The 16 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
After two trips as an adult and one as a kid, I can firmly say that Yellowstone National Park is one of the best national parks we have as a country. You have a plethora of wildlife, tons of hiking, unique geothermal geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and a huge 300+ foot waterfall. It’s why the list of best things to do in Yellowstone is so long!
The wonders of Yellowstone show us that preserving our natural places is so important, and why it was made the world’s first National Park in 1872. With all of these special formations, it’s no wonder there’s a crazy amount of things to do in Yellowstone. And it’s why you should 100% plan a trip here in your lifetime.
What I consider the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park
Let’s dive into my favorites and the best things to do in Yellowstone.
1. Watch the wildlife in Hayden and Lamar Valley
Outside of Alaska, Yellowstone National Park is probably the best place to see wildlife in the United States. Wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose, deer, and more call the Greater Yellowstone Area home.
For most travelers, you’ll get to enjoy Hayden Valley. But for those looking to experience what many call the “Serengeti of North America,” you’ll want to head up to Lamar Valley.
These two places are incredibly special and showcase why conserving and protecting public lands for future generations is so important.
2. Watch Old Faithful Erupt
Every 1-2 hours, Old Faithful erupts, making it one of the most consistent and popular geysers in North America. I always tell people that they need to see it once, but after that, they probably don’t need to go back.
The crowds will be enormous, so if you want a good view, try to get here 15 minutes before it starts.
3. See Grand Pristamtic from above and eye level
While Old Faithful gets so much of the love in Yellowstone, my favorite feature in the park is Grand Prismatic. It’s wildly vibrant, and its sheer size will blow your mind. I also love that you can walk the boardwalks to see the colors and textures up close, and then also hike above to see it in full.
The hike up the hill isn’t too long or hard, but remember that you’re hiking at 7,300 feet, so you may feel out of breath.
4. Go Hiking Throughout Yellowstone
I’ve surprisingly not done many hard or long hikes in Yellowstone, as my trips have been more photo- and wildlife-oriented. That said, there are plenty of great hikes to do in Yellowstone. Make sure you come prepared with appropriate hiking attire and bear spray.
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Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
The only way to actually understand Grand Prismatic’s scale is to hike above it. From the overlook, you see the full rainbow ring of color spreading across the basin — the view that ends up in every Yellowstone photo essay for good reason.
Mount Washburn
The park’s best summit hike. 3,000 feet of elevation, a fire lookout at the top, and unobstructed 360-degree views of the Yellowstone caldera. Bighorn sheep frequent the upper slopes.
Mystic Falls
A short hike to a 70-foot waterfall with an optional loop up to a ridge overlooking the Upper Geyser Basin. One of the few trails that combine a payoff destination with a view of a thermal basin.
Bunsen Peak
A moderate climb above Mammoth with sweeping views of the Gallatin Range, Electric Peak, and the Yellowstone River valley below. Undervisited relative to what it delivers.
Beaver Ponds Loop
Starts at the Mammoth terraces and winds through forest and meadow to a series of ponds with reliable beaver and wildlife activity. A good counterpoint to the more dramatic hikes — quieter, slower, worth it.
Related: 8-day Glacier and Yellowstone Itinerary
5. Watch the sunrise over Yellowstone Lake
This was one of the best parts of my Yellowstone itinerary a few years back. The sky and lake had a beautiful dark orange hue as light began to shine over the lake. I can’t remember exactly where we stopped, but it was magical.
This also puts you in a great position to head to Hayden Valley and look for wildlife as the sun rises over the hills to the east.
6. Enjoy Norris Geyser Basin
Norris is the hottest and most volatile thermal area in the park. The ground here is thin, acidic, and constantly shifting, occasionally rearranging itself after seismic activity.
Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world, sits here and erupts on no predictable schedule, which makes the basin feel genuinely unpredictable in a way Old Faithful doesn’t.
Two loop trails cover distinct terrain: Porcelain Basin is open and alien, all pale silica and steaming vents, while Back Basin winds through forest past bubbling pools and geysers. fewer crowds than the Old Faithful corridor. Worth the drive to the northwest corner.
7. Explore Upper Geyser Basin
The Old Faithful eruption is the headline, but the Upper Geyser Basin surrounding it is the actual reason to spend time here.
A network of boardwalks and trails connects dozens of active geysers, prismatic pools, and hot springs spread across a few square miles — the highest concentration of geysers anywhere on earth. Castle, Riverside, and Grand Geyser all erupt regularly and with far fewer people watching.
One of my favorites that not as many people visit is Morning Glory. The colors are incredible, and while it’s just a small area, it’ll stick with you for a while.
8. Wolf watching at dawn/dusk in Lamar Valley
Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, tucked in the upper portion of the state and park, is the place to see wolves. I’ve unfortunately not been yet, but everything that I’ve seen and know points to the fact that if you want to watch wolves hunt and live, you need to get to Lamar Valley.
9. Visit the north end of the park to see the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
The Mammoth Hot Springs terraces don’t look like anything else in Yellowstone. Mineral-rich water flows down a hillside and deposits travertine as it cools, building pale white and cream-colored shelves that stack atop one another as something between a frozen waterfall and a cave formation turned inside out.
The landscape shifts year to year as water flow changes — terraces that were active on your last visit may be dry, and new ones are forming elsewhere. Walk the lower boardwalks for ground-level detail, then drive the upper terrace loop for scale.
10. Take a Wildlife Safari Tour
If your main goal is to see (and photograph) wildlife, taking a wildlife tour may be a smart move. Now, if you know the area, you can drive yourself. But it could be nice to go with an expert who knows where animals are or where they recently were.
They can also offer tips for landing great photos and more. Easily one of the best things to do in Yellowstone.
11. Check out the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Falls
One of my favorite parts of Yosemite National Park is seeing the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the massive 300-foot waterfall pouring into the canyon below.
This is also a great area for wildlife spotting, too. I have two bears and elk on the drive to Artist Point. Speaking of Artist Point, this offers the best view of the waterfall and canyon. It’s an easy walk out of the parking lot, with a payoff that’s well worth it!
This is definitely one of the best things to do in Yellowstone.
12. Go Kayaking on Yellowstone Lake
This would be a great way to shake up the trip and enjoy kayaking on a volcanic lake! There are a handful of tour operators to choose from, making for a fun 2-4 hours out in nature.
While it’s always dicey to carry your camera when kayaking, ask the tour guide if there’s a chance to see wildlife on your trip. I’d definitely bring the binoculars in case something appears far away.
13. Take a scenic flight around Yellowstone
I haven’t done this one either, but if you’re looking for a great way to see the Greater Yellowstone area, taking a flight out of West Yellowstone could be a great option. I’m not sure if this flies directly over the park or just around the boundaries.
Overall, I’m a huge fan of flightseeing tours. They give you unparalleled views of the landscape, and just feeling like a bird is pretty sweet!
14. Drive the Grand Loop
Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Loop is a 140-mile figure-eight route that highlights almost the entire drivable section of the park, excluding the road toward Cody and Lamar Valley.
This showcases the geysers, mud pots, and wildlife in Hayden Valley, as well as the less-visited upper section of the park.
Here’s a ranking of the top 6 things to see on the drive:
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
- Hayden Valley
- Old Faithful / Upper Geyser Basin
15. See the night sky like never before
There are few places in America with dark skies as stunning as Wyoming. Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and the Wind River Range are three spots that I’ll forever remember seeing the Milky Way with my naked eye.
When you visit Yellowstone, I highly recommend going out around 10pm and spending 10-15 minutes staring up at the starry skies.
This is one of my favorite things to do in Yellowstone. I think you’ll agree once you’ve experienced it.
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16. Experience a Bison jam
This is a rite of passage for visiting Yellowstone National Park. A Bison Jam is basically when a herd of bison takes over the road, and you’re forced to sit in traffic until they decide to no longer walk on the road.
Remember, never get out of your car when they are close and don’t make any aggressive movements or sounds. While there’s usually no danger, they could ram your car, which is literally the last thing you want.
Places to stay around Yellowstone
Lodging in Yellowstone is one of the hardest to come by.
The camping usually fills up fast, and the hotels inside the park are few and far between. This means West Yellowstone is the best option. A lot of people will make Jackson their home base and do the 75+ minute drive north to keep things easy.
Staying close will help you check off as many of the best things to do in Yellowstone as possible.
Photography Tips When Visiting Yellowstone National Park
Sunrise/Sunset is best for wildlife
Before the park gets busy for the day or when visitors have started to head home are the two best times for wildlife photography. Animals enjoy cool temperatures and the quiet of dawn/dusk. If you want the best opportunities to see animals, plan to wake up early and stay out later.
Now, you’ll surely see bison throughout your Yellowstone trip, no matter the time of day. But they tend to be closer to the road when the traffic is low. This means you can get some truly stunning photos.
Make sure you have a long lens + binoculars
I hate to break it to you, but unless the animal is right next to your car, you probably won’t get a good photo with your phone or a standard wide-angle lens. Having a 100-400 telephoto lens will give you the best chance to capture magical shots that turn heads.
You’ll also want to carry binoculars to make the trip more enjoyable and to help spot wildlife from a distance.
Stay Safe. Keep your distance.
No photo is worth getting hurt over. And no photo is worth getting arrested over. So, first, follow the rules and guidelines in Yellowtone Natioanl park.
The big ones to know are: A) to stay 100 yards (300 feet) from bears and wolves, B) Stay 25 yards (75 feet) from everything else.
If wildlife does approach, stay calm, and if you can, back up and/or move out of its way. You never want an animal to feel cornered or without an escape route.
Find Unique Angles and Vantage Points
This is a big one for wildlife photography. The easy way to do this is to change your height. Either get low or get much higher than the typical photographer. Also, find cool ways to create framing.
In Yellowstone, this could be tree branches, plants, cars, or even people.
An in-focus shot with grain is always better than a blurry photo
Don’t be afraid to bump your ISO higher to compensate for a higher shutter speed. Landing a photo that is in focus with some grain is far better than a blurry shot that is unusable.
I learned this the hard way on my first trip to Yellowstone in 2019. I ended up having a ton of blurry photos because I was afraid to move my ISO.
What’s in my camera bag
Here’s what I bring on my wildlife outings:
- Canon R5
- Canon 100-500
- Canon 24-105
- Canon 70-200
- Dust Blower and Wipes
- Siriu Tripod (travel) Manfrotto Tripod (heavy/video)
If you’re looking to land beautiful photos, consider buying or renting (more likely) a 400mm f/2.8 or a 600mm f/4. These will allow you to photograph wildlife in Yellowstone at a safe distance without compromising on quality.
Photos from Yellowstone National Park
Enjoy these photos from my time exploring and finding the best things to do in Yellowstone.
Best time to visit Yellowstone National Park
You can technically visit Yellowstone National Park year-round. However, much of the park is closed in winter and mainly accessible via snowcoach or snowmobile.
Winter photography here can be incredible, but be prepared for very cold weather. Yellowstone is often one of the coldest places in the country during the winter.
However, the mark mostly opens in April, and the shoulder season is a wonderful time to visit, as life begins to emerge from winter slumber. It’s also a great time to see wildlife and newborns.
Final Thoughts on the best things to do in Yellowstone
I absolutely love Yellowstone National Park. It’s one of the places that still feels wild and natural. It shows you what an ecosystem can be like when untouched. If you want to understand and see nature at its finest, you want to go to Yellowstone.
As for the best things to do in Yellowstone, I would focus on the Grand Loop, a day of hiking, and then see what else you haven’t done. For most people, three days is enough to explore the park before moving on to Grand Teton or Glacier National Park.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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