Yellowstone National Park, the crown jewel of America’s national park system, is a breathtaking natural wonderland filled with geothermal features, stunning wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Located primarily in Wyoming, with parts stretching into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone covers over 2.2 million acres, making it one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or simply a lover of nature, Yellowstone is a bucket-list destination that offers something for everyone. In this travel blog post, we’ll take you through the best things to do, where to stay, when to visit, and how to make the most of your trip to Yellowstone in 2025.
Yellowstone was the first national park in the world, established in 1872. It remains a symbol of the American wilderness, with landscapes ranging from boiling geysers and steaming hot springs to lush forests, mountain ranges, and serene lakes.
But the real magic of Yellowstone lies in its biodiversity and geological wonders. The park sits atop a supervolcano, and as a result, it’s home to more than 10,000 geothermal features—the largest concentration anywhere on Earth. Here, you can witness Old Faithful erupting on schedule, marvel at the vivid colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and observe grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk in their natural habitat.
Top Things to Do in Yellowstone
1. Watch Old Faithful Erupt
No trip to Yellowstone is complete without witnessing the legendary Old Faithful geyser erupt. This iconic feature shoots water up to 180 feet in the air every 60 to 110 minutes. There are benches and viewing areas surrounding the geyser, and a nearby visitor center provides eruption forecasts and educational exhibits.
2. Explore the Grand Prismatic Spring
Arguably the most visually stunning spot in the park, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. Its vibrant rainbow colors come from heat-loving bacteria and minerals. For the best view, hike the Fairy Falls Trail to the overlook platform.
3. Drive the Grand Loop Road
The Grand Loop Road is a 142-mile scenic drive that connects most of Yellowstone’s major attractions. You can break it into sections over several days, stopping at features like Norris Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Yellowstone Lake.
4. Visit Yellowstone Lake
At 7,732 feet above sea level, Yellowstone Lake is North America’s largest high-elevation lake. Its calm waters are perfect for kayaking, fishing, or enjoying a picnic. The Lake Village area offers lodges and boat rentals during the summer months.
5. See Wildlife in Lamar and Hayden Valleys
Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is the best place to spot wolves, bison herds, elk, coyotes, and bears—especially at dawn or dusk. Hayden Valley, closer to Yellowstone Lake, is another prime wildlife-viewing area.
6. Hike Yellowstone’s Trails
With over 900 miles of hiking trails, Yellowstone is a paradise for trekkers. Some favorites include:
- Uncle Tom’s Trail (short but steep, leads to Lower Falls)
- Mount Washburn Trail (offers panoramic views)
- Fairy Falls (great for views of Grand Prismatic)
Always carry bear spray and be aware of your surroundings.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone
Yellowstone is open year-round, but each season offers a different experience:
- Summer (June to August): The most popular season with warm temperatures, fully open roads, and active wildlife. Expect crowds and book accommodations months in advance.
- Fall (September to October): Cooler weather and vibrant foliage, plus fewer tourists. Great for elk bugling and bear sightings.
- Winter (November to March): Only select roads are open to snowmobiles and snow coaches. A magical time to see geysers in the snow and spot wolves in Lamar Valley.
- Spring (April to May): Wildlife starts to emerge, and baby animals are born. Some roads may still be closed due to snow.
Explore Area Hotels
Where to Stay in Yellowstone
1. Lodges Inside the Park
There are 9 lodges operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges. Popular options include:
- Old Faithful Inn – Historic and iconic, located near Old Faithful.
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel – Elegant lodging on the lakefront.
- Canyon Lodge – Central location near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
These lodges fill up fast, so book 6–12 months in advance.
2. Campgrounds
Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds, many of which require reservations. Madison, Canyon, and Grant Village are popular with families and RV travelers.
3. Gateway Towns
Staying just outside the park can be more affordable and flexible:
- West Yellowstone, MT – Great for easy park access and family-friendly amenities.
- Gardiner, MT – Closest to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
- Jackson, WY – Offers upscale lodging and access to Grand Teton National Park.
Alerts in Effect as of June 15, 2025.
Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion Alert 1, Severity closure, Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal ExplosionThe parking lot, boardwalk, and Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024
Source www.nps.gov
Travel Tips for Visiting Yellowstone
- Buy a National Parks Pass: The America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) grants access to all U.S. national parks. You can get your daily, annual and senior passes HERE.
- Cell Service Is Limited: Download maps in advance or get a park brochure at entrance stations.
- Pack Smart: Bring layers, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and bear spray.
- Follow Wildlife Etiquette: Always stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from bison, elk, and other animals.
- Leave No Trace: Protect the park by sticking to trails and packing out all trash.
Day Trip Itinerary Ideas
One-Day Itinerary (if you’re short on time)
- Morning: Enter via West Yellowstone, drive to Old Faithful
- Afternoon: Explore Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin
- Evening: Wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley before exiting
Three-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and Norris Geyser Basin
- Day 2: Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, Hayden Valley
- Day 3: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone & Beyond
If you have extra time, consider extending your trip to include:
- Grand Teton National Park (just south of Yellowstone)
- Beartooth Highway – One of America’s most scenic drives
- Bozeman or Jackson – Vibrant towns with shops, dining, and cultural attractions
Explore Area Hotels
Yellowstone National Park is more than just a destination—it’s a journey into one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth. From thundering waterfalls and rainbow-colored springs to wild bison roaming open plains, Yellowstone invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature’s raw beauty.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Yellowstone always offers something new to discover. Plan ahead, respect the wildlife, and be ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of America’s most iconic wild places.
Explore Yellowstone National Park’s geysers, wildlife, and scenic hikes. Plan the ultimate adventure with our complete 2025 travel guide.
