Yellowstone is a one of a kind natural wonder, full of diversity both in terms of nature and wildlife! In this article, we go over some of the things to do in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions in the United States. Home to almost 500 geysers, some of the most beautiful natural springs in the world, and a slew of majestic wildlife, the park is a must-visit if you’re in the area.
Here are some of the best things to do in Yellowstone.
Old Faithful Geyser
The Old Faithful Geyser is the most predictable (and the most famous) of nearly 500 Yellowstone geysers. The first to receive a name, it erupts around every 90 minutes, making it one of the easiest geysers to see in action. Discovered in 1870 by the Washburn Expedition, Old Faithful geyser was named for its frequent and somewhat predictable eruptions, which number more than a million since Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Old Faithful may be more famous, but the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is the most photographed thermal feature in Yellowstone. That’s because of its crazy-bright colors and enormous size. The crown jewel of the Midway Geyser Basin, the Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most singular natural wonders on Earth.
Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory Pool
Morning Glory Pool was a favorite destination for early visitors. It was named in the 1880s for its remarkable likeness to its namesake flower. Natural changes may be cooling the water, too. Cooler temperatures allow orange- and yellow-colored bacteria to thrive. Please report vandalism to a ranger. Morning Glory Pool has an average temperate of 159.3°F (70.7°C), an average pH of 7.6, and an average conductivity of 2098 uS/cm.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River expresses the park’s complex geologic history in dramatic colors and shapes. Puffs of steam mark hydrothermal features in the canyon’s walls. The Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River add to the grandeur of the unique natural treasure.
Experience the canyon from a variety of overlooks, at different times of day, and at different seasons. A number of trails and walkways wind along the rims and down partway into the canyon.
Lamar Valley
If you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast then you’ll enjoy Yellowstone immensely. One of the best places to see bison and other animals in the park is Lamar Valley. Often overlooked by visitors due to its remoteness, it’s home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the park as well as a slew of wildlife.
Lamar Valley is the place to see wild bison. You’ll see hundreds if not thousands of the majestic beasts roaming freely across the massive plains. If you’re patient (and lucky), you might also spot some deer, elk, coyotes, bears, or even wolves.
Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley is probably the most popular area to spot wildlife in Yellowstone and it can get seriously crowded as a result. This isn’t helped by the fact the bison like to hang out on the road, causing “bison jams” that can delay you up to an hour.
That said, if you want to see the park’s wildlife up close and personal, then Hayden Valley is the place to do it. If you travel early in the morning or late in the afternoon you’re more likely to see animals as they’re more active at those times. Just remember to keep your distance from the wildlife and stay in your car if they’re nearby.
Yellowstone Lake
The biggest high-elevation lake in North America, Yellowstone Lake freezes over entirely every winter and is still too cold to swim in during the summer months. As a result, the best way to explore the lake is via boat.
There are a number of guided scenic boat tours available or if you prefer to explore on your own you can rent your own boat or try your hand at kayaking. There is also a slew of hiking trails that butt up against the lake shores, offering awesome views of the lake and its surroundings.
Camping in Yellowstone
Yellowstone has a few reservable campgrounds and a few first-come-first-served campgrounds. If you opt for the latter it’s essential that you get in early to secure your spot.
Yellowstone is also a massive park so you might consider spreading your camping across a couple of campgrounds, depending on what attractions you want to see while you’re there.
Some of Yellowstone’s top campgrounds include:
- Norris campground
- Maddison campground
- Grant village campground
