Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s most iconic destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. It became the country’s first national park in 1872. Known for its geothermal wonders, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Travelers can experience geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and scenic trails that highlight the park’s natural beauty.
The immense park consists of 3,437.5 square miles. Ninety-six percent of it is in Wyoming, with some land in Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone encompasses state lands, two national parks, parts of five national forests, three national wildlife refuges, Bureau of Land Management property, and tribal and private lands. Most of Yellowstone is more than 7,500 feet above sea level. Snow covers the terrain much of the year.
Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park
Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park requires thoughtful preparation. Choosing where to stay and deciding which activities to prioritize can make your visit more enjoyable. Options range from rustic lodges and campgrounds to nearby towns with modern accommodations. Each choice provides unique access to the park’s attractions and helps shape your overall experience.
Whether you want to hike, watch wildlife, or explore historic sites, Yellowstone National Park delivers unforgettable adventures. This guide highlights the best places to stay and the most rewarding things to do, ensuring your trip is both organized and memorable.
Where To Stay in Yellowstone National Park
Choosing where to stay in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most important parts of planning your trip. The park offers a wide range of accommodations, from rustic lodges to modern hotels, each providing unique access to its diverse attractions. Staying inside the park allows visitors to experience geysers, wildlife, and scenic trails with unmatched convenience.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges operates nine hotels, with more than 2,000 rooms. The park features historic lodges such as Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel, which combine charm with proximity to iconic landmarks. The establishments are open from late spring through fall, but only Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are available in the winter. Cabins offer a rustic alternative.
Campgrounds are available for travelers who prefer a closer connection to nature. Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds for tents and RVs, five of which take reservations through Yellowstone National Park Lodges. The other campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. These options provide affordable choices and allow guests to enjoy the park’s landscapes under star-filled skies.
Backcountry Sites and Towns Near Yellowstone National Park
There are more than 300 designated backcountry sites. Permits are required for overnight stays in the wilderness. They are to be purchased no more than 48 hours ahead of time, at a visitor center or ranger station. However, it is possible to reserve some of the backcountry sites in advance.
For those seeking more amenities, nearby gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cody offer hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals. These towns provide easy access to park entrances, dining, and shopping, making them ideal for families or groups. Choosing accommodations outside the park also ensures flexibility and a wider range of services.
Whether you prefer a lodge, campground, or hotel, Yellowstone National Park offers options for every traveler. Selecting the right place to stay enhances your experience and ensures your visit is comfortable, memorable, and well-organized.
Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Exploring Yellowstone National Park offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Visitors can witness geothermal wonders such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Prismatic Spring. These natural features showcase the park’s unique geology and provide unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages.
The best way to take part in the myriad activities available in Yellowstone is to contact park-approved companies that provide services and tours. Private firms arrange, lead and equip trips for backpacking, bicycling, boating, day hiking, fishing, painting and photography tours, skiing and snowshoeing, snowmobile and snow coach tours, and horseback riding.
To learn about the park, many visitors attend ranger programs. Talks take place at campgrounds and visitor centers; and guided tours lead to Mud Volcano, Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs and Geyser Hill. Other programs include Junior Ranger activities for children, art and photography sessions, and a nature writing workshop.
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone has more than 10,000 hydrothermal sites, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles. More than half of the world’s active geysers are found here. A Yellowstone tradition is watching the Old Faithful geyser erupt every 44 to 125 minutes.
Hiking trails throughout Yellowstone National Park range from short walks to challenging treks. There are more than 900 miles of hiking trails, most of which pass through wilderness areas. Popular routes include Uncle Tom’s Trail near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Fairy Falls. Each trail reveals breathtaking scenery and allows visitors to connect with the park’s diverse landscapes. Visitors must be aware of potential hazards such as snow, fast-flowing rivers, hydrothermal areas, avalanches and unpredictable animals.
Wildlife viewing is another highlight of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is home to one of the largest elk herds in North America, and the country’s biggest free-roaming herd of wild bison. There are also wolves, grizzly bears, moose, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, lynx and wolverines. The park has 300 bird species and 16 kinds of fish. Lamar Valley is especially popular for spotting animals in their natural habitat. Observing wildlife safely adds excitement and depth to any trip.
Bicycling and Horseback Riding
Bicycling is allowed on public roads and other designated routes, as well as in parking areas. Yellowstone permits bicycling on established public roads and in parking areas. There are no paths along the roads. Bikers are not allowed on backcountry trails or the boardwalks that provide access to geothermal sites. Visitors may rent bicycles at the Old Faithful lodge.
Horseback-riding outfitters offer day trips and multi-day backcountry adventures. Equestrians may bring their own stock. Overnight trips are permitted only from July 1 until winter, due to wet trail conditions.
Water Activities in Yellowstone National Park
Anglers head for the lakes and streams. Yellowstone hosts 11 native fish, like mountain whitefish, Arctic grayling and the prized cutthroat trout. There are four types of trout (rainbow, brown, brook and lake).
Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other boats hit the water between Memorial Day and early November. Motorized craft are allowed only on Lewis and Yellowstone lakes, and all boats on banned on four lakes. The park’s streams are closed to boating, except for one section of the Lewis River. The maximum craft length is 40 feet.
Yellowstone does not permit jet skis, person watercraft, airboats or submersibles. Visitors may not tow water skiers, and activities such as wakeboarding and parasailing are prohibited.
Yellowstone affords few opportunities to swim. Most of the waters are either too cold or too hot. Soaking in hot springs is not allowed. Places to get wet are a portion of the Boiling River, near Mammoth Hot Springs; and the Firehole Swim Area, on the river of the same name.
Wintertime and More
Winter is a special time to visit the park due to smaller crowds and the chance to experience solitude. There are miles of trails, some with pre-set track, for skiers and snowshoers. All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In early November, when most park roads close for the winter, the preferred modes of transportation become snowmobiles and snowcoach. Six authorized companies lead tours. Backcountry campers appreciate the pristine beauty of Yellowstone in winter. They get into the wilderness with skis or snowshoes.
Fifty-two picnic sites are scattered through the park. Each one has tables, and most have vault toilets, but just one site provides drinking water. Other dining options are Yellowstone’s many eateries. They include restaurants, cafeterias, snack shops, ice cream counters, coffee shops and bars. All the facilities are near one of the eight visitor centers.
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or education, Yellowstone National Park delivers experiences that inspire and captivate. Planning activities in advance ensures a rewarding and well-organized visit.
Getting to Yellowstone National Park
Reaching Yellowstone National Park is straightforward with several options available for travelers. The park has five entrances, located in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, each offering access to different regions. Popular gateways include West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cody, and Jackson, which provide convenient routes and nearby services for visitors.
Air travelers can fly into regional airports such as Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Jackson Hole Airport, or Billings Logan International Airport. These airports connect to major U.S. cities and are within driving distance of Yellowstone National Park. Rental cars are widely available, making it easy to begin your journey directly after arrival.
Park Transportation Once Inside
Once inside Yellowstone National Park, transportation primarily relies on personal vehicles. The park covers over 3,400 square miles, and driving allows flexibility to explore geysers, lakes, and valleys at your own pace. Roads connect major attractions, but traffic can be heavy during peak summer months.
Public transportation options are limited, so planning ahead is essential. Shuttle services and guided tours operate seasonally, offering convenient alternatives for those who prefer not to drive. These services provide structured itineraries and knowledgeable guides, enhancing the overall experience.
Careful planning ensures smooth travel to and within Yellowstone National Park. Selecting the right entrance, arranging transportation, and considering seasonal conditions will make your visit organized, efficient, and enjoyable.
Yellowstone National Park remains one of the most remarkable destinations in the United States. Its geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and scenic landscapes create experiences that inspire travelers year after year. Planning where to stay and deciding which activities to enjoy ensures your visit is both rewarding and memorable.
Accommodations inside Yellowstone National Park provide unmatched access to iconic landmarks, while nearby towns offer flexibility and modern conveniences. Exploring geysers, valleys, and historic sites allows visitors to connect with the park’s natural and cultural heritage. Each choice, from rustic lodges to guided tours, shapes the way you experience this extraordinary place.
A trip to Yellowstone National Park is more than a vacation. It is an opportunity to witness nature’s power, discover diverse ecosystems, and create lasting memories. With thoughtful planning, your journey will be organized, comfortable, and filled with adventure.