hydrothermal action via a boardwalk trail that winds through the area. This is also the site of Fort Yellowstone, where U.S. Army soldiers once protected the just-established national park from poachers and developers. It’s an interesting stop for those looking to learn about the park’s early days, as many of the original buildings are still standing. And, while you’re at this end of the park, make sure to visit the north entrance gate and the Roosevelt Arch. 

Lamar Valley, Wyoming

It’s easy to spot bison in Yellowstone as they roam freely all over the park. But the Lamar Valley offers a glimpse of some lesser-seen wildlife, like the 100 or so wolves who live inside the park. Here, you’ll also find the Lamar River Trail, which is a 20-mile out-and-back trail through an area that’s home to unique wildlife and fewer crowds. Don’t feel like you have to hike a marathon though, you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet (and rare animals, if you’re lucky) even just a few miles in. 

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Wyoming

You may recognize the distant view of a waterfall pouring into the 1,000-foot-deep canyon from Artist Point as you approach the gushing falls. Just make sure you drive the North and South Rim roads for the best views. And don’t miss the Canyon Visitor Education Center for exhibits on the supervolcano that’s responsible for Yellowstone’s one-of-a-kind landscape. 

Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb Geyser Basin, Wyoming

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, with more than 140 miles of shoreline. Private boats are allowed, but the cold water temperatures and frequent, sudden winds make it suitable only for experienced boaters. A concessionaire offers an hour-long guided tour on an enclosed boat. At West Thumb Geyser Basin, you can walk along the boardwalk and see the lake and geysers at the same time, including at least one geyser that’s actually in the lake.

A trip to Yellowstone should be on every RVers bucket list as there’s really nothing that parallels its history and nature. With some extra planning and a well-devised itinerary, a trip here in an RV can be simple, fun, and sure to wow the whole family.

Related Everything you need to know to plan a national park road trip

Meet the Authors

Gretchen Holcombe

Gretchen is a blogger and homeschooling mom who lives in North Georgia with her husband, four boys, and assorted dogs, cats, and chickens. Her family spends as much time as they can exploring the U.S. and Canada with their Jayco toy hauler and a van called Big Blue. She blogs about their travels at Boxy Colonial on the Road.

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Places to Stay In and Near Yellowstone National Park: The Best Cabins, Hotels, and Lodges

By Emily Pennington

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Yellowstone National Park  is the birthplace of “America’s best idea,” the first national park in the world, and routinely one of the most-visited in the country. The park itself sits atop a highly active supervolcano and is home to the highest concentration of geothermal features on the planet (think powerful geysers, steamy hot springs, and bubbling mudpots). It’s also a fantastic place to spot charismatic megafauna in the wild—wolves, grizzly bears, and bison all reside here.

With so many spectacular sites, it’s no wonder that in-park lodging, including camping, can fill up  six months to one year in advance . Plus, these historic sites often lack the soothing spa treatments and luxe creature comforts that many travelers look forward to after a day of hiking and geyser gazing. Luckily, there are still plenty of options if you’re looking for places to stay in Yellowstone—close to the park and full of great amenities.

Below, you’ll find a list of our all-time favorite Yellowstone National Park lodging hubs and vacation rentals, from gorgeous  glamping sites  to rustic resorts to secluded cabins.

Top places to stay in Yellowstone at a glance:

• Best for families: Paradise Lodge near Yellowstone
• Best for views: The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse
• Best for skiing: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
• Best affordable stay: Bridger View Bunkhouse
• Best for couples: Sunrise Silo

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Eagles Wings Mountain House

Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Top amenities: Mountain views, hot tub, dedicated workspace Best for: Classy family reunions

What’s not to love about the Eagles Wings Mountain House? From its indoor-outdoor fireplace to the hot tub with to-die-for mountain vista views, this is one seriously stunning property. Situated on 35 acres in Paradise Valley, you and your crew are sure to find solitude here as you enjoy the eat-in chef’s kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of Emigrant Peak from all four bedrooms. When you aren’t exploring the park (30 minutes away by car), a shaded alfresco dining area, complete with a Weber Summit Grill, is the perfect place to recount your wilderness memories.

Secluded mountain-modern chalet

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Full kitchen, phenomenal bedroom views, hot tub, porch swing Best for: Reuniting your favorite hiking buddies (the downstairs unit can be added on for more space)

Architectural details abound at this chic, mountain-view chalet that’s only an 80-minute drive from the park’s north entrance. Matte wood paneling, private terraces, heated floors, and stainless steel appliances give the place a modern vibe, while each of the two bedrooms is adorned with bright red pops and unique art that lends a more western feel. It’s the best of both worlds. After a day of geyser gazing, sit back and watch the sunset from the log-hewn swing, relax in the private hot tub, or lounge in bed and gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Sunrise Silo

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Full kitchen, hot tub, washer and dryer Best for: Rural couple’s getaway

This chic farm stay with expansive sunrise vistas will wow you, from its free-roaming cattle to the fresh (and local) eggs and milk. Not only is this elegantly converted storage silo full of natural light, clean, rustic decor, and modern amenities, but it also serves as a functional jumping-off point for all kinds of adventures. A full kitchen makes pre-hike breakfasts a cinch, and a large outdoor patio with a hot tub is the perfect post-hike place to kick back with a glass of wine. Up to four guests can comfortably sleep in this one-bedroom thanks to the queen bed in the loft and additional sofa bed in the living room, but keep in mind the open floor plan means there won’t be full privacy.

The Virginian Lodge Arrow

Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation Top amenities: Hot tubs, on-site restaurant, firepits Best for: Sporty families or groups of friends

Newly opened in 2022, The Virginian Lodge is a welcome change to Jackson Hole’s billionaire cowboy scene, offering hip, well-priced rooms and suites with fun amenities tailored to what everyday adventurers actually want (like pet-friendly accommodations, nightly s’mores, and free, locally-roasted craft coffee). This stylishly remodeled motor lodge offers a variety of adventure basecamps, from simple king rooms to four-bunk hubs with a common area for your whole crew. Take a dip in the all-season pool and hot tubs, cuddle up under Pendleton wool blankets, enjoy a drink at the Saloon, or try your hand at a dogsledding tour.

Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman

Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath Top amenities: Luxe bath products, on-site concert venue, guitar loaner program Best for: Hip Montana hangs

Like so many western college towns, Bozeman is blowing up, and the Kimpton Armory Hotel is proof of that—serving up stylish digs and uber-cool amenities. From its in-house music hall to the rooftop pool with a mountain view to a Gibson guitar loaner program for guests, this hotel screams “Visit me, hip millennials.” Even the tiny touches (like Frette linens, in-room Illy coffee, and Atelier Bloem bath amenities) have been thoughtfully selected. Rooms come with a view of either the Northern Rockies or downtown Bozeman, and for a small additional fee, guests can enjoy things like an outdoor heated pool, live entertainment, and complimentary seasonal outdoor gear.

Montage Big Sky Arrow

Bed & bath:  Varies by accommodation, residences available Top amenities:  Top après-ski dining, Spanish Peaks vistas, gas fireplaces, marble baths Best for: White-glove service

Sleek, modern interiors blend with alpine-inspired accents (think log cabin-style exteriors and faux fur throws) to create a year-round resort that’s both contemporary and at home in the mountains. Opened in late 2021, Montage’s Big Sky property boasts luxurious features like marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, and a full-service spa with products by Lola’s Apothecary , as well as breathtaking views of Montana’s Spanish Peaks, all just an hour from West Yellowstone. During winter, hit the slopes (the resort is ski-in/ski-out) before noshing from the roaming raclette cart at The Living Room .

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole Arrow

Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation Top amenities: Year-round pool, world-class spa, ski valet Best for: Ski and park adventures

Dark wood tones and Southwest-inspired textiles adorn the rooms at Hotel Terra, a 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards pick for one of the best hotels in the Southwest and West. This LEED Silver–certified lodge sits on an enviable ski-in ski-out location in Teton Village, close to both the slopes and Yellowstone. When not tearing it up in fresh powder, guests can unwind in jetted soaking tubs and grab second-to-none Italian fare (the elk osso bucco is not to be missed) at Il Villaggio Osteria . Pro tip: In winter, book a guided wildlife or snow coach tour as the park’s south entrance is closed to passenger vehicles.

Bridger View Bunkhouse

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Complimentary bikes, mountain views, in-unit washer and dryer Best for: Hip couples exploring Montana on a budget

Yes, Bozeman is a bit of a drive from Yellowstone—the trendy college town is 80 minutes to the north—but this up-and-coming hamlet is full of enough happening eateries, local craft brewers, and art galleries to make it a worthy stop on anyone’s Yellowstone adventure, and Bridger View Bunkhouse is a stellar place for some R&R while you’re at it. With decor that perfectly blends clean white lines with woodsy accents like vintage fishing nets, deer antlers, and river art, the property is as tasteful as it is budget-friendly.

Sage Lodge Arrow

Bed & bath:  Varies by accommodation Top amenities:  On-site spa, yoga classes Best for: Wellness lovers

Situated against commanding views of the Yellowstone River, Sage Lodge truly immerses guests in the nature they so excitedly seek when planning a national park vacation. Rooms here are spacious, with sleeper sofas, fireplaces, and private verandas to help you kick back and unwind after a day of bison-viewing and geyser-chasing. Plus, it’s one of the few hotels with a full-service spa near Yellowstone (just 40 minutes by car), offering tantalizing treatments like hot river rock massages and gua sha face contouring. Bringing a large group? The property’s four 2,783-square-foot  ranch houses boast modern, mountain-chic vibes and sleep up to 16.

The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Indoor-to-outdoor living spaces, stainless steel appliances, views on views on views Best for: Families with older kids or couples seeking solitude

Architecture reins above all else at this gorgeous two-bedroom that’s set on 230 acres of private land.  The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse was designed to showcase dazzling nature, which is evident in its many floor-to-ceiling windows and huge sliding doors that open to miles of rolling green hills. Wake up to panoramic views of the mountainous Gallatin National Forest, then soak up the colors of the sunset while making a post-hike meal in the home’s full kitchen. Best of all, this rental is a part of  Erik’s Ranch , a local nonprofit that helps young adults with autism find meaningful work in hospitality and as guides.

Golden Stone Inn

Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation Top amenities: Private patios, firepits, wader hangers and rod racks Best for: Fly fishers and cabin seekers

Situated right outside the park in West Yellowstone, this newer cluster of single and triplex cabins proves that you don’t have to empty your bank account to find a stylish, mountain-modern stay. Designed with the fly fisherman in mind, each room features specially designed rod racks and wader hangers. In the morning, grab breakfast from the main lodge and head for the Madison River or zip into the park (a four-minute drive) for sunrise wildlife viewing.

Under Canvas Yellowstone

Bed & bath:  Studio, 1 bath Top amenities:  Woodburning stoves, organic bath products, complimentary s’mores Best for: The tent-curious who's still seeking creature comforts

A mere 10-minute drive from Yellowstone’s west entrance, this amenity-rich glamping resort is the perfect place to catch some Zs for those who prize location and convenience above all else. Every one of the site’s large canvas tents has a private deck with views of Montana’s rolling green hills freckled with trees, a private shower and flush toilet (or access to spa-inspired bathhouses), and a wood burning stove with complimentary firewood for warmth when the sun goes down. Upgrade to a Stargazer tent for a window into night sky viewing—right from your king-sized bed.

Paradise Lodge near Yellowstone

Bed & bath:  5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths Top amenities:  Hot tub, shady pergola space, indoor fireplace, huge living room with high ceilings Best for: Family reunions or big squads of hiking fanatics

Paradise Lodge is the platonic ideal of a Montana vacation rental, with the lofty, chandelier-lit ceilings, wood accents, and expansive mountain vistas to prove it. With room for your entire family or fly-fishing crew—the space has five roomy bedrooms, with private bathrooms in each—it’s a large, newly-constructed home that’s brimming with luxurious amenities. Flip flapjacks in the full kitchen, take a soak in the private hot tub, binge TV, or simply curl up with a good book by the fire (take your pick between the indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit).

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole Arrow

Bed & bath:  Varies by accommodation Top amenities:  Enormous bathtubs, ski-in/ski-out access Best for: Luxury travelers hitting both Grand Teton and Yellowstone

A brand famous for its refined class and reliably high-end amenities, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole never fails to impress. Choose between a view of the Snake River Valley or a balcony overlooking the ski slopes of Rendezvous Mountain and enjoy panoramic sunsets and starry night skies right from the comfort of your room. Southwestern fabrics add flair to each guest room’s private seating area, and the marble bathrooms and comfy bathrobes will make it hard to say goodbye.

Hotel Jackson Arrow

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Nespresso machines, L’Occitane bath products, unforgettable in-house dining at Fig Best for: Splurging on a romantic getaway

Set amidst the cowboy bar vibes of Jackson’s Town Square, Hotel Jackson has seemingly done the impossible: create a property overflowing with Old West architectural details (reclaimed barn wood, studded leather chairs, and Southwest-inspired wool blankets) without sacrificing modern life’s finer things (L’Occitane bath products, a rooftop hot tub, and a guests-only library full of original Indigenous art). After adventuring in Yellowstone National Park, 80 minutes away, don’t miss the world-class Lebanese-Mediterranean fare at FIGS.

Lone Mountain Ranch Arrow

Bed & bath:  Varies by cabin (1-6 bedrooms available) Top amenities:  Woodburning stoves, clawfoot soaking tubs, farm-to-table dining Best for: Families and couples

Set a convenient 40 minutes from Bozeman Airport and an hour from Yellowstone, Lone Mountain is an authentic dude ranch that’s been operating in Big Sky Country for over 100 years. The property’s 23 log cabins and two private homes are rustic on the outside and full of cozy amenities inside, like wood burning fireplaces, tiled walk-in showers, and private sitting areas with vinyl record players. This is a place to experience authentic Montana culture, from naturalist-led tours of the national park and fly fishing in the Gallatin River to saddling up in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness.

Old Faithful Inn

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Show-stopping lobby fireplace, proximity to Old Faithful, pet-friendly cabins Best for: Those looking to stay smack inside the park

No list would be complete without mentioning the Old Faithful Inn, a National Historic Landmark and one of the country’s foremost examples of “park-itecture.” Built from 1903 to 1904, the hotel is the largest log structure in the world, drawing thousands of guests each year to its famous stone fireplace and central location within the park. While it may not be as outwardly luxe as other spots mentioned here, the inn’s clean, comfortable rooms, log cabin-style restaurant, and views into Geyser Basin (including Old Faithful itself) combine to make it a wonderland for both history buffs and wilderness seekers alike.

Shooting Star cabin

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths Top amenities:  Killer hot tub views, woodburning indoor fireplace, large dining room, outdoor grill Best for: Moose sightings, ski-cations, and getting the gang back together

Less than 90 minutes from Yellowstone and one mile from Grand Teton, this well-appointed Airbnb is a dream for mountain fanatics at any time of year. It’s full of cozy touches like a mountain-view hot tub, rustic wood fireplace, faux fur throws, and stylish bunk beds for the kids. If the cabin’s enormous chef’s kitchen and wood plank dining table aren’t your scene, the frequent moose and deer sightings from right outside your bedroom window should be reason enough to visit.

Amangani Arrow

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath (homes also available) Top amenities:  Bespoke bath products, fine dining, bathtubs, patios with Teton views Best for: Wellness retreats

Nestled in the foothills of the jagged Grand Tetons, the Amangani pays tribute to the Old West with its sandstone and redwood architecture. Overlooking the Snake River Valley, its location is convenient to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. As part of the Aman hotel group , the Amangani offers an unparalleled year-round guest experience (think gas fireplaces, soaking tubs, spacious suites, and sustainable chef-prepared cuisine by Manuel Fernandez) and celebrates its stunning natural surroundings with accents like floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks for the best sunset views.

Under the Tram

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths Top amenities:  Chef’s kitchen, two living rooms, private sauna, hot tub Best for: Cozy nature escapes with a big family

Play house and be one with nature in this gorgeous, four-bedroom Airbnb that sleeps eight, operated by local vacation management company Outpost , which has a ton of Airbnbs available year-round. With a grill, deck, fireplace, and large outdoor seating area, the space is phenomenal for summer BBQs in between national park visits (Yellowstone is under 90 minutes away, and Grand Teton is just a stone’s throw). When you’re done hiking, unwind in the private sauna or hang out in the secluded hot tub under the dappled shade of towering trees.

Sunset Haven

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Cookable kitchen; Smart TVs; gas grill; large, shaded patio Best for: Girls gone WY-oming

It can be hard to find sleek, architectural details in a state that values its reclaimed wood and railroad spikes, but this family-friendly Airbnb set on 11 pristine acres seems to have all the modern conveniences a jet-setting national parks lover would want. Marvel at sincerely epic mountain views (or kick back and watch the flat-screen) from plush living room couches; sauté up a feast in the home’s sleek kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances; or sprawl out and watch the sunset from the adjoining pergola. After a day of adventuring, snuggle up next to the outdoor firepit (wood included).

The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection Arrow

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Stocked coffee bars, ski concierge, hip lobby, unforgettable rooftop view Best for: Ski bums and couples exploring the parks

With easy access to downtown Jackson’s infamous cowboy saloons and Stetson shops, plus relatively quick driving access to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, The Cloudveil (a new venture from Marriott’s Autograph Collection) is a park lover’s dream. Each spacious guest room is abundant with features like mountain views, plush seating areas, private fireplaces, and walk-in showers, and sprinkled with thoughtful touches of Wyoming flair (think Southwestern textiles, exposed wooden beams, and summit-inspired artwork). Add in the bath products by Grown Alchemist and you’ll never want to leave.

Cherry Creek guest house

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities:  Enviable soaking tubs, vintage piano, heated floors, Smart TVs, al fresco dining nooks Best for: Family reunions and groups of adults who love nature

Go from your front door to the park in under an hour and a half at this stylish home full of reclaimed wood and artful slate accents. The 3,200-square-foot interior features heated floors, a vintage piano, a large entertainment center, a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and clean bedroom decor with soft towels and colorful throws. Mountain views abound from the outdoor patio and grassy backyard, which boasts a hot tub, grill, seating area, and fire pit for evening campfire tales.