Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, offers a diverse array of natural wonders and exciting activities. From geothermal features to stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, the park provides visitors with unforgettable experiences. This article explores the coolest things to do in Yellowstone, including iconic landmarks, thrilling activities, and lesser-known spots that make this park a truly unique destination.
What Are the Top 10 Cool Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park?
- Old Faithful Geyser
- Location: Upper Geyser Basin
- Eruption Height: 106-185 feet
- Frequency: Every 90 minutes
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Accessibility: Boardwalks and viewing areas
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Grand Prismatic Spring
- Location: Midway Geyser Basin
- Size: Largest hot spring in the United States
- Notable Feature: Vibrant rainbow colors
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Accessibility: Boardwalks and viewing platforms
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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Location: Spans from Upper Falls to Tower Falls
- Key Feature: Lower Yellowstone River Falls (308 feet)
- Accessibility: North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive
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Popular Viewpoint: Artist Point
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Lower Yellowstone River Falls
- Height: 308 feet
- Location: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Viewpoints: Inspiration Point, Grandview Point, Artists Point
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Best Time to Visit: Early morning for fewer crowds
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Upper Geyser Basin & Morning Glory Pool
- Number of Geysers: Over 250
- Key Features: Old Faithful, colorful Morning Glory Pool
- Accessibility: Boardwalks and trails
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Best Time to Explore: Early morning or late afternoon
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Norris Geyser Basin
- Location: 60 miles north of Old Faithful
- Notable Feature: Steamboat Geyser (world’s tallest active geyser)
- Characteristics: Oldest and hottest geothermal area in Yellowstone
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Accessibility: Boardwalks and trails
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Mammoth Hot Springs
- Location: Near the north entrance of the park
- Key Feature: Unique limestone formations
- Accessibility: Boardwalk trails
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Best Time to Visit: Year-round (different appearances in summer and winter)
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Biscuit Basin & Mystic Falls Trail
- Location: Near Old Faithful
- Trail Length: 2.4 miles round trip
- Key Feature: 70-foot Mystic Falls
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Trout Lake Trail
- Location: 30 miles northeast of Mount Washburn
- Trail Length: 1.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
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Best For: Family-friendly hike, scenic views
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Wildlife Viewing in Lamar Valley
- Location: Northeast part of the park
- Key Wildlife: Bison, grizzlies, wolves
- Best Time for Viewing: Dawn and dusk
- Recommended: Bring binoculars or a spotting scope
What Are Some Lesser-Known Cool Spots in Yellowstone?
- Crystal Falls
- Location: Between Upper and Lower Falls
- Access: Via South Rim Trail
- Visitor Numbers: Low
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Special Feature: Hidden waterfall in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
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Tower Fall
- Height: 132 feet
- Location: Near Tower-Roosevelt Junction
- Amenities: Short hiking trail, picnic area, campground
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Best Time to Visit: Early morning for photography
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Petrified Tree
- Location: Northeast of Tower-Roosevelt Junction
- Age: From the Eocene epoch
- Access: Short walking path
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Interesting Fact: One of the few remaining petrified trees in the park
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Mud Volcano Area
- Location: Near Hayden Valley
- Key Features: Unique mud pots and hot springs
- Accessibility: Boardwalks and trails
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Best Time to Visit: Cooler months for better steam effects
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Natural Bridge
- Height: 51 feet
- Location: Near Bridge Bay
- Trail Length: 2.5 miles round trip
- Interesting Fact: Formed by erosion over thousands of years
What Thrilling Activities Can You Do in Yellowstone?
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Hiking
| Aspect | Details |
|——–|———|
| Cost | Free (park pass required) |
| Permits | None for most trails; backcountry permits for some |
| Duration | Few hours to multi-day hikes |
| Seasonal Restrictions | Some trails closed in winter | -
Fishing
| Aspect | Details |
|——–|———|
| Cost | Fishing license required |
| Permits | Fishing license |
| Duration | Half-day to full-day trips |
| Seasonal Restrictions | Varies by species and location | -
Wildlife Safaris
| Aspect | Details |
|——–|———|
| Cost | $100-$500 per person |
| Permits | None (guided tours recommended) |
| Duration | Half-day to full-day trips |
| Best Time | Early morning and late evening | -
Scenic Boat Tours on Yellowstone Lake
| Aspect | Details |
|——–|———|
| Cost | $50-$100 per person |
| Permits | None |
| Duration | Half-day trips |
| Seasonal Availability | Summer months only | -
Backcountry Camping
| Aspect | Details |
|——–|———|
| Cost | Park pass and backcountry permit required |
| Permits | Backcountry permit |
| Duration | Multi-day trips |
| Seasonal Restrictions | Limited in winter |
What Are the Must-See Landmarks in Yellowstone?
- Old Faithful Geyser
- GPS: 44.4592° N, 110.8323° W
- Parking: Large area near the geyser
- Visitor Center: Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
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Tours: Ranger-led and self-guided options
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Grand Prismatic Spring
- GPS: 44.4273° N, 110.8383° W
- Parking: Area near Midway Geyser Basin
- Nearby Facilities: Accessible from Old Faithful area
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Best View: Overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail
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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- GPS: 44.7153° N, 110.4639° W (Lower Falls)
- Parking: Various areas along North and South Rim Drives
- Visitor Center: Canyon Visitor Education Center
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Must-See: Artist Point for iconic views
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Lower Yellowstone River Falls
- GPS: 44.7153° N, 110.4639° W
- Viewpoints: Inspiration Point, Artists Point
- Hiking Option: Uncle Tom’s Trail (steep but rewarding)
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Best Time: Early morning for photography
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Mammoth Hot Springs
- GPS: 44.9714° N, 110.7019° W
- Parking: Large area near the hot springs
- Visitor Center: Albright Visitor Center
- Unique Feature: Constantly changing limestone formations
Yellowstone National Park offers an incredible array of natural wonders and exciting activities. From the predictable eruptions of Old Faithful to the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, from thrilling wildlife encounters to peaceful hikes, there’s something for every type of visitor. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or natural beauty, Yellowstone’s cool attractions will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.