The Complete Guide to Yellowstone National Park

The Complete Guide to Yellowstone National Park

The Complete Guide to Yellowstone National Park

As the first national park in the United States, Yellowstone features some of the most treasured and unique things to see in any of the national parks.  With geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, dramatic waterfalls, and incredible wildlife, this park hits it all.  However, it is a large park and needs days to fully explore due to the fact that sites to see are very spread out from one another.  In this complete guide to Yellowstone National Park, we break down the different areas of the park with itineraries for those specific areas.

About Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park encompasses 3,472 square miles, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States.  It is located mostly in northwestern Wyoming with a small portion in southern Montana and Idaho.

Yellowstone lies on a supervolcano where many volcanoes erupted hundreds of thousands of years ago.  A giant caldera formed following these eruptions and we can see the remnants of it today.  It is huge, measuring approximately 30 by 45 miles!  The heat of these volcanoes fuels Yellowstone’s geothermal features resulting in bubbling mud pots, spewing geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.

Viewing the wildlife that resides within Yellowstone’s boundaries is also a top draw to the park.  While here you may see grizzly bears, bison, elk, and wolves.  What an amazing place!

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK FACTS

America’s First National Park

  • LOCATION:  Wyoming & Montana
  • CLOSEST CITY:  Bozeman, MT
  • ANNUAL VISITORS:  4.7 million
  • 4th most visited U.S. National Park (out of 63)
  • BECAME A NATIONAL PARK:  1872
  • TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO:  Visit Grand Prismatic Spring & Old Faithful

How to Get Here

There are a few commercial airports servicing the area:

  • Bozeman, MT (airport code:  BZN) – this is where we flew in.
  • Jackson Hole, WY (airport code:  JAC) – this is where we flew out of after our time in Yellowstone followed by a few days in Grand Teton National Park.
  • Cody, WY (airport code:  COD) and Idaho Falls, ID (airport code:  IDA) are nearby as well, although much smaller with fewer flight options.

Where to Stay

There are several places to stay within the park, from historic lodges in the villages as well as campgrounds scattered throughout.

For our entire duration at Yellowstone National Park, we stayed in West Yellowstone in the Explorer Cabins and were very happy with the cabin stay. 

We had some amenities in town and were very close to the West Yellowstone entrance.  Staying in one place during our visit worked best for us.  We didn’t have to move locations nor unpack more than once.  And with check out times in the morning and check in times in the afternoon for the majority of lodging, you really have to plan your day around that.  This way, we had a bit more driving on some days, but the upside was the ease of the same place to stay for several days.

Yellowstone National Park:  The Complete Guide

When visiting Yellowstone National Park it is best to break down your visit to specific areas of the park, which we do in this guide.  Many areas are spread out far apart from one another.  If you have multiple days, this will equate to less driving and more enjoying!  Note that this itinerary works best in the summer months when all roads are open.

Below is a map with all the stops in this itinerary marked.  They are color coded for each day.

Day 1 – Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring

What this agenda includes:

  • Firehole Canyon & Firehole Falls
  • Old Faithful
  • Grand Prismatic Spring
  • The Continental Divide
  • West Thumb Geyser Basin
  • On the above map, the orange markers are the stops listed on today’s itinerary.

Starting off your trip to Yellowstone with the stars of the park, Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, makes for a great first day.  These two features are located relatively close to one another so they are easy to visit together.  Following a southbound itinerary from West Yellowstone, we first stopped at Firehole Canyon and Falls, at the recommendation of a park ranger.

Firehole Canyon and Firehole Falls

Firehole Canyon Road follows the Firehole River on a beautiful, one-way, 2 mile drive, ending just past Firehole Falls. 

Beautiful Firehole Falls

This is an easy detour to add on and just adds a little bit of time.  

Old Faithful

Welcome to Old Faithful, probably the most famous feature in any national park!  

The Old Faithful Village is enormous with multiple lodges, a huge general store, gift shops, museums, restaurants, and even a post office.  One can spend hours here perusing all there is to see and do here.

The parking lot is massive so if arriving early you likely will not have trouble finding a spot.  We arrived at around 9:00 am and the parking lot was mostly empty.  

PRO TRAVEL TIP:  Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90 minutes and park rangers predict the next eruption time based off the last eruption.  Click the link to be taken to the NPS website, where you are then directed to download the app for geyser eruption times:  NPS Geyser Activity.

This will help you plan your time while visiting Old Faithful Village.

When we arrived we checked the app and realized Old Faithful was predicted to erupt within one minute!  We joined the masses on the boardwalk and waited patiently for it to erupt.   Well, it finally erupted about 10 minutes later, so definitely be prepared to wait a bit.  It is very exciting when it starts to shoot out steam and then spew a little water, and finally Old Faithful officially erupts!  

Eruption of Old Faithful

After the eruption, we headed to the general store to assemble a picnic lunch.  From here, we then hiked up to Observation Point, leaving about 40 minutes before the next predicted eruption.  The hike up to Observation Point is about 0.5 miles one way with 200 feet of elevation gain.  To reach the trailhead, head to the right on the boardwalk around Old Faithful and cross the bridge over the river. 

The trail to Observation Point

We got to the top with what we thought was a good 15 minutes before the eruption, choosing our viewing spot between the pines and setting up our picnic.  We were just about to dig in to our picnic lunch when Old Faithful started to erupt!  The predicted time was 11:07 am and it started erupting at 10:54 am, which just goes to show how varying the times can be.   The birds eye view from Observation Point offered a different perspective than joining the masses at the boardwalk and I recommend doing this if you have the time.  Plus the picnic lunch while watching our second round of Old Faithful erupting was a great experience.

Old Faithful erupting as seen from Observation Point

Also while at Old Faithful, be sure to check out the Old Faithful Inn, a historical property at Yellowstone. 

Historic Old Faithful Inn

 For an in-depth guide to visiting Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring as well as other sites to see in one day, check out our guide:  One Day Itinerary – The Park’s Stars

The Continental Divide

When driving from Old Faithful to West Thumb Geyser Basin you will pass over the Continental Divide.  The Continental Divide runs through Yellowstone National Park, dividing the watersheds that drain water to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.  

The Continental Divide

This is a quick stop with an interpretive sign explaining all about the Continental Divide and Yellowstone’s role.  The lily pad covered lake also makes for a beautiful photo!

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin sits right on the “thumb” of Yellowstone Lake.  It was the furthest point of our trip and where we turned around to head back to West Yellowstone.

This geyser basin features many colorful pools, in fact some of the best we had seen so far. 

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook

When speaking with a park ranger at the Old Faithful Visitor’s Center, he recommended visiting the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook between 11 am – 3 pm, when the colors are most vibrant on a sunny day and after the morning steam has burned off.  

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook via the Fairy Falls Trail

After turning around at West Thumb Geyser Basin on our way back to West Yellowstone, we had one more stop.  For a birds eye view of Grand Prismatic Spring, there is a fantastic observation area, the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, on the Fairy Falls Trail.  Fairy Falls is a waterfall beyond this overlook.

The parking lot at Fairy Falls trailhead was quite busy, although it is a large lot with ample parking.  We found a spot right as someone was leaving (as is usually the case!)  Once parked, we hiked the 0.8 mile one way trail, first exposed in the hot sun, but soon climbing the dirt trail within the trees.  Elevation increases quickly so be aware that you will be climbing up, but the views are worth it.

The views up here are incredible!  Just check out Grand Prismatic Spring in all her colorful glory!  Visiting midday, on a sunny day is the best time to see it, that’s for sure.

The best view of Grand Prismatic Spring

Day 2 – Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Hot Springs

What this agenda includes:

  • Gibbon Falls
  • Artists Paint Pots
  • Norris Geyser Basin
  • Mammoth Hot Springs
  • Roosevelt Arch
  • On the above map, the green markers are the stops listed on today’s itinerary.

This day takes you on a northbound itinerary, where you will see some of the most unique features in Yellowstone National Park.  From West Yellowstone, we followed Grand Loop Road until we hit Madison Junction and took a left to head north.

Gibbon Falls

Along the route we came across Gibbon Falls and parked in the small parking lot.  We walked along the pathway, checking out the 84 foot falls and river, ending at the furthest point for the best views.

Gibbon Falls

Artists Paint Pots

From Gibbon Falls we headed to our first planned stop of the day, Artists Paint Pots.  The paint pots are a great introduction into the geothermal activity you will see throughout Yellowstone National Park.  

Hot steaming pools at Artists Paint Pots

Artists Paint Pots also has a relatively small lot, with cars often spilling onto the entrance road.  We found a spot as someone was leaving, which tends to be the case much of the time!

The boardwalks run along these “paint pots”, aptly named for their variety of colors and features.  Some are gray, bubbling mud pots resembling a clay you might want to sculpt with! 

A bubbling mud pot at Artists Paint Pots

Others are milky blue or deep orange, some steaming, some bubbling, some placid, but still emitting immense heat!

We did the full one mile loop, climbing the stairs to take in the views from above. 

View from the upper boardwalk at Artists Paint Pots

This was a great place to see our first geothermal activity.  The trail was easy, the views were great, and the variety here was interesting.

Norris Geyser Basin

From Artists Paint Pots it was off to Norris Geyser Basin, one of the most popular places to visit in Yellowstone.  There is a decent sized parking lot here, however traffic routinely gets backed up as people wait for spots to open.  Park Rangers then close the entrance to the lot for a period of time until people clear out and they will then reopen it.  This causes people arriving during that window to have to park along the designated areas on the roadway.  Your only choice is to then hike up to the trailhead.  Both times we visited, rangers closed the lot around 1:00 p.m. for a short duration, right after we parked.  The earlier you arrive, the better your chances for getting a spot in the parking lot.

We took our time walking the boardwalk and headed to the right first.  Here, we had great views of the entire basin as well as a close up view of the steam rising.   

Norris Geyser Basin

Back on the boardwalk, we then headed in the other direction for a much longer walk.  We passed more small geysers, turquoise hot pools, and what looked like barren land.  But don’t be fooled by the exterior, underneath the ground is alive!  

Norris Geyser Basin

Museum of the Park Ranger

While we didn’t stop here because we wanted to get to our picnic lunch, this museum is located right off Grand Loop Road heading north from Norris Geyser Basin and worth a stop if you have extra time.

Picnic Lunch

We had planned a lunch stop at this time and ended up at Beaver Creek picnic area just up the road from Norris Geyser Basin.  We found a shady picnic table and enjoyed our packed lunch while listening to a rushing river nearby and a breeze blowing through the trees.

Sheepeater Cliff

The name of this area comes from the Shoshones who inhabited this area, also known as Tukudika, which translates to “sheepeater”. 

Bison at Sheepeater Cliff

Here a lone bison sat in the grass in the middle of a small clearing.  This was our first (of many) bison sightings in Yellowstone!

Mammoth Hot Springs

The most unique area of Yellowstone National Park goes to Mammoth Hot Springs, on the north side of the park.  Featuring terraces of varying sizes and colors, this place looks like you have stepped foot on another planet.  To park here, enter one of the lots located off Grand Loop Road.  

Mammoth Hot Springs

At the Lower Terraces, more boardwalks take you on a walkway throughout the area, past ochre colored terraces with water running down as well as among chalky white areas that look barren.  

From the top you also get great views of the village of Mammoth Hot Springs.  This area has a small gas station, shops, restaurants, lodge, and even post office!

Looking down on Mammoth Hot Springs and the village of the same name

Right before reaching the Lower Terraces, you have the option of driving the Upper Terraces, a one-way, 1.5 mile drive taking you past more unique hot springs.

Roosevelt Arch – Gardiner, Montana

The ending point of this northbound day is at Roosevelt Arch.  This is the official northern entrance to the park and a special one at that. 

Roosevelt Arch

President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone on this arch, as he was a big proponent of protecting this area.  The arch is a symbol of all that was to come in our national park system that now includes 63 individual national parks!  As a national park lover, I knew I had to see it, and it was grand!

Roosevelt Arch

From here, you can plan to spend some time in Gardiner, a town built right on the edge of the park.  There are restaurants, touristy spots, and souvenir shops.  We didn’t stay, so we turned around and drove back to West Yellowstone. 

The entire drive one way clocks in around 53 miles.  This took us several hours, of course, with all the stops at each place, plus a picnic lunch.  We did this drive beginning around 9:00 a.m. and arrived back at our cabin in West Yellowstone around 4:30 p.m.  

For an in-depth guide to visiting Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner, Montana, read our one day guide on this itinerary:  One Day Yellowstone Itinerary – Heading North.

Day 3 – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lamar Valley

What this agenda includes:

  • Norris Geyser Basin (again!)
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
  • Lamar Valley
  • On the above map, the purple markers are the stops listed on today’s itinerary.

On this day you will head east to see some of the most dramatically beautiful areas of the park.  This itinerary starts later in the day so you can be in Lamar Valley in the early evening, when wildlife is most active.  The late start worked great also as crowds started to clear out after 3:00 pm, making for nice uncrowded visit to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.  The lighting at this time was also perfect!  Once in the park we followed Grand Loop Road until we hit Madison Junction and took a left to head to Norris Geyser Basin, our first stop of the day.

Norris Geyser Basin

We had previously visited Norris Geyser Basin, however Mike wasn’t with us on the first day and we knew he should see it as it is a really beautiful basin with steaming geysers and turquoise hot pools.  If you did not get the chance to see it previously, today you will pass it so it is easy to add on to this itinerary.  If you already visited and don’t care for a return trip, feel free to skip and enter the park a little bit later.

NOTE:  It is very important to stay on all the trails and boardwalks as the ground is extremely hot and poses a threat if stepped on or touched.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

From Norris Geyser Basin it was off to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which we found to be the most beautiful area of the park, with the golden canyon walls giving way to the rushing blue Yellowstone River.  There are a few areas to visit at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.  First, we took Grand Loop Road and turned onto North Rim Drive, where we parked at the Brink of the Lower Falls.  The parking lot is huge, although cars spill out onto the road here as well, as it is another popular spot to visit.  We arrived in the late afternoon so we had no trouble finding a parking spot.  The lighting at this time was also great for photography. 

From the trailhead we followed the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail down to the falls and it was pretty amazing being right next to the rushing falls.

Brink of the Lower Falls at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Once back at the top at the trailhead for Brink of the Lower Falls, we continued on the North Rim Trail that runs along the river from high up above, stopping at various lookout points along the way to take in the beautiful views.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

From here we drove into Canyon Village, to hit up the gas station and small store, adding a few things to our picnic dinner for later.

For more great views of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, continue on Grand Loop Road and turn onto South Rim Drive.  This takes you over a short bridge and to the other side of the Yellowstone River.  We followed the road until we got to the parking area for Artist Point. 

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as seen from Artist Point

The view from Artist Point is the best of all in my opinion, with fantastic views of the Lower Falls along with the snaking Yellowstone River set deep in the yellow canyons. 

Lamar Valley

We left Canyon Village around 5:00 pm as it was now time to move on to Lamar Valley, the best area in Yellowstone to see wildlife.  We planned our entire day around arriving at Lamar Valley around 6:00 pm, and it worked out great as the drive from Canyon Village to Lamar Valley was about one hour.

Lamar Valley is a must to see the wildlife that calls Yellowstone home.  While we only saw bison and pronghorn during our visit, bear and wolves frequent the area as well. 

Bison in Lamar Valley

While in Lamar Valley, we stopped at a pullout to enjoy our picnic dinner with the best views!  Evening time in Lamar Valley is so special, to see the wildlife up close with the beautiful setting sun.

Additional Stops

The above itinerary takes you through the best sites to see on this eastbound day.  We left our cabin in West Yellowstone at 12:00 pm and were back around 9:45 pm, so it took us over 9 hours total.  Of course you have the option to add in more stops as there are numerous additional pull outs, hikes, and countless features to see along the way.  

 

For an in-depth guide to visiting Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lamar Valley where we share how to time it right and our full experience check out our guide in this eastbound itinerary:  One Day in Yellowstone – Heading East.

Visiting Yellowstone with Less Time

If you don’t have multiple days to visit Yellowstone, each of the above one day itineraries is a great way to spend one full day in that area of the park.  However, if you want a breakdown of top sites to see and a very long day of driving these are the places we recommend for a long, but awesome one day in Yellowstone:

  • Old Faithful
  • Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook (via the Fairy Falls Trail)
  • Norris Geyser Basin
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
  • Hayden Valley

If you visit the sites in order as listed above, you will start at Old Faithful, work your way north, and then head east.  Hayden Valley would be your last stop as wildlife is most active in the evening.  I also recommend visiting Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in the late afternoon as the lighting is excellent and the crowds are low.  I chose Hayden Valley over Lamar for a one day itinerary because it is closer to other sites in the park.  Both are known for wildlife in the evening, so hopefully you will spot some in Hayden Valley!

When recreating in the great outdoors, be sure to follow the seven guiding principles of LEAVE NO TRACE:  Plan & Prepare | Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces | Dispose of Waste Properly | Leave What You Find | Minimize Campfire Impact | Respect Wildlife | Be Considerate of Others

OUR PACKING LIST

Below is our packing list for Yellowstone National Park:

Read More!

Below are more guides on visiting both Yellowstone National Park and nearby Grand Teton National Park:

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