Planning a trip to Yellowstone and wondering what to do? You’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll share the top 10 things to do in Yellowstone.
From the famous geysers to stunning landscapes and wildlife, Yellowstone offers some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. It’s no wonder it’s a bucket-list destination.
Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or just after spectacular views, Yellowstone has it all.
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park!
Table of Contents
1. Old Faithful: One of the Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Seeing the legendary Old Faithful geyser is easily one of the top things to do in Yellowstone National Park.
It’s not the largest geyser, but it’s definitely the park’s superstar and one of the main reasons Yellowstone even exists. Watching it erupt is a must-see moment that’ll stay with you for a long time.
What’s really cool about Old Faithful is how reliable it is. It erupts every 35 to 120 minutes, shooting water and steam up to 180 feet (55 meters) high for about 1.5 to 5 minutes.
To catch an eruption at the perfect time, check out the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center or use the GeyserTimes app for updates.
And while you’re there, don’t just stick to Old Faithful! The area is packed with other incredible geothermal spots, making it one of the best things to do in Yellowstone.
You’ve got Castle Geyser and the stunning Morning Glory Pool nearby, which look like something from another planet. Give yourself at least 2 hours to explore this epic landscape!
2. Lamar Valley
Visiting Lamar Valley is one of the most exciting things to do in Yellowstone National Park. Tucked away in the park’s northeastern corner, this beautiful, quieter spot offers a truly unique experience.
It’s also home to the park’s largest bison herds, and watching these majestic creatures casually stroll down the road is something you won’t forget. It’s so cool when they block traffic for a bit!
Bison used to roam in the millions across the U.S., but after heavy hunting, their numbers dropped. Today, there are about 6,000 bison in Yellowstone.
And there’s more! With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear or a pronghorn—the fastest animal in North America. It’s amazing to see them in their natural habitat.
Just remember to keep your distance: 100 yards (91 meters) for bears and 25 yards (23 meters) for other wildlife. That way, you can enjoy the animals safely!
How Likely is it to See a Bear in Yellowstone?
Yellowstone is one of the top spots for bear watching, with plenty of chances to see these amazing animals. The best times to catch a glimpse of bears are from April to June and September to October.
For a better chance, you can join a photo safari (around $136) with a guide who’ll take you to the best spots for snapping great bear photos. It was definitely a highlight of my Yellowstone visit!
3. Mammoth Hot Springs
A visit to Mammoth Hot Springs is another must-do when you’re in Yellowstone. Tucked away in a quieter part of the park, it’s a place you’ll never forget.
The hot springs are surrounded by limestone and travertine terraces, creating a stunning, otherworldly scene.
Over thousands of years, calcium carbonate deposits from the springs have formed these terraces, and their colors change with the seasons, adding even more magic to the place.
Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring the area, and if you can, try to time your visit for sunset. The colors and views at that time are absolutely breathtaking.
4. Hayden Valley
If you’re a wildlife lover, a visit to Hayden Valley is a must-do in Yellowstone.
This stunning valley is home to around 1300 bison year-round, making it one of the best places in the park to see these majestic animals up close.
What’s even more impressive is that Yellowstone has the largest bison population of any public lands in the U.S.
Watching their wild behaviors, like mating and territorial disputes, is like stepping back in time.
Hayden Valley isn’t just for bison, though—it’s also home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and many other species.
For the best wildlife experience, I recommend visiting during the peaceful hours just after sunrise, when activity is at its peak.
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5. Grand Prismatic Spring
Seeing Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-do when you’re in Yellowstone. This stunning natural wonder will leave you in awe.
At 200-330 feet (60-100 meters) in diameter and 121 feet (37 meters) deep, it’s the third-largest hot spring in the world and the largest in the park.
But what truly makes it special are its vibrant colors—yellow, orange, brown, and green—created by unique microorganisms called thermophiles.
For the best view, head to the Grand Prismatic Overlook—a short 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike.
This spring became globally famous after appearing in National Geographic, making it one of the park’s top attractions.
To beat the crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
What Does it Cost to Go to Yellowstone National Park?
The entrance fees to Yellowstone National Park vary depending on your vehicle type (car, motorcycle, or bicycle), ranging from $20 to $35.
If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks, the America the Beautiful Pass might be a good deal at $80, giving you year-round access to many parks.
6. Grand Canyon: One the Top Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
When visiting Yellowstone National Park, you can’t miss the stunning Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – it’s a must-see!
This massive canyon stretches about 24 miles (39 kilometers) along the Yellowstone River and has been shaped by thousands of years of erosion. The landscape is truly breathtaking!
What sets this canyon apart are its incredible hydrothermal features, with steam rising from the walls.
There are 9 viewpoints around the canyon (6 on the west side), but Inspiration Point and Artist Point offer the most jaw-dropping views.
If you enjoy hiking, the trails along the rim will give you a closer look at this amazing spot.
A quick tip for photographers: try to get there early, before 10:00, to capture the rainbow above the waterfall!
7. Lower Geyser Basin
Another one of the top things to do in Yellowstone is visiting Lower Geyser Basin, known for its stunning geothermal features.
It’s the park’s largest geyser complex, with around 100 incredible geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, fumaroles, and mud pots.
The Great Fountain Geyser is the star here, erupting up to 100 feet (30 meters) high and lasting 45-60 minutes. It’s a sight to remember!
Another standout is the Clepsydra Geyser, which almost constantly shoots water up to 45 feet (14 meters).
Both geysers look especially stunning at sunset when the sky is full of vibrant colors.
Just a heads up—water in the hot springs and geysers here can exceed 199°F (90°C), so stay safe!
8. Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone National Park isn’t just about geysers—it has some stunning lakes too!
Some of the top ones to check out are Heart, Lewis, Shoshone, and Yellowstone Lakes.
Yellowstone Lake is the biggest of them all, and it’s the largest high-elevation mountain lake in North America, sitting over 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level.
What’s cool is that the Yellowstone Lake has the largest wild trout population in the continent, and if you’re lucky, you might spot marmots chilling on the shore.
Underwater, the lake has some wild geothermal features like geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.
Keep in mind—the water temperature is around 41°F (5°C) in summer, so swimming isn’t an option.
But if you’re into water sports, you can rent a kayak and explore the lake that way!
What is the Best Month to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
The best time to visit Yellowstone depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) is ideal for exploring, while fall (September to October) is perfect for wildlife watching.
Spring (April to May) offers blooming flowers and quieter geothermal features, and winter (November to March) is great for activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
9. West Thumb Geyser Basin
Another must-do in Yellowstone is checking out West Thumb Geyser Basin, the largest geyser basin along Yellowstone Lake.
It offers incredible views and some truly amazing geothermal features.
One standout is Abyss Pool, a stunning hot spring with an amazing blue color and deep depth—it’s definitely a sight to see.
Don’t miss Fishing Cone either, a hot spring right by the lake. It has a quirky history—people used to catch fish and cook them in the spring using a hook.
Though that’s no longer allowed, the name still holds that old tradition.
A nice stroll through the West Thumb Geyser Basin is a great way to take it all in—give yourself at least an hour to enjoy the beauty!
10. Black Sand Basin
Last but not least on my Yellowstone to-do list is Black Sand Basin.
This spot is truly unique and definitely worth a visit. It’s named after the black sand made from volcanic glass, called obsidian.
Here, you’ll find some of the park’s most beautiful hot springs, like Emerald Pool, Sunset Lake, and Rainbow Pool, plus a variety of other fascinating geothermal features.
Rainbow Pool is particularly remarkable because it changes colors due to geothermal activity, making it one of the park’s most dynamic spots.
As you walk through Black Sand Basin, you’ll be amazed by the contrast between the dark rocks and the vibrant colors of the hot springs.
10 Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park: Conclusions
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, and it’s easy to see why.
There’s so much to do, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves nature. From geysers and canyons to lakes, valleys, and wildlife, Yellowstone has it all.
Whether you’re exploring the geothermal features or spotting animals, every visit here is an unforgettable adventure.
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