Yellowstone National Park is a bucket-list destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone craving a taste of raw, untamed beauty.
It is located in the northwestern United States, primarily in the state of Wyoming, but it also extends into Montana and Idaho and it sits atop a volcanic hotspot, which fuels its famous geysers and hot springs.
Yellowstone has five main entrances, each offering access to different regions of the park:
North Entrance – near Gardiner, Montana
Northeast Entrance – near Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana
East Entrance – near Cody, Wyoming
South Entrance – near Jackson, Wyoming
West Entrance – near West Yellowstone, Montana
The best way to explore its diverse landscapes and iconic sight is by car. Take the Grand Loop Road (shaped like the number 8) which connects nearly all major attractions.
- Upper Loop (Mammoth, Tower Falls, Canyon)
- Lower Loop (Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Yellowstone Lake).
- Drive also on Firehole Canyon Drive, Blacktail Plateau Drive or Sylvan Pass to Cody, and stop for a picnic at one of the designated picnic areas (more than 50), such as Gibbon Falls, Bridge Bay, Madison Junction, Firehole River or Sheepeater Cliff, Lava Creek, Nez Perce Ford and Gull Point. (remember that no overnight camping is allowed in picnic areas).
What to do and see in the park
There are over 500 active geysers and other geothermal wonders: Old Faithful (erupts roughly every 90 minutes, and is the tallest in the world), the Grand Prismatic Spring (largest hot spring in the US, famous for its rainbow-colored rings), West Thumb Geyser Basin, Norris Geyser Basin – the hotetst area in the park (check out “Steamboat Geyser” the tallest active geyser on Earth)
Wildlife Watching: Spot bison, elk, wolves, bears, and even bald eagles in places like Lamar Valley (known as “Serengeti of North America”) and Hayden Valley.
Epic Landscapes: Hike to Mount Washburn,Avalanche Peak, gaze into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (canyon carved by the Yellowstone River), or paddle on Yellowstone Lake (one of the largest high-elevation lakes in North America).
Horseback Riding (guided rides are available), Biking, Boating, Fishing, Photography, Bird spotting, camping
Follow park regulations, speed limit and make sure to have the needed permits if required. Also have an offline map downloaded to your mobile device or have a paper one just in case.
Best Time to Visit is May–June and September–October for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
What to eat:
You’ll have the opportunity to go to a rustic outdoor dinner where you arrive riding on horseback or in a covered wagon.
Huckleberries are a local treasure, so you’ll find Huckleberry Pie, Pancakes, Ice cream and Huckleberry Margaritas.
Try the Bison Burger (often served with local cheese or huckleberry sauce)
Elk Chili made with ground elk meat and spices
Trout Almondine – fresh-caught trout from Yellowstone’s rivers
Here are some hotels where you could spend the night
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And here is a map
