The World's First National Park Still Sets the Standard
Yellowstone is not just a national park — it's the national park. Established in 1872, it protects half the world's active geysers, the largest concentration of wildlife in the lower 48, and landscapes that range from alpine meadows to painted canyons. Every visit reveals something new.
Getting There and Getting Around
Nearest airports: Bozeman (2 hours), Jackson Hole (2 hours to South Entrance), Cody (1 hour to East Entrance), Idaho Falls (2.5 hours to West Entrance).
Entrance fees: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. The America the Beautiful pass covers this and all other parks.
Getting around: Yellowstone is massive — 2.2 million acres. The Grand Loop Road connects all major areas in a figure-eight pattern. Plan to drive 1-2 hours each day between destinations.
Book Yellowstone-area lodging early — canyon lodges and Old Faithful cabins fill 6-12 months in advance.
The Must-See Geyser Basins
Upper Geyser Basin — Home to Old Faithful and over 150 geysers within one square mile. The boardwalk loop takes 1-2 hours. Don't miss Morning Glory Pool at the far end — its rainbow colors are unforgettable.
Midway Geyser Basin — Grand Prismatic Spring is the star here. The boardwalk view is impressive, but the overlook from the hill behind it shows the full 370-foot diameter. From the Fairy Falls trailhead, take the .8-mile spur to the Grand Prismatic Overlook.
Norris Geyser Basin — The hottest and most dynamic basin. Steamboat Geyser (the world's tallest active geyser) erupts unpredictably — some years it goes off weekly, other years it's dormant for months.
Mammoth Hot Springs — Not geysers — these are travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich hot springs. The Lower Terrace boardwalk is the most spectacular. Elk frequent the area year-round.
Top Hiking Trails
Mt. Washburn (6.2 miles, moderate): 360-degree views from 10,243 feet. Best moderate hike in the park. Trailhead at Dunraven Pass.
Fairy Falls (5.4 miles, easy): Paddle-flat trail to a 197-foot waterfall. Combine with the Grand Prismatic Overlook for the best short hike in the park.
Observation Peak via Cascade Lake (13 miles, strenuous): Solitude and wildlife in the park's northwest corner.
Electric Peak (20 miles, strenuous): The highest point in the park at 10,992 feet. A full-day challenge for experienced hikers.
Pack proper hiking boots — Yellowstone trails are rocky, muddy, and often above 8,000 feet.
Wildlife Viewing
Lamar Valley — Called "America's Serengeti," this is the best place in the park (and perhaps the lower 48) to see bison herds, wolves, grizzly bears, and elk. Arrive at dawn for the best chance at wolf sightings.
Hayden Valley — Second-best wildlife area, right along the Grand Loop Road. Bison herds frequently block traffic here.
Safety rules: Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from all other wildlife. No exceptions. Carry bear spray on any trail outside the geyser basins.
When to Visit
Best: June–September for full access. July–August for the highest trail access.
Shoulder season: May and October for fewer crowds but some road closures.
Winter: December–March for snowcoach tours, cross-country skiing, and zero crowds. Only the North Entrance stays open to vehicles.
Planning Your Time
- Minimum: 2 full days (you'll feel rushed)
- Recommended: 3-4 full days
- Thorough: 5-7 days to see all major areas and do longer hikes
Yellowstone is our #1 ranked park for good reason. See how it compares in the complete national park rankings.
Combining Yellowstone with Grand Teton
Yellowstone and Grand Teton are 30 miles apart — connected by the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway. Most visitors do both in a single trip.
Recommended itinerary (5-7 days):
- Days 1-3: Yellowstone (Old Faithful area, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley)
- Days 4-5: Grand Teton (Jenny Lake, Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend)
- Day 6: Return to Yellowstone for wildlife or explore the Beartooth Highway
- Day 7: Depart from Jackson Hole Airport
Yellowstone's Unique Geothermal Features
Yellowstone contains over 10,000 geothermal features — more than all other geothermal sites in the world combined. These include:
- Geysers (erupting hot springs) — Old Faithful erupts every 60-90 minutes, but Steamboat Geyser can reach 300+ feet (unpredictable schedule)
- Hot springs (non-erupting pools) — Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest in the US at 370 feet diameter
- Mudpots (acidic hot springs that dissolve rock) — Artist Paint Pots and Fountain Paint Pot
- Fumaroles (steam vents) — Roaring Mountain has dozens of hissing steam vents along the hillside
- Travertine terraces — Mammoth Hot Springs deposits 2 tons of limestone daily