Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the United States (and in the world). As a World Heritage Site [1], Yellowstone is world-renowned for its wildlife, landscape, and hydrothermal features (i.e. hot springs, mud pots, steam vents, and geysers, among others). This national park is also notable for its diverse range of recreational activities such as camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and sightseeing.
Here, the scenery is not only beautiful but also surreal and surprising. There is no other place like Yellowstone in the world. There is so much beauty, color, and life.
The sheer prevalence and diversity of animals are astonishing. Wildlife watching in Yellowstone is an unparalleled experience. The animals do not even seem to mind. Some of them will walk right up to you, some of them will look right at you, and many of them remain relatively unconcerned by your presence (provided you maintain the recommended distance). Bison traffic jams are quite common as well (it happened to me TWICE).
For the above reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend that you visit. And, when you visit, make sure to follow this adventure guide to maximize your time in Yellowstone National Park.
Recommended Duration of Visit
3 days (ideal), 2 days (doable), 1 day (difficult)
[1]: A World Heritage site is a landmark/area chosen by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) due to its scientific, cultural, or historical significance, among others. World Heritage Sites are considered important to the collective interests of humanity, and are, therefore, legally protected by international treaties.
Recommendations: Before Arriving
Recommendations: Adventure Gear
Click for some interesting facts about Yellowstone National Park
During the summertime (June to August), Yellowstone receives most of its visitors.
In the summer, the days are longer and the weather is near perfect on most occasions (very crucial for good photos of Grand Prismatic Spring and other colorful hot springs). The winters are the least busy since subzero temperatures are quite common.
Established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States (and the world).
Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, and bison, among others.
3,471 miles2 (8,990 kilometers2) of hot springs, gushing geyers, alpine rivers, luxuriant forests, flowing lakes, vast canyons, and hiking trails (over 900 miles).
Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website’s events section for a list of events.
If you do not have one, purchase the annual pass that grants access to any national park. You can buy it at any national park entrance.
If you would like to book a room in Old Faithful Inn, then you will have to do so months (preferably a year) in advance. If you’re not staying within Yellowstone, then West Yellowstone has a variety of lodging options (I stayed at the Yellowstone Country Inn).
Established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States (and the world).
During the summertime (June to August), Yellowstone receives most of its visitors.
In the summer, the days are longer and the weather is near perfect on most occasions (very crucial for good photos of Grand Prismatic Spring and other colorful hot springs). The winters are the least busy since subzero temperatures are quite common.
3,471 miles2 (8,990 kilometers2) of hot springs, gushing geyers, alpine rivers, luxuriant forests, flowing lakes, vast canyons, and hiking trails (over 900 miles).
Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, and bison, among others.
If you do not have one, purchase the annual pass that grants access to any national park. You can buy it at any national park entrance.
If you would like to book a room in Old Faithful Inn, then you will have to do so months (preferably a year) in advance. If you’re not staying within Yellowstone, then West Yellowstone has a variety of lodging options (I stayed at the Yellowstone Country Inn).
Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website’s events section for a list of events.
| General Safety | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | There are no shuttle buses in Yellowstone. This is a small issue, because driving a personal vehicle is, by far, the best way to get around. However, be extra alert since traffic accidents do happen, especially when you factor in the random bison just straight up chilling in the middle of the roads. | |
| Large Animals | Stay at least 300 feet (91 meters) away from bears and wolves, and 75 feet (23 meters) away from elk and bison. Note: If they approach you, then the best course of action is to remain calm and hold still before gradually backing off. Running could provoke the animal. | |
| Bear | If you’re camping, carry bear spray. Refer to the two bear information signs in this section for details on how to deal with bears. You can click on the photos to center and enlarge them. | |
| Environmental | Stay on boardwalks and trails. Do not be fooled by seemingly stable footing. In thermal regions, the ground may only be a thin crust above boiling hot springs or boiling mud. | |
Bear Necessities
Other Miscellaneous Safety Considerations
Okay, I’m just kidding. It’s just a random hat someone lost. But think about it: they abandoned their cool hat because they didn’t want to risk getting killed. You can never tell if the ground is as stable as it looks. The hat was hot, but the springs were hotter.Disclaimer: You might eventually notice that I am quite close to a bison in one of the photos. The reason is simple: that bison was a true bro. Even though I was a safe distance away, he basically strolled up to me and said, “Yo! Wassuuuup! Make sure you get my good side. Check it. Boom! Sexy side stance!” Sexy side stance indeed.
My situation was rare, so don’t count on it happening to you. In general, when approached, do not run. Remain calm, hold still, and slowly back away while pushing someone else forward. If you’re not careful around bison, then they might destroy you—like they destroyed the guy in the sign below (based on true events).
West Thumb Geyser Basin: The waters of West Thumb fill a crater created about 174,000 years ago via volcanic eruption. This caldera is about as large as Crater Lake in Oregon. The most notable attractions in this area are Mimilus Pool, Abyss Pool, Black Pool, and Big Cone. The region is essentially a massive collection of hot springs surrounded by a boardwalk.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
Yellowstone Lake: Yellowstone Lake—the largest body of water in Yellowstone—is located near the West Thumb Geyser Basin. As the largest high-elevation freshwater lake in North America, it features stunning blue waters and panoramic views. Refer to this website for more information on tours.
Cost: Variable. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| Leaving the boardwalk or trail is unlawful and potentially fatal. Throwing things into the pools is unlawful, too. If caught, you might be thrown into one of the hot springs—or prosecuted, whichever is easier. |
| You can hike around the lake or go on the lake via a guided or rented boat. Note that some guided tours include a fishing tour as well. You can make reservations with Yellowstone National Park if you wish to go on the lake. |
Old Faithful Visitor Center: Located near Old Faithful Inn and the Old Faithful geyser is the visitor center. In addition to the plethora of useful and relevant information booths, this center also features a sizable exhibit detailing the history and science behind Yellowstone and Old Faithful.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Old Faithful: Old Faithful, due to its magnificant display of waterworks, is Yellowstone’s most famous attraction. This cone geyser is named Old Faithful because, unlike the other geysers, its eruption patterns are highly predictable. The geyser erupts at intervals of 90 minutes (plus or minus 10 minutes).
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes (but you should be in the area before the eruption).
| There should be multiple signs posted in or near the center with estimates of eruption times for Old Faithful. There are a variety of ranger-led programs here during the summers and winters as well. |
| Even though Old Faithful is surrounded by a massive viewing perimeter, it pays to arrive 20-30 minutes early in order to have an optimum photography spot. |
Grand Prismatic Spring: Grand Prismatic Spring, located in the Midway Geyser Basin, is the largest hot spring in the United States. It is 370 feet (113 meters) in diameter and 121 (37 meters) deep. Through the combined efforts of “thermophile” bacteria and scattered sunlight, Grand Prismatic Spring exhibits a famous bright and vivid coloration (red, orange, yellow, green, and blue)—like an optical “prism.” The nearby Exelsior Geyser is often neglected in favor its grander neighbor.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours (dependent on whether you plan to hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook).
Norris Geyser Basin: Norris Geyser Basin—the hottest and oldest thermal region in Yellowstone—is a strange and unique world of heat and gases. As you walk along the massive boardwalk perimeter of this world, you’ll be within a panoramic landscape that contrasts wonderfully with the neighboring mountains. There are two distinct basins—Porcelain Basin and Back Basin—and each offer their own unique attractions.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| First and foremost, you should visit on a sunny day during the summer. The best time to view is from 12 to 3 pm when the sun is at its highest and brightest. The Grand Prismatic Spring Parking Lot is the main parking spot. However, I strongly recommend that you hike the trail to Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. At a higher elevation, you will see how vivid the colors can be. |
| On the way to the Norris Geyser Basin, you should pass through the Norris Geyser Basin Museum—a stone structure detailing the geologic history of Yellowstone. There’s also a bookstore and campground nearby. Back Basin is home to the Steamboat Geyser—the tallest geyser in the world. Unfortunately, it is entirely unpredictable, and you would be very lucky to see it in action. |
West Yellowstone: West Yellowstone, a town in southern Montana, is the western gateway into Yellowstone National Park. There are a multitude of souvenir shops, restaurants, stores, and hotels to cover most of your needs. Similar to Yellowstone, animals such as elk and bison can be seen wandering around the area.
If you are planning to spend several days in Yellowstone, there are plenty of less expensive lodging options here (compared to Old Faithful Inn in the heart of Yellowstone).
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 hour – 1 day.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center: This not-for-profit Wildlife Park & Educational Facility’s mission is “to provide visitors to the Yellowstone area an opportunity to observe and understand, and appreciate grizzly bears and gray wolves.” While live bears and wolves are the main attractions, there are also exhibits of birds of prey and squirrels.
There is a lot of detailed information on identification, history, habitat, reproduction, and eating habitats, among others. You can visit the Discovery Center’s website for more information.
Cost: $15 (for anyone 13 and older). Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
| The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is in West Yellowstone, and I strongly recommend that you visit. The wolves were monumental to Yellowstone's history. The grizzlies also have very interesting stories of their own. The drive to Grand Prismatic Spring is only 40 minutes one way from West Yellowstone. |
| You could spend easily 3 hours at the discovery center. It is very large and elaborate. You will basically leave the place as an expert on bears and wolves. Additionally, the Wolf Pack—a documentary on wolves that won an Emmy—is over an hour long and is simply remarkable. There is also a live show with a hawk. |
Mammoth Hot Springs: The Mammoth Hot Springs represent quite the anomaly in Yellowstone. Travertine—a form of limestone—forms the bulk of the surrounding hot spring system. The result is a series of terraces essentially resembling an outdoor cave instead of pools of water. The most famous of these terraces is the Minerva Terrace, comprised of a series of smaller terraces.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley—renowned for its wildlife population—is a vast terrain and famous animal hotspot in Yellowstone National Park. Home to herds of bison, elk, wolves, birds, and bears, among others, it is a prime location for animal viewing and photography.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| The Mammoth Hot Springs are right next to highway 89. You should see the sign as you drive in its general direction. Although this might seem like a relatively simple attraction, you can spend several hours here simply hiking around the multilevel boardwalks. Most importantly, this unique landscape changes over relatively short spans time, so definitely take many photos and enjoy your experience. |
| Lamar Valley is about a 1-hour drive east of Mammoth Hot Springs, so it’s quite far from the other attractions. In the off chance that you do not have amazing encounters with animals near the more popular Yellowstone attractions, there is a much higher chance of seeing an abundance of wildlife in Lamar Valley. Please remember that the animals are wild, so take extra precaution and remain safe and secure in your vehicle. |
West Thumb Geyser Basin: The waters of West Thumb fill a crater created about 174,000 years ago via volcanic eruption. This caldera is about as large as Crater Lake in Oregon. The most notable attractions in this area are Mimilus Pool, Abyss Pool, Black Pool, and Big Cone. The region is essentially a massive collection of hot springs surrounded by a boardwalk.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| Leaving the boardwalk or trail is unlawful and potentially fatal. Throwing things into the pools is unlawful, too. If caught, you might be thrown into one of the hot springs—or prosecuted, whichever is easier. |
Yellowstone Lake: Yellowstone Lake—the largest body of water in Yellowstone—is located near the West Thumb Geyser Basin. As the largest high-elevation freshwater lake in North America, it features stunning blue waters and panoramic views. Refer to this website for more information on tours.
Cost: Variable. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| You can hike around the lake or go on the lake via a guided or rented boat. Note that some guided tours include a fishing tour as well. You can make reservations with Yellowstone National Park if you wish to go on the lake. |
Old Faithful Visitor Center: Located near Old Faithful Inn and the Old Faithful geyser is the visitor center. In addition to the plethora of useful and relevant information booths, this center also features a sizable exhibit detailing the history and science behind Yellowstone and Old Faithful.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| There should be multiple signs posted in or near the center with estimates of eruption times for Old Faithful. There are a variety of ranger-led programs here during the summers and winters as well. |
Old Faithful: Old Faithful, due to its magnificant display of waterworks, is Yellowstone’s most famous attraction. This cone geyser is named Old Faithful because, unlike the other geysers, its eruption patterns are highly predictable. The geyser erupts at intervals of 90 minutes (plus or minus 10 minutes).
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes (but you should be in the area before the eruption).
| Even though Old Faithful is surrounded by a massive viewing perimeter, it pays to arrive 20-30 minutes early in order to have an optimum photography spot. |
Grand Prismatic Spring: Grand Prismatic Spring, located in the Midway Geyser Basin, is the largest hot spring in the United States. Through the combined efforts of “thermophile” bacteria and scattered sunlight, Grand Prismatic Spring exhibits a famous bright and vivid coloration (red, orange, yellow, green, and blue)—like an optical “prism.” The nearby Exelsior Geyser is often neglected in favor its grander neighbor.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours (dependent on whether you plan to hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook).
| First and foremost, you should visit on a sunny day during the summer. The best time to view is from 12 to 3 pm when the sun is at its highest and brightest. The Grand Prismatic Spring Parking Lot is the main parking spot. However, I strongly recommend that you hike the trail to Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. At a higher elevation, you will see how vivid the colors can be. |
Norris Geyser Basin: Norris Geyser Basin—the hottest and oldest thermal region in Yellowstone—is a strange and unique world of heat and gases. As you walk along the massive boardwalk perimeter of this world, you’ll be within a panoramic landscape that contrasts wonderfully with the neighboring mountains. There are two distinct basins—Porcelain Basin and Back Basin—and each offer their own unique attractions.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| On the way to the Norris Geyser Basin, you should pass through the Norris Geyser Basin Museum—a stone structure detailing the geologic history of Yellowstone. There’s also a bookstore and campground nearby. Back Basin is home to the Steamboat Geyser—the tallest geyser in the world. Unfortunately, it is entirely unpredictable, and you would be very lucky to see it in action. |
West Yellowstone: West Yellowstone, a town in southern Montana, is the western gateway into Yellowstone National Park. There are a multitude of souvenir shops, restaurants, stores, and hotels to cover most of your needs. Similar to Yellowstone, animals such as elk and bison can be seen wandering around the area.
If you are planning to spend several days in Yellowstone, there are plenty of less expensive lodging options here (compared to Old Faithful Inn in the heart of Yellowstone).
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 hour – 1 day.
| The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is in West Yellowstone, and I strongly recommend that you visit. The wolves were monumental to Yellowstone's history. The grizzlies also have very interesting stories of their own. The drive to Grand Prismatic Spring is only 40 minutes one way from West Yellowstone. |
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center: This not-for-profit Wildlife Park & Educational Facility’s mission is “to provide visitors to the Yellowstone area an opportunity to observe and understand, and appreciate grizzly bears and gray wolves.” While live bears and wolves are the main attractions, there are also exhibits of birds of prey and squirrels.
There is a lot of detailed information on identification, history, habitat, reproduction, and eating habitats, among others. You can visit the Discovery Center’s website for more information.
Cost: $15 (for anyone 13 and older). Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
| You could spend easily 3 hours at the discovery center. It is very large and elaborate. You will basically leave the place as an expert on bears and wolves. Additionally, the Wolf Pack—a documentary on wolves that won an Emmy—is over an hour long and is simply remarkable. There is also a live show with a hawk. |
Mammoth Hot Springs: The Mammoth Hot Springs represent quite the anomaly in Yellowstone. Travertine—a form of limestone—forms the bulk of the surrounding hot spring system. The result is a series of terraces essentially resembling an outdoor cave instead of pools of water. The most famous of these terraces is the Minerva Terrace, comprised of a series of smaller terraces.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| The Mammoth Hot Springs are right next to highway 89. You should see the sign as you drive in its general direction. Although this might seem like a relatively simple attraction, you can spend several hours here simply hiking around the multilevel boardwalks. Most importantly, this unique landscape changes over relatively short spans time, so definitely take many photos and enjoy your experience. |
Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley—renowned for its wildlife population—is a vast terrain and famous animal hotspot in Yellowstone National Park. Home to herds of bison, elk, wolves, birds, and bears, among others, it is a prime location for animal viewing and photography.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| Lamar Valley is about a 1-hour drive east of Mammoth Hot Springs, so it’s quite far from the other attractions. In the off chance that you do not have amazing encounters with animals near the more popular Yellowstone attractions, there is a much higher chance of seeing an abundance of wildlife in Lamar Valley. Please remember that the animals are wild, so take extra precaution and remain safe and secure in your vehicle. |
Wild at heart
WILDLIFE VIEWING: Partake in an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience.
| PRO TIP: Remember to properly distance yourself from the various forms of wildlife. Stay 300 feet (91 meters) away from wolves and bears, and 75 feet (23 meters) away from elk and bison. In general, animals are most easily spotted during the early mornings (8 to 10 am) or early evenings (4 to 6 pm) when temperatures are cooler. Bison, however, are often seen throughout the entire day. Lamar Valley is a great place to view wildlife as well, but the main Yellowstone area (near Old Faithful) should more than suffice. | COST: Nothing or Everything (if the animals attack). | |
Binoculars are quite helpful for viewing bears and wolves (if you are not in a vehicle).
Below are a map and schedule—the same one I followed during my time in Yellowstone. Both will be good references for all your activity planning needs.
Regretably, due to legibility issues, the Yellowstone map cannot be featured here; it is simply too large. My sincerest apologies. However, here is the full map of Yellowstone. You can download this version or refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for further information.
More information on Naughty Chile Taqueria
What to order: A breakfast burrito is your best bet.
More information on Buckaroo Bill’s BBQ Grill
What to order: I recommend the Half Rack of Ribs. Fries and tater tots were crispy and lightly salted. The ribs also fell off the bone, and the barbecue sauce was just right—not too sweet, not too tangy.
Yellowstone, alongside the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, is one of the crown jewels of national parks in the United States. Since it’s essentially a world-famous active supervolcano, Yellowstone is both figuratively and literally a hotspot of activity. And its collection of half the world’s hydrothermal features is evidence of much activity below the surface.
There is no place quite like Yellowstone in the world, and it will never cease to impress with its wonderfully unique landscape and wildlife. It is appropriate that Yellowstone is an active supervolcano—because it will blow your mind (pun so freaking intended).
On a final note, make sure to share this page so others will know more about Yellowstone National Park!
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