Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is filled with adventure! It's  2,219,791 acres that could keep you busy exploring your entire life. So how does one go about exploring Yellowstone? I say plan ahead!

Yellowstone has approximately 466 miles of roads, 1000 miles of trails, 15 of those miles are boardwalks, 5 entrances, over 300 active geysers, and almost 300 waterfalls.

This is just the beginning of what there is to explore in this park! You need to know what you want to see before arriving because you will be one of over 4 million visitors that come here each year and without planning, you can find yourself spending most of your time driving and fighting traffic instead of enjoying everything Yellowstone has to offer. Here is my list of things to do in Yellowstone National Park.

Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

There is a reason Yellowstone is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. There is so much to see and do in the park that it can take multiple visits to enjoy it all. Make sure to make a goal list of things you really want to see while visiting the park. 

Yellowstone's natural scenery possesses flavor of a different spice from Glacier. The geothermal pools, for example, create seemingly unique natural colors in dazzling rainbow patterns. From the dazzling Morning Glory Pool to the surreal Abyss Pool and hundreds more, these features are a less-heralded spectacle of the park. A close relative of the beautiful geothermal pools lies in the geyser's found throughout the aptly named Geyser Basin.

While Old Faithful remains the park's most popular geyser it is neither the park's most common eruption nor its greatest in volume or height.

The Park's Steamboat Geyser peaks at over 300 feet and its Great Fountain Geyser's eruptions can last forty-five minutes.

As an added bonus, geothermal features aren't the only natural beauty held within the borders held within Yellowstone's borders. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone holds a number of waterfalls and dazzling views. While Grand Teton National Park shares Yellowstone's southern border providing views of peaks often clinging to snow in early and mid-summer.

Watch Old Faithful Erupt

What is the first thing you think of when you think of Yellowstone? For most, it's Old Faithful erupting! It was the first Geyser named in Yellowstone and shoots water into the air at an average height of 130 feet for approximately 1.5 to 5 minutes at a time. This continues at intervals of 60 to 110 minutes.

The Visitor Center at Old Faithful keeps track of the eruptions and has a 90% accuracy of predicting the next eruption within a 10-minute time frame so make the visitor center your first stop to make sure you are in place to see the eruption when it begins!

Wildlife viewing at Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley

Seeing all the wildlife in Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley is worth the trip to Yellowstone itself! It is here that you will expect to see photographers standing next to their tripods with massive gray color lenses waiting for that epic Yellowstone wildlife shot. It is by no accident that they have chosen one of these locations either.

This is the place where Bison can be seen by the hundreds, red fox stealthy hunting in the tall meadow grass, antelope standing out in the distance ready to run at a moment's notice, perhaps a moose or even a deer.  If you are looking for one of the top wildlife watching spots in the park this is it! 

For the truly lucky, seeing what was at one time extinct in the Yellowstone ecosystem, the Gray Wolf. Although they are still endangered, they have made a healthy comeback into this area giving some photographers a thrill of a lifetime capturing their movement and captivating stare.

Please remember that these are wild animals and to keep a safe distance. 

Saying that Yellowstone teems with wildlife is much akin to saying a crowded casino has a lot of gamblers. Bison and elk usually meander across roads at their leisure in herds numbering the hundreds. Bison often weigh in at over a ton, yet maintain the ability to top 35 miles per hour.

Elk grows antlers and bugle in the early fall creating a piece of natural music exponentially greater when heard in-person. Similar to Glacier, bears of both the Grizzly and Black variety and moose can be discovered throughout the park. Also, the possibility for coyotes, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, and antelope viewing always exists.

Check out our Yellowstone Wildlife Guide. 

Camera Gear we use

We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.

Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.

Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.

Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.

Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.

Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.

Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs

I personally love the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone! The hot springs capture my attention every time and find myself compelled to hike amongst the boardwalks and just explore. Don't forget to take Mammoth Terrace Drive! It seems to be one of those hidden gems.

Mammoth Hot Springs is where the park's headquarters are based and has some of the oldest buildings in Yellowstone. These buildings date back to the time when the U.S. Army managed Yellowstone as the National Park Service was not created until August 25, 1916. 

Make sure to keep a lookout for wildlife here as the elk and Bison love the lawn areas.

Don't miss staying at the Mammoth Hot Spring hotel and cabins  

Go through the Roosevelt Arch

The north entrance to Yellowstone National Park was the first and only entrance to the park in the early years. Even today it is the only entrance to the park that is open year-round!  President Theodore Roosevelt was a conservationist and parks supporter came to this location in 1903.

He laid the cornerstone to what would become the Roosevelt Arch. This impressive Arch has inscribed "For the Benefit and the Enjoyment of the People" high above as you enter the park. These are the words that were said in the Congressional Act that declared Yellowstone a National Park in 1872.

Everyone who has entered the park every since has had the pleasure to read these powerful words. This has no doubly changed American History forever becoming the first National Park in the world and has lead to 58 other U.S.National Parks and a total of 417 National Park Sites.

Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The North & South Rim Drives take you to several lookouts allowing you to look into the twenty-mile Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Here is where you will find Yellowstone Falls, a 308-foot waterfall that is always a crowd-pleaser.

Lookout Point and Artist Point offer excellent views of the canyon and Yellowstone Falls.

There are also trails that will take you to the top of the waterfalls where you can actually feel the power of a waterfall. For the more adventurous, take the Uncle Tom's Trail and it's 300+ metal stairs and takes you into the canyon for a closer look at the falls.

Canyon Village is a great place to stop and explore the visitor center to learn more about the park. 

Park Ranger John Pro Tip: All too often I often see visitors in a rush to see everything.  They are easy to spot as they have this hurried look on their face and a mental checkmark going off as soon as they arrive at the destination. They rush for the perfect photo and are off again without enough time to catch their breath.

Somehow they have forgotten what they came for in the first place. I loved this picture of a couple that just sat at this bench and just took in the moment. For most of us, we have traveled a great distance and saved up to get to this destination. Don't get too focused on the checkmarks because what you and your family will remember is the moments you shared together not the quick photo you took from your iPhone.

Did you know there are quite a few epic Yellowstone Waterfalls you can easily visit? 

Go for a hike

Yellowstone has close to a hundred trailheads and 1000 miles of trails to explore! There are miles of boardwalks taking you to some of the most popular features within the park so make sure to lace up your boots and come ready to hike. I am not going to try and cover this many trails with you in this article otherwise you would be reading a book.

If you are interested in exploring some of these trails I would suggest getting a book or two to plan your trip. Check out some of these great books on hiking trails in Yellowstone here

Visit the Park Ranger Museum

This was a special moment for me. My wife and I approached the Museum of the National Park Ranger and stepped onto the porch that looks out over the Gibbon River. I'm sure there have been many great Park Rangers who have done the exact same thing whether they were at work or like me coming to see the museum.

I closed my eyes as I felt the sun shining down on my skin and just then I heard a noise, a noise that was very distinctive. It was the chatter call of a Bald Eagle. We began looking around and there it was flying in my direction coming from my right as it flew over the river making that distinctive call. Right then I knew that this was meant to be.

We began talking with a park volunteer who staffed the Museum of the National Park Ranger and found out that she herself was a retired Park Ranger. After enjoying great conversation and a few stories we explored the museum.

I found this to be very interesting as it told the whole history of the Park Ranger from the beginning of the U.S. Army to today's rangers who do numerous tasks to keep these parks running smoothly. If you ever have an interest in parks or being a Park Ranger then this is a must stop!

Grand Prismatic Spring

There are some things in life that stick with you forever, permanently etched into our brains, and instantly brings you to a happy place. For Me, starring at Grand Prismatic Spring is one of those moments!  This is the largest hot spring in the United States and is the third-largest in the world.

The color in Grand Prismatic Spring is a visual treat for the eyes. It's no secret that photographers like myself go crazy shooting such a beautiful subject. The best part is that each day is different depending on the weather.

There are lots of Geysers, hot springs, and mud pots throughout Yellowstone to keep you wanting to explore all of Yellowstone.

Take a boat ride on Yellowstone Lake

Lake Yellowstone is the largest high elevation lake in America with over 130 square miles of surface water. Each year this massive lake freezes completely over! The water never gets very warm with an average temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit so swimming is not recommended as hypothermia sets in fast.

Since swimming is not a great option, why not take a  scenic boat tour. There are also guided fishing/sightseeing charter boats and rental boats available.

Did you know that the highest population of wild Cutthroat Trout in North America lives in Lake Yellowstone? This has puzzled people for years as this is a Pacific Ocean fish and Lake Yellowstone drains towards the Atlantic.  Scientists believe that at one time the lake dumped into the Pacific through the Snake River allowing the fish to swim across the Continental Divide.

 

Visit the John D Rockerfeller Jr. Memorial Parkway and Grand Teton National Park!

You can easily spend your entire vacation exploring Yellowstone National Park and not see everything. Having said that, it would be terrible to be so close to Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockerfeller Jr. Memorial Parkway and not see them too. Be prepared as it will be a long day of driving to/from Yellowstone but the trip will be worth it!

I personally have a piece of my heart reserved for this area. The Teton Range is beyond spectacular as they explode from the ground straight into the air.

Wildlife here is just as spectacular as Yellowstone and the fall colors are just jaw-dropping! The Headwaters lodge has one of the best hamburgers I have ever tasted, the Brinner Burger. All I can say is that everything tastes better with huckleberries.

I hope this article serves as a great start for planning a trip to Yellowstone. Believe me, there is so much more to see and do! I could sit down and write a book on this subject and still not cover everything. Remember that winter brings a whole new range of outdoor activities and things to do and it's a dream destination for fly fishermen with endless possibilities plus so much more.

Yellowstone is filled with colorful hot springs, the Yellowstone River, great horseback riding, and so much more! Depending on the time of year you visit the park will have so many different things to see and do. 

I am confident that you can have the most epic vacation in Yellowstone with whatever you decide to do, just make sure to do a little planning first.

We have stayed in West Yellowstone the past few visits and accessed the park through the west entrance. The northeast entrance is open normally from the end of May through October. This is a great area to explore and drive the Bear Tooth Highway. 

Check out all of our posts on Yellowstone to help you plan an epic National Park Vacation!

Fun Yellowstone National Park Tours and Activities

4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch- Admire the tree-fringed banks, beaches, and thermal pools of Yellowstone Lake from the water on this morning tour.
After a kayak lesson and time to familiarize yourself with your kayak, set out to explore the West Thumb with your guide. You will paddle for approximately two miles along the West Thumb Geyser Basin as you look for elk and bear along the lakeshore and marvel at the steaming geysers in this incredible area of the park!
Click here to book your tour for the 4-hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch!

Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch - the lush riverside plains of the Lamar Valley are a wildlife watching hotspot within Yellowstone National Park. With this guided hike, you get to explore the natural landscapes as you venture off-road and seek out little-known spots, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife. Look out for buffalo, wolves, eagles, and other animals along the way and watch them from a safe distance in their natural habitat. Tour includes lunch, bear spray, binoculars, trekking pole, backpack(if necessary), coffee and/or tea.
Click here to book your tour for the Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch.

Yellowstone National Park Private Wildlife Tour - Book your private tour with Yellowstone Exposures to ensure a truly unforgettable day with a local expert. Have your day designed and mapped for you by a local professional so that you can utilize it to the fullest.

With snacks, High-quality spotting scopes and binos. Your guide will take photos and video throughout the day. Included a full picnic lunch, snacks, and refreshments.
Click here to book your tour for the Yellowstone National Park Private Wildlife Tour.

Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $30.00 Entry for one driver and one passenger (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons) ($25.00 plus $20.00 per person)

$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

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

National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

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.

Click on the maps below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Yellowstone NP.

Additional Yellowstone Articles 

Want more of Yellowstone National Park? Here are more great articles for you to enjoy. 

Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Lodging and Cabins Guide- The most complete source you can find on lodging and cabin options in Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful Inn- Plan a trip to one of America's most iconic National Park Lodges! 

Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins- Room photos and video from the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. What to expect while staying at the hotel. 

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins- Room photos and video from Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. 

Yellowstone Camping Guide- Check out all of the campgrounds in Yellowstone and what to expect.

Yellowstone Facts- fun things to know about Yellowstone! 

Things to do in West Yellowstone - Don't miss all the fun you can have outside of the park. 

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