The Ultimate Travel Guide to Yellowstone
Yellowstone is the first national park I visited back when I started traveling almost 3 years ago. It was definitely love at first sight! I remember hearing about Yellowstone through my Microbiology professor who couldn’t stop raving about her week-long vacation there. To think I even had a horrified look on my face when she gushed about a colorful hot spring formed by heat-loving bacteria. Little did I know that the hot spring that I used to call gross is now one of my favorite sights, the Grand Prismatic Spring. There’s a reason why millions of visitors, including myself, flock to Yellowstone National Park every year. Aside from having the largest concentration of geysers and hot springs, it is also home to one of the best and diverse wildlife in the world. So how does one exactly plan a trip to Yellowstone? Let me help you out.
Facts about Yellowstone
- Yellowstone is the world’s first national park.
- The park is enormous! It covers over 3,000 miles and it’s larger than two US states (Rhode Island and Delaware) combined!
- Yellowstone is older than the three states (Wyoming, Idaho & Montana) it occupies.
- It is home to 67 species of mammals, 285 species of birds, 16 species of fish, 5 species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles & 2 threatened species: Canada lynx and Grizzly bears.
- There are over 3,000 employees that work during summer peak. That’s a lot of friendly faces to help you around the park!
Things to know before you visit
There are 5 entrances to the park:
- West Entrance: Located in the border of Idaho and Wyoming, this is the most popular entrance to the park. This is the entrance we usually go through from Las Vegas -> Salt Lake City. This is adjacent to the town of West Yellowstone where you will find most of the restaurants and lodging.
- South Entrance: If you decide to explore Grand Teton beforehand, this is the entrance that leads to Yellowstone. The drive from Grand Teton to Yellowstone using this entrance is scenic! We loved driving through here during our recent combined trip to Grand Teton/Yellowstone.
- North Entrance:This is the only entrance open all year. During the colder months, the other 4 entrances are usually closed off due to road conditions.
- Northeast Entrance: This entrance is your gateway to the picturesque Lamar Valley, home to the largest and diverse wildlife in the US.
- East Entrance: This entrance takes you to the largest mountain lake, Yellowstone Lake.
Map from YellowstonePark.com
Entrance fees:
| Entrance Pass for… | Yellowstone National Park | Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks |
| Private, non-commercial vehicle | $30 | $50 |
| Motorcycle or Snowmobile* | $25 | $40 |
| Individuals by foot, bicycle, ski, etc. | $15 per person 16 and older | $20 per person 16 and older |
| Non-commercial bus or vehicle with capacity of 16 people or more** | $15 per person 16 and older | $20 per person 16 and olderInsider Tip: The best way to save is to purchase the National Parks annual pass for only $80. |
*Insider Tip: The best way to save is to purchase the national parks annual pass for $80.
Best time to visit
Yellowstone has a lot to offer so it doesn’t really matter what time of year you choose to visit but for me, the best time to visit Yellowstone (or anywhere, really) is during Fall season (September – November). I’ve only been twice, during Summer and Fall and wow, what a difference a few months makes! It’s nice to visit during Summer because it’s a nice getaway from the Las Vegas heat we encounter every year.
But of course, nothing beats traveling during Fall because with students back in school, it’s less crowded and the weather is just oh-so-perfect for hiking! As for the weather, Yellowstone is nice and cool almost all year round except for December to March, which gets really cold. Temperatures are usually 0-25 degrees and snowfall during these months sometimes reaches 150 inches!
How to get here
- By car: This is the most popular method of travel to get to Yellowstone and also the best way to get around the park. If you have several days to spare, then you must road trip to Yellowstone!
- By plane: There are several airports surrounding the park including: Yellowstone airport (solely via Delta), Jackson Hole Airport, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and Bert Mooney Airport.
- By bus: The only bus service available all year round is available from Bozeman, MT to West Yellowstone, MT via Highway 191. Bus from Idaho to West Yellowstone is limited to the summer months only.
Where to Stay
During peak season, lodging/accommodations are crazy expensive in and around Yellowstone. When we visited last July, most of the accommodations were already booked and the hotels outside the park were around $150 per night. We ended up sleeping at one of the hotel parking lots in West Yellowstone. It wasn’t ideal given that it was freezing, uncomfortable and we only had a few hours of sleep but it did save us a lot of money and we had the park all to ourselves at 5 am!
- Hotels and Cabins: Canyon Lodge, Grant Village, Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins, Lake Lodge, Mammoth Hotel and Roosevelt Lodge.
- Camping and RV: Bridge Bay Campground, Canyon Campground, Fishing Bridge RV park, Grant Campground and Madison Campground.
Check out Yellowstone National Park Lodges for more reservations.
insider tips:
Make sure you book in advance if you’re planning to stay inside the park. June to September lodging: book 6-9 months in advance. Spring and Fall lodging: 3-6 months in advance.
No reservations? Check out hotels outside of the park. Hotels near the West Entrance – West Yellowstone; Lodging near the South Entrance – Jackson Hole, WY; Lodging near the East Entrance – Cody, WY.
What to see
1. Geysers
2. Hot Springs
3. Waterfalls
4. Wildlife
Must Do
1. Watch the famous Old Faithful erupt.
This is one of my favorite Yellowstone traditions. There are nearly 500 geysers in Yellowstone and although Old Faithful isn’t the tallest geyser in the park, it is the most popular one. Make sure you check out eruption times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Intervals range from 60-110 minutes and eruptions usually last 1.5-5 minutes with its maximum height ranging from 90-184 feet!
2. See the 3rd largest spring in the world, the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring.
Grand Prismatic is located in Midway Geyser Basin. It is one of my favorite stops on the way to Old Faithful coming from the West Entrance. There is a 0.8 mile boardwalk loop that provides an up close encounter with the spring. Make sure you stay on the boardwalk! There has been reports lately of several idiots visitors stomping on the delicate grounds of the Grand Prismatic. Please don’t be that person!
Disclaimer: the almost aerial photo of the Grand Prismatic was taken from the hillside overlooking the spring. Unfortunately, we didn’t know at the time that it was off limits (oops, sorry!) but thank goodness, they already started construction on an official trail that will have an overlook for the Grand Prismatic Spring.
3. Hike Uncle Tom’s trail to see the Lower Falls up close.
There are plenty of places to see the grandiose Lower Falls in Yellowstone but my all time favorite would be the view from Uncle Tom’s trail. Although it’s only a 0.8 mile RT hike, the 300 steel stairway is what makes this trail unique. I admit, the steps makes me queasy especially the descent down the canyon. But the view definitely makes up for it! It’s easier to get down but the hike back up can be strenuous especially if you’re not in great shape. The trailhead is located near Canyon Village.
4. Experience the beautiful Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Duh! Of course Yellowstone has its own Grand Canyon. Just like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, erosion formed this canyon that stretches approximately 20 miles long and half mile wide. Lower Falls can be viewed from several vantage points: Red Rock Point, Artist Point, Inspiration Point and Lookout Point. We went here twice; before sunset and before noon. We enjoyed the stunning canyon views both times but I must say nothing beats photographing the Lower Falls during the Golden Hour.
5. Explore Norris Geyser Basin, Upper Geyser Basin and Lower Geyser Basin.
Norris Geyser Basin is the oldest, hottest and most dynamic of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. The tallest geyser, Steamboat Geyser, can be found here. On our last visit to Yellowstone, we had the whole place to ourselves at 7 am. It was really magical!
Aside from hosting the famous Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin has also the highest concentration of geysers in the world. The picturesque Morning Glory Pool can be found here.
Photo via Flickr
Lower Geyser Basin is the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone covering over 10 miles. Some of my favorite stops can be found here: Celestine Pool, Fountain Paint Pots and Silex Spring.
6. Visit the unique and stunning Mammoth Hot Springs.
There’s a lot of must see attractions in Yellowstone. Among the geysers and waterfalls is Mammoth Hot Springs, a collection of hot springs with travertine terraces made up of limestone. “The formations resemble a cave turned inside out. Colorful stripes are formed by thermophiles or heat-loving organisms.”
Photo via Flickr
Photo via Flickr
7. View Wildlife (from a safe distance) in their Natural Habitat.
You can see wildlife almost everywhere in Yellowstone but the two best places to see them is Hayden and Lamar Valley. Hayden Valley is located centrally and is the easiest place to get to when viewing wildlife. Driving along this valley, you are most likely going to see herds of bison. On two separate occasions, we also saw two grizzly bears frolicking in the meadows. You can stop at one of the pullouts along the road to have a better view of the wildlife.
Lamar Valley is located on the northeast section of Yellowstone. Known as “America’s Serengeti”, Lamar Valley is the prime location for wildlife viewing. It is also considered as the mecca for wolf watching and is a habitat for bears, wolves, elk, bison, pronghorn, eagles and bighorn sheep. Bisons are the most visible wildlife in Lamar Valley and there was no shortage of them when we visited. Don’t forget to bring your zoom lens, scopes or binoculars to have a better view!
insider tip:
The best time to view wildlife is when they’re most active – dawn or dusk.
Although I’ve been to several national parks in the US, Yellowstone will always have a special place in my heart. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of visiting it! Hope you found this guide helpful for your next trip to Yellowstone.
Yellowstone Must Don’ts
- Never approach or disturb wildlife! There’s been reports of visitors getting too close for comfort just to take selfies. Bison attacks are the most common incident in the park as of late. In other words, Bison selfies are a big no no! Remember, we are visitors in their home. Be respectful!
- Don’t bring your drone. Flying drones in the park or any national parks is prohibited.
- Don’t leave your trash behind. Please pick up after yourselves.
- Don’t stray off the boardwalks. Stay in designated pathways to prevent harm to the very fragile ecological features in the park or to yourself.
Have you been to Yellowstone yet? Which is your #1 must see? Let me know in the comment section below!
Inspired? Pin it for later!
the ultimate travel guide to yellowstone
This is going right into our Evernote Janna, thanks so much. We’re planning a Yellowstone/Grand Teton itinerary next year, possibly around late August or mid September- looks like September would be a better choice- correct?
Also do you think flying into Jackson Hole is a better bet if we plan to do Grand Tetons before or after? Would appreciate your insights. Cheers!
Not a problem at all guys! Yay! I’m so happy you guys are going to Yellowstone. September would be the best time to visit since it’s less crowded. Flying into Jackson Hole would be perfect for you guys if you’re doing a combined trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. I suggest you to do Grand Teton before Yellowstone since you’re already there in the Jackson Hole area. Are you guys renting a car as well? How many days are you planning to do Yellowstone/Grand Teton?
Great! I think Tetons makes sense before Yellowstone as you said.
We’re thinking to plan 4-5 nights itinerary, spending 2D/1N in Grand Tetons (looking for glamping options- any chances of you knowing any of them? ) and rest in/around Yellowstone. Yes will be renting a car for sure.
2 days in Grand Teton should be enough to do the musts! http://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/wyoming-glamping-tents.htm is one of the glamping options they have there. You can check that one out! Have a great time guys! xx
Yeah we came across Fireside while researching, shall be looking into it. Thanks again 🙂
Amazing post you put so much detail and information onto your posts. I love your pictures they make you feel like you are right there, ne day hopefully we will visit
Thank you Mark! I appreciate that. I love writing guides with detailed information so others can have an awesome experience as well. And glad that you like my photos. 🙂
Stunning pictures Janna, I almost feel as if I’m there with you! I particularly like the bear, never been lucky enough to see one.
Thanks Marie! Glad you think so. We didn’t get to see one when we visited the first time we went but thank goodness we got lucky and managed to see 3 bears in one day. So awesome!
Your pictures are stunning! I couldn’t make it to the Yellowstone Park but I’ve been hiking to many National Park around! Nature is fantastic 🙂
Thank you so much Florence! Aww no, hopefully you get to visit soon and experience Yellowstone for yourself. That’s one of my favorite things to do as well, hiking in National Parks. And yes, nature sure is fantastic!! 🙂
I just wanna get a plane and go there, It seems so beautiful and peaceful! Thanks so much for sharing, this is one of those place that you got to see at least once in your life!!!
Loves from Sun & http://likesocharming.com/
Yes, definitely! It’s a must see for everyone at least once in your life! Hope you get to visit Sonia!
Wow! I had no idea how gorg Yellowstone is. Your post has definitely inspired me to add this jaunt as a side trip the next time I’m in Vegas to experience the geysers, hot springs and wild life. I love how comprehensive your info is – pinning this!! 🙂
Yea, you have to go when you visit Vegas. It’s not that bad of a drive! Thank you for pinning!!
What a lovely post! I am pinning it for later 🙂 The photos look amazing – I have seen a geyser once, long time ago, but never such a huge one, it must be really impressive!
Thanks Karin for liking the post and for pinning! 🙂
Such a detailed guide and I feel like I’ve been there myself through your photos! I love visiting National Parks too and I think Yellowstone will be the next on my next list specially after this post. 🙂
Awesome! I’m glad you liked the detailed guide. Yellowstone is one of the national parks that everyone has got to visit at least once in their lifetime!
Yellowstone is one National Park I’ve always wanted to visit. I need to really make an effort when I get back to the U.S. You’re photos are very impressive and shows how cool the park really is. I think I can maximize my time in that park using your guide. Bookmarked!
Thanks for liking the photos Adonis! I didn’t have to do much since the place is already beautiful. Hope you get to visit one day!
This guide is absolutely phenomenal! Love how comprehensive is and man, your pictures are so enticing. I cannot believe how picturesque it is! I can’t believe you got that close to a bison! I also didn’t know it was the first national park in the world. So crazy!
Aw thanks Izzy! I worked hard on it so I’m glad a lot of people are liking the detailed guide! I actually wasn’t that close to the bison. I had to use my zoom in lens. 🙂
This is such an amazing post! What a guide, which covers everything I bet. Will definitely use this if I ever plan to visit.
Great pictures by the way.
Thank you for stopping by Shayan!!
Can I just say I absolutely loved your writing style! I love reading posts about my home country. I never got to explore it much when I lived there (I left America in 2012) but I hope to go back one day and discover all the beauty as you did! Your photography is incredible!
Aw thank you Gina! Super nice to hear that! Yeah, I know a lot of people that haven’t really explored the US yet even though they live/d here. I’m sure you’ll love Yellowstone when you visit!
Fabulous guide, thanks for the tips! I loved my time in Yellowstone, though I did make the epic mistake of accidentally visiting on the first week of school holidays in the States – horrible idea!! Crowds were ridiculous, so I’m looking forward to getting back at some stage during a quieter and less crowded time of the year 🙂
Thank you Meg! I’m glad you liked the guide. Oh no! Yeah it gets crazy busy there during summer and holidays. Try to visit during Fall, less crowded and better weather! 🙂
Yellow stone is such a wonderful place, we loved it when we were there a couple of years ago. Your lens has capture the amazing panorama so vividly. Stunning pictures!
It really is wonderful there! Thank you for liking the photos!
Wow, amazing pictures and I love the style of this post. So much useful information. Yellowstone is on my bucket list to do!
Thank you Lisa for stopping by. Hope you get to check this one off your bucket list soon!
Thank you so much for a great practical guide and the photos are just so amazing, definitely on the bucket list!
No problem at all Sally! I’m happy that you liked the guide as a whole. 🙂
Wow it looks awesome. I am kicking myself for not including this when I visited last year.
Aww that’s too bad. Time to visit again Soumya?
Wow this place is stunning! And your photos are awesome… definitely a place i want to visit!
It really is stunning! Thanks for stopping by and for liking the photos Laura!
Great post, very informative with beautiful pics. This is on my bucket list, I will save this article for when I get to go!
Thanks so much! Yea, definitely check back when you visit Yellowstone!
I would love to visit Yellowstone! It looks amazing! The nature seems undisturbed there, which makes the park being a special place. I bet hiking there is so rewarding!
Some areas are really undisturbed like Lamar Valley and you’re right that’s what makes it special! I wish the visitors kept it that way and avoid disturbing the animals in the park. Hiking here is amazing! So many sights to see.
I LOVED READING THIS AND GUESS WHAT ANOTHER ADD TO MY NEVER-ENDING BUCKETLIST. I love it how you made it a guide, but also personalized it, by adding your own experiences!
I can tell you loved it, the CAPS says it all! haha but seriously, I appreciate you liking the personalized guide Hannah! 🙂
Really comprehensive and thorough guide! Plus the photos are gorgeous! I can’t believed I lived in the US for 30 years and never visited Yellowstone! It’s definitely going on my US list!
Oh you have to Eulanda! 30 years is long enough not to see Yellowstone! Thanks for liking the photos and the guide as a whole. It definitely took a long time to finish it but I’m glad that everyone seems to like the detailed and comprehensive approach. 🙂
Wow! Looks like an amazing place to visit. And wonderful photographs.
Thank you for stopping by and liking the photos Sarah!
Yellowstone is on my bucketlist. Thanks for helpful information and nice pictures!
No problem! Hope it helps when you check Yellowstone off your bucketlist!
You’re making a very compelling argument and the pictures sell themselves. What a great place to visit. I’m wondering, how long would you recommend to go?
I’ve only been there for 3 days and it definitely wasnt enough! I think 1 week should be good if you do a combined trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
What a variety of landscapes! I’ve not yet made it to Yellowstone, but now I want to go! I completely agree with going in Fall – I found hiking too much in the heat in August in Zion, which was a shame…
August actually isnt too bad. We went in June and it was soo hot! Good thing we hiked The Narrows which was refreshing and cool throughout the whole hike!
Yellowstone has been on my to-do list for some time now. Once we are state-side, definitely going to be crossing a few things off. Amazing photos
Hope you get to visit soon Christine! Glad you like the photos!
Wow, if I ever get the chance to visit the US, I’ll definitely pay Yellowstone a visit! I love hiking and those hot springs look amazing. This guide is really informative for anyone looking to visit. Thanks a lot!
No problem! You’ll definitely love hiking in and around Yellowstone! Happy travels! xx
Fantastic post and great information. I never been to the national park but its high up on my list and I will use this info thats for sure. Thank you 🙂
Thank you for liking the post! Yes, pls do check back in when you visit Yellowstone!
I wouldn’t have known about Yellowstone had it not been for travel bloggers, but this is the best guide I’ve seen about it. I had no idea how much it had to offer! Definitely on my USA road trip list.
Aw that makes me smile! I’m really happy that long hours of writing and research paid off. Thank you Dannielle! 🙂
What an incredible guide. I haven’t been to Yellowstone, but saved for when I”m back state-side. I want to do a big road trip to hike and see all the national parks and your guide will help a lot!
Awesome! You will love it. US National Parks are my go-to here!
Great guide on Yellowstone! Definitely a place I want to check out one day. Pinned it for late. 😉
Thanks for stopping by and pinning the post Marlene!
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous, WOW! I went to Yellowstone about 3 years ago, and saw almost all of the things you listed here! Your photos really brought me back there. I remember doing the stair climb down Uncle Tom’s trail REALLY freaked me out, but the view was soooo worth it. When we were there we stayed at Yellowstone Under Canvas, in Montana, which is a place for glamping. It was absolutely incredible, I highly recommend it! Also, we definitely got up close and personal with some bison, because our car almost got run over twice! Some idiots decided it would be fun to provoke bison who were walking on the road by driving really fast past them and honking their horn and yelling. So naturally, the bison charges – AT our car which we were in on the other side waiting for the bison to cross! UGH. People really can be so stupid. I’m glad you mentioned respecting wildlife here. Thanks for the great post!
Aw thank you so much Eva! That stairs always freaks me out too but I still do it anyway coz the reward is far greater than my anxiety levels haha. Oh I’ve nver heard of that place before. I really wanna try glamping so thanks for sharing that!
Oh what a bunch of idiots! I hate it when that happens. Whenever I visit, there’s always someone who acts so irrational and stupid that they forget that all of us are merely visitors to their home. I wish people learned to respect wildlife more! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience Eva! Happy travels! xx
Awesome photos, I am so disappointed that we have never been to Yellowstone. We are from Calgary up in Canada and are directly north of Montana, which we have driven many times but have never got so far south as Yellowstone. To think we have been only a couple of hours drive away and never stopped to take in the awesome park. It is now on my list of places to see!
Oh you guys have to take a trip down to Yellowstone Rob. I promise you it’ll be worth it! And like you said its only a few hours of drive and you’ll get to see this? I do wanna visit Glacier National Park. That’s a bit closer to you guys right?
wow, what a great roundup of information on Yellowstone. I’ve been to a bunch of US National Parks, but have yet to go to Yellowstone. Uncle Tom’s trail seems right up my alley, and that view of the water view is beautiful.
You have to plan a trip to Yellowstone Drew! I’m quite sure you will love it! And that trail to the Lower Falls is amazing. One of my all time faves!
Man, I really need to visit the States. I have never been, and the more I read about it, the more I want to go. Great pictures, major inspiration :).
Cristina
You have to Cristina! So many places to see, so little time. 🙂 Glad you like the photos!
Thanks for the detailed post and it’s on my plan to see all these places in the Yellowstone – There was a few times I am *almost* visiting there but then I had to change my plan due to weather and other issues… Nice pictures – especially the lovely capture of the bison! @knycx.journeying
Oh no! I hope you get to plan another trip to Yellowstone soon Kenny. Thanks for stopping by and liking the post! 🙂
Its nice that you put so much effort on the details on this guide! Plus, adding a list of what not do it is great! Responsible tourism should be more out there regarding all places. To add to this, beautiful photo’s Jana!
I’m glad a bunch of you guys liked the detailed approach! And yes, people should be aware of things that we shouldnt do when we visit places like Yellowstone. Thanks for liking the photos girl! 😀
I’ve been seeing more posts of Yellowstone recently, and I can surely see why. Its gorgeous! Thank you for the tip on the North Entrance too, I would hate to be caught at another and find it closed. Wonderful photos! 🙂
No problem Mar! Yeah, I’ve never gone through there myself since it’s further away from where I live but its always good to know which entrance is open all year round. 🙂
Great post and very informative! Yellowstone National Park is something so iconic everyone should see in their lifetime. Love your photos!
Thank you Anita. You’re right about that! Its one of the best national parks in the US and it is definitely iconic!
Great guide! I was in Yellowstone a couple of years ago and loved it there. I can’t wait to head back one day to explore more. My posts about Yellowstone are among the best read ones on my blog so I’m sure this amazing post will do well, too!
Thanks Anto! Oh nice! I’ll check your Yellowstone posts. 🙂
Great and a very detailed guide! Covers everything I think. Love the photos as well 😀
Thank you for liking the detailed guide Vedante! 🙂
cool photos. and great experience. it inspire me to also visit the place.
Thanks for stopping by and for liking the photos Angela!
I’ve been to Yellowstone a couple of times as a kid, but this is really making me want to re-visit as an adult. Definitely tucking it away for reference!
You have to revisit Emily! I’m quite sure you’ll love it again!
That’s pretty much great the way you describe everything in details! Very important information. Thank you for this post and beautiful pictures 😉
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Thank you Anna! Glad you liked the detailed post about Yellowstone. Its absolutely my pleasure! The photos dont do this place any justice. You gotta see it for yourself! 😀
This was an amazing post! As for lodging, I’m so worried I’m going to find a place to stay at one end and not be able to visit another end because the travel would take too long. Is this something I should really be stressed about? Will I still be able to get around the entire park, no matter which entrance I stay by? I will be there for 4 days, by the way, I know you can’t see everything in even 4 days, much less 1! Loved this post and your photography.
Thank you so much Katie! I wouldn’t worry about not being able to visit another end because you can easily drive from one entrance to another, it just takes awhile. 4 days is well enough to go around the park and do the must sees! I suggest staying inside the park if you want to wake up early and beat the crowds or stay in West Yellowstone. Thank you for liking the post and for enjoying my photography! 🙂