Top 10 Best Things to Do In Yellowstone National Park

Introduction to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a world-renowned destination known for its diverse wildlife, active volcanic geysers, and thermal features, making it a must-visit for any nature lover or adventure seeker. We're familiar with Yellowstone park, but more people don't know that the it is home to the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains. This means visitors can explore trails unlike anywhere else because these mountains are home to 10,000 geothermal features, including Old Faithful. It makes sense that Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Because Yellowstone is home to large mountains with so many attractions, we don't recommend visiting Yellowstone National Park for less than four days. In fact, the park spans over 3,400 square miles, making it essential to plan a multiday trip to explore its vast area, including the Grand Canyon, Lamar Valley, and Yellowstone Lake. Plan enough time to do everything you want to do, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Planning is the key to having an incredible time at Yellowstone National Park. That's why we're here! These are the top things we recommend at Yellowstone.

Geothermal Wonders

1. Watch Old Faithful Geyser Erupt (and Explore Upper Geyser Basin)

No list of things to do in Yellowstone would be complete without discussing Old Faithful and the surrounding area. This famous geyser is a must-visit because of its predictable eruptions and stunning scenery, this makes it a great spot for photography and wildlife watching. Old Faithful erupts every 35-120 minutes, and when it does erupt, it lasts for a while. Each eruption lasts 1 1/2-5 minutes. There's no way to perfectly time it, but because it erupts regularly, you don't need to. Find a good time with your schedule, and be ready to wait for a bit once you get there.

Geyser Basins

2. Take in the Colors at Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin

Once you experience an eruption, make sure your Old Faithful visit isn't a one-stop shop. The Upper Geyser Basin is also home to over 150 geysers including Morning Glory Pool and Lone Star Geyser. We also love the Midway Geyser Basin and the Grand Prismatic Spring.

The Midway Geyser Basin is home to the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hydrothermal pool in the United States. The pool is an attraction in itself: It is over 300 feet and rimmed in stunning colors. This is one attraction you won't want to miss.

This basin also features the Excelsior Geyser. This geyser is actually a crater that dumps 4,000 gallons of water every minute into the Firehole River. While it probably erupted as recently as the late 1800s, it's now more of a hot spring.

3. Explore Norris Geyser Basin and See Steamboat Geyser

The Norris Geyser Basin is the oldest, hottest, and most dynamic geyser basin in the park. It's home to the worlds tallest geyser, the Steamboat Geyser, which can erupt to heights of 400 feet! It may not erupt as regularly as Old Faithful, but there are incredible examples of hydrothermal activity, and the Basin's natural wonders change daily. Experience different sights and smells in both the Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin that make up this area of the park.

4. Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Did you know there's a grand canyon in Yellowstone too? While you won't get the same red rock views as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the views here are also spectacular. Check out the Lower Falls, Artist Point, and Inspiration Point. Each of these locations along the canyon offers different views, including panoramic views of the valley. Find scenic views at places like Artist Point and Inspiration Point, making the canyon an amazing place for photography! Make sure to also visit the nearby Canyon Village area. With visitor services and trailheads, it's a great place to start.

5. Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley

Along with these scenic locations, many Yellowstone visitors find that seeing wildlife is the highlight of the trip. That's why we recommend n Lamar Valley. Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” this wide, open valley is one of the best spots in the park to see wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and even bald eagles. Go early in the morning or close to dusk, and bring binoculars and bear spray—just in case.

Another must-stop for Yellowstone wildlife lovers is Hayden Valley. It’s not uncommon to see herds of bison crossing the road or spotting black bears roaming the hills. Just remember to keep your distance and follow park safety rules. Bears are much more likeable from afar.

6. Relax by Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb Geyser Basin

Once you've seen geysers, Yellowstone's Grand Canyon, and snapped plenty of wildlife photos, it's time to relax. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, and it offers a totally different pace. Whether you want to go fishing, take a kayak out, or just enjoy a peaceful scenic drive, this area is worth the visit.

Right on the lake’s edge, you’ll find the West Thumb Geyser Basin, where thermal features bubble up alongside the shoreline. It’s one of the park’s lesser-known gems and gives you a unique view of geysers against a water backdrop.

7. Walk the Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs

If you’re looking for something totally unique, head to Mammoth Hot Springs. These springs are great for family families because they are accessible by car. Unlike the colorful pools you’ve seen elsewhere in the park, these limestone terraces feel otherworldly. The formations change constantly due to underground water shifts, so each visit looks a little different.

Be sure to stop at Fort Yellowstone and the nearby visitor center to learn more about the history of this area and its role in early park management.

Scenic Drives: Beartooth Highway and Red Lodge Detour

Sometimes the best thing to do is just go for a drive—and there’s no drive quite like the Beartooth Highway. It’s a seasonal road that offers high-elevation views, alpine lakes, and some of the most dramatic landscapes near Yellowstone.

If time allows, make the detour to Red Lodge, a charming Montana town with great restaurants, shops, and small-town hospitality. The views along the way are reason enough to go.

9. Hiking Trails for Every Skill Level

Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll or an all-day trek, Yellowstone has it. We love the Mystic Falls Trail for a moderate hike with great views and the Pleasant Valley area for peaceful, less-trafficked paths. The Lamar River hike is another favorite for spotting wildlife and soaking in sweeping views.

Just remember: pack plenty of water, layers for changing weather, and a trail map. Yellowstone’s weather can change fast, even in summer.

10. Take a Dip at Boiling River or Soak in Scenic Hot Springs

After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than a soak in nature. The Boiling River is one of the park’s few legal soaking spots, where hot spring water mixes with the Yellowstone River to create a warm, natural pool.

It’s usually open seasonally, so check conditions before you go. And while the experience is one-of-a-kind, it’s important to respect the area. Make sure to follow posted rules and don’t disturb wildlife nearby.

Accommodations and Services

If you're staying in the park, consider iconic spots like the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, or Canyon Lodge—each with its own character and convenience. For those looking just outside the gates, West Yellowstone offers plenty of restaurants, lodging, and shops.

You’ll also find great options throughout the park, including Roosevelt Lodge, Grant Village, and nearby towns like Gardiner, Dubois, and Cooke City, depending on which side of the park you’re exploring.

Conservation and Management

Yellowstone isn’t just a place to explore, it’s a place to protect. Managed by the National Park Service, the park relies on responsible visitors to stay on trails, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Many of the geologic features are over 100,000 years old! Do your part to ensure we can continue to enjoy them for years to come.

If you’re passionate about the park’s future, consider donating to the Yellowstone Foundation or volunteering for conservation projects. These efforts help ensure Yellowstone remains healthy and wild for generations to come.

Nearby Attractions

If you have extra time, don’t skip nearby gems like Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone, or the scenic Beartooth Highway loop. Towns like West Yellowstone, Dubois, and Red Lodge also offer great places to rest, eat, and gear up for your next adventure.

Planning and Preparation

A smooth Yellowstone trip starts with good planning. From our experience, you'll save a ton of stress by booking your accommodations early, especially in peak summer months. Make sure to check the National Park Service website for road closures and trail updates as well. Many roads and trails are closed in the winter and spring months for snow, and it's sometimes necessary to close them during the summer for unpredictable reasons.

Bring layers, sturdy shoes, and bear spray, and download offline maps just in case. The park’s visitor centers are great for grabbing brochures, chatting with park rangers, and getting current conditions.

Stay Nearby at Longhorn Ranch Lodge

Looking for a peaceful place to unwind after your Yellowstone adventures? Longhorn Ranch Lodge in Dubois, WY is the perfect basecamp. You’ll be surrounded by the Wind River Mountains, just a scenic drive from the park, with access to hiking, fishing, and plenty of wildlife viewing right on the property.

Choose from cozy cabins, RV spots, or comfortable lodge rooms—all designed to help you disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature.