yellow-stone-national-park

Plan Your Visit

Yellowstone's vastness is its defining feature. A smart plan is essential to experience it without spending all your time in the car.

Strategy: Conquer the Figure-Eight

Pro Tip: Don't Drive in Circles!

The 142-mile Grand Loop Road is shaped like a figure-eight. The most effective strategy is a **split stay**, basing yourself on the west side (West Yellowstone) for the geyser basins and the east side (Canyon Village/Lake) for the canyon and wildlife. This divides the park into manageable quadrants and minimizes backtracking.

Choosing Your Season

Lodging & Camping: Book Early!

Yellowstone's nine in-park lodges (e.g., Old Faithful Inn) and twelve campgrounds are managed by concessioners or on Recreation.gov. They are incredibly popular and must be booked far in advance.

Lodges: Reservations open 13 months in advance and fill up almost immediately for peak season.
Campgrounds: Reservations open 6-12 months in advance on a rolling basis and are also highly competitive.
Gateway Towns: West Yellowstone (MT), Gardiner (MT), and Cody (WY) offer extensive hotel and service options outside the park.

Iconic Wonders

From the world's most famous geyser to a canyon of gold, these are the sights that define Yellowstone.

Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin

The world's most famous geyser, erupting predictably about 20 times a day. But don't just see the show and leave! The surrounding basin contains the highest concentration of geothermal features on Earth, including hundreds of geysers and hot springs connected by accessible boardwalks.

Grand Prismatic Spring

The largest hot spring in the U.S., famed for its vivid rainbow colors. View it up close from the Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk, then take the essential short hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook to see its full, breathtaking palette from above.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

A 20-mile-long, 1,200-foot-deep canyon carved by the Yellowstone River. Its yellow and pink walls give the park its name. Artist Point on the South Rim offers the quintessential, postcard-perfect view of the spectacular 308-foot Lower Falls.

Mammoth Hot Springs

A unique landscape of travertine terraces near the North Entrance. Hot water ascending through limestone has created what looks like a cave turned inside out. Explore the intricate formations via the Lower Terrace boardwalks and the Upper Terrace scenic drive.

Signature Experiences

Beyond the main sights, the true magic of Yellowstone is found in watching its wild heart beat.

Wildlife Watching Hotspots

For many, seeing wildlife is the ultimate Yellowstone experience. The key is knowing where and when to look. Dawn and dusk are the best times for animal activity.

Lamar Valley: The "Serengeti of North America." This vast valley in the northeast corner is the best place in the world to see wild wolves and huge herds of bison.
Hayden Valley: Centrally located, this expansive valley along the Yellowstone River is another prime area for spotting bison, grizzly bears, and waterfowl.

Seasonal Wildlife Viewing Guide

Yellowstone's Wild Inhabitants

Yellowstone is one of the largest, nearly intact temperate-zone ecosystems on Earth. Always maintain a safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from all other animals.

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Bison

The largest land mammal in North America and an icon of the park. Frequently seen in Lamar and Hayden Valleys, often causing "bison jams" on the roads.

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Grizzly Bear

The park's apex predator. Best viewing chances are in Hayden and Lamar Valleys, especially in spring. Carry bear spray and be alert.

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Gray Wolf

Successfully reintroduced, wolves are a conservation success story. Best viewed with scopes at dawn in Lamar Valley, especially in winter.

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Elk

Common throughout the park. The fall rut (mating season) is a highlight, with bull elks bugling and sparring, especially around Mammoth.