Key Takeaways:
- Plan early mornings for major attractions to avoid heavy traffic, geyser-viewing crowds, and slow midday parking delays.
- Expect long drive times between stops since wildlife jams, narrow roads, and construction can significantly extend travel days.
- Pack layers, rain gear, snacks, water, and offline maps because weather changes quickly and services are limited inside Yellowstone.
- Carry bear spray and maintain safe wildlife distances to ensure safe encounters while exploring popular viewpoints or valley areas.
- Stay in West Yellowstone for the most convenient access to the loop road and reliable dining and lodging options.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Yellowstone Day 1 - Geysers and Gurgles
- Yellowstone Day 2 - Basins and Basalt Cliffs
- Yellowstone Day 3 - Canyons and Critters
- Yellowstone Day 4 - Lakes and Great Views
- Plan Your Yellowstone Trip
- Where to Stay
- Essential Travel Tips
It’s a big, boiling world out there. Full of Bison. Basins. Wolves. Waterfalls. Geysers. And grizzlies.
Want to see it all, but feeling overwhelmed? We got you.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-term fan, this itinerary will show you all the big-name stops to make your friends back home jealous, plus one or two awesome little side-trips that are full of surprises.
This itinerary builds off of our 3-day itinerary, and includes all the major park highlights, such as:
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Lamar Valley
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Yellowstone Lake
To add more days and activities to this itinerary, check out our one-week Yellowstone Itinerary.
Yellowstone Day 1-Geysers and Gurgles
Major Stops: Prismatic Springs and Old Faithful
1. Begin the Tour From Outside West Yellowstone
Just minutes outside of the town of West Yellowstone, your Yellowstone adventure begins.
Whether you’re coming in from WYS Airport or off the Targhee Pass Highway, Shaka Guide will help you get acclimated with some quick tour instructions.
2. See Scenic West Yellowstone
- Approximate Time: 1-2 hours
Start your adventure by driving along the crystal-clear Madison River.
As one of the best rivers in the nation for fly fishing, it holds the honorable distinction of being a Blue Ribbon Fishery.
The drive down and back will take about an hour, but you will need about two hours to enjoy all of the stops.
3. Explore Fountain Paint Pots
Shutterstock Image
- Approximate Time: 30 minutes
As you drive to Fountain Paint Pots, you’ll pass a few roadside hot springs, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
You’ll definitely want to make time to walk the 0.6-mile Fountain Paint Pots boardwalk trail.
There are several lesser-known geysers and hot springs here, such as Celestone Pool and Spasm Geyser.
4. Meander through Midway Geyser Basin (and optional hike)
Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park
- Approximate Time: 1-4 hours
The Midway Geyser Basin may just end up being your favorite stop in the park.
Along the short boardwalk trail that encircles the gigantic, 370' Grand Prismatic Spring, you'll also witness a number of other smaller hot springs.
If you have time, be sure to pull into Fairy Falls Trailhead and take the 0.6-mile one-way hike to Grand Prismatic Overlook.
If you’re feeling adventurous, this trail continues for another 1 mile each way to Fairy Falls, one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls.
5. Black Sand Basin
Image by Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 30 minutes
Named for its rare obsidian black sand, Black Sand Basin has some of the most colorful but overlooked hot springs in the park.
Be sure to see the Emerald Pool, Opalescent Pool, and Sunset Lake along this short, half-mile boardwalk.
6. Say Hello to Old Faithful
Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 1-3 hours
It’s not a trip to Yellowstone without visiting the iconic and reliable Old Faithful.
The big geyser itself erupts about every 60–110 minutes, but if you get there early, don’t fret.
There’s lots to see and do nearby, including checking out the Visitor Center, the Tribal Heritage Center, or the surrounding hydrothermal features along the Geyser Loop Trail.
If you need a snack, coffee, or restroom break, be sure to stop by the historic Old Faithful Lodge. That’s also where you’ll find the gift shop.
7. Return to West Yellowstone
- Approximate Time: 40 minutes
It’s probably time to head back towards Madison Junction and the West Entrance.
If you have some more time and energy to spare, feel free to stop at any of the stops you passed along the way, such as:
- Firehole Canyon Road
- Talus Mountain
- The Two-Ribbons Trail
- or Fountain Flats Drive
Yellowstone Day 2-Basins and Basalt Cliffs
Major Stops: Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin
1. Begin Your Drive To the North of Yellowstone
- Approximate Time: 1 hour
Just as before, you’ll drive through the west entrance, but this time, you’ll head north at Mammoth Junction.
The drive to Gardiner will be full of hot springs, pine forests, and no shortage of exciting stops.
2. Gibbon Picnic Area and Falls
Image by Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 20 minutes
Want to enjoy the music of the Gibbon River while having lunch? Swing by the Gibbon Picnic Area!
After you’re done, it’s less than a half-mile drive to Gibbon Falls, named for early Yellowstone explorer Colonel Gibbon.
3. Beryl Spring
Image from Flickr by Penny Higgins
- Approximate Time: 10 minutes
This is one of the most radiant hot springs in the park, with a striking blue color like that of a beryl stone.
It’s just on the side of the road, so it’s more than worth the stop.
4. Critique the Artist’s Paint Pots
Image by Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 45 minutes
Artists’ Paintpots 0.6-mile boardwalk begins in pine woods and emerges into a basin full of colorful mud pots.
It's one of Shaka's top spots for avoiding the crowds while enjoying the park's unique, bubbly, gurgling hydrothermal.
5. Norris Geyser Basin
Shutterstock Image
- Approximate Time: 1-2 hours
You’re not “geysered out” yet, are you? Because there is one more major basin to see before you head on up to Mammoth Hot Springs.
The Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s hottest and oldest geyser basin, featuring the tallest geyser in the world!
You won’t want to miss this 2.9-mile looping boardwalk trail.
6. Hear the Roaring Mountain
Shutterstock Image
- Approximate Time: 15 minutes
You’ve seen them, you’ve smelled them. Now, let’s hear them.
Roaring Mountain is pocked with fumaroles, super-hot chasms that “roar” and hiss with steam.
The ash-gray color of this mountain is caused by sulfur-reducing bacteria that dissolve the lava stone over time.
7. Obsidian Cliff and Exhibit
- Approximate Time: 15 minutes
Because of some extra-handsy tourists (shame!), you aren’t allowed to walk directly to the Obsidian Cliff.
But we’ll get a great view as you drive past, and then we’ll stop off at the exhibit.
Then, take a short 5-minute walk to get another view of the cliff, black glass shining and shimmering in the sun.
8. Sheepeater Cliff (with optional hike)
Shutterstock Image
- Approximate Time: 30 minutes-2 hours
Pull in to see Sheepeater Cliff, a geometric basaltic wall that was named for the Sheepeater people, one of the few Native American tribes to live in Yellowstone year-round.
These hexagonal columns formed naturally over 1.3 million years ago and cooled into the unique shape you see today. Its short, 1-mile there-and-back hike that leads to a second basalt cliff and then the chutes of the Gardner River.
9. Drive the Upper Terrace
Shutterstock Image
- Approximate Time: 20 minutes
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for—Mammoth Hot Springs! Some big highlights on this 1.5-mile drive are:
- The Orange Spring Mound
- Angel Terrace
- and Aphrodite Terrace
You won’t want to miss this iconic drive around Yellowstone’s white travertine terraces.
10. Walk the Lower Terrace
Image from Flickr by Bernt Rostad
- Approximate Time: 1 hour
Now that you’ve explored the Upper Terrace, it’s time to check out the Lower Terrace.
Those instantly recognizable photos of snow-white terraces you see online? Most of those happened down here.
Minerva Terrace, Jupiter Terrace, and all of these park icons are sure to enchant you.
If you have time, I suggest you walk the entire 2.2-mile boardwalk.
Don’t forget to stop by Liberty Cap before heading out!
11. Check out Mammoth Village
Image from Flickr by Ken Lund
- Approximate Time: 1 hour
If you’re here before about 4 p.m., consider checking out Mammoth Village. There’s the:
- Historical Fort Yellowstone
- The Albright Visitor Center
- and the Mammoth General Store
If you’re hungry, consider stopping by the Mammoth Dining Room.
12. Return to West Yellowstone
- Approximate Time: 40 minutes
If you have time, you might want to stop at any of these attractions we skipped:
- Rustic Falls
- Terrace Spring
- Tuff Cliff
- Hoodoos Circle
- Bunsen Peak Trail
- Apollinaris Spring
- Nymph Lake
- Frying Pan Spring
- The Museum of the National Park Ranger
- and Chocolate Spring
Yellowstone Day 3-Canyons and Critters
1. Head Down Norris Canyon Road
- Approximate Time: 35 minutes
Turn left at the Canyon Village intersection to drive the final stretch of Yellowstone you have yet to see.
Norris Canyon Road takes you through thick Lodgepole pine forests and bear country to the west entrance.
2. Take a Diversion By the Virginia Cascades
- Approximate Time: 15 minutes
This is a scenic, high, and narrow one-way road that leads to the Virginia Cascades, the 60-foot roaring falls of the Gibbon River.
There are two overlooks on this road to let you admire the falls from outside the car.
3. Explore the North Rim
Shutterstock Image
- Approximate Time: 1 hour
Your epic Grand Canyon adventure begins with a turn right onto North Rim Drive.
The Brink of the Lower Falls has one scenic stop after another, including:
- The Brink of the Lower Falls
- Lookout Point
- Grand View
- and Inspiration Point
Most of these lookouts are roadside or accessed by a short walk. Be sure to stop by every point on your way up.
If you have time, consider adding one of the great hikes here, such as Brink of the Lower Falls Trail (0.7 miles round-trip, strenuous), Red Rock Trail (0.6 miles round-trip, strenuous), and the North Rim Trail (0.6 miles round-trip, easy).
4. Get Refreshed in Grand Canyon Village
- Approximate Time: 1 hour
Canyon Village has a restaurant, a lodge, several shops, and a visitor center.
If you do nothing else, be sure to stop by the visitor center—the displays, including one lit diorama of Yellowstone, are informative.
They really help to visualize complex geological processes like the formation of the canyon and caldera.
5. Brink of the Upper Falls
- Approximate Time: 20 minutes
After you circle around, turn right just past the North Rim Drive to get one final look at the Upper Falls.
This viewpoint, right at the brink of the falls, is one of the best in the park.
You’ll need to walk just over a quarter mile on an easy trail to enjoy its viewing platform.
6. Head Down the South Rim
- Approximate Time: 1 hour
This drive leads to two more fantastic canyon viewpoints—the Upper Falls View and Artist Point—along with some optional hikes. I recommend Uncle Tom’s Trail.
Take one last look at this geological wonder: the eras of rock carved through by the Yellowstone River's awesome power are truly breathtaking.
7. Uncle Tom’s Trail (optional hike)
- Approximate Time: 1 hour
There used to be a series of thrilling rope bridges that connected this historic trail. No fear now.
To reach its viewing platform, hugging the side of the canyon, you’ll just need to take the 300 stairs down. And then…up.
8. Overlook the Tower Falls
- Approximate Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Tower Falls has a general store and, as you may have guessed, a waterfall.
A short boardwalk leads to several breathtaking overlooks of the plunging 132-foot falls.
There is also a one-mile there-and-back trail that leads to the river and past a few bubbling cauldrons.
9. Take in the Sights at Lamar Valley
Shutterstock Image
- Approximate Time: 40 minutes
As you drive through this wildlife mecca, keep on the lookout for bison, bears, antelope, foxes, and all of the wildlife that frequents the area.
Your tour will point out glacial erratic boulders and notable Absaroka mountain peaks, and, as always, you’ll hear several exciting stories about the area and its history.
10. Settle Down in West Yellowstone
- Approximate Time: 1:30
It’s a long drive back. If you have extra time, stop by some of the stops we skipped:
- Washburn Hot Springs
- Silver Chords Cascades
- Chittenden Road
- Calcite Spring
- Petrified Forest Trail
- and Ice Lake Trailhead
Note: On the return journey, you can either follow the loop or cut through Norris Canyon.
Yellowstone Day 4-Lakes and Great Views
Major Stops: Fishing Bridge, Yellowstone Lake, Mud Volcano
1. Continue Exploring the South Loop
- Approximate Time: 20 minutes
Today, you’re continuing down the South Loop, beyond Old Faithful. After that, it’s on to the famous Yellowstone Lake, and then, if there’s time, exploring the East Entrance.
2. Kepler Cascades (and optional hike)
Image from Flickr by Gary Windust
- Approximate Time: 30 minutes-3 hours
A short boardwalk allows visitors to see the roaring Kepler Cascades. If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, this pullover also marks the beginning of the partially paved Lonestar Trail.
To reach the famous Shoshone Basin, the largest backcountry geyser basin in Yellowstone, it’s a 5-mile walk there and back.
3. Straddle the Continental Divide
Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 10 minutes
Stop at Isa Lake and see the only lake in the world that flows into two different oceans. Not only that, this lake drains backward—the western end flows to the Atlantic, and the eastern end flows to the Pacific. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind stop.
4. Shoshone Lake Overlook
Image by Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 5 minutes
Squint your eyes, and you can just make out the beautiful Shoshone Lake across the horizon. Hidden in the backcountry, this lake is named for the Native Americans who frequented it. The trip is worth it, though, with about a dozen campgrounds and its own geyser basin.
5. Continue Along the Lower Loop
Shutterstock Image
Don’t take that south exit! We’re continuing on to see the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
6. Visit the West Geyser Basin (and optional hike)
Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park
- Approximate Time: 1-3 hours
This may just be one of the best-kept secrets in Yellowstone. Without traveling too far off the beaten path, you’ll be able to enjoy one of Yellowstone’s best geyser basins.
Be sure to check out the famous Fishing Cone Geyser while you’re there! The Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail is also worth a walk if you have time. It’s a quick 1.7-mile loop that’s popular with birders.
7. Take a Cruise around the Lake
- Approximate Time: 30 minutes
Sit back and relax as we drive clockwise around the largest high-elevation lake in North America.
8. Gull Point
- Approximate Time: 20 minutes
Take this scenic drive along the lake peninsula and enjoy a picnic stop at Gull Point.
9. Bridge Bay Marina and Natural Bridge
- Approximate Time: 1-3 hours
Tired of admiring the lake from afar? Rent yourself a boat at the marina! Or, if you’d rather take a hike, the Natural Bridge is just 3.1 miles out and back to a beautiful stone bridge, carved out by years of erosion.
10. Stop by Lake Village
Image by Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 20 minutes
Stop by to visit the ranger station, restroom, and general store. Get all the supplies and information you need before our final stop for the day. Be sure to stretch your legs and admire the view from behind the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, the park’s oldest standing hotel!
11. Elephant Back Mountain Trail
- Approximate Time: 2-4 hours
Ready for a truly breathtaking climb? I mean, erm, view? Then you won’t want to miss the Elephant Back Mountain Trail. It’s a 3.6-mile loop that offers expansive views of the lake, but you’ll work hard for it! Those switchbacks are no joke!
12. Explore Fishing Bridge
Image by Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 30 minutes
Fishing Bridge is home to the ranger station, a general store, and, of course, the fishing bridge. Be sure to walk along the bridge to scan for the Cutthroat trout that like to gather below.
13. (Optional) Experience East Yellowstone
- Approximate Time: 35 minutes
If you still have time, why not explore the east entrance? This area of Yellowstone is like no other. The jagged spires of the Absaroka Mountains are truly awe-inspiring.
There are several optional hikes and stops through here, including Pelican Valley (6.2 miles round-trip, moderate), Nine-Mile Post (Turbid Lake 6 miles round-trip, strenuous), and Avalanche Peak Trail (5 miles round-trip, strenuous).
If you’re skipping the East Entrance, you can go ahead and skip to 22, Head West and Out.
14. Indian Pond and Storm Point (with optional hike)
- Approximate Time: 10 minutes–3 hours
Pull over to check out this pond formed from superheated water pushed out of the earth.
Eventually, this pressurized water exploded, forming the crater and lake you see today. If you want a closer look, take the 2.3-mile loop at Storm Point for wide-open lake views and wind-in-your-face drama.
15. Stop at Steamboat Point
- Approximate Time: 15 minutes
Here, fumaroles vent steam right along the lakeshore. White plumes, riparian greens, and blue lake water make this one of the more quietly surreal stops along the drive.
16. Sedge Bay Picnic Area
Image by Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 10 minutes
Even if you skip the picnic tables, take a moment to walk the shoreline. Calm water, open sky, and a rare sense of stillness along Yellowstone Lake.
17. Lake Butte Scenic Overlook
- Approximate Time: 10 minutes
Follow the one-mile spur road to a high overlook with sweeping views of Yellowstone Lake. On clear days, the Tetons appear faint but unmistakable on the horizon.
18. Sylvan Picnic Stop
Image by Rachel Ennis
- Approximate Time: 10 minutes
A quick, shady pause beneath lodgepole pines—perfect for snacks, stretching, and resetting before the road climbs again.
19. Eleanor Lake
- Approximate Time: 10 minutes
A quiet reflective lake ringed with pines. Walk the 0.6-mile loop for birdwatching, or grab a quick break at one of the picnic tables.
20. Pull Over for Corkscrew Bridge
- Approximate Time: 10 minutes
The final stop along the east road. Built in the early 1900s, this now-closed bridge once funneled visitors into Yellowstone from Cody. Today, it stands as a quiet historic marker—less spectacle, more sense of passage.
After this, you have the option to continue on to the town of Cody, famous for its historic dam and rodeo. Otherwise, you can head on back.
21. Turn Back to Fishing Bridge
- Approximate Time: 30 minutes
It’s time to head back. Enjoy the scenic drive back around the lake as the sun sets on your final unforgettable day in Yellowstone.
22. Head West and Out
- Approximate Time: 45 minutes
From Fishing Bridge, you can either just loop back south or head north and take a left at Norris Junction. Either way will lead you to Madison Junction. From there, we can head home to West Yellowstone, back where it all started.
Plan Your Yellowstone Trip
Why Visit Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone is…alive. Geysers erupt, rivers carve canyons, and wildlife crosses roads without warning, or any care for your supposed “schedule”. You come for the famous sights, but what stays with you is the scale, the motion beneath your feet, and the sense that the park is constantly reshaping itself. Personally? I’d be surprised if it didn’t become one of your favorite National Parks
How Many Days Do You Need in Yellowstone?
Four days is can be great for first-time visitors–especially if you’re not much of a hiker. It allows you to explore Yellowstone’s major regions—geysers, wildlife valleys, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Lake—without spending the entire trip driving. Just expect a fair amount of time in the car, and not a lot of time to branch off or linger. If you’d like a more relaxed experience or want to work in a few longer hikes, I’d aim for 5-7 days.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park
Late May through September is the prime window. June has strong waterfalls and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest but fully open. September offers cooler weather, quieter trails, and excellent elk viewing. Winter is dramatic but requires snowcoaches or snowmobiles… and a very different itinerary.
How to Get to Yellowstone (Airports, Driving Routes & Entrances)
Nearby airports include Bozeman (BZN), Jackson Hole (JAC), and Idaho Falls (IDA). Yellowstone isn’t really the kind of park you can do without a car. You’ll definitely need a rental, and arrival choice affects daily drive times and access to major highlights. The park’s vast size means travel planning is key for a smooth itinerary. For this itinerary, you’ll stay in West Yellowstone.
Choosing the Best Yellowstone Entrance
| Entrance | Description |
|---|---|
| West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT) | The busiest and most popular entrance, closest to Old Faithful and the main loop. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting quick access to geyser basins. This entrance is recommended for short itineraries. |
| North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) | Open year-round, with easy access to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley wildlife drives. Perfect for those seeking wildlife and historic sites. |
| East Entrance (Cody, WY) | Quieter, scenic, and ideal for longer itineraries or travelers coming from Wyoming. Roads here offer expansive views of the Absaroka Mountains. |
| South Entrance (Grand Teton, WY) | Best for combining Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park. Provides a natural flow for multi-day itineraries from Jackson Hole. |
| Northeast Entrance (Cooke City / Silver Gate, MT) | Remote and less crowded, excellent for adventurous travelers, fall foliage, and wildlife spotting. Roads may be seasonal. |
Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park
Best Lodges Inside Yellowstone
Staying inside Yellowstone cuts drive time and offers early-morning wildlife opportunities.
Lodges like Old Faithful Inn, Canyon Lodge, and Lake Yellowstone Hotel are historic and perfectly located. Rooms are simple, Wi-Fi is limited, and prices are high—but mornings and evenings inside the park are worth it. Reserve far in advance.
| Entrance | Lodging Options |
|---|---|
| North Entrance | Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins U.S. 89, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7311 |
| Northeast Entrance | Roosevelt Lodge 100 Roosevelt Lodge Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7311 Canyon Lodge and Cabins 41 Clover Lane, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7311 |
| West Entrance | Old Faithful Inn 300 Old Faithful Inn Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7311 Old Faithful Snow Lodge 2051 Snow Lodge Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7311 |
| East Entrance | Lake Yellowstone Hotel 235 Lake Yellowstone Drive, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7311 |
| South Entrance | Grant Village 24 Rainbow Loop, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7311 |
Camping in Yellowstone: Tips & Reservations
Camping is competitive. Most sites require reservations and fill quickly in summer. Some are run by Yellowstone Lodging, others by NPS. Get all the details here.
Where to Stay in West Yellowstone
Didn’t score lodging inside the park? No problem!
West Yellowstone is convenient and full of lodging, dining, and shopping. It’s ideal for first-timers and gives direct access to the park’s main loop and major geyser basins. In regard to food and supplies, it can be an even better experience than the park-run stays. Here are some local places to check out.
| Lodging | Description |
|---|---|
| 1872 Inn | This adult-exclusive boutique inn offers a premium personalized experience. |
| Three Bear Lodge | Three Bear Lodge is a hotel with rustic charm and modern amenities. |
| Brandin' Iron Inn | A family-owned inn with a Western theme. |
| Kelly Inn West Yellowstone | This hotel is conveniently located near the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. |
| Gray Wolf Inn and Suites | While part of a small regional chain, this hotel has a local touch and is family-operated. |
| Stage Coach Inn | This historic hotel recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. |
| Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone | Contemporary cabins just minutes from the West Entrance. |
| Golden Stone Inn | A “mountain modern” inn with cabin-style rooms. |
| Hibernation Station Cabins | Handcrafted log cabins with rustic-meets-comfortable interiors. |
Essential Yellowstone Travel Tips
How to Avoid Crowds at Yellowstone’s Top Attractions
Timing is everything. Visit Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and canyon viewpoints at sunrise or sunset. Use midday for driving or lesser-known basins. Crowds are inevitable, especially in summer; strategic timing lets you enjoy the sights on your terms.
What are the wildlife safety and viewing rules in Yellowstone?
Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Never approach animals, carry bear spray, stay alert, and always give wildlife the right of way.
What should I know about driving and road closures in Yellowstone?
Driving in Yellowstone takes longer than expected due to wildlife jams, narrow roads, and construction. Check daily road conditions, plan fuel stops, and allow extra travel time. Many roads and some attractions are seasonal, so verify openings before you go.
What to Pack for Yellowstone National Park?
Pack layered clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, binoculars, snacks, bear spray, and offline maps. Weather in Yellowstone National Park changes quickly, so being prepared helps your trip run smoothly.
Where can I eat in Yellowstone?
Food is available at lodges and major visitor areas, but options are limited. Packing your own lunch and snacks helps you maximize sightseeing time. Otherwise, plan to eat in one of the nearby entrance towns.
Optional Things to Do with Extra Time in Yellowstone
There’s plenty to see and do in or out of the park.
- Visitor centers at Canyon, Old Faithful, and Mammoth explain Yellowstone’s geology, wildlife, and history. Ranger-led programs add context and are often free—worth a visit if time allows.
- Just outside the West Entrance, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center allows visitors to see grizzlies and wolves up close. It’s a perfect stop for families or anyone eager to learn about Yellowstone’s predators safely. Come evening time, West Yellowstone’s Playmill Theater offers lively, family-friendly evening performances—a fun break after a day exploring geysers and wildlife.
- North of Gardiner, Yellowstone Hot Springs is perfect for a soak after long hikes or drives, open year-round with scenic surroundings.
- East of the park, Cody is home to the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center, plus the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Perfect for history buffs or anyone combining outdoor adventure with Western heritage.
Or maybe you just want to cruise around and relax. There are several nearby scenic drives you can check out:
- Beartooth Highway: One of the most breathtaking routes in America, climbing to alpine plateaus with sweeping views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains.
- Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: Stunning views of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and Yellowstone-adjacent landscapes.
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Gallatin River Roads: Quieter drives showcasing rivers, wildlife, and untouched Montana wilderness.
Or, extend Your Adventure to Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton is a natural companion to Yellowstone. Sharper peaks, alpine lakes, and quiet roads make it worth a visit. Two days is ideal, but even a single day enhances the experience.
Explore with Shaka Guide
Ready for the big tip? You gotta’ head out with an expert guide…a Shaka Guide! Shaka Guide’s GPS-based audio tour transforms your Yellowstone trip into a fun, informative, and easy experience.
It works offline, triggers automatically at each stop, and shares stories, history, and timely tips. Download once, explore at your own pace, and let the park guide your adventure.
Ready to explore Yellowstone?
Take Shaka Guide’s Yellowstone National Park Audio Tour for turn-by-turn directions, local stories, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Visiting more parks in the region?
Don’t miss our Ultimate National Park Collection — it includes tours for Grand Teton, Yosemite, Death Valley, White Sands, and many more!
Still planning?
Check out our Yellowstone Itinerary and Know Before You Go guide to prep for your trip.
Have questions?
We’re happy to help — email us at aloha@shakaguide.com.
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