When planning a visit to Yellowstone National Park, it might come as a surprise to find out how big the park is and how much there is to explore whilst you are there. This can seem overwhelming so to help, here is my list of ten of the best things to see and do on your trip to Yellowstone.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs are located close to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park and are an area of constantly changing hot springs and beautiful limestone travertine terraces. It is completely different and unique compared to the other geothermal areas inside the park and there are boardwalks to the upper and lower terraces and to the springs all offering different views and vantage points.

You can also drive around the Upper Terrace Loop Drive and view the terraces and hot springs from above.

Old Faithful

Old Faithful is one of the most famous sights at Yellowstone National Park and probably the most famous geyser in the world. It reliably erupts approximately every ninety minutes give or take ten minutes either side – predicted eruption times are posted on the NPS Twitter Feed and inside the Visitor Center.

To view Old Faithful you can either watch from the boardwalk surrounding the geyser (get there early to beat the crowds and to get a front row seat) or hike to the Observation point for a view from above.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin on the shore of Yellowstone Lake is one of the most beautiful areas of geothermal activity in Yellowstone National Park. There is a boardwalk trail past different thermal features including the Black Pool and Abyss Pool as well as the Fishing Cone, Lakeshore Geyser and Big Cone which are in the lake itself.

Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. The vibrant rainbow colours surrounding the spring are like nothing else you have seen anywhere making it one of the must visit sights at Yellowstone and easily the most photographed.

You can view the Grand Prismatic Spring from the boardwalks at ground level or from above at the Grand Prismatic Overlook which is a short hike from the Fairy Falls parking lot. From the boardwalks you can also view the Excelsior Geyser Crater, the Turquoise Pool and the Opal Pool.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is over twenty miles long and features postcard-worthy views – it should definitely not be missed. The Lower Falls are the tallest waterfall in the park and can be viewed from the amazing Brink of the Lower Falls Trail or from various lookouts along the North and South Rim including Artist Point, Lookout Point, Grand View and Uncle Tom’s Trail.

Lake Yellowstone

Lake Yellowstone is the largest high elevation lake in North America and covers an area of 136 square miles. It completely freezes over during the winter months and even in summer, it is too cold for swimming. You can drive along the shore of the lake, stop for a picnic and take in the incredible scenery or even take a boat or kayak tour on the lake itself.

Artists Paintpots

Hidden away between Madison Junction and Norris, Artists Paintpots is a small and colourful hydrothermal area with geysers, bubbling mud pots, hot springs, blue pools and fumaroles. It is not as busy as other geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park and is a great place to go to escape the crowds.

From the parking lot, it is a short easy one mile loop trail and you can also climb a small hill to get a great view of the paintpots below.

Gibbon Falls

Gibbon Falls is a beautiful waterfall that can be easily viewed directly from the Grand Loop Road between Madison and Norris. There is a parking area with plenty of spaces at the top of the falls and a paved path to several viewing areas.

See the Wildlife

Wildlife is all around you at Yellowstone National Park and a huge part of visiting. It will be pure luck what you see and when but you will definitely experience a bison jam along the road at least once if not more. Going to the park early or late in the day will increase your chances of seeing some animals as well as going to places such as Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located only thirty one miles to the south of Yellowstone National Park making it an easy day trip. The park itself looks like a postcard everywhere you look with lakes and snow covered mountains – I could have stared at the incredible scenery all day. There are also numerous outdoor activities to do and the nearby town of Jackson is a great place to spend a few hours.

I have also written a blog post giving tips and advice for visiting Yellowstone National Park. Have a great time and remember to take lots of photos!

Since this blog post was written back in 2020, some of the information may no longer be accurate or up to date. Be sure to do your own research and check official websites for the latest details before making any of your own travel plans.

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