Yellowstone National Park is a national park in the United States of America. It is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It covers an area of 8,900 square kilometers. Although the majority of it is in Wyoming, the national park also extends to Idaho and Montana. Some of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park include hiking, trekking, camping, mountain biking, and more. The park is best known for its wildlife, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, paint pots, and geothermal features.
The national park sits atop the largest dormant super-volcano in North America. It is home to more than half of the geysers in the world and they are the top Yellowstone attractions. The most well-known among these is the Old Faithful geyser, which is known for its punctuality.
On Yellowstone National Park vacation you will come across several geyser basins containing geothermal pools, mud volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Many of these basins can be explored on foot. Watching geysers spew out hot water is among the best things to see in Yellowstone National Park.
Other than all things hot and dangerous, the national park also has a rich variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic creatures. These pockets of wildlife are among the best places to visit in Yellowstone National Park. You get to see wolves, grizzly bears, bison, wild buffaloes, coyote, and more.
Aside from its natural heritage, the park is also deeply ingrained with Native American history and culture. The region has 11,000 years of Native American history. The historical and archeological sites are among the best places to see in Yellowstone National Park.
You can explore this national park on foot or in a car. There are several highway routes passing through it, passing by major attractions. The boardwalk hikes are also among the most popular activities in Yellowstone National Park.
There are several amazing lookout points, picnic sites, thermal bathing spots, kayaking streams, and more. You will need to make Yellowstone reservations for any of these activities before you get to the place.
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Top 19 Tourist Places to Visit in Yellowstone National Park in 7 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful)
Old Faithful is among the most well-known geysers in the world. It is given this name because rangers can quite accurately predict its eruption based on the previous eruption. Watching this geyser spew out hot water is among the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park. This park is actually home to 60% of all hot water geysers in the world. The Upper Geyser basin has 150 geysers in just 1 square mile area. The hike through this area is dangerous so you should stick with the guide. One wrong step and nature will get you. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this area and enjoy nature’s bursting fountain show.
I suggest you should go for a Full Day Guided Tour to Yellowstone National Park to see the major attractions in one day.
Day 2
1. Mammoth Hot Springs
Though there are several hot springs you can explore during Yellowstone National Park vacation, this one is special. Mammoth Hot Springs is known for its unique rock formation. It looks like blocks of ice, copper & stone arranged to make a hill. Only the ice is limestone deposited by hot water on the rocks. It is one of the most picturesque sites in the park. As you tour the hot springs, you will see a variety of rock formations in different colors and patterns. These are some of the best things to see in Yellowstone National Park and among the most photographed attractions. You will also see hot water pools, stalagmite, stalactite, colored ground, and more. Please remember that these springs emerge from a dormant volcano and are not safe for bathing, swimming, consumption, or even touch. Admire the peculiar wonders of nature from a safe distance. It will take at least 2 hours to explore these hot springs.
I suggest you should book a 2 Days Guided Tour to visit Mammoth Hot Springs and other popular attractions.
2. Boiling River Hot Springs
In contrast to Mammoth Hot Springs, people can swim and bathe in the waters of this river. The water is heated by the hot springs and geothermal activity. A dip in this stream is one of the most popular activities in Yellowstone National Park. This river is closed during springtime as the water becomes hazardous. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying the warm waters here.
Day 3
1. Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail
This spot sits atop a cliff from where you can see for quite a distance. The beautiful valley turns and curves with the river in front of you. This spot is also one top Yellowstone attractions for birdwatching and nature photography. The trail leading up to this spot touches the forested areas, plains, river valleys, cliffs, and rock formations. You can easily spend an hour or so at this place.
2. Lamar Valley
This valley is called the “Serengeti of America” because of its rich wildlife. Lamar Valley is among Yellowstone’s must-see places for nature and animal lovers. You will come across wolves, bison, elks, bighorns, bears, bald eagles, osprey, and several other animals. You can explore this valley on foot, in a car, or on horseback. The horseback tour of Lamar Valley is among the top things to do in Yellowstone Park for those seeking a little ranger-style adventure. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this valley.
I suggest you should go for a Hiking Tour of Lamar Valley.
3. Cooke City
This amusement town sits in the middle of the national park. It is designed like a classic western town. The town has hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and entertainment. It is one of the top Yellowstone National Park attractions to chill, socialize and have fun. It is one of the best places to initiate your tour of the national park. You will need about an hour to relax and enjoy at Cooke City.
4. Island Lake Campground
The Island Lake has several picnics and recreation spots around. There are also several small and large lakes nearby it. It is one of the best places to visit in Yellowstone National Park for a lot of activities. You can enjoy a nice picnic with nature, take a boat into the lake for fishing, enjoy hiking around the lake, go birdwatching, and more. You should be mindful that there are quite a few grizzly bears in the area, so don’t wander in the woods alone. You can easily spend an hour or so around this lake.
5. Beartooth Pass Overlook / Beartooth Highway
This overlook sits at a height of 3336 m above tree level. From this vantage point, you can get a view straight up to the Rockies. The view is one of the top things to see in Yellowstone National Park. The area is also populated with Grizzly bears, so be careful. If you are lucky, you can see the bear from a distance, if you are unlucky you will see one up close. You are in a jungle, always be alert and listen to the guides and rangers. You will need about an hour for this vantage point.
Day 4
1. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This canyon goes up to 1,200 ft deep and spans up to 4,000 ft. in width. The canyon is estimated to be about 14,000 years old. Layers of rocks tell the story of centuries. It is one of the best places to see in Yellowstone National Park. This trail is quite popular among nature photographers. If you have the capacity to walk for 6 to 7 hours, you can cover the hiking trail in a day. Otherwise, you can spread the hike over 2 days and camp in the canyon for a night. There are also short trails leading to popular vantage points for a great view of the canyon. Even the short trails require at least 2 hours.
I suggest you should book a Hiking Trip to The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
2. Hayden Valley
This Valley is yet another great Yellowstone Park attraction to see wildlife. This valley is home to Grizzly Bears, Coyotes, Buffalo, Wolves, Elk, Coyotes, and more. The valley is also rich with birds including eagles, ducks, harriers, geese, pelicans, and several others. You will need about 2 hours to tour this valley when you visit Yellowstone National Park.
I suggest you should go for a Full Day Tour of Yellowstone Lower Loop to see Hayden Valley.
3. Yellowstone Lake
This lake is the largest waterbody in the national park. It sits at an elevation of 7,700 ft. above sea level. The lake is one of Yellowstone’s main attractions for hiking trails and camping spots. The lake is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is known for its aquatic wildlife. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this lake.
I suggest you should do a Kayak Tour of Yellowstone Lake.
4. Lake Butte Overlook
This vantage point is the end point of the wonderful hiking trail that goes through a forest and takes you up a hill. It is among the must-see places in Yellowstone National Park for a great view of the lake and the Rocky Mountain. You will need an hour to spend at this overlook and admire the view.
Day 5
1. Lower Geyser Basin
This basin has some wild hydrothermal activity and some interesting hot-water pools. You can explore this basin on a boardwalk trail at Fountain Paint Pot or take a car and drive along the Firehole Lake Drive for 3 miles. You will come across several Yellowstone tourist attractions on both routes. You will need about 2 hours to explore this basin.
2. Norris Geyser Basin
This basin is the oldest and the hottest hydrothermal area of the national park. Some of the thermal features of this basin are 115,000 years old. The basin is home to many Yellowstone National Park tourist attractions including Steamboat Geyser which is the tallest one of its kind in the world. Steamboat shoots water as high as 400 feet. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this area.
Day 6
1. Midway Geyser Basin
This basin has large and dramatic hydrothermal activity. It is most well known for the Firehole river, which stretches for about 11 miles. The hiking trail through this basin is among the most fun things to do in Yellowstone National Park for its colorful pools and variety of geysers. Some of the attractions of this basin include Grand Prismatic Spring, Opal Pool, Turquoise Pool, Excelsior Geyser, Rabbit Creek, Fairy Falls, and more. You will need about two hours for Midway Geyser Basin.
2. Gibbon Geyser Basin
This basin has some of the most beautiful and colorful geographical features. Some of the top Yellowstone attractions of this basin include Sylvan Springs, Artist Paint Pot, Gibbon Hill, Geyser Creek, and more. You will need 2 hours or so to hike through this basin.
Day 7
1. West Thumb Geyser Basin
West Thumb Geyser Basin is famous for the Fishing Cone Hot Spring and the steaming Abyss Pool. It is also home to Twin Geyser, Painted Pool, Black Pool, Hillside Geyser, King Geyser, Lakeshore Geyser, and Seismograph Pool. These are among the best things to see in Yellowstone National Park. Each of these attractions has a viewing point to admire them. You can also take a hike to Yellowstone Lake Overlook point from this basin. You need about 2 hours to explore this area.
I suggest you should try Kayaking at West Thumb Geyser Basin.
2. Mud Volcano Area
Despite its name, there is not much active volcanic activity in this area. But it is famous for the Dragon Mouth’s Spring, one of the coolest (hottest actually) places to visit in Yellowstone National Park. It got its name from the smell of sulfur and fumes that lurk around this spring as if a dragon was resting underneath it. The Mud Volcano trail includes sights of geysers, hot springs, thermal pools, volcanic mud pools, and more. You will need at least 2 hours for this trail.
3. Lone Star Geyser Basin
This basin has a 2.5-mile trail is centered around the Lone Star Geyser. The geyser is 12 feet tall and shoots jets 50 feet high. The trail runs along the Firehole river and includes some Yellowstone must-see attractions like Clear Pool, Upper Firehole, Firehole Springs, and more. You will need about an hour for this trail.
If you are looking for more attractions and activities in Yellowstone National Park, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of these to explore within the vast national park.
Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful Visitor & Education Center
- Roosevelt Arch
- Museum of the National Park Ranger
- Canyon Visitor Education Center
- Madison Information Station
- Fort Yellowstone
- Albright Visitor Center
- Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
- Museum of the Yellowstone
- Fishing Bridge Museum
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site
- South Pass City
- The Lake Ranger Station
- Crevice Patrol Cabin
- Upper Miller Creek Petrol Station
- Sportsman Lake Patrol Cabin
- Fox Creek Patrol Cabin
- Thorofare Patrol Cabin
- Pelican Springs Cabin
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Yellowstone Lake
- Upper Falls of Yellowstone River
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Hayden Valley
- Thumb Geyser
- Yellowstone Caldera
- Mount Washburn
- Upper Geyser Basin
- Tower Fall
- Morning Glory Pool
- Artists Paint Pots
- Artist Point
- Gibbon Falls
- Biscuit Basin
- Lone Star Geyser
- Fountain Paint Pots
- Steamboat Geyser
- Black Sand Basin
- Castle Geyser
- Lower Geyser Basin
- Mystic Falls
- Brink of the Lower Falls
- Shoshone Lake
- Bunsen Peak
- Lewis Lake
- Great Fountain Geyser
- Grand Geyser
- Firehole Falls
- Electric Peak
- Kepler Cascades
- Lewis Falls
- Fairy Falls
- Wraith Falls
- Bridge Bay
- Shoshore Geyser Basin
- Abyss Pool
- Sapphire Pool
- Beehive Geyser
- Trout Lake
- Union Falls
- Boiling River Hot Springs
- Monument Geyser Basin
- Heart Lake
- Beaver Ponds
- Excelsior Geyser Crater
- Undine Falls
- Lake Butte
- Storm Point
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Osprey Falls
- Dragons Mouth Spring
- Moose Falls
- Harlequin Lake
- Firehole Canyon
- Porcelain Basin
- Firehole River
- Pelican Valley
- Fishing Cone
- Dunanda Falls
- Specimen Ridge
- Yellowstone River
- Avalanche Peak
- Yellowstone Hot Springs
- Natural Bridge
- LeHardy Rapids
- Mud Volcano
- Sulphur Cauldron
- Isa Lake
- Red Mountains
- Shoshone Lake
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful Inn
- Yellowstone River Picnic Area
- Old Faithful Lodge
- Fishing Bridge
- Cooke City
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel
- The Lake Lodge
Shopping in Yellowstone National Park
- Fishing Bridge General Store
- Yellowstone Park Village
- The Cradleboard
- Bear Den Gift Shop
- Old Faithful Lodge Gift Store
- Old Faithful Inn Gift Store
- Lake Lodge Gift Store
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel Gift Store
- Grant Village Gift Store
- Canyon Lodge Gift Store
- Madison Mercantile
- Mammoth Hotel Gift Store
- Roosevelt Lodge Gift Store
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Yellowstone National Park
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Camping
- Wildlife Safari
- Mountain biking
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Skiing
- Zipline
- River Rafting
- Cycling
- Horseback Riding
Sightseeing in Yellowstone National Park
- Firehole Lake Drive
- Dunraven Pass
- Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
- North Entrance Road
- Blacktail Plateau Drive
- Lake Butte Overlook
- Firehole Canyon Road
- North Rim Drive
- John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Yellowstone National Park
- Canyon Lodge Dining Room
- Canyon Lodge Cafeteria
- Canyon Lodge Deli
- Grant Village Dining Room
- Grant Village Lakehouse Restaurant
- Lake Lodge Cafeteria
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
- Lake Deli
- Mammoth Hotel Dining Room
- Mammoth Terrace Grill
- Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
- Old Faithful Inn Dining Room
- Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria and Bake Shop
- Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room
- Seven Stool Saloon
- Bear Pit Lounge
Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park?
Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in and nearby Yellowstone National Park. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Yellowstone National Park.
- Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins
- Gray Wolf Inn and Suites
- Explorer Cabins At Yellowstone
- WorldMark West Yellowstone
- Kelly Inn-West Yellowstone
- Best Western Desert Inn
- Hibernation Station
- Yellowstone Lodge
- The Adventure Inn Yellowstone
- Three Bear Lodge
- Stage Coach Inn
- Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, an IHG Hotel
Custom Tours Package in Yellowstone National Park
How to Reach Yellowstone National Park?
By Air
The closest airport to reach Yellowstone National Park is the West Yellowstone airport in Montana. You can get direct flights from Salt Lake City and Denver. Although these flights are seasonal. You can get buses and rental cars to visit Yellowstone National Park from the airport.
By Road
There are no direct trains to reach Yellowstone. The closest city on the Amtrak route is Salt Lake City. You can take a bus from the city or get a rental car to drive to Yellowstone National Park.
You can also get buses to visit Yellowstone from several towns and cities in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
If you are planning to drive to this national park, you can choose from routes 89, 212, 14, 16, 20, 191, or 287. Depending on which route you take, you will have to make Yellowstone entrance reservations to make your journey easier. Many of these routes pass through the national park and you can catch many Yellowstone must-see places as you drive.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to get to Yellowstone National Park.
Image Reference
- Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful) – KrisNM / Flickr
- Mammoth Hot Springs – Brigitte Werner / PixaBay
- Boiling River Hot Springs – funkjoker / Flickr
- Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail – Jacob W. Frank / Yellowstone National Park / Flickr
- Lamar Valley – Russell Feldhausen / Flickr
- Cooke City – Kevin Baird / Flickr
- Island Lake Campground – Joan Amero / Flickr
- Beartooth Pass Overlook / Beartooth Highway – Russell Feldhausen / Flickr
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Jung Ryeol Lee / PixaBay
- Hayden Valley – Charles (Chuck) Peterson / Flickr
- Yellowstone Lake – Charles (Chuck) Peterson / Flickr
- Lake Butte Overlook – Tim Lumley / Flickr
- Lower Geyser Basin – Mike Goad / PixaBay
- Norris Geyser Basin – Rennett Stowe / Flickr
- Midway Geyser Basin – Mike Goad / PixaBay
- Gibbon Geyser Basin – James St. John / Flickr
- West Thumb Geyser Basin – Jayjay P / Flickr
- Mud Volcano Area – James St. John / Flickr
- Lone Star Geyser Basin – James St. John / Flickr
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