Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of geothermal activity, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Steam hisses out of the ground along walking trails, bison stop cars in their tracks on the main park road, and technicolor hot springs never fail to amaze even the most seasoned traveler.
Yellowstone is the second largest national park outside of Alaska. With over two million acres of land, five park entrances, numerous geyser basins to visit, scenic drives, and miles of hiking trails, there is a lot to do here.
Every time we visit Yellowstone, it amazes us even more. The sheer size of this park, with the landscapes and the animals that it protects, is astonishing. Colorful hot springs, herds of bison and elk, geysers and bubbling mud pits, waterfalls and canyons…this is a spectacular park.
Start Here: Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone
New to Yellowstone? Start with these essential guides:
- Want an overview on what to do? → Here are the Best Things to Do in Yellowstone
- For a complete day-by-day plan → Read our Yellowstone Itinerary
- Wondering where to base yourself? → Here’s Where to Stay in Yellowstone
- Combining Yellowstone with other parks? → US National Parks Guide
Yellowstone National Park Stats
Founded: March 1, 1872
Annual Visitors: 4.8 million in 2025, making it the 3rd most visited park this year.
Size: 2.2 million acres. This is the second largest national park in the United States outside of Alaska.
Location: Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, with most of its land located in Wyoming.
Notable Facts: Yellowstone is not only the first national park in the United States, it is the first national park in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve.
Yellowstone Areas Explained
Yellowstone National Park is divided into several distinct regions, each centered on the Grand Loop Road. Most first-time visitors focus on Old Faithful and Canyon, but there are other areas worth exploring if you have more time.
Here is a map of Yellowstone National Park, with labels for the different areas of the park and park entrances.
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Old Faithful is the most iconic area of Yellowstone National Park, home to the highest concentration of geysers on Earth. Within a few square miles you’ll find Old Faithful itself, the Upper Geyser Basin’s boardwalk trails, and the Midway Geyser Basin, where the Grand Prismatic Spring puts on its famous show of color.
This is one of the best places in the park for first-time visitors, and it’s an easy area to spend a full day exploring on foot.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth sits in the north part of the park and is the historic district of Yellowstone National Park. Here you’ll find the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, the historic buildings of Fort Yellowstone, and elk that regularly graze right on the lawns.
While the geothermal features here look different from the geyser basins further south, the terraces are unlike anything else in the park.
Canyon
Canyon is home to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, one of the park’s most photographed sights. From here you can drive or walk to viewpoints on both the North and South Rims, including Artist Point, and watch the Yellowstone River tumble over the Upper and Lower Falls.
Sitting near the center of the park, Canyon is also a convenient base for exploring in multiple directions.
Lake & West Thumb
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, and the Lake and West Thumb area is where you’ll find it. The West Thumb Geyser Basin is the only geyser basin in the park that sits directly on a lake, with thermal features steaming right at the water’s edge.
This area feels calmer and more scenic than the geyser basins, with good spots for a picnic or a short lakeside walk.
Tower-Roosevelt & Lamar Valley
Tower-Roosevelt, in the northeast part of the park, is the gateway to Lamar Valley, often called the “American Serengeti” for its exceptional wildlife viewing. Wolves, bison, and pronghorn are frequently spotted here, especially at dawn and dusk.
This area is quieter and less developed than Old Faithful or Canyon, making it a favorite for visitors chasing wildlife over geothermal features.
Norris
Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most changeable thermal area in Yellowstone. A visit here covers two basins, Back Basin and Porcelain Basin, and if you’re lucky, you might catch an eruption of Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser.
Top Experiences in Yellowstone
Looking for highlights? These are the must-see experiences:
- Watch Old Faithful erupt
- Marvel at the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring
- View the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Artist Point
- Spot wildlife in Lamar or Hayden Valley
- Explore the geothermal features of Upper Geyser Basin
- Hike to the summit of Mt. Washburn
- Walk the travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs
- Explore Back Basin and Porcelain Basin at Norris Geyser Basin
For full details, read our complete guide to the Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park ↓
Best Things to Do in Yellowstone
From world-famous geysers to canyon overlooks and wildlife-filled valleys, this is one of the most rewarding parks in the country to explore. In this post, we cover the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park.ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
For the ultimate adventure in Yellowstone, venture into the backcountry on an overnight backpacking trip. Trips can be as short as one night, but the farther you travel from Grand Loop Road, the more remote you will be.
Did You Know?
Most of Yellowstone sits atop a supervolcano. This supervolcano powers the geothermal activity in the park. A supervolcano is a volcanic field that can produce a massive eruption.
Yellowstone has the highest concentration of geothermal features of anywhere else on earth. The land literally smokes, bubbles, and hisses. Numerous geysers erupt on a daily basis, including the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful.
Yellowstone’s Most Iconic Sights
Yellowstone’s biggest attractions each deserve more than a passing mention, so we’ve put together dedicated guides for its top sights, from world-famous geysers to canyon overlooks.
How to Visit Old Faithful in Yellowstone: Best Views, Timing & Tips
Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most famous geyser and one of the park’s must-see sights. But getting the best experience takes a little planning. Eruptions are predictable within a window, crowds build quickly around the main viewing area, and where you watch the eruption can make a surprisingly big difference. Most visitors should plan to spend […]
Geyser Basins in Yellowstone: Which Ones Are Worth Visiting?
Yellowstone National Park has the highest concentration of geothermal features of anywhere else on earth. The land literally smokes, bubbles and hisses. Numerous geysers erupt on a regular basis, including the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful. We’ve been to Yellowstone four times, and exploring the geyser basins has been a highlight of […]
How to Visit Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook (+ Fairy Falls)
The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook is one of our favorite photography spots in Yellowstone National Park. From above, you get the full kaleidoscope of colors in the spring, plus a great sense of scale, watching tiny people make their way along the boardwalks at Midway Geyser Basin. We’ve visited the overlook several times now, twice […]
Exactly How to Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a 24-mile, 1,200-foot-deep canyon carved by the Yellowstone River, with two waterfall, Upper Falls and the much larger, more famous Lower Fall, dropping into it. It’s one of the top attractions in Yellowstone National Park, with a series of overlooks along the North Rim, South Rim, and Brink […]
How Many Days Should You Spend in Yellowstone?
With one day, you have just enough time to see the highlights: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and wildlife in Hayden or Lamar Valley. This also works well as a day trip from Grand Teton or Jackson Hole. For the full route, read our One Day in Yellowstone itinerary.
One Day in Yellowstone: 7 Epic Road Trip Itineraries
If you only have one day in Yellowstone National Park, what should you do? Yellowstone is massive, the second largest national park in the country outside of Alaska, with five entrances, dozens of geyser basins and canyons, and valleys full of wildlife. There’s no way to see it all in a single day. Most one-day […]
Yellowstone Day Trip from Jackson Hole & Grand Teton: Our Itinerary
A Yellowstone day trip from Jackson Hole or Grand Teton National Park is a long day, but with an early start and a well-planned route, you can see many of Yellowstone’s most iconic sights. On this itinerary, you’ll drive Yellowstone’s Lower Loop, visiting Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old […]
Two days in Yellowstone lets you slow down. Add the Old Faithful area or Mammoth and Norris to your first day’s highlights loop, with time left over to hike a trail or two.
With three or more days, you can comfortably drive both the north and south loops, explore multiple geyser basins, hike a few trails, and build in real time for wildlife watching in Lamar Valley.
Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Yellowstone
We recommend spending a minimum of three full days in Yellowstone to see the top sights, and four to five days for the best experience. Extra days give you more time for hiking, for exploring quieter corners of the park, and some contingency time in case of bad weather. Learn how to plan your time in our Yellowstone Itinerary.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Yellowstone: Best Hotels and Lodges By Area
Yellowstone is massive, with multiple entrances and lodges spread far apart. This guide breaks down the best areas to base yourself, whether you’re staying inside the park or in a nearby gateway town.
When to Visit Yellowstone National Park
The best time to visit Yellowstone is from June through October. From early November through mid-May, many of the park roads will be closed due to snowfall. It’s still possible to visit the park in the winter, but you will get around by snowmobile or snow coach, which of course will be a much different experience than the summer months.
With that being said, you should know that crowds are huge during the summer months (especially July and August). In 2021, Yellowstone was the 3rd most visited park in the USA, receiving almost 5 million visitors. Expect major difficulties finding a parking space midday and be prepared to share walking trails with many other visitors.
Early autumn is a gorgeous time to visit Yellowstone. The days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler, but the lower crowds and beautiful fall colors make this a great time to visit Yellowstone. Mid-September through early October is a great time to visit Yellowstone if you want to see fall colors and have a less crowded experience.
Yellowstone National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in June, August, September, and October.
15 Best US National Parks to Visit in June
The list of US national parks to visit in June is wonderfully long and diverse. Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, spend some time in the tranquil forests in Olympic and Sequoia National Parks, and explore one of the most underrated US national parks, Wrangell-St. Elias. About […]
15 Best US National Parks to Visit in August
Planning a trip to the US national parks in August and don’t know which ones to visit? August is a busy time to visit the national parks, but crowd levels aren’t quite at their peak (that typically happens in July for many parks). In this guide, we list some popular summertime parks to visit plus […]
14 Best US National Parks to Visit in September
September is one of the best months of the year to visit the national parks. The weather is fantastic across much of the USA, the busy summer season is coming to an end, and, in some parks, you can see the first of the fall colors. In this guide, we list 14 of the best […]
13 Best US National Parks to Visit in October
In October, fall colors sweep across much of the United States. The majority of the parks that you will see on this list are parks that are ablaze in fall colors. Some of these are obvious picks, such as Acadia and Shenandoah, but a few may surprise you. In this guide, we list 13 beautiful […]
How to Plan Your Yellowstone Trip
Planning a trip to Yellowstone can feel overwhelming, especially since the park is so large and its main areas are spread out along the Grand Loop Road. The steps below will help you decide when to visit, how long to stay, and what to prioritize during your trip.
Step 1: Decide When to Visit
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is June through October, when the roads are open and most park facilities are running at full capacity. Early autumn brings smaller crowds and beautiful fall colors, making mid-September through early October a great alternative to the busy summer months.
Step 2: Choose How Many Days to Spend
Many people try to see Yellowstone in a single day, but ideally you should spend three to five days in the park.
- 1 day: Hit the highlights — Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- 2-3 days: Add a second geyser basin, Lamar or Hayden Valley for wildlife, and a hike or two
- 4-5 days: Explore quieter areas like Norris or Tower-Roosevelt and build in contingency time for weather
See our Yellowstone itinerary for ideas on how to plan your time.
Step 3: Pick the Areas You Want to Visit
Yellowstone National Park is divided into several regions, and travel times between them can be longer than expected. Most visitors focus on Old Faithful and Canyon, but areas like Lamar Valley and Norris are well worth visiting if you have extra time.
Step 4: Choose Your Activities
Yellowstone rewards a mix of activities: walking the boardwalks through geyser basins, hiking to viewpoints and waterfalls, and setting aside time in the early morning or evening for wildlife watching in Lamar or Hayden Valley.
For suggestions, read our guide to the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park.
Step 5: Build Your Itinerary
Once you know when you’re visiting and which areas you want to see, it’s easy to build your daily plan. We outline several ways to organize your visit in our Yellowstone itinerary, including options for one, two, and up to five days in the park.
And if Yellowstone is part of a larger trip to Wyoming, don’t miss our road trip ideas below ↓
Scenic Drives Near Yellowstone
Beartooth Highway: Driving One of America’s Most Scenic Roads
Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile road that runs along the border of Montana and Wyoming, connecting the towns of Red Lodge and Cooke City. It is one of the most scenic drives in the USA.
In this guide to Beartooth Highway, learn how to plan your visit, what to do along the drive, when to go, and how to add this to your Yellowstone itinerary.
Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone: 3 Scenic Driving Routes Compared
Two scenic drives cut through the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming: Bighorn Scenic Byway and Cloud Peak Skyway.
If your road trip from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone is point to point, you will have to choose which one to drive. In this guide, we have lots of photos and information to help you make the best choice.
Yellowstone National Park Map
Yellowstone National Park Photos
US National Parks List
In our US National Parks List, get information on all of the US national parks, including interesting facts, the most and least visited national parks, and a FREE printable national parks checklist with map.
US National Parks List: All 63 Parks, Map & Free Printable Checklist
National Parks Requiring Advance Reservations
US National Parks that Require Reservations – 2026 Guide
More and more national parks are requiring advanced reservations, either to enter the park, drive a particular road, or hike a select trail. We cover the parks that have require these reservations and how to get them in this guide.
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