Yosemite vs Yellowstone: Which National Park to Visit?

When it comes to unforgettable natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, two names immediately come to mind: Yellowstone and Yosemite.

Moreover, both of these famous national parks hold a special place in the hearts of nature lovers around the world.

But if you find yourself torn between the two, trying to decide which one is worth a visit, this article is for you!

yosemite and yellowstone hiker

Yellowstone, known for its wide-ranging geothermal features and abundant wildlife, captivates visitors with its vibrant colors and dramatic geysers and hot springs.

On the other hand, Yosemite’s impressive granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and lush valleys provide a scenic view for outdoor adventures.

Both parks offer amazing opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. However, which one suits your preferences and interests better?

In this article, we will compare Yellowstone and Yosemite - examining what makes each unique, and what each park offers.

So whether you crave the unpredictable beauty of Yellowstone or the sheer grandeur of Yosemite, buckle up as we embark on a journey to help you plan your unforgettable trip.

Location and Overview

Yellowstone

Located primarily in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone, widely regarded as the first national park in the world, covers an area of over 2.2 million acres.

Yellowstone's unique geography includes striking geothermal features like:

the iconic Old Faithful geyser
colorful hot springs, and
bubbling mud pots

The park is also home to the Yellowstone Caldera, with a massive area of over 850,000 acres.

Yellowstone's diverse landscape covers:

mountains
canyons
lakes, and
rivers

One of the park's most stunning landmarks, known as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, offers amazing views of towering waterfalls and vibrant yellow cliffs.

From the broad Lamar Valley to the serene Yellowstone Lake, the park's natural wonders have a bit of something for everyone.

Yosemite

Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park spans an area of approximately 747,956 acres.

Iconic granite cliffs, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, dominate Yosemite's landscape, attracting world-class rock climbers.

The park also boasts breathtakingly tall waterfalls, including the majestic Yosemite Falls, which ranks among the tallest in North America.

Yosemite's geography includes:

deep valleys
lush meadows, and
ancient sequoia groves

Yosemite Valley, the park's centerpiece, features glacial carving and is surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

From the serene Tuolumne Meadows to the breathtaking Mariposa Grove of Sequoia trees, Yosemite offers a huge range of things to explore within its bounds.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Yellowstone

grizzly bear Shutterstock Image

Yellowstone is home to an impressive variety of animals, including:

grizzly bears
wolves
bison, and
bald eagles, among many others

The Lamar Valley, sometimes referred to as “America’s Serengeti," provides the best wildlife spotting in the park.

Visitors can also catch the annual migration of the park's resident herds, which is truly something unforgettable.

Yosemite

deer in yosemite national park Shutterstock Image

While not as renowned for its wildlife as Yellowstone, Yosemite still offers a surprising share of animal encounters. Visitors may spot:

black bears
mule deer
coyotes
bobcats
a variety of hawks
falcons, and
eagles

Yosemite's many regions provide ample opportunities for wildlife sightings, whether you're exploring the forests, meadows, or high alpine regions of the park.

Activities and attractions

Yellowstone

people watching geyser Shutterstock Image

Yellowstone offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Hiking is a favorite pastime, with over 900 miles of trails to explore.

From easy strolls along boardwalks to challenging multi-day backcountry treks, there's a hike for people of all skill (and commitment) levels.

Fishing, boating, and kayaking are also popular activities, with Yellowstone Lake and the park's rivers providing excellent opportunities for water-based adventures.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, we highly recommend engaging in scenic drives and wildlife watching.

The park's grand loop road offers access to many of Yellowstone's iconic landmarks, including the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Wildlife fans can use a guide or embark on a self-guided adventure in search of the park's famous inhabitants.

Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs, and educational exhibits at the park’s ten visitor and information centers, providing a deeper understanding and context of Yellowstone's natural and cultural history.

Yosemite

yosemite hiker Shutterstock Image

Yosemite offers a wide variety of things to do - hiking is one of the most popular activities, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backpacking adventures.

The Mist Trail, which leads to the top of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, is a must-do for those seeking a breathtaking experience.

For thrill-seekers, rock climbing on the park's iconic granite cliffs is an unforgettable adventure.

Learn more about the rock climbing opportunities and requirements in the park here.

For a more relaxed experience, we highly recommend engaging in scenic drives and wildlife watching. Additionally, you can enjoy water activities, such as swimming, fishing, and rafting, in the park's lakes and rivers.

Yosemite Valley offers a range of recreational opportunities, including biking, horseback riding, and even winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

The park also hosts a variety of:

ranger-led programs
art workshops
photography walks
Junior Rangers activities, and
educational ranger talks

Find information about upcoming Yosemite events and programs here.

With these programs, visitors can deepen their appreciation for Yosemite's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Accommodation Options

Yellowstone

lodging in yellowstone Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone offers a variety of camping options for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature. The park features 12 campgrounds, with over 2,000 individual sites.

Some campgrounds are open year-round, while others operate on a seasonal basis.

It's important to note that campsite reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months.

Check here to see an overview of each Yellowstone campsite and find where to book.

For those who prefer more comfortable accommodations, Yellowstone offers a range of lodging options.

From historic lodges to modern hotels, there's something to suit every taste and budget.

Booking well in advance is crucial, as these accommodations tend to fill up quickly. Take a look at this page to learn more about what’s offered in Yosemite.

Yosemite

hotel in yosemite national park Shutterstock Image

Yosemite provides a variety of camping options, from tent and RV camping to backcountry camping.

The park features 13 campgrounds, with over 1,400 individual sites.

Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during the peak summer season. Check here for more Yosemite reservation info.

To engage in backcountry camping, you need a permit, and you can obtain it through the park's wilderness reservation system. Backcountry Camping information can be found here.

Yosemite also offers a range of lodging options, including:

historic lodges
hotels, and
cabins

The iconic Ahwahnee Hotel, nestled in Yosemite Valley, provides a comfortable experience for those seeking elegance amidst rugged nature.

Additionally, the park offers several campgrounds with canvas tent cabins, providing a unique blend of camping and comfort.

Find more information on lodging in Yosemite here.

Shaka Guide Tours

Yellowstone

Shaka Guide has a highly-rated self-guided audio tour for Yellowstone National Park - containing approximately 400 audio points and hitting 110 tour stops, this tour covers it all.

On the tour, we make sure you always know where to turn, and we always keep you engaged with fascinating stories about the park and the people who influenced it. This definitely isn’t one to miss! Learn more about Shaka Guide's Yellowstone tour here.

Yosemite

Shaka Guide also offers a high-quality self-guided audio tour for Yosemite National Park - containing 178 audio points and hitting 30 tour stops, this tour makes sure you don’t miss a thing.

With turn-by-turn directions and fascinating stories detailing everything from the geology of the Sierra Nevadas, to the story of the founding of the park, this tour is never boring. Learn more about Shaka Guide's Yosemite National Park tour here.

Both Yellowstone and Yosemite National Park offer a wealth of natural wonders and outdoor experiences.

Yellowstone's colorful geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and fascinating geology make it a prime destination for those seeking an otherworldly adventure.

Yosemite's towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and pristine wilderness provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike.

Conclusion

When deciding between the two parks, it’s ultimately up to preference. Yellowstone is the perfect choice for those captivated by vibrant geothermal features and the opportunity to spot grizzly bears in the wild.

On the other hand, Yosemite is the ideal destination for those drawn to towering cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, broad forests, and alpine country.

Ultimately, whether you choose Yellowstone or Yosemite, you can't go wrong.

Both parks offer unforgettable experiences and an opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature. So, without further ado, enjoy your trip!

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Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Yellowstone National Park Tour and Yosemite National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Yellowstone and Yosemite Articles below!

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK:

7-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary

3-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary

Yellowstone National Park: Know Before You Go

The Best Hikes at Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park vs Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Two Days Itinerary

Things to Do At Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Hot Springs and Where to Find Them

Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone's Hidden Gems