Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, offers a unique blend of geothermal wonders, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. This comprehensive guide, powered by Expedia, provides essential information for planning your Yellowstone vacation. From lodging options and must-see attractions to travel tips and guided tours, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable Yellowstone experience.
What Are the Best Lodging Options in Yellowstone?
Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding areas offer a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets:
- Hotels and Lodges
- Yellowstone Lodge
- Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins
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The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone
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Cabins and Cottages
- Explorer Cabins At Yellowstone
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Yellowstone Riverside Cottages
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Vacation Homes and Condos
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Available in West Yellowstone and Island Park
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Motels and Inns
- Brandin’ Iron Inn
- Holiday Inn – West Yellowstone
Average nightly rates range from $79 for budget options to over $200 for luxury accommodations. Location is key, with options available near park entrances and inside the park itself.
How Should You Plan Your Yellowstone Itinerary?
A well-planned itinerary ensures you make the most of your Yellowstone vacation:
Day 1: West Yellowstone and Surroundings
- Morning: Check-in and visit Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
- Afternoon: Explore Yellowstone IMAX Theatre and West Yellowstone town
- Evening: Dinner at local restaurants
Day 2: Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
- Morning: Enter park, visit Old Faithful
- Afternoon: Explore Upper Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring
- Evening: Overnight at Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins
Day 3: Yellowstone Lake and East Entrance
- Morning: Drive to Yellowstone Lake, visit Lake Hotel
- Afternoon: Explore Mud Volcano and Hayden Valley
- Evening: Stay in Cody or Grant Village area
Day 4: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Norris Geyser Basin
- Morning: Visit Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Afternoon: Explore Norris Geyser Basin
- Evening: Return to West Yellowstone or stay in park
Day 5: Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs
- Morning: Wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley
- Afternoon: Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
- Evening: Return to starting point
What Are the Essential Travel Tips for Yellowstone?
- Park Regulations
- Follow all rules to protect environment and wildlife
- Stay on designated trails
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Keep safe distance from wildlife
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Seasonal Accessibility
- Check park website for seasonal road closures
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Summer is peak season; spring and fall offer fewer crowds
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Parking
- Arrive early at popular sites
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Consider using park shuttle services
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Permits and Reservations
- Book guided tours in advance
- Obtain necessary permits for camping or fishing
What Guided Tours Are Available Through Expedia?
Expedia offers a range of guided tours to enhance your Yellowstone experience:
- Wildlife Tours
- Focus on spotting grizzly bears, wolves, and bison
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Best during dawn or dusk
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Geology Tours
- Explore geysers and hot springs
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Learn about Yellowstone’s unique geological features
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Hiking Tours
- Range from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks
- Guided by experienced naturalists
Tour durations vary from half-day to multi-day excursions, with costs ranging from $50 to $500 per person. Group sizes can be small and intimate or larger, depending on the tour type. Book well in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
How Can You Make the Most of Your Yellowstone Vacation?
- Plan ahead: Book accommodations and tours early
- Be flexible: Weather can affect plans, have backup options
- Respect nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles
- Capture memories: Bring a good camera for stunning landscapes and wildlife
- Stay informed: Check park updates regularly for closures or alerts
By following this Yellowstone National Park vacation travel guide from Expedia, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure in one of America’s most iconic national parks.
References:
1. https://www.expedia.com/West-Yellowstone-Hotels-Yellowstone-Lodge.h330238.Hotel-Information
2. https://www.expedia.com/Yellowstone-National-Park-Hotels-Cheap-Hotels.0-0-d6347010-tCheapHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels
3. https://www.expedia.com/Yellowstone-Park-West-Entrance-Hotels.0-l553248621592884289-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels