Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, offers a diverse array of natural wonders and iconic landmarks. From geothermal features to breathtaking landscapes, the park boasts numerous stops that showcase its unique beauty. This guide highlights the top 10 Yellowstone National Park stops, providing essential information for visitors to plan their trip and make the most of their experience in this remarkable wilderness.
What are the Top 10 Yellowstone National Park Stops?
- Old Faithful
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Yellowstone Lake
- Lamar Valley
- Tower Fall
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls
Let’s explore each of these stops in detail:
1. Old Faithful
- GPS Coordinates: 44.27° N, 110.83° W
- Parking: Large parking area available
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible boardwalks and viewing areas
- Amenities: Visitor center, restrooms, benches
- Activities: Watch Old Faithful eruptions, explore Geyser Hill trail
Old Faithful is perhaps the most famous geyser in the world. It erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 184 feet in the air. The surrounding area offers numerous other geysers and hot springs to explore.
2. Grand Prismatic Spring
- GPS Coordinates: 44.43° N, 110.78° W
- Parking: Available at Fairy Falls parking lot
- Accessibility: Boardwalks generally accessible, some areas challenging
- Amenities: Restrooms, interpretive signs
- Activities: View the spring from ground level or hike to Grand Prismatic Overlook
The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest in the world. Its vibrant colors, caused by heat-loving bacteria, make it one of the most photographed features in Yellowstone.
3. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- GPS Coordinates: 44.72° N, 110.50° W
- Parking: Multiple parking areas along the canyon
- Accessibility: Some viewpoints and trails wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas
- Activities: Hike to Lookout Point or Red Rock Point for panoramic views
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a spectacular 20-mile-long canyon, up to 1,200 feet deep in places. The canyon’s colorful walls and thundering waterfalls offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
4. Mammoth Hot Springs
- GPS Coordinates: 44.58° N, 110.70° W
- Parking: Large parking area
- Accessibility: Boardwalks and trails generally accessible
- Amenities: Visitor center, restrooms, hotel, and dining
- Activities: Explore the hot springs complex
Mammoth Hot Springs features a unique landscape of terraced mineral deposits created by hot water bubbling up from the ground. The area also includes historic Fort Yellowstone and is a great place to spot elk.
5. Norris Geyser Basin
- GPS Coordinates: 44.73° N, 110.70° W
- Parking: Parking area near the basin
- Accessibility: Boardwalks and trails generally accessible
- Amenities: Restrooms, interpretive signs
- Activities: Explore the geysers and hot springs
Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest and most changeable thermal area in Yellowstone. It features a variety of geysers, including Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser.
6. Yellowstone Lake
- GPS Coordinates: 44.43° N, 110.35° W
- Parking: Multiple parking areas around the lake
- Accessibility: Some areas wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Lodges, restaurants, boat tours
- Activities: Boat tours, fishing, scenic drives
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Its shores offer beautiful views, opportunities for wildlife watching, and various recreational activities.
7. Lamar Valley
- GPS Coordinates: 44.93° N, 110.25° W
- Parking: Pull-outs and parking areas along the road
- Accessibility: Generally accessible, some areas challenging
- Amenities: Restrooms at some pull-outs
- Activities: Wildlife watching, scenic driving
Often called America’s Serengeti, Lamar Valley is one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife, including wolves, bison, and grizzly bears.
8. Tower Fall
- GPS Coordinates: 44.92° N, 110.38° W
- Parking: Parking area near the fall
- Accessibility: Short walk to viewpoint generally accessible
- Amenities: Restrooms, interpretive signs
- Activities: View the waterfall, hike to the base
Tower Fall is a 132-foot waterfall surrounded by unique rock formations. The area offers stunning views and hiking opportunities.
9. West Thumb Geyser Basin
- GPS Coordinates: 44.42° N, 110.57° W
- Parking: Parking area near the basin
- Accessibility: Boardwalks and trails generally accessible
- Amenities: Restrooms, interpretive signs
- Activities: Explore the geysers and hot springs
West Thumb Geyser Basin is located on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, offering a unique combination of thermal features and lake views.
10. Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls
- GPS Coordinates: Upper Falls – 44.72° N, 110.50° W; Lower Falls – 44.71° N, 110.49° W
- Parking: Multiple parking areas near the falls
- Accessibility: Some viewpoints and trails wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas
- Activities: Hike to viewpoints, take in the scenic views
The Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls are two of the most impressive waterfalls in the park, located in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
What is the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
The best time to visit Yellowstone depends on your preferences:
- Summer (June to August): Peak season with warm weather and all facilities open. However, it’s also the most crowded time.
- Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October): Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, but some facilities may be closed.
- Winter (November to March): Unique experiences like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, but many roads are closed to regular traffic.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
- Entrance Fees: $35 for a 7-day pass per vehicle
- Annual Pass: $70 for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
- America the Beautiful Pass: $80 for access to all national parks for one year
What are the Must-See Attractions in Yellowstone?
While all ten stops listed above are worth visiting, if you’re short on time, prioritize these attractions:
- Old Faithful
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Lamar Valley (for wildlife viewing)
How Many Days Should I Spend in Yellowstone?
To fully experience Yellowstone’s diverse attractions, plan for at least 3-4 days. Here’s a sample 3-day itinerary:
Day 1: West and Central Yellowstone
- Morning: Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
- Afternoon: Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin
- Evening: Stay at Old Faithful Inn or nearby lodges
Day 2: Central and East Yellowstone
- Morning: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Afternoon: Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Evening: Stay at Lake Village or Canyon Village
Day 3: North Yellowstone
- Morning: Mammoth Hot Springs
- Afternoon: Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing
- Evening: Exit through North Entrance or stay another night in the park
What Should I Pack for a Trip to Yellowstone?
- Layered clothing (weather can change quickly)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera
- Water bottle and snacks
- Bear spray (if hiking in backcountry)
- Map and guidebook
Are There Any Safety Concerns in Yellowstone?
While Yellowstone is generally safe, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Stay on boardwalks and marked trails, especially in thermal areas
- Maintain a safe distance from wildlife (at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other animals)
- Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms (the park’s average elevation is 8,000 feet)
- Carry bear spray if hiking in backcountry areas
- Follow park regulations and ranger instructions
By following these guidelines and respecting the natural environment, you can have a safe and enjoyable visit to Yellowstone National Park.
Remember, Yellowstone is a vast and diverse park with much to offer. These top 10 stops provide a great starting point for your adventure, but don’t be afraid to explore beyond them and discover your own favorite spots in this remarkable wilderness.