There is so much to see and do in Yellowstone National Park that it may be overwhelming to know where to start. If this is your first time visit to Yellowstone National Park or even if you’ve been to the park before, you may have missed some of the best places to visit since the park is large with so much to do! Here is an overview of Yellowstone National Park’s must see spots.
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Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Left: Looking towards the canyon from Artist Point
Right: Upper Falls from Upper Falls View
Yellowstone is full of waterfalls, but the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is one of the top attractions and you shouldn’t miss it. There are tons of viewpoints for you to see multiple waterfalls, the canyon, and all of the amazing colors this area has to offer. You should also take the drive up to Mount Washburn in this area.
If you are short on time, I’d highly recommend driving the one way loop also known as North Rim Drive. This drive gives you access to various parking areas, including the Brink of the Lower Falls trail to the viewpoint which is 0.7 miles out and back, including stairs. You can opt to stop at the other views, but if you are trying to be quick, you can skip the rest and head back to the main road (Grand Loop Road).
From there, you will see a small road to park between North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive where you can access Brink of the Upper Falls trail and viewing area. This is a short 0.3-mile hike to stand at the top of the falls.
Next, you’ll drive over to South Rim Drive, where you will park in the first parking lot to your left which is where you will gain access to Upper Fall’s viewpoints and Uncle Tom’s Trail. Don’t miss Upper Falls View while there. If you are up for a workout, you can follow Uncle Tom’s Trail down 3/4 of the way into the Canyon, but this is a very steep metal staircase so use caution and expect to take rests.
Next is my personal favorite, Artist Point Lookout. Follow South Rim Drive to the end and you’ll find a very large parking area. This overlook is stroller/wheelchair accessible to a point. You have amazing views of both the Lower Falls in the distance and then the canyon on the other side.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Quick Recap
Brink of the Lower Falls: 0.7 mi out and back, 265 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Brink of the Upper Falls: 0.3 mi out and back, 39 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Upper Falls View: Viewpoint right outside of the parking area.
Uncle Tom’s Trail: 0.6 mi out and back, 377 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Artist Point: 0.2 mi out and back.
Trail Info
Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
Top: Taken from the Overlook Trail
Bottom: Taken from the boardwalk trail in Midway Geyser Basin
The largest hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, and one you don’t want to miss, especially if it’s your first time visit to Yellowstone National Park. First, I’ll start by saying the best time to view this area is mid-day when the sun is the highest and on a sunny day. This is when the colors of the hot springs will be most vibrant, and hopefully, there will be less steam coming off of the top since it is a warmer part of the day. With that being said, the two parking areas to access views of the Grand Prismatic Spring will be busy so you may have to wait more than usual.
There are two ways to see the Grand Prismatic Spring, up close or from an overlook trail. The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail offers a more stunning view of the beautiful, vibrant colors than when you’re up close to it in my opinion. You will need to park in the Fairy Falls Trailhead Parking lot to access the trail, then hike 1.5 miles out and back. The trail is primarily flat until there is a quick branch off (and sometimes missed) to your left where you will start a short climb to the lookout area. If you want to add in a longer hike with a waterfall, follow the trail straight to Fairy Falls.
The second way to see the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is up close and personal from the Midway Geyser Basin Parking Area. There is a boardwalk trail that guides you through various vibrant pools, a dormant geyser, over the Firehole River, and alongside the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. Keep in mind to watch your step and stay on the boardwalks.
Tip: Even though these areas are crowded, do not let your guard down, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Fairy Falls Trail/Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail is frequently closed due to bear activity. There are also bison who freely roam this area. Respect nature and stay a safe distance away from the animals and always carry bear spray while on trails and boardwalks.
Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin Quick Recap
Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail: 1.5 mi out and back, 200 ft elevation gain.
Trail Info
Fairy Falls Trail: 4.8 mi out and back, 170 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Midway Geyser Basin Trail: 0.7 mi boardwalk loop, 55 ft elevation gain.
Trail Info
Roosevelt Arch
Located at the North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana is the Roosevelt Arch. If you have time to venture into the small town of Gardiner, it’s a great spot for lodging and groceries! You can drive through the arch, or you can park and walk around the area. Since it’s near an entrance, it’s a great place to grab photos near the Yellowstone National Park sign with a great background!
Roosevelt Arch Quick Recap
Roosevelt Arch
Yellowstone National Park Sign
Gardiner: Lodging, restaurants, and groceries.
Lodging
Groceries
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Top: taken from Boardwalk Trail
Bottom: Taken from Upper Terrace Drive Parking Area
Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace is truly like another planet and it’s always changing, so if you’re like us and visit Yellowstone multiple times, it’s a good spot to check back to so you can see just how active this area really is. You can park either at the bottom or top of the terrace and walk around on the boardwalks. The boardwalk is about 2.5 miles total in length. Since it’s situated on a hill, there are lots of stairs and/or ramps involved, so take your time especially if you’re not used to being in a higher altitude setting.
Once you’re done exploring, you can go for a drive on the one-way Upper Terrace Drive to see even more amazing formations. There are also a few spots to park and get out to explore.
If this is your first time visit to Yellowstone National Park, you may not be aware but you’ll likely see plenty of Elk in this area as they hang out on the roads and near the buildings. As always, remain a safe distance from Elk since they have been known to chase and injure people. Females, or cow elk with calves are very protective, so do not approach them.
Mammoth Hot Springs Quick Recap
Mammoth Terraces Trail: 2.5 mi out and back, 383 ft elevation gain.
Trail Info
Upper Terrace Drive
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Left and Bottom Right: Old Faithful Geyser
Top Right: Beehive Geyser
If this is your first time visit to Yellowstone National Park, you can’t miss Old Faithful, one of the most frequent erupting geysers in Yellowstone. If you are planning to go, check the times of when it will erupt, so you’re not sitting around waiting for too long. You can check the times HERE.
Old Faithful is just a few steps from the parking lot where you can also find the Lodge and Visitor Center. The parking area is large, so even though it’s crowded you can typically find a spot. It is good to arrive a little early just to make sure you have enough time to park and get to the observation area.
The observation area for Old Faithful is fairly large, and it does offer limited seating. It is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy it. Bison frequent this area, so stay out of their way for your own protection.
If you have time, you can catch some of the other attractions in the Upper Geyser Basin, home to most of the world’s most active geysers. It also includes the Morning Glory Pool. The entire Upper Geyser Basin loop is 4.9 miles.
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin Quick Recap
Upper Geyser Basin Trail: 4.9 mi loop, 357 ft elevation gain.
Trail Info
Old Faithful & Other Geyser: Times
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin: MAP
Norris Geyser Basin & Artist Paintpots
Top Right: Trail out of the Geyser and Pool Areas
Bottom Right: Steamboat Geyser
North of Norris Geyser Basin is Roaring Mountain, located right on Grand Loop Road. This is a quick stop you should add if you have the extra 10 minutes. This area is known for grizzly bears, so keep an eye out.
Norris Geyser Basin is home to the tallest geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser. This geyser is 300-400 ft and if you’re lucky you can catch the eruption. You can read more about Steamboat Geyser HERE. There are spots in the parking area that will remind you, that if this geyser erupts to its full potential, the spray can hit cars which can cause damage to the glass or paint due to the minerals.
There are two sections in this area of the park, Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. Porcelain Basin is a 3/4-mile boardwalk trail that has no trees, with lots of geothermal activity. Back Basin is more wooded, with a 1.5-mile trail consisting of a boardwalk and regular ground. There is also a Museum to visit.
Artist Paintpots is a common stop for many just south of the Norris Junction. Stop here if you have time for a 1-mile walk through colorful hot springs and mud pots.
Norris Geyser Basin Quick Recap
Roaring Mountain: North of Norris Geyser on Grand Loop Road.
Porcelain Basin: .75 mile loop, 118 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Back Basin: 1.5 mi loop, 101 elevation gain. Passes Steamboat Geyser.
Trail Info
Artist Paintpots: 1 mi loop, 101 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Hayden Valley, LeHardy Rapids & Mud Volcano
Hayden Valley is located south of Canyon within the “lower loop” section of Grand Loop Road.
If you’re driving through, be prepared to see lots of bison roaming the valley. Keep your eyes open and be mindful of wildlife in this entire area.
While driving through Hayden Valley, there are plenty of pull outs to use for parking, so if you see wildlife, make sure to use them. Never feed or approach wildlife and remain at a safe distance for both your and the animal’s safety.
Do not stop in the middle of the road unless you need to.
You’d be surprised at how many times I’ve witnessed people put their cars in park right in the middle of the road with cars lined up behind them, open their doors, and get out of their vehicles with no consideration for anyone behind them. Please do not be this person!
The Yellowstone River runs through this area, and there are so many viewpoints and areas for you to stop and take it in. It truly is breathtaking and immerses you in nature.
Near the southern side of Hayden Valley is Mud Volcano. This geothermal area is a 0.8-mile loop trail with lots of steam features and mud holes.
In my opinion, one of the most underrated spots in this area is LeHardys Rapids. Depending on when you visit, you can get up close and personal from the boardwalk to the river and witness trout swimming upstream or Harlequin ducks. When we visited in May, we lucked out and saw tons of Harlequin ducks, and they’re pretty entertaining to watch swim through the river’s force.
Hayden Valley, LeHardy Rapids & Mud Volcano Quick Recap
Hayden Valley: Great for wildlife watching.
Info
Mud Volcano: 0.8 mi loop, 118 elevation gain.
Trail Info
LeHardys Rapids: A short walk to the Yellowstone River.
Info
Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb Geyser Basin
West Thumb Geyser Basin is home to unique features such as Abyss Pool, Fishing Cone, and other various features at the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake. There is a 1 mile boardwalk trail and it’s worth the stop to experience this area of the park. This was my first stop during my first visit to Yellowstone, so it’s a must see spot on my list.
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high elevation lake in North America and there are plenty of areas to pull off the road to get out and explore the shoreline. Even though the lake has geothermal features under it, the water remains cold year round so swimming is not recommended due to the risk of hypothermia.
Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb Geyser Basin Quick Recap
West Thumb Geyser Basin: 1 mile loop, 62 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Yellowstone Lake
Lamar Valley & Tower-Roosevelt
I’m saving the best for last. There is truly countless wildlife in Lamar Valley, including bison, pronghorn, fox, bears, wolves, moose, and more.
Tower-Roosevelt sits right below Lamar Valley, and it’s also another great place to see wildlife.
I highly recommend that you spend a night in either Silver Gate or Cooke City. This gives you close proximity to these areas from the Northeast entrance, which means a shorter drive. Getting to these areas early in the morning is KEY to seeing wildlife.
As I said, it’s best to go early in the morning or right before sunset. Binoculars or scopes are recommended. We bring our binoculars, but we have received complimentary rental scopes with our lodging accommodations.
Another must-have: PATIENCE. Sometimes, seeing the top predators like grizzlies or wolves requires patience. Always look in all directions when out of your vehicles in these areas. You must remain a safe distance from every animal you encounter, so if they start approaching you, back up!
There are various trails in this area to explore such as Trout Lake and Hellroaring Creek Trail.
Also, please don’t skip Lamar Valley. During our first visit to Yellowstone, we accidentally missed it entirely and it truly is one of the best, must see spots in the park in my opinion, no matter if it’s your tenth or first time visit to Yellowstone National Park.
Lamar Valley & Tower-Roosevelt Quick Recap
Slough Creek: You’ll need a scope or binoculars, but look out for wolves when visiting this area.
Soda Butte Cone: Hot spring cone
Lamar River & Valley: Keep your eyes open for bison, pronghorn, grizzlies, badgers, and wolves.
Tower-Roosevelt: Potential to see black bears and bison.
NorthEast Entrance: Potential to see moose, mountain goats on the cliffs, fox, elk, and bears.
Trout Lake Hike: 1.2 mi loop, 209 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Hellroaring Creek Trail: 14.3 mi out and back, 1,660 elevation gain.
Trail Info
Final Thoughts and Reminders
Yellowstone National Park is my second favorite National Park out of the 22 we have visited (Grand Teton is my first pick, so make sure to visit it while in the area). The unique features, sensory experience, and wildlife are truly something everyone should experience.
If you do visit, please remember to do your part in protecting our National Parks. Leave no trace and always be mindful of your speed while driving to help avoid hitting wildlife.
If you’re hiking within the park and need a reminder of what to pack for a day hike, check out my essentials for day hiking packing list.
I hope this post helps you on your next or first time visit to Yellowstone National Park & if you want to reach out with any questions, you can find me on Instagram.
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