Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a veritable geological and biological wonderland. I’ve been guiding there for nine years and I still can’t get enough of it. One thing I’ve always loved about Yellowstone–and something that makes guiding there so special–is that it truly offers something for everyone.
Are you a mountain lover? Yellowstone is chock-full of gorgeous mountainous terrain in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. For the history buff, the park is overflowing with ancient Native American legends and stories of daring early European exploration. And for the wildlife enthusiast? Lucky for you, Yellowstone is home to the most spectacular array of wildlife anywhere in North America!
The sheer size of Yellowstone–combined with the park’s seemingly limitless opportunity for unique, unrivaled experiences–can make the thought of planning a trip there feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park to serve as a template for planning and organizing a trip to this amazing wonderland. So without further ado, let’s get to it!
What is Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone was the first National Park in the world when it received that designation all the way back in 1872. The 2.2 million swath of federally protected land in the northwest corner of Wyoming sits on top of the largest supervolcano in the world, making it a (literal) hot-spot for unique thermal features like geysers and hot springs. Its dark lodgepole pine forests and vast, sprawling valleys are home to dozens of species of mammals, including elusive predators like the gray wolf and grizzly bear. The lakes and rivers of the park are known for their clear waters and pristine beauty. And the park’s vast network of hiking trails make it a world-renowned destination for hikers and backpackers. Millions of people are drawn to Yellowstone each year to bask in the unique geological, environmental, and ecological attractions it has to offer.
REad: Ultimate Guide to Yellowstone National Park
Things to do in Yellowstone National Park: The “Grand Loop”
In the early days of the park, visitors to Yellowstone had to take a special 5-day stagecoach tour via a 140 mile, figure 8 shaped road network known as the “grand loop.” Stops along the grand loop were strategically placed one day’s stagecoach ride away from each other, and allowed drive-to access to many of Yellowstone’s most iconic and notorious features. It’s this road network that laid the groundwork for Yellowstone’s reputation as an extremely accessible and road-trip friendly National Park.
Luckily for us, what used to be a five-day test of endurance on bumpy, dusty roads can now be enjoyed in a matter of a few days from the comfort of a modern vehicle! That’s why driving the infamous grand loop is still one of the top things to do in Yellowstone. Here are some of the top things to do along Yellowstone’s grand loop:
Go geyser gazing
A trip to Yellowstone is not complete without seeing the park’s most notorious and reliable geyser, Old Faithful, erupt at least once. But there is so much more to the park’s thermal activity than that famous geyser alone. In fact, Yellowstone is home to over half of the world’s geysers, and many are concentrated in thermal basins along the grand loop. Some of the best spots include:
- Old Faithful (Upper Geyser basin)
- Norris Geyser Basin
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Fountain Paint Pots
- Mud Volcano
- Mammoth Hot Springs
Go wildlife watching
Part of the appeal of Yellowstone is that you never know what could be lurking around the next corner. Wildlife sightings could happen anywhere, at any time; but in general the two major hotspots are Hayden Valley in the center of the park, and Lamar Valley on the northern end. Both spots are typically teeming with wildlife and generally offer the best chances to see bison and wolves. There are 67 different mammals found in the park, and dozens of other species of animals. A few of the key species include:
- Grizzly bears and black bears
- Gray wolves
- Bison
- Elk
- Moose
- Pronghorn antelope
- Trumpeter swan
- Golden eagle
Get inspired at Artist’s Point
Take in amazing views of the 308 foot tall Yellowstone Falls and gaze in awe at the vibrant, otherworldly colors of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
See the world’s 3rd-largest hot spring
The Grand Prismatic spring at the Midway geyser basin is roughly the size of a football field. Its vibrant, multi-colored waters make it a top destination for photographers and tourists alike. Hike the short (~1 mile roundtrip) trail to the overlook for stunning overhead views or walk the boardwalk to get up close.
Stay the night or eat dinner at a historic lodge
The park is chock full of stunningly designed and engineered lodges, including the majestic Lake Yellowstone Hotel and the marvelous Old Faithful Inn. Reservations need to be made well in advance. If you don’t have a chance to stay the night, at least grab a meal at one of their dining rooms which deliver locally-inspired fare in a one-of-a-kind environment.
Things to do in Yellowstone National Park: Go for a Hike!
Sure, driving around the park will offer you the chance to see some of the park’s most iconic landmarks; but nothing compares to the experience of lacing up the hiking boots, hitting the trails, and immersing yourself in the vast Yellowstone wilderness. Here are some of the top hikes to do in Yellowstone National Park.
Day Hikes
Mt. Washburn: A 6-7 mile out and back highlighted by reaching the summit of Mt. Washburn at over 10,200 feet. On a clear day you’ll have stunning 360 degree views of the entire park and can even see the Teton mountains over 40 miles to the south!
Lone Star Geyser: A peaceful 5 mile round trip stroll along the Firehole river brings you to the solitary geyser. Lone star geyser erupts once every three hours. If you time it right you’ll be treated to a show, with eruptions shooting bursts of water 45 feet in the air, lasting for 20-30 minutes.
Beaver Ponds Loop: You’ll transition between open sagebrush plateaus and dense fir forests on this 5.7 loop in the northern end of the park. Pick berries from the vine and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you pass several ponds formed from beaver dams.
Storm Point: This 2-mile loop dips in and out of dark lodgepole pine forests to a breath-taking viewpoint at the shore of Lake Yellowstone.
South Rim Trail: This 4 mile out-and-back trail follows the rim of the famous grand canyon of the Yellowstone and is highlighted by up-close views of both Upper and Lower Yellowstone falls.
Multi-day Backpacks
The Thorofare: This 44 mile out-and-back takes you into the pristine headwater basin of the Yellowstone River in the park’s remote southeast corner. Chances to see wildlife are high, and solitude is guaranteed.
Bechler River Traverse: It’s hard to pack in more of what Yellowstone has to offer than on this 5 day hike in the park’s southwest section. Over 35 miles you’ll be treated to solitary geysers, pristine alpine lakes, and gorgeous waterfalls. You even get the chance to soak in remote backcountry hot springs!
Gallatin Skyline: As a mountain lover, this is my personal favorite. The Skyline is a demanding 40 mile trek through the mountains on the park’s northern range. You’ll be treated to amazing views, lakeside campsites, iconic Yellowstone peaks, and abundant wildlife.
Black Canyon of the Yellowstone: The Black Canyon is one of the first areas of the park to become snow-free in the spring. For that reason, it’s a great early season destination that has the chance for wildlife sightings.
Things to do in Yellowstone National Park: Gateway Towns
There are five entrances to the park, each with their own unique gateway town. In these towns you’ll find cheaper, less competitive, lodging options than those in the park, and many Yellowstone-themed shops and experiences.
West Yellowstone, Montana
West Entrance
This is the busiest and most centrally located entrance. West Yellowstone is a bustle of activity in the summer, where you’ll find dozens of lodging options, including campgrounds, and all kinds of shops hawking everything from trinkets to ice cream and more. Learn more about the park at the Yellowstone National Park visitor center, and at the IMAX theater which features films about the park. Check out the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center to get an up close view of some of Yellowstone’s most famous predators.
Jackson, Wyoming
South Entrance
Jackson is a luxurious mountain town with an old-West feel. It sits at the southern end of the Teton mountain range, less than 2 hours from Yellowstone’s south entrance. Packed with an eclectic food scene, great shops, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Jackson is the liveliest of Yellowstone’s gateway towns, making it a good choice if you’re interested in a social scene or nightlife.
Gardiner, Montana
North Entrance
Most of the year, Gardiner is a sleepy little town along the Yellowstone river in southern Montana. The town comes alive when the throngs of tourists arrive in the summer months. Rafting trips on the Yellowstone river are popular here and it’s a good place to find relatively affordable lodging and dining options.
Cody, Wyoming
East Entrance
Cody is a quaint town about 1 hour east of Yellowstone’s east entrance. Its charming downtown is teeming with quaint shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Check out the rodeo for an authentic western experience–it runs every day in the summer.
Cooke City, MT
Northwest Entrance
The is the smallest and most remote of Yellowstone’s gateway towns but shouldn’t be overlooked. It is best known for being a winter snowmobiling and backcountry skiing destination; in the summer it serves as the gateway to the Beartooth highway, one of the nation’s primer scenic drives.
Things to do in Yellowstone National Park: Visit Another park!
Yellowstone is just one of a variety of federally protected areas within the broader Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). If you simply can’t get enough of what the GYE has to offer, these neighboring parks and wilderness areas are worth exploring.
Grand Teton National Park
Located less than 20 miles from Yellowstone’s southern border, Grand Teton is a stunning national park centered around the majestic Teton mountain range which runs south-to-north through its heart. It’s worth adding an extra day or two to explore the trails, go rafting or fly fishing along the mighty Snake River, or take a dip in one of the park’s pristine alpine lakes.
Wind River Range
Known for its towering granite spires, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and pristine mountain wilderness, the Wind River range should be on the top of any hiker’s bucket list. Roughly the same size as Yellowstone, but with only a fraction of the visitors, the Winds are a great destination for hikers and backpackers seeking wilderness and solitude.
Absoroka-Beartooth Wilderness
This patch of wilderness on Yellowstone’s northern border is home to Montana’s highest peak. It’s known for its rugged, remote, and wild nature, making it a popular destination for hikers and backpackers seeking solitude amid an awe-inspiring natural environment.
Wyoming and Montana small group Tours
Have fun!
I hope this list of things to do in Yellowstone National Park can serve as a guide for you as you plan your trip. Have a blast exploring and enjoying everything that Yellowstone has to offer! Happy hiking!
