Have you been wondering about the best things to do in Yellowstone? I’ve got you covered!
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s got incredible views, animals galore, and things to do that will keep you busy for days on end.
But with so many things to see in Yellowstone, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or miss out on something great!
So in this post, we share what we think you should not miss while visiting Yellowstone National Park.
From hiking trails and geysers to overlooks and animal sightings, there are many unique activities to do in this park – with kids or without!
🎧 This audio tour is perfect to learn more about each stop – we loved it!
23 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone Map
The map below outlines all the best places to see in Yellowstone, including points of interest, scenic drives, waterfalls, and more.
Whether you’re visiting as part of an epic road trip or a quick weekend vacation, having the lay of the land is always helpful.
Click around on the map below to help you as you plan your itinerary for Yellowstone!
Tip: If you’d like to save the map to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title!
Alternatively, you can use one of our favorite road trip apps to help you map out your entire trip (and route you even when you don’t have signal).
1. See Old Faithful Erupt
Does your visit to Yellowstone even count if you don’t see geysers? 😉 I don’t think so!
Geysers are the most identifiable feature of Yellowstone and were expected to be its main attraction. The park has over 600 geothermal features, but the geysers draw in visitors of all ages.
Old Faithful is the most well-known and predictable geyser in Yellowstone. It erupts every 60-110 minutes, typically for 1.5-5 minutes at a time.
Tip
During the busy months, get there well ahead of the predicted eruption time for a front-row seat, as crowds can build up quickly.
Based on historical data, they can predict the eruptions within about 10 minutes based on how long the previous eruption lasted! Because it is pretty predictable, we could time things and even stay to see it erupt a second time!
Important detail
You can find out when Old Faithful is expected to erupt next by checking inside the Old Faithful Visitor Center, using the Yellowstone National Park App, or on the Yellowstone website.
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2. Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most photographed sites in Yellowstone National Park. This colorful geothermal pool is a must-see!
It’s about 370 feet wide and 121 feet deep and has a boardwalk that goes through the area. The vibrant colors are made by bacterial mats that thrive at a variety of temperatures.
Tip
This is one of the park’s most popular locations and can get extremely busy, particularly on summer weekends. Be sure to give yourself ample time to explore this area (and wait for parking, if necessary). I’d suggest planning for a couple of hours, especially if you plan to do our next suggestion of hiking the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail.
3. Hike the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
Though walking the boardwalks is incredible, another great way to see the colors in all their splendor is to take the trail to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. It’s a short hike to the lookout point, and the views are not to be missed.
This hike takes you to the top of a hill overlooking Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Springs (see image above). If you’re looking for an easy hike, this is a great option as you can complete it in less than an hour (it took us about 45 minutes round trip with the kids)!
Our experience: This trail took us about 45 minutes round trip with the kids and was totally worth it. We did have a challenge finding parking and had to circle a couple of times, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Trail Details
- Distance: 1.5 mile trail (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: ~200 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- More Details
4. Watch Wildlife in Lamar Valley
If you want to see abundant wildlife, Lamar Valley is one of the best places to visit in Yellowstone.
Tip
Plan to visit early in the morning or early evening as dusk settles to increase your chances of seeing as many animals as possible.
During our visit, our kids were stoked at the variety of animals we saw – bison, elk, pronghorn antelope, and more!
This is also one of the best places to view wolves in Yellowstone National Park! Unfortunately, we never saw them, but it was still worth the trek (and hopefully, your luck will be better than ours).
Important Detail
Remember, when wildlife viewing in Yellowstone, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance away (>100 yards from both bears and wolves and >25 yards from other animals) and follow recommended guidelines.
Tip
Pay close attention to cars pulled over on the side of the road throughout the park, but especially in the wildlife valleys. It’s often an indication that someone has spotted wildlife. This is how we were able to see two moose one evening!
5. Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a massive canyon that is as deep as 600 feet and up to 18 miles wide, which makes for some stunning views!
Although this popular region of the park can get busy, it’s totally worth the visit. You’ll find several must-see sights in this part of the park, but if you’re craving fewer crowds, it also has plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path.
Another excellent thing to do in Yellowstone is to go on a waterfall hunting – and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a perfect place to start.
The park is home to hundreds of waterfalls, some hidden and unnamed and others named and easily accessible via well-marked trails or boardwalks and you’ll find several of them in this area.
Whether you prefer to catch a glimpse of waterfalls from popular viewpoints or along hiking trails, I’ve shared a couple of options with you below.
Some can be seen from popular viewpoints or hikes. I’ve shared a couple of options with you below.
6. Take the South Rim Trail to See Upper Falls
Upper Falls is a thundering waterfall that drops 110 ft into the river below. It can be seen from a few different locations in the park, including:
- South Rim Trail
- Uncle Tom’s Point
- Brink of the Upper Falls
Our experience: Brink of the Upper Falls and Uncle Tom’s Trail (which leads to Uncle Tom’s Point) were closed during our visit. That meant one of our best options to see Upper Falls was to walk the South Rim Trail, which turned out to be a great option. While we did see other people, this was one of the less crowded spots we visited.
7. See Artist Point and Lower Yellowstone Falls
Lower Yellowstone Falls is one of the park’s most iconic falls, and the view from Artist Point is considered one of the best in Yellowstone—and it’s no wonder!
Lower Falls, which drops into a deep canyon, has captivated visitors since the 1800s. It’s also one of the most highly photographed and painted locations in Yellowstone.
But all that popularity means it’s also one of the busiest locations in the park.
During our visit, we had to circle a few times to snag a parking spot and when taking the photo above, we had to wait our turn for a clear shot.
Tip
When planning your visit to Artist Point (and other extremely popular sites) give yourself a little extra time for parking and waiting your turn for pictures.
8. Walk the Artist Point Overlook Trail
After taking in the view at Artist Point with all the crowds, I highly recommend walking along the Point Sublime Trail. It’s one of the best ways to see stunning views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone!
And if you’re not up for the entire 2.7 miles, don’t worry! You’ll still see incredible views in the first 0.5 miles or so. Plus, from all of my research, the point itself isn’t the main attraction—it’s the views along the hike that stand out.
During our visit, we didn’t make it all the way to the end (timing and kids 😅), but it was still one of our favorite views.
Whether you do the entire trail or a portion like we did, be sure to have your hiking essentials (including bear spray) with you!
Trail Details
- Distance: 2.7 mile trail (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: ~340 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- More Details
9. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
While impressive geysers like Old Faithful often take the spotlight, there are plenty of other geothermal features in Yellowstone National Park.
Besides geysers, there are many geothermal pools, hot springs, mudpots and fumaroles to explore.
Among these features, Mammoth Hot Springs was one of our favorites. This must see area is known for its cascading terraces and being the largest hot springs in Yellowstone.
I loved the unique formations and how the cascading pools looked against the impressive backdrop of Yellowstone.
When visiting this area, you can drive through and see many of the features or stop and walk at each location to explore further.
Tip
After viewing the hot springs, be sure to head into the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District to explore the historical buildings and sites.
10. Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Wildlife in Hayden Valley
If seeing wildlife in Yellowstone is on your bucket list, you’ll want to add Hayden Valley to your itinerary.
Aside from Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley is one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot animals. It’s a large, open valley with abundant wildlife and incredible views. When we visited, we saw lots of animals—everything from bison to geese to chipmunks!
Tip
Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chances at spotting animals as they wake up for the day or settle down at night.
11. Soak in the Beauty of Old Faithful Inn
If you have the opportunity, be sure to stop at the Old Faithful Area to see the Inn. Whether you’re just visiting for a short stop or if it’s where you are staying during your Yellowstone trip, it’s not to be missed.
The Inn was constructed in 1904, and it sits on one of the most scenic spots in the park, offering views of Old Faithful Geyser.
When visiting the Inn, take a tour through its beautiful lobby and enjoy the elegant architecture. You’ll find photographs of Yellowstone’s first visitors and staff and historical documents that offer a glimpse into Yellowstone’s past. It almost feels as though you’ve stepped back in time when you walk through the doors.
Fun fact: Way up in the interior of the Yellowstone Inn, at the tippy top, you’ll spot the Crow’s Nest, where musicians used to play while guests danced below.
Tip
I recently learned that a handful of lucky visitors get access to the Crow’s Nest each day, but you’ll need a reservation (and they go fast).
Try calling the Bellman (307-545-4606) to see if you can snag one! If you can’t get a reservation, it’s always worth asking when you arrive if they have any openings or cancellations – you never know. 🙂
12. Learn About Geothermal Features at Old Faithful
Visitor Center
Among the park’s many Visitors Centers, one that stands out is the one at Old Faithful.
Inside, you will find exhibits about Yellowstone’s geothermal activity, wildlife, and history.
Our kids had a blast learning more about how geysers erupt, what causes the geothermal activity, and why there are so many colors in the springs.
Tip
The Visitor Center also has geyser predictions for Old Faithful (and other geysers).
13. Explore Norris Geyser Basin and Steamboat Geyser
There are several geyser basins in the park, but one that stands out is Norris Geyser Basin. This area is characterized by a series of boiling hot springs and bubbling mud pots.
The thermal features in this area are large, dramatic, and impressive. The colors here also make for a beautiful palette, with reds to oranges giving way to yellows, greens, and blues.
The colors change as the water heats and cools, like an artist’s palette in action. This is due to the different minerals and heat-loving bacteria that thrive in varied temperatures, creating the different colors we see.
Located in Norris Geyser Basin, Steamboat Geyser is the world’s tallest active geyser and can shoot into the air over 180 feet during major eruptions!
Note
When Steamboat has a major eruption, it can spray so high into the air that the water rains down on cars in the parking lot and can cause paint damage. When we visited, we noticed those parked closest to the basin were covered with tarps, which makes sense! Because of this, you may want to cover your vehicle or park at the far end of the lot, just in case.
Not every eruption at Steamboat is this spectacular, though smaller ones can still reach 40 feet in height.
Unfortunately, this geyser is also much less predictable than others. Historically, eruptions have been anywhere between 4 days (in its active phase) and 50 years (in its dormant phase) apart!
Tip
You can check the predicted eruption times at Visitors Centers, on the park’s website, or the Yellowstone National Park app. However, be aware that cell signal is spotty at best, except near the main campgrounds and lodging. So your best bet is to check while you’re in one of those areas or go straight to the Visitors Center to ask in each area.
14. Take a Drive Through Golden Gate Canyon
Golden Gate Canyon wasn’t initially on my must-see list. Still, it turned out to be one of my favorite locations during our stay. The colorful canyon walls were impressive and unlike anything else we saw.
It’s honestly incredibly hard to understand the magnitude of this canyon from pictures, but take a look at how tiny our campervan looks to get an idea of the scale!
Tip
GuideAlong audio tours were a highlight in areas like this. We learned fascinating facts about the building of the bridge and how a massive boulder (!!) was moved when the bridge was reconstructed.
15. See Bubbling Mud at Fountain Paint Pots
When you think of Yellowstone, geysers and wildlife probably come to mind first, but seeing bubbling mud is one more thing to add to your list!
Located in Lower Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots are a unique feature of mud that “bubbles” as heat and gasses build up and come to the surface through the mud.
Our experience here was a highlight for our youngest. He learned about the bubbling mud as we were preparing for our trip and it was the only thing he could talk about for DAYS. (“Mom, when do we see the bubbling mud? Is it today?” 😆)
Fun fact: The colors of the mud can range from pale tan or grey to red and yellow, thanks to the iron oxide in the soil.
16. View a Sunset at West Thumb Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park is full of incredible places to watch the sunset and one of my favorites was West Thumb Geyser Basin. The sunset views over the basin and Yellowstone Lake are gorgeous!
During our visit, we shared this area with only a handful of other people. I think there were only two cars in the parking lot when we arrived and we only saw two groups of people during our visit.
Otherwise, the only noises we heard (other than our kids of course 🤪) were the sounds of elk calling to each other across the basin.
17. Drive Through the Roosevelt Arch
Going through the Roosevelt Arch is an opportunity to literally drive through a piece of history. Built in 1903, this massive stone archway stands at the north entrance of the park and has welcomed visitors for more than a century.
Inscribed with the message: “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People”, the arch is named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who laid the cornerstone himself.
Note
Many people want to snap some photos of this iconic archway, so things can slow down a bit as everyone captures those memories.
18. Take a Scenic Drive Through Dunraven Pass
Yellowstone is a huge park, so it’s best to enjoy your time in the car and plan your routes to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. There are several scenic drives that you can do with your family or group during your stay, and Dunraven Pass was one of my favorites!
This winding road takes you past the Gibbon River and into a mountain valley where we saw snow-covered peaks towering in the distance on both sides of the roadway.
Keep in mind that if you’re visiting during the winter, this road is closed. You can expect it to shut down around November and reopen around Memorial Day.
Tip
We especially love GuideAlong audio tours as we drive through the scenic areas of the park – they even kept our youngest entertained at 6 years old! He was the first to remind me to turn it back on when we got back in the car.
19. Do the Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn Hike
Located along the drive in Dunraven Pass, the Mount Washburn Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park, offering sweeping views of Yellowstone’s vast landscapes and wildlife.
We weren’t able to do this one during our visit, but I’m hopeful we can on a return visit!
Note
During the fall, grizzly bears are commonly seen feeding in this area so it’s suggested to skip this hike in September and October.
Regardless of the time of year, when packing for Yellowstone, be sure to bring your bear spray (or rent at the park)!
Trail Details
- Distance: 6.8 mile trail (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: ~1394 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- More Details
20. Explore Yellowstone Lake
As the largest high-elevation lake in North America, Yellowstone Lake is one of the highlights of Yellowstone National Park, offering some of the most picturesque landscapes in the area.
As the water remains icy cold year round (the average water temperature is only 41.5°F!), Yellowstone Lake is better suited to boating, fishing, or taking in the views from shore.
21. See Dragon’s Mouth Springs & the Mud Volcano Area
Dragon’s Mouth Springs and the Mud Volcano area showcase a unique glimpse into Yellowstone’s geothermal activity.
When you arrive, the first things you may notice when you step out of your vehicle is the strong smell of sulfur (our kids were NOT fans 😂) and a layer of steam that blankets much of the area.
Dragon’s Mouth Springs gets its name from the steam and other gasses that roll out from a cave, resembling the breath of a dragon, while the nearby Mud Volcano features boiling mudpots.
Tip
The steam is more visible when the air is cold so (particularly if you’re visiting in the summer months) visiting in the cooler parts of the day will give you a more dramatic experience.
22. Drive the Upper Loop of the Grand Loop Road
An unforgettable drive, the Upper Loop of Yellowstone winds through a variety of landscapes and past several unique geological features including Sheepeater Cliff, the Hoodoos, and Roaring Mountain.
Sheepeater Cliff is famous for its columnar basalt formations and is a common area for yellow bellied marmots to hang out, so keep your eyes peeled!
Be sure to take the turn for the Hoodoos which are massive boulders that broke off of Terrace Mountain to eventually end up at their current location.
Though the sound was more of a hiss during our visit, Roaring Mountain gets its name from the sound (or “roaring”) that could be heard as steam and gas exit its fumaroles.
Tip
Be sure to download the self-guided tour from GuideAlong in this area. We loved hearing the stories and details about this area during our drive!
23. Sign Up for a Guided Talk or Walk
If you’re hoping to not only see the sights, but also learn more about Yellowstone’s history and natural beauty, you should consider attending a guided tour, ranger-led tour, or walk.
Guided tours are available for all ages and can range from simple walks to more in-depth, advanced hikes. You can even do a snowmobile tour in the winter season, where you’ll see a completely different side of the park.
Check out a few of the options available here. 👇👇
If you aren’t up for taking a tour, you can also do a ranger-led talk or walk. Park rangers are knowledgeable and have great stories to tell about the park, the animals, and the geology you aren’t likely to find elsewhere.
If you would rather explore on your own, we highly recommend using GuideAlong’s self-guided tours to narrate your drive through the park. It will bring the park to life in a way completely different from just looking out the window.
Bonus: Practice Your Photography
If you’ve ever wanted to up your photography game, Yellowstone National Park is full of opportunities to practice. From a spewing geyser to a bison in the middle of the road, there’s no shortage of things that will challenge your composition skills.
If you have a tripod and a zoom lens, you’ll be all set to get some great shots, but even without them, you can still capture some good photographs. You just have to think a little outside the box.
In fact, during our visit, we only took our cell phones and GoPro and still got some incredible shots. We hadn’t invested in our “real” camera yet, and I was still thrilled with the images. Though next time, my Sony will absolutely come along! (I’ve learned a lot since then!)
Tip
A few great locations to practice your photography are Lamar Valley, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring – and, of course, the famous geyser Old Faithful.
If you have time to visit Grand Teton National Park, be sure to check out Schwabacher’s Landing!
A Note About Boiling River
2024 Status
This area is currently closed to swimming. Massive flooding in 2022 impacted the area and swimming is no longer allowed at this time. You can check for additional info and updates here.
If you have the time, another great spot to visit is the Boiling River. This is one of the few locations in the park where you can enjoy a warm, natural hot spring.
The water here is super hot underground – there’s a reason it’s called the boiling river! As the hot water mixes with the cold water in the Gardiner River, the temperature can vary. For instance, in 2020, the water temperatures ranged from 115-133 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the temperatures before you go here.
FAQs About Activities to do in Yellowstone National Park
What’s the number one attraction in Yellowstone?
At the top of any Yellowstone list is Old Faithful Geyser – and with good reason. This iconic geyser is stunning and predictable, making it a must-see on any Yellowstone itinerary.
What’s the coolest thing in Yellowstone?
One of the coolest thermal features in Yellowstone is the Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s eye-catching, colorful palette is created by clusters of tiny organisms that thrive in different temperatures of water. Clustered together on these microbial mats, they determine the colors we see in this unique geothermal pool.
Final Thoughts on the Best Yellowstone Activities
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful places in America and the world’s first National Park. It’s also a place where you can get up close (just not too close 😉) and personal with wildlife, geothermal features, waterfalls, and more!
Whether this is your first time visiting Yellowstone or if you’re planning a return visit, now you know all the “must-dos” to add to your bucket list for an incredible vacation.
But before you go…
Knowing the top things to do is just one part of planning your Yellowstone adventure.
Even with a list of the best activities, you’ll need a plan for each day to make sure you don’t waste unnecessary time driving (the park is HUGE)! Read my next article for an detailed itinerary to ensure you make the most of your time…
More Yellowstone Planning Tips 👇
- Tips for Visiting: Visiting Yellowstone: 23 Essential Tips & Things to Know
- Where to Stay: Where to Stay in (and Near) Yellowstone
- Itinerary Suggestions: The Perfect Yellowstone 3-day Itinerary to See the Most
- What to Pack: Yellowstone Packing List: What You Need (and What You Don’t)
No mention of activities for children
All of these are great perfect for adults and kids alike! Our trip with our boys was the inspiration for the post and they enjoyed all the activities – especially watching wildlife and checking out the geysers. The Visitorʻs Center at Old Faithful was another favorite!