OVERVIEW
Where to even begin - Yellowstone has it all, from history to animals to some of the most unique and impressive natural features in the world. For this reason, Ulysses S Grant made Yellowstone the world's first national park in 1872. The park status helped protect the land from those who wanted to exploit its natural resources and poach its wildlife and laid the groundwork for the other 62 (and counting) parks that would eventually join the NPS.
The park is a geological wonder. Sitting atop a giant supercaldera, Yellowstone is rife with hydrothermal features and home to about half of the world's active geysers and one of the few active travertine terraces (Mammoth) in the world. In total, there are more than 10,000 hydrothermal features including geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and steam vents. The area has been shaped by volcanoes, plate tectonics, glaciers, and erosion - and continues to evolve today.
Though the park was established to protect the unique geology, it has also formed a sanctuary for a wealth of wildlife and vegetation. The park is sometimes called the "Serengeti of North America," and is home to the largest concentration of wildlife in the lower 48 and one of the largest nearly intact temperate-zone ecosystems on Earth. While in the park, you might catch a glimpse at 300 species of birds, 67 mammals (including 7 large predators), 16 fish, and a number of amphibians and reptiles.
The national park has become an American icon and for good reason. No matter what you are interested in, there is something here for everyone.
JUMP TO:
KEY SIGHTS | LAY OF THE LAND | ITINERARY
ITINERARY PLANNING | BEFORE YOU GO | IN THE MOMENT
VISITED: September 2020
BEST FOR
Everyone. This is the classic American park, and everyone should aim for a trip at least once. If had to put a label on it, it's a haven for science fans. The beauty is one thing, but understanding how it came to be is really impressive.
KNOWN FOR
Geysers & hot springs. The whole park is a giant geology lesson. But, there's so much more than just Old Faithful. Start with the "other Grand Canyon" or the "Serengeti of North America"
POPULARITY
INCREDIBLY POPULAR. Yellowstone is crowded; there is no way around it. They even tell you to "pack your patience." That said, there's a reason the park is so popular.
INFRASTRUCTURE
This park has some of the most extensive infrastructure of any park. Most trails are paved or boardwalks; there are a variety of restaurants, extensive grocery stores (with booze), and visitors centers scattered around the park. Campsites were well equipped with small to sizeable stores, bathrooms, and large bear boxes.
IDEAL STAY
We did 2 nights and it was too short. I'd say 5 days would be ideal to fit it all in and not feel super rushed, but you could spend a lifetime here. If you are really interested in hiking or wildlife spotting I would add a few days.
HIKING
There are lots of "walks" here (e.g. paved trails, boardwalks, etc.), which makes it easy for everyone to enjoy. We really didn't do anything I would call a "hike," but if we stayed longer we could have. There are 900+ miles of trails here.
SPEED
There's a lot to see here, so you will feel busy. That said, I felt like the "adventure" level was low here because most sights didn’t require a major hike and some could even be seen from your car.
GETTING THERE
Choose between flying into Bozeman or Jackson Hole.
Bozeman is easiest if you are only doing Yellowstone. It's about 1h 45m to the North Entrance. Jackson Hole is perfect for a combo trip with Grand Teton. It's about an hour to the South Entrance.
WHEN TO GO
KEY SIGHTS & TRAILS
OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER
This is likely why you came! The geyser draws large crowds as it throws several thousand gallons of steaming water over 100 feet in the air every ~90 minutes. A variety of other geysers and springs well worth a look are nearby.
OLD ARMY
FORT
Before the park rangers were established, an Army unit was based in Yellowstone to protect the park. These buildings still stand and now play host to the park headquarters and some active residences.
GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE
Two magnificent waterfalls cascade through the 24-mile canyon, which offers some of the most spectacular views in the park. Check out one of the overlooks, like Artist Point, or take one of the trails down to the base of the falls
GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING
This hot spring's rainbow colors are created by different bacteria that thrive at various different temperatures. Get up close and feel the steam walking along a boardwalk or spot the full spectrum of color from the overlook.
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS
Mammoth is one of the few active terraced travertine springs in the world. The hot springs are formed by hot water dissolving limestone then trickling over previous deposits creating ever-changing terraces.
ROOSEVELT
ARCH
This archway at the far north of the park (actually slightly outside) makes for a great photo op. It was built in 1903 and dedicated by President Roosevelt, one of the park's early champions.
LAMAR
VALLEY
This is the place known as the Serengeti of North America and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the park (or anywhere), particularly wolves and other predators. We also spotted a number of bison elk, and pronghorn.
OLD FAITHFUL
INN
This lodge is a National Historic Landmark and is considered the largest log structure in the world. Even if you can't snag one of its 327 rooms overlooking the geyser, the stunning lobby is well worth a visit.
LAY OF THE LAND
Official Park Map - Annotated with highlighted regions corresponding to sections below
Official Park Map - Annotated with highlighted regions corresponding to sections below
NORTH | Norris to North Entrance
This might be the busiest part of the park. It's home to the popular hot springs, the park's headquarters, and several places you can stay. This is also your gateway if you're accessing the park from Bozeman.
01
NORRIS BASIN
Though Old Faithful may be the most famous, Steamboat is the tallest active geyser in the world. Its major eruptions are somewhat rare, but it can throw up to 380ft of water into the air, powerfully enough that it has broken trees and awakened campers at the Norris campground. Norris also sits at the intersection of three major faults making it one of the hottest and most acidic basins with many features.
05
ROOSEVELT ARCH
This archway at the far north of the park (actually slightly outside) makes for a great photo op. It was built in 1903 and dedicated by President Roosevelt.
02
ARTIST PAINTPOTS
Most people think of geysers or springs before they think of mudpots, but the Paintpots provide a great opportunity to see this geological feature in action - just a short walk from the road.
06
BOILING RIVER
At the intersection of a hot spring and the Gardiner River sits one of the few places in Yellowstone suitable for swimming. The hot springs warm the water enough that it becomes sort of like a natural hot tub, but not so hot that it will scald you.
03
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS
One of the few active terraced travertine springs in the world. The hot springs are formed by hot water dissolving limestone then trickling over previous deposits creating ever-changing terraces. My take: the drive through the upper terraces was not worth the traffic, the terraces are better accessed by foot.
04
ARMY FORT & HEADQUARTERS
Before the park rangers were established, an Army unit was based in Yellowstone to protect the park. These buildings still stand and now play host to the park headquarters and some active residences. While you are in town, stop in the shop for some Wilcoxson's ice cream - perfect after a hot walk around the springs!
LODGING
Mammoth Hotel & Cabins
This hotel is located in one of the most bustling parts of the park and offers hotel-style rooms and suites as well as cabin-style accommodations, some with hot tubs. Mammoth is also one of two lodge options open in the winter. Note: Most rooms do not have TVs and none have air conditioning.
CAMPING
Mammoth Campground
Mammoth is the only campground open year-round. It's popular with RVers due to its relatively large pull-through spots.
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Logistics: 85 first-come, first-served sites, $20 / night, 30' max rig length
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Amenities: Flush toilets, generators allowed during the day
Norris Campground
Norris campground is within a lodgepole forest with a nearby meadow where you may spot wildlife. This is a great central location.
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Logistics: 111 first-come, first-served sites, max rig lengths of 50' (2 spots) and 30' (5 spots)
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Amenities: Flush toilets, generators allowed during the day
Indian Creek Campground
This campground is quieter and more rustic than some of the other options in the park. The location offers great opportunities to spot wildlife and beautiful views of Electric Peak.
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Logistics: 70 first-come, first-served sites, $15 / night, max rig lengths of 35' (10 spots) and 30' (35 spots)
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Amenities: Vault toilets
NORTHEAST | Hot Springs to NE Entrance
This part of the park is home to "the Serengeti of North America." It's less developed here, but the wildlife viewing is top-notch and there are plenty of hiking opportunities.
01
LAMAR VALLEY
This is the place known as the Serengeti of North America and provides you with some of the best odds of seeing wildlife in the park, particularly wolves and other predators. To stay safe, make sure to bring a big lens or binoculars to catch animals from across the open fields where they roam in this part of the park.
02
TOWER FALLS
The 132-foot fall is one of the most popular in Yellowstone. It can be viewed from an overlook or visitors can choose to hike a steep trail down to the river.
03
PETRIFIED TREE
The petrified trees in Yellowstone are Redwoods like those towering over California today, leftover from when the park bordered a now-gone sea. There is one particular tree that is just a short walk from a turnoff making an easy stop for visitors.
LODGING
Roosevelt Lodge Cabins
Located near a campsite once used by its namesake President, the lodge was built in 1920. The cabin-style accommodations are somewhat rustic, some with communal baths, and the family-style dining is a big hit. Note: None of the cabins include TVs or air conditioning.
CAMPING
Slough Creek Campground
Sitting at the end of a dirt road, this campground offers a secluded experience with prime wildlife, hiking, and stargazing opportunities.
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Logistics: 16 first-come, first-served spots, max rig length of 30' (14 spots)
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Amenities: Vault toilets
Pebble Creek Campground
This campground is small and isolated. Campers are rewarded with a quieter experience, top-notch wildlife viewing, and good access to fishing and trails.
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Logistics: 27 first-come, first-served spots (some pull-throughs), $15 / night
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Amenities: Vault toilets
Tower Fall Campground
This smaller campground is best accessed by smaller vehicles but offers strong hiking opportunities and nice scenery.
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Logistics: 31 first-come, first-served spots with a 30' limit (hairpin curve)
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Amenities: Vault toilets
EAST | Canyon to East Entrance
This part of the park is home to "the other Grand Canyon." There aren't as many geysers here, but there are beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.
01
VIRGINIA CASCADES
There is a one-way loop that splits off from the main road leading to the dramatic Virginia Cascade. It's less trafficked, so it was a tranquil stop for us. After you pass the waterfall, there is a beautiful turn out to see the stream running across some small rapids and then peacefully meandering through tall grasses.
05
PELICAN VALLEY
This is some of the best grizzly bear habitat you will find. With that comes a few restrictions. The area is closed until July 4th and even then is only open from 9 AM to 7 PM. It is recommended that you hike with groups of at least 4 and practice good bear safety.
02
GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE
Here it's clear why Yellowstone is called Yellow-stone. There are several ways to view the two large waterfalls that cascade down the canyon. Arguably the most iconic view is the one from Artist Point, which catches the canyon and the Lower Falls in full view. We also stopped at Uncle Tom's Point, which gives a great view of the Upper Falls, in hopes of hiking Uncle Tom's Trail (stairs). The trail heads down to the base of the falls but was unfortunately closed. We explored the South Rim, but there are also several viewpoints and trails along the North Rim.
03
HAYDEN VALLEY
This valley is another extremely popular spot for spotting wildlife in Yellowstone. The valley was once an ancient lake that now creates the perfect environment for lush grass for herds of bison and elk to feed on.
04
MUD VOLCANO
This area contains what once was exactly what it sounds like, a feature throwing bubbling mud into the air. The volcano is not as dramatic as it once was, but there are still a number of mud-bubbling features here.
LODGING
Canyon Lodge
This is the largest lodging option in the park with 500+ rooms and cabins. Large portions of the lodge have been recently redeveloped with a focus on sustainability. There are standard rooms, suites, and cabins available. Note: None of the rooms or cabins have TVs or air conditioning.
CAMPING
Canyon Village Campground
This area of the park is amenity-rich and centrally located. The campground is well-shaded by its lodgepole forest.
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Logistics: 273 reservable spots, $32 / night
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Amenities: Flush toilets, pay laundry and showers onsite (2 showers included / night), dump station, generators allowed during the day
View from overlook hike
WEST | Old Faithful to West Entrance
Some of the heavy hitters are in this part of the park! The famous Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring are both here, along with a variety of other geothermal features.
01
GIBBON FALLS
The stop for these falls can sneak up on you, but the views are beautiful. The roadside overlook provides panoramic views of the 84-foot falls and river flow.
05
VARIOUS OTHER GEYSER BASINS
This part of the park has plenty of geothermal basins including the Black Sand Basin, Biscuit Basin, and the Lower Geyser Basin - home to the Great Fountain Geyser and Fountain Paint Pots.
02
OLD FAITHFUL
This is likely why you came to Yellowstone. The geyser draws large crowds as it throws several thousand gallons of steaming water over 100 feet in the air every 90 minutes (approx.). The basin is also home to a variety of other geysers and springs well worth a look. While you are here be sure to check out the Old Faithful Inn and consider watching the blast from the basin or the overlook as opposed to the crowded main viewing area.
03
GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING
This is the famous rainbow-colored hot spring. The colors are created by different bacteria that thrive at various different temperatures. To see the spring, you can get up close and feel the steam walking along a boardwalk, but the full spectrum of color is better seen from above by heading to the Grand Prismatic Overlook, about a 1-mile easy round-trip hike.
04
FAIRY FALLS
If you continue on the trail that leads to the Grand Prismatic Overlook, you can access one of the largest front-country waterfalls in the park, the 200-foot Fairy Falls. Continuing even further will lead to Imperial Geyser, what some call a mini version of Grand Prismatic.
LODGING
Old Faithful Inn
This one is on my bucket list! It's a National Historic Landmark and is considered the largest log structure in the world. Even if you can't snag one of its 327 rooms overlooking the geyser, the stunning lobby is well worth a visit. Note: None of the rooms or suites have TVs or air conditioning.
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
The main 1920s lodge offers food options and great views of the geyser. Rooms are all cabin-style, some with communal showers. Note: No cabins include TVs or air conditioning.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge
This lodge is the newest in the park and one of only two that is open in the winter, though this one requires an oversnow vehicle to access. Located right near Old Faithful, the lodge offers multiple dining options and both lodge- and cabin-style rooms. Note: No rooms have TVs or air conditioning.
CAMPING
Madison Campground
This is where we stayed! The campground has lots of shade, decent privacy, and is located right along the Madison River. It's a great choice to be centrally located.
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Logistics: 278 reservable sites, $27 / night, group sites available
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Amenities: Flush toilets, dump station, generators allowed during the day
West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake
SOUTH | Lake Village to South Entrance
If you come in from Jackson or Grand Teton this will be your first introduction to the park! This is where you'll find Yellowstone Lake, which comes with opportunities to get out on the water and plenty of places to stay.
01
YELLOWSTONE
LAKE
At 132 square miles, Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in the lower 48 and offers a variety of opportunities for water activities.
05
THOROFARE VALLEY
Prime wildlife habitat in the southeast corner of the park along the Yellowstone River where hikers may see birds of prey or other predators like grizzlies or wolves. This is one of the farthest places from a road in the US. Explorers can leverage the park's backcountry shuttle boat to shorten the trip across Yellowstone Lake.
02
WEST THUMB GEYSER BASIN
This was our introduction to geysers and springs in the park! It has several great features including deep, aquamarine springs and features that spill into Yellowstone Lake. Fishermen once used the Fishing Cone to cook the fish they had just caught in the lake. This area is also home to several Native American hearth sites.
03
NATURAL
BRIDGE
Natural Bridge is exactly what it sounds like, a natural bridge that formed similarly to formations you'd find in Arches. The stone arch bridges an eroded canyon created by the Bridge Creek.
04
BELCHER / CASCADE CORNER
This extremely remote part of the park in the southwestern corner is not accessible through the main roads (there's a separate entrance). It's very popular with back-packers because of its abundance of waterfalls and wildlife. Backcountry campsites are competitive here.
LODGING
Grant Village Lodge
Built in the 1980s and remodeled in 2015, this lodge is a sizeable complex with multiple dining rooms including one that extends out onto the lake. This is the closest lodge to Teton. Note: None of the rooms have TVs or air conditioning.
Lake Lodge Cabins
Rocking chairs overlook Yellowstone Lake from the porch of the main lodge. There are several styles of cabins available. Note: None of the cabins offer TV or air conditioning.
Lake Hotel & Cottages
This Colonial Revival hotel is a National Historic Landmark and underwent extensive renovations in 2014. There are a variety of rooms, suites, and cottages. Some offer internet access, but none have TVs or air conditioning.
CAMPING
Grant Village Campground
This large campground has many amenities nearby including stores, dining, gas, a boat ramp, and a visitor center.
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Logistics: 430 reservable spots, $32 / night, group sites available
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Amenities: Flush toilets, showers and laundry available (2 showers included each night), dump station, generators allowed by day
Fishing Bridge RV Park
This is the only campground in the park with full hookups. Because it is in grizzly bear territory, no soft-sided campers or tents are allowed and no picnic tables or fire pits are provided.
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Logistics: 346 reservable sites, full hookups available
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Amenities: Flush toilets, showers, and laundry available (2 showers included per night), dump station, generators allowed during the day
Bridge Bay Campground
Bridge Bay is a large campground great for those wanting to get out on the water with nearby marina access.
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Logistics: 432 reservable sites, $27 / night, group sites available
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Amenities: Flush toilets, dump station, generators allowed during the day
Lewis Lake Campground
Located right on the lake, this campground is great for those wanting to play on the water.
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Logistics: 84 first-come, first-served sites, $15 / night, 25' rig length or less
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Amenities: Vault toilets
ITINERARY PLANNING
SEASON TO GO:
SPRING
Once March hits, the park's interior roads close down for oversnow access so they can start being plowed. The park (and everything in it) begins gearing up for summer. Bears emerge from hibernation and bison give birth to their calves. Overall, weather will be questionable and services will be limited, but this leads to lower visitation and unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
SUMMER
In contrast to the winter, summer means everything is open and lots of visitors flood the park. Instead of snow complicating how you get around, traffic may be the new challenge. Starting Memorial Day Weekend, all roads will be open. The campgrounds will be open, but the crowds mean you will want to plan ahead for lodging.
Wildlife continues to come alive - literally - as wolf pups emerge from dens, cutthroat trout spawn, and elk, moose, pronghorn, bighorn, and mountain goats calve in May and June. Bears may be less visible as they seek higher elevations and cooler temperatures.
The warmer weather finally melts all the snow, pushing water levels to their highest, which makes for beautiful waterfalls but potentially restricted crossings in the backcountry until July. Lakes open up for watersports and streams for fishing. The rising temperatures of late summer also mean fire is more likely. You may experience smoky skies or fire restrictions while camping.
FALL
Fall is a somewhat unpredictable transition season where snow begins to fall and services (including campgrounds and roads) begin to shut down, particularly after Labor Day. That said, we went in the fall, and I was glad we did. The weather was chilly at night but perfect during the day, crowds were somewhat lower, and the leaves were beginning to change.
Target late September for peak leaf-peeping at high elevations and October for lower elevations. The fall marks the rut season for elk and bighorn, the falcon migration takes place, and bears begin to return to lower elevations.
WINTER
Yellowstone becomes the land of fire and ice this time of year, where snow-covered landscapes are carved by steaming rivers. Prepare for bone-chilling cold while exploring the park via snowmobile or snowcoach or on snowshoes or cross-country skis if you're up for it.
The blanket of snow adds a level of drama to the park, but also scares away the vast majority of tourists. The park's campgrounds, visitor centers, and most roads will all close, changing the logistics of how you visit the park. The road from the North to Northeast entrances will be the only one open to cars, and the rest of the park will be restricted to oversnow vehicles.
The colder weather is a good time to spot trumpeter swans and some of the park's mid-sized predators like wolves or foxes and coyotes, which hunt in the meadows.
DAYS TO SPEND:
Ideal: You could spend a lifetime here, but for most people, I think 5-7 days is probably about right. I'd spend 3-4 full days doing "sightseeing" activities and split time between Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, the Hot Springs, and the Canyon. Then I'd dedicate the other 2-3 days to activities - either take a longer hike, go fishing or boating, or spend time watching wildlife in one of the valleys.
Minimum (our trip): We spent 2 nights in the park and it was jam-packed. While we were able to hit most of the highlights, we were constantly saying I wish we had more time. I can't imagine dedicating any less time.
General tips: The park is huge and there's a lot to take in, so things take longer than you think - be sure to allow for enough time! If you are interested in catching views of animals, allow extra time to dedicate dusk and dawn to heading to the best spots.
OUR ITINERARY
01
Explore Jackson and wander into the park for the first time, catching a mountain sunset and soaking in the views.
02
Rise with the sun, then venture into the Tetons, exploring to find waterfalls and wildlife before exploring Mormon Row..
03
Make your way to Yellowstone and explore the geological wonders: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and more.
04
Explore the northern portion of Yellowstone starting at the canyon, then moving to the hot springs and Lamar Valley.
BEFORE YOU GO
TICKETS:
Needed? Yes, but you can get a pass at the park entrance, which is good for a week. Alternatively, you can buy an AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS, which gives you access to all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for a full year.
Cost: $35 per car for one week of access or $80 (+$5 fees) for America the Beautiful Pass (also good for one car).
PERMITS:
BACKCOUNTRY
Summer (from May to September): Backcountry permits are required and must be obtained in-person, no earlier than 2-days before the start of your trip. The fee is $3 per person per night ($5 if traveling with stock animals). Some backcountry campsites can be reserved in advance via lottery from Jan 1 to March 31 and as-received until Oct. 31 for a fee of $25. (Note: you still must obtain a permit in the 2-day window).
Winter (from September to May): Backcountry permits are free and available through the Central Backcountry Office via phone or email. It is recommended to contact the office at least 5 days before your trip.
CLICK HERE to read more about backcountry camping
BOATING
All vessels including float tubes require a boating permit, life vests for each passenger, an emergency sound device, and an inspection for invasive species. The boating season begins on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend and extends through the first Sunday in November. Motorized boats are only allowed on Lewis and Yellowstone Lakes, and there are further restrictions for which types of vessels are allowed on which waterways. Be sure to check all restrictions - CLICK HERE
FISHING
Anyone over the age of 16 must obtain a valid Yellowstone fishing permit. The fishing season begins on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend and extends through the first Sunday in November. All anglers are required to follow equipment, tackle, and possession restrictions. Be sure to check all restrictions - CLICK HERE
TOURS:
Tours are available in the park and may make sense depending on your circumstances. That said, the infrastructure in the park is great, so there are lots of options to learn from visitors' centers and other posted information.
I would recommend buying a guidebook or map for planning out hikes. The park is so expansive that the park newsletter can't cover it all, and it took a little more homework to know where we wanted to dedicate time. I've also included a guide below to some of the key day hikes that should get you started!
The only caveat to all of this is in winter. The park roads are closed, which means you need to access the park via snowmobile or snowcoach. The easiest way to do this is with a guide. If you want to explore without a guide, there is a lottery system that allows up to four groups (one at each oversnow entrance) to enter the park daily. Oversnow access runs from mid-December to mid-March. CLICK HERE to view authorized providers.
GETTING THERE:
We started our trip with Grand Teton and flew into Jackson Hole, which is a great option if you are looking to do both parks. Even if you aren't dedicating time to Teton, it's still a good option. It's about an hour from the Jackson Airport to the South Entrance of Yellowstone. There are a good number of flights into Jackson on major airlines including several direct options from major cities.
Alternatively, it's about 1h 45m to the Bozeman airport from the North Entrance of Yellowstone. We continued on to a ranch between Butte and Missoula, MT, but I would recommend wrapping up a two-park trip by flying out of Bozeman or doing the trip in reverse.
Flying into West Yellowstone is an option. Though it's only 10 minutes outside the park, this is a much smaller airport than others with more restricted flight options.
GETTING AROUND:
Yellowstone is huge. The map can be deceptive and make it look like you can just pop from one place to another, but I wouldn’t count on it. Some of the roads wind through the mountains and many a clogged by either visitor- or animal-driven traffic jams. That said, the roads within Yellowstone are generally quite good, and getting around isn't a major chore - just be prepared for delays.
In the winter, things change. The vast majority of the roads - with the exception of the road between the North and Northeast entrances - are closed to cars from early November to mid-April. Once there is enough snow built-up (mid-December to mid-March), oversnow vehicles like snowmobiles or snowcoaches can access the roads and become the only way to access the depths of the park by vehicle.
Animal-caused traffic jams are common in Yellowstone!
Animal-caused traffic jams are common in Yellowstone!
One of the lodges in Yellowstone
One of the lodges in Yellowstone
LODGING & CAMPING:
RESERVATION NEEDED?
I highly recommend a reservation when camping or reserving a lodge in Yellowstone, especially during peak months. Reservations can book up a year in advance, and walk-up spots can fill up very early in the morning. Reservations also allow you to arrive later in the day and accommodate morning activities or travel.
BEST OPTIONS
For camping: Due to COVID and the start of the off-season, only a few campgrounds were open while we visited. We ended up at Madison and it was pretty great. It was fairly centrally located for most activities, had a small shop, real toilets, and access to the Madison River.
There are a variety of campgrounds, and different ones will be a better fit for different needs:
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If you are looking for easy access to hiking and mountain views, look at Tower Fall or Indian Creek.
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If you are looking to be close to Lamar Valley for easy dusk / dawn access to wildlife viewing, check out Slough Creek or Pebble Creek.
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If you have a large RV, Mammoth offers large pull-through spots, and Fishing Bridge offers the only hookups in the park.
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Canyon Village and Norris are similar to Madison as far as convenience and the balance of amenities vs. natural beauty.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the campgrounds including fill status. Note some campgrounds are reservable while others are first-come, first-served, and fill times might be somewhat misleading for reservable campgrounds.
For more details on camping scroll through the LAY OF THE LAND section to see campgrounds in each area of the park.
For hotels: Yellowstone also has full-fledged lodges. There are nine lodging facilities in the park ranging from hotel-style accommodations to cabins. Again, each is unique, but we have it on our bucket list to stay at the Old Faithful Inn. Opened in 1904, the Inn is an iconic landmark at Yellowstone with an impressive multi-story lobby.
There are options to stay outside the park, but I highly recommend staying in the park if you're up for it. When we headed out via the West Entrance around 8 AM on our last morning, there was already a line of cars crawling into the park from West Yellowstone for what had to be miles. The convenience of West Yellowstone is nice, but plan to either wake up early or bear with the traffic getting in and out of the park.
For more details on lodging scroll through the LAY OF THE LAND section to see lodges in each area of the park.
IN THE MOMENT
DON'T FORGET:
Water: Altitude is real, which means you will get dehydrated a lot quicker than you realize. Drink more water than you think you need, particularly if not used to the altitude. I've fallen victim to altitude sickness before - you feel fine until you don't, and then you feel terrible.
Layers: Temperature fluctuates pretty significantly here. When we woke up we donned down jackets, gloves, etc. Later in the day we would've probably been comfortable in a t-shirt.
Secure your hats! It's really tragic to see how much human debris there is in many of the springs and other geologic features. Debris can actually clog a spring, changing its temperature, and ultimately its color. Don’t be the person that contributes to the damage - even if it is an accident!
Camera (or clear phone storage): I had to remind myself to put my camera down, just to soak it all in because everything you see is worthy of a shutter click. The landscapes are unreal and there are animals popping up everywhere. You won't leave with an empty memory card.
LEAVE NO TRACE! See the box below for more info on keeping the parks great for everyone.
STAY SAFE:
Give animals their distance: Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals. Understand that moose, bison, and elk can be more aggressive than you might expect and can cause serious injury. It's also not just the males with impressive antlers that can do damage; a protective mom will stop at next to nothing! Do not approach or feed wildlife - no matter how great the photo opportunity seems!
Know that this is bear country: Don’t hike alone and avoid sneaking up on bears by making noise. Don't leave food or gear unattended - even briefly. Make sure to use bear boxes for ALL food and "smell-ables" including things like deodorant and sunscreen. Read up on what to do if you do encounter a bear, but do not drop your pack, do not run, and use bear spray if charged.
Practice good fire safety: Make sure to build fires in designated areas, keep them monitored, and fully extinguish them. Pay attention to any restrictions that are in place. Do not dispose of any tobacco products on the ground.
Geothermal features are dangerous:
Be extremely mindful and stay on the trail when in a geothermal area. The water is scalding hot and sometimes contains harmful chemicals. The ground surrounding a spring is also often thin and may look solid but can give way to hot water below. People have died from falling into hot springs in the park. Be especially careful with small children and pets are not allowed. If you want to swim, there are very limited opportunities in the park because of the dangerous waters - always check to make sure it is safe.
Prepare for terrible cell service: Cell service in the park is truly bad. It's a great forced disconnect, but don't count on being able to pull up maps or reference guides on the fly. Plan to download or purchase hard copies of anything you will need while in the park. The park will give you a map, but it's pretty zoomed out and only useful to a certain extent.
DON'T MISS:
The amazing geology: Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic are the most famous features, but there are 10,000 others to check out while you're in the park. This is truly one of the most unique locations geologically speaking in the world. The geothermal features are impressive just to look at, but understanding the science really helps bring things to life.
Grabbing a park guide: All of the parks hand out a map and newsletter, which are really awesome tools for getting your bearings. That said, Yellowstone is so big with so much to see, the basic handouts really aren't enough. I recommend doing your homework in advance, but while you are in the park, talk to the rangers and / or pick up additional guides for day hikes, wildlife, and more. They're really well put together and help you get the most out of the park.
Some of the smaller sights: Yes, by all means, stop at all the heavy-hitters, but don't overlook some of the small, lesser-known spots. There are waterfalls and overlooks everywhere you turn, and while you may not have heard of them before, they are still some of the most beautiful you will find anywhere. You're also a lot more likely to be able to enjoy these without the large crowds!
Getting up early: I'm not a morning person, but getting an early start is worth it in the park. First and foremost, it gives you the best chance of missing the traffic and the crowds to an extent at the most popular spots. It also gives you some of the best chances of spotting wildlife, which are most active at dusk and dawn.
LEAVE NO TRACE
"LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS, TAKE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHS"
While the national parks can feel more like an amusement park or zoo at times, it's important to remember their purpose is to protect extraordinary and often fragile ecological, geographical, and cultural wonders. To ensure we disturb as little as possible and preserve as much as possible, you should follow 7 key principles. As an experienced outdoorsman, these should be old hat, but for new park visitors it's easy to think these principles only apply to those in the backcountry. Don’t make that mistake!
CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can do your part.
1.
PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE
Planning ahead helps you accomplish the other 6 principles. With a plan you are less likely to run out of water, get stuck camping in an unsafe spot, need a fire during a fire ban, carry unnecessary waste, etc.
5.
MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS
A camp stove offers much lower environmental impact vs. a fire. Determine if you even can build a fire without damage by evaluating fire danger (and restrictions), fuel sufficiency, and your own skills. If you do opt for a fire instead of a stove, select a site with sufficient wood and an existing fire ring. Then carefully gather wood with the least impact, monitor the fire, and clean up like you were never there.
2.
TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
Staying on the trail and in established campsites helps minimize damage to fragile landscapes and vegetation. Where that is not possible, understand the impact of walking on different types of surfaces.
6.
RESPECT WILDLIFE
Think of respecting wildlife as not altering their behavior with your own. This means not getting too close or too loud so that they feel frightened, potentially fleeing or worse, attacking you. It also means not trying to get their attention or feeding them. Animal behavior will alter over time if "trained" by humans. Touching animals can also harm either you or the animal through disease, abandonment, or injury.
3.
DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
Basic idea: "pack it in, pack it out." No matter what you bring, it comes back with you, including leftovers, feminine products, etc. Be sure to dig catholes for human waste and dispose of wastewater (with minimal biodegradable soap) 200+ ft. from water sources.
7.
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS
Many people come to the outdoors to get away from it all - respect that! Take care to keep noise levels down, pets under control (including their mess), and nature preserved for others. Be aware of your use of technology (e.g. music and drones). Also practice good trail etiquette. Uphill travelers and those on horseback have the right of way. Cyclists should yield to both hikers and equestrians.
4.
LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
This seems easy, but is also easy to break. Leaving what you find applies to EVERYTHING including arrowheads, flowers, fallen trees, even seashells at the beach. Avoid disturbing the ground or trees, including hammering hooks for hammocks or carving initials. It's easier to throw off nature's balance than you might think, especially if everyone "just does a little."
MORE TO SEE
Grand Teton: PTO Travel Pro* | Itinerary Teton & Yellowston: PTO Travel Pro* | Sequoia & King's Canyon: PTO Travel Pro* | Telluride: PTO Travel Pro*
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