Yellowstone National Park
Nature's Majestic Wonderland
Yellowstone National Park is situated in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with a small portion, about 4%, extending into Montana and Idaho. This region is renowned for its significant geological activity, including a supervolcano beneath the park. The Continental Divide of North America runs diagonally through the southwestern corner of the park, offering visitors a memorable experience as they witness water flow shifting at this natural boundary.
Yellowstone is a haven for wildlife, home to 67 species of mammals, including elk, bison, deer, and antelope, as well as two species of bears. While the park may not be primarily known for its waterfalls, it boasts an impressive 290 of them, including the 308-foot-tall Lower Falls on the Yellowstone River. The park's geothermal features are another major draw, with erupting geysers, bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, and stunningly colorful thermal pools attracting millions of visitors annually. With over 2 million acres of land, more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, and over 500 active geysers—more than half of the world's total—Yellowstone offers an abundance of natural wonders to explore.
Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being the world's first national park, established on March 1, 1872, by President Ulysses S. Grant. It is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, covering an area larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Given its vast size and numerous spectacular sites, planning a visit can be overwhelming, but the park's top attractions, including the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful, Fairy Falls Trail, Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, provide an excellent starting point.
Top Sites in Yellowstone National Park
Upper Geyser Basin & Old Faithful: Start your day early at Yellowstone's main attraction, Old Faithful, located in the Upper Geyser Basin, which contains the highest concentration of geysers on Earth.
Fairy Falls Trail to Grand Prismatic Overlook: A short hike offering a spectacular view of Grand Prismatic Spring, a vibrant hot spring larger than a football field.
Midway Geyser Basin & Grand Prismatic: Walk along the boardwalks to get an up-close view of the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Norris Geyser Basin: Explore the most active and dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone, where you'll feel as though you've stepped onto another planet.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Take in the breathtaking views of this 23-mile-long canyon carved by the Yellowstone River.
Mammoth Hot Springs: Wander through the terraced hot springs, marveling at the intricate formations created by the mineral deposits.
Hayden Valley & Lamar Valley: Prime spots for observing Yellowstone's abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves.
Day 1: Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
Morning: Upper Geyser Basin & Old Faithful
Start your day early with a visit to Yellowstone’s most famous attraction, Old Faithful. Located in the Upper Geyser Basin, in the southwestern section of the park’s figure-eight loop, Old Faithful is about an hour’s drive from West Yellowstone or Canyon Village—though it may take longer during peak season due to traffic.
Old Faithful predictably erupts every 60 to 100 minutes, with eruptions lasting between 1.5 and 5 minutes, and shooting water up to 106-184 feet into the air. You can check the next eruption time on Yellowstone’s website or at the Old Faithful Inn, where the schedule is posted. About 30 minutes before an eruption, people start gathering around the seating area, so if you want a good spot to watch, plan to arrive early.
After watching Old Faithful, take some time to explore the nearby Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, the lodge, or the General Store. We enjoyed an educational video about Old Faithful and the birds of the area.
Upper Geyser Basin: Must-See Morning Glory Pool
Just steps from Old Faithful, you can begin exploring the Upper Geyser Basin, where boardwalks lead you through a surreal landscape of geothermal features. With over 150 hydrothermal features in just one square mile, this basin has the highest concentration of geysers on Earth.
Before you start your walk, be sure to check the prediction times for the five major geysers: Castle, Grand, Daisy, Riverside, and Old Faithful. Plan your route accordingly to catch some of these eruptions along the way.
We recommend walking the Geyser Hill trail and continuing on to Morning Glory Pool, one of the most stunning pools in the park. Our round trip back to the Old Faithful parking lot was about 2 miles and took approximately 2 hours, not including the time spent watching Old Faithful.
Lunch: Old Faithful General Store
After exploring the Upper Geyser Basin, we stopped for lunch at the Old Faithful General Store. The enchilada soup and grilled cheese were amazing!
Afternoon:
Stop 1: Fairy Falls Trail to Grand Prismatic Overlook
The Fairy Falls Trailhead is a short 10-minute (5.3 miles) drive north of Old Faithful. This 1.8-mile round-trip hike takes you to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. About 0.6 miles into the trail, it splits—take the left path to reach the overlook. The trail gains 230 feet in elevation, offering a spectacular view of the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring, the third-largest hot spring in the world. This incredible natural wonder, larger than a football field, is a must-see. The spring's vivid colors result from different species of heat-loving thermophilic bacteria, making it a truly unique sight.
Timing Tip: Grand Prismatic is best viewed around midday when the sun is high, and the mist is minimal.
Traveler Tip: This is a popular site, and parking can be challenging. If the lot is full, consider visiting another nearby site and returning later.
Stop 2: Midway Geyser Basin & Grand Prismatic
Just a 5-minute (1.7 miles) drive from the Fairy Falls Trailhead, Midway Geyser Basin offers a chance to see Grand Prismatic Spring up close. The boardwalk trail is a 0.8-mile round trip, providing a unique perspective at ground level. We skipped this stop due to tired feet from earlier hikes, but it’s worth visiting if you have the energy.
Stop 3: Lower Geyser Basin & Fountain Paint Pot
A short 6-minute (2.2 miles) drive from Midway Geyser Basin brings you to Lower Geyser Basin. The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is a 0.6-mile loop primarily on boardwalks, where you can see all four types of geothermal features: erupting geysers, bubbling mud pots (which can shoot 30-40 feet in the air!), hissing fumaroles, and boiling springs. Allow about 30 minutes to walk this action-packed trail.
Stop 4: IMAX Theater in West Yellowstone
While Drew checked on Addison and did some work, we headed to the Yellowstone IMAX Theater in West Yellowstone to watch a documentary. The film is 45 minutes long, with showings starting at 10:30 a.m. and running on the hour until 6 p.m. It’s a great way to continue experiencing Yellowstone, especially if you need to rest your feet.
Day 2: Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
Morning:
Stop 1: Artist Paintpots
Start your morning with a visit to the Artist Paintpots Trail, located about 40 minutes from West Yellowstone (25 miles), Old Faithful Inn (26 miles), or Canyon Village (16 miles). This 1-mile trail offers a fascinating walk through a steaming forest, leading to a boardwalk with stunning views of bubbling mudpots. There’s something mesmerizing about watching the mud pop up and splat back down in a rhythmic fashion—it’s an experience that’s both relaxing and captivating. Allow approximately 45 minutes to explore the Artist Paintpots.
Stop 2: Norris Geyser Basin
A short 10-minute drive from Artist Paintpots brings you to Norris Geyser Basin, the most active and dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone. The otherworldly landscape here feels like walking on another planet, with geysers, pools, and fumaroles bubbling and hissing all around. Allow about 2 hours to walk both trails at Norris Geyser Basin.
There are two main trails to explore:
Back Basin: A 1.5-mile loop through a wooded area that passes by Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest geyser (over 300 feet), though its eruptions are completely unpredictable.
Porcelain Basin: A 0.75-mile loop offering a more exposed walk through a vibrant and highly active area. This is a great spot to sit and listen to the powerful sounds of nature.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water, as the trail is exposed, and the sun can get hot.
Lunch: Sheepeater Cliff
After exploring Norris Geyser Basin, take a 30-minute drive toward the Mammoth Lakes Area for a picnic lunch at the Sheepeater Cliffs picnic area, just over 20 minutes from Norris. This unique spot features columns of basalt and is a fun place to eat lunch. Keep an eye out for the Yellow-Bellied Marmots that live in the area.
Afternoon:
Stop 1: Mammoth Hot Springs
Spend the afternoon exploring Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can walk the 1.75-mile boardwalks that loop around the incredible Main and Lower Terraces. Afterward, drive the 1.5-mile Upper Terrace Loop, which can also be walked if you prefer. There are several small pullouts and parking areas along this drive, making it easy to stop and explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife; during our visit, we spotted both elk and a black bear. Allow about 1.5 hours to fully enjoy Mammoth Hot Springs, which features stunning, otherworldly terraces formed by mineral deposits.
Stop 2: Lamar Valley
If time permits, consider making the 1-hour drive from Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley, one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife. Though it’s a bit of a drive, it’s worth it for the chance to see animals like bison, black bears, bighorn sheep, elk, grizzly bears, mule deer, pronghorn, and even wolves. Wildlife sightings are most common early in the morning or in the evening, so plan your visit accordingly.
Stop 3: Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
End your day with a visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. This not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility offers a unique opportunity to learn about and observe grizzly bears and gray wolves. The center’s exhibits allow you to experience the diversity of Yellowstone’s wetlands and understand how all members of the ecosystem are interconnected.
The Banks of the Yellowstone River Otter Exhibit features North American river otters, while the indoor displays highlight native species such as Yellowstone cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide intimate views of the wolves, and the Naturalist Cabin offers a glimpse into wolf pack dynamics. Early morning and evening visitors may even hear the wolves howling.
Across from the wolf habitats, you can watch the bears forage for food, play in their ponds, and interact with one another. The bears at the center were all rescued after becoming nuisance bears or orphaned cubs. The center provides them with a large, naturalistic outdoor habitat that includes a pool, waterfall, and private indoor areas. Bears are rotated into the habitat in different combinations, and food is hidden for them to discover, mimicking their natural behavior in the wild.
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
Due to moving our RV to a site near the Grand Tetons and homeschool commitments, we had to cut our third day short in Yellowstone.
In the mid-afternoon, we made the 2-hour drive to Hayden Valley, aiming to arrive before sunset. Hayden Valley, situated in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, is one of the park's most iconic and picturesque landscapes. This expansive, lush valley is nestled between forested hills and is bisected by the winding Yellowstone River, creating a serene and breathtaking scene. Known for its abundant wildlife, Hayden Valley is a prime spot for observing bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. During our visit, we were fortunate to spot elk, foxes, and bison. The open grasslands and meandering waterways offer visitors a chance to experience the untamed beauty of Yellowstone's natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the park.
Alternative Full-Day Itinerary for Day 3:
Morning: Lower Loop of the Figure 8
Stop 1: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Start your day with a visit to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, located about an hour's drive from West Yellowstone or just over an hour from Old Faithful Inn (depending on traffic and reentry delays). This 23-mile-long chasm, carved by the Yellowstone River, is best explored by taking one or both of the scenic drives:
North Rim Drive: A one-way road that leads to several stunning viewpoints, including the Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Grand View Point, and Inspiration Point.
South Rim Drive: This route takes you to Upper Falls View, Uncle Tom’s Trail, and the iconic Artist Point. If time allows, this is the route to prioritize.
Stop 2: Hayden Valley
A short 15-minute drive from the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone brings you to Hayden Valley. This area is excellent for wildlife viewing, especially in the early morning or evening. Keep an eye out for bison, black bears, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves.
Stop 3: Mud Volcano Area
Just past Hayden Valley lies the Mud Volcano area. Follow the 0.6-mile loop trail to see turbulent pools of “boiling” water, including Black Dragon’s Caldron, a spring that explosively formed in 1948, and Dragon’s Mouth Spring, a cave where the rhythmic belching of steam and gurgling water sounds like a dragon inside. Allow approximately 45 minutes to explore the Mud Volcano area.
Afternoon:
Stop 1: West Thumb Geyser Basin
From Lake Village, take a scenic 30-minute drive along Yellowstone Lake to reach West Thumb Geyser Basin. This 0.7-mile loop trail offers a unique geothermal experience right along the lake’s edge. One highlight is Black Pool, a brilliant turquoise-blue pool that was once black due to cyanobacteria, which were killed off when the pool's temperature began to rise in 1991. Allow approximately 30-45 minutes to visit West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Where to Spot Wildlife
Yellowstone is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Bison, elk, bears, wolves, and more can be spotted in various locations throughout the park, with Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley being particularly well-known for animal sightings. Make sure to bring binoculars! We have my Papa’s binoculars that we inherited! He was a hunter for 75 years of his life, and “a good set of binoculars," he said, "is always a prized possession, offering a view we might have otherwise missed.”
Visitor Centers
Each of Yellowstone's visitor centers offers unique insights into the park's history and ecosystems. The Mammoth Visitor Center focuses on wildlife, the Museum of the Park Ranger features historical memorabilia, and the Old Faithful Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits for children. Visiting multiple centers will enrich your understanding and appreciation of Yellowstone.
Where we stayed
The KOA RV Park in West Yellowstone offers a convenient and comfortable basecamp for exploring the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Located just a few miles from the park’s west entrance, this full-service RV park provides spacious sites with modern amenities, including full hookups, Wi-Fi, a general store, and laundry facilities. Visitors can enjoy additional perks like a heated pool, hot tub, mini-golf, and daily pancake breakfasts, making it a family-friendly option for travelers. The KOA’s scenic setting, surrounded by Montana’s breathtaking wilderness, provides easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. With its blend of convenience and natural beauty, the West Yellowstone KOA is an ideal stop for RV travelers seeking to explore America’s first national park.
Conclusion
Yellowstone National Park is more than just a collection of stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems; it is a testament to the untamed beauty and power of nature. From its roaring geysers and boiling mud pots to its serene valleys and towering waterfalls, Yellowstone offers a glimpse into the Earth's raw and dynamic forces. As you leave the park, you carry with you memories of its vivid geothermal features, encounters with its majestic wildlife, and the awe-inspiring vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Yellowstone is not just a place to visit—it's an experience that stays with you, reminding you of the enduring magnificence of the natural world.
