11 Things You Can’t Miss on Your Visit to Yellowstone National Park
Explore the gems of Yellowstone National Park with this mini travel guide. Featuring the top things you can’t miss on your trip.
Yellowstone National Park, known as America’s first national park, gathers millions of visitors each year to marvel at the geothermal features, wildlife, canyons, lakes, mountain ranges, and wilderness. The park preserves over 2 million acres of Wyoming nature and offers over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, 251 miles of roads, 12 developed campgrounds, 9 cabins & lodging , and 30 different food services.
You could easily spend weeks in Yellowstone and not scratch the surface, however, if you have just one day or a few days to spare Yellowstone National Park is a place you must visit.
In this post, we are sharing 11 things you can’t miss on your trip to Yellowstone National Park.
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See our Guide to Yellowstone National Park for the parks full pet policy, entrance fees, amenities, & more.
#1. OBSERVATION POINT
For a unique vintage point of Old Faithful and the surrounding area, take the moderate 1.5 mile trail up to Observation Point. This trail is located in the Upper Geyser Basin and provides spectacular views of Old Faithful from 7,500 feet.
TIP | The trail does wind it’s way through a dense forest so be aware of your surroundings and carry bear spray with you.
2. ARTISTS POINT
For breathtaking views of the lower falls of the Yellowstone River, head over to Artists Point. Located on the south rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Artists Point is a short and easy 0.2 mile walk to a cliff edge overlooking a 1,000 foot deep canyon. If you can, head over at sunset and enjoy the last days glow on the canyon.
3. HAYDEN VALLEY
Hayden Valley is the ideal spot to view the wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. Its tucked in between the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Fishing Bridge on Lake Yellowstone, making it an easy fit into a busy day in the park. Bison, elk and bears are a few of the animals you can find wondering Hayden Valley.
4. MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS
Mammoth Hot Springs is one of Yellowstone’s most unique geothermal features. It’s located on the north side of the park and offers outstanding views of the surrounding area.
To explore this massive geothermal wonder, take the 2 mile boardwalk trail for up close views of the spring or enjoy a scenic 1.5 mile drive around the Upper Terrace. The springs bright white color can be blinding in sunlight, so having a pair of sunglasses would be ideal.
5. MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN
The Midway Geyser Basin is one of the most popular areas in Yellowstone because it’s home to the infamous Grand Prismatic Spring. The short & easy 0.7 mile boardwalk trail takes you across the Firehole River and past Excelsior Crater, Opal Pool, Turquise Pool, and the massive Grand Prismatic Spring. Parking can fill quickly, so, arrive early if you can.
6. FOUNTAIN PAINT POT
Fountain Paint Pot is located in the Lower Geyser Basin and showcases a variety of springs, pools, bacteria mats, and geysers. The 0.6 mile boardwalk trail makes for a great introduction to the wonders of Yellowstone for those entering from the west side of the park in West Yellowstone.
A popular geyser here is Fountain Geyser, erupting up to 50 feet high and lasting for 20 minutes.
7. GRAND PRISMATIC OVERLOOK
If you are coming all the way to Yellowstone, then you MUST take the short 1.5 mile trail up to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. It’s located 1 mile south of the Midway Geyser Basin and can be accesses via the Fairy Falls trailhead.
The trail climbs 200 feet in just under mile, providing views like no other of Grand Prismatic Spring. The warmer the temperature the more colors and less steam is visible.
8. UPPER GEYSER BASIN
The Upper Geyser Basin is where most visitors gather to explore the 100 + geothermal features in the area. It’s also home to the popular Old Faithful Geyser, erupting every 90 minutes and offers 3.5 mile boardwalk trail guiding you to a host of springs, geysers, and pools.
Several food and lodging accommodations are available in the Old Faithful Village for those looking to grab lunch or spend the night.
9. OLD FAITHFUL INN PATIO VIEW
For a relaxing experience, grab a coffee and watch Old Faithful erupt from the large deck at the Historic Old Faithful Inn. The deck offers several tables and benches to enjoy views of Old Faithful from a distance.
10. MORNING DRIVE IN THE PARK
There is nothing like a early morning drive through a national park and Yellowstone is no different. Mornings in the park are often chilly, quiet, and provide a great opportunity to see wildlife having their morning breakfast. The colorful glow against the intense steam from the surrounding geothermal features make for an unforgettable memory of Yellowstone National Park.
11. NORRIS GEYSER BASIN
Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most mind blowing areas in all of Yellowstone. It’s the most studied area of the park and features 3 miles of boardwalk trails to explore.
It’s home to the world’s tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser, which can be found in the Back Basin Area. It looks like dinosaurs should be roaming the area.
Let us know in the comments what are your favorite spots in Yellowstone National Park.
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Tour the geysers of Yellowstone National Park in this mini guide. Featuring 8 of Yellowstone’s most mind blowing geysers you can’t miss on your trip.