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Established in 1872 as the world's first national park, Yellowstone spreads across a high volcanic plateau mostly in northwestern Wyoming, with edges in Montana and Idaho. Beneath it lies one of the largest active volcanic systems on Earth, which powers an unmatched concentration of geysers, hot springs, mudpots and steam vents. Rivers, canyons and wide valleys support bison, elk, wolves and bears.
Most visitors follow the Grand Loop Road. Old Faithful erupts on a predictable schedule in the Upper Geyser Basin. Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the country, spreads rainbow bands across Midway Geyser Basin, and Norris Geyser Basin is the park's hottest and most changeable thermal area. In the north, Mammoth Hot Springs builds stepped travertine terraces. The Yellowstone River plunges into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Mount Washburn makes a rewarding summit hike. Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are prime places to watch bison, and Lamar is known for early-morning wolf sightings. Yellowstone Lake borders the shoreline hot springs of West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Yellowstone suits road-trippers, families, photographers and wildlife watchers comfortable with long drives. Most roads open from late spring through fall, and summer is busy, so lodging and campsites should be booked early. Staying on boardwalks near thermal features and keeping well back from wildlife are essential.
WiserMap travel guideYellowstone Wyoming Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic SpringPlan Yellowstone with this guide to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, wildlife valleys, lodging and seasons.Read the guide
Old Faithful erupts about every 60 to 110 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet; rangers post predicted times at the visitor center. Boardwalks lead through the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the world's greatest concentration of geysers, including Castle, Grand and colorful Morning Glory Pool.
The largest hot spring in the United States, ringed with brilliant orange, yellow and green bands of heat-loving bacteria around a deep blue center. The boardwalk in Midway Geyser Basin gets you close, but the best view is from the Fairy Falls trail overlook above. Go midday when steam is lightest.
The hottest and most changeable thermal area in the park, with milky blue pools, hissing vents and Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser. Two boardwalk loops, Porcelain Basin and Back Basin, take about two hours together. A small museum explains the geology.
Hot water flowing up through limestone has built white and cream travertine terraces that look like a frozen waterfall. Boardwalks climb the Lower Terraces, and a scenic drive loops the Upper Terraces. Elk often graze on the lawns of the historic Fort Yellowstone buildings nearby.
Built in 1904 from local logs and stone, this is one of the largest log buildings in the world, with a soaring seven-story lobby, a huge stone fireplace and handcrafted railings. Even if you are not staying, wander the lobby and watch Old Faithful erupt from the upper deck.
A 20-mile canyon with walls of yellow, pink and orange rock carved by the Yellowstone River, highlighted by the 308-foot Lower Falls. Artist Point on the South Rim gives the classic view, while Lookout Point and the Brink of the Lower Falls trail on the North Rim bring you close to the roar.
The stone arch at the North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 and inscribed For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People. It is the park's original gateway and a classic photo stop. Pronghorn and elk are often seen nearby.
A wide valley along the Yellowstone River between Canyon and the lake, one of the best places in the park to see bison herds, elk, waterfowl and sometimes grizzly bears and wolves. Pull-outs offer safe viewing. Bring binoculars and visit at dawn or dusk when animals are most active.
Often called the American Serengeti, this broad valley in the northeast corner is famous for wolf watching, huge bison herds, pronghorn, elk and bears. Wildlife watchers with spotting scopes gather at pull-outs at dawn. It is open year round by car from the North Entrance.
A popular hike of about 6 miles round trip from Dunraven Pass climbs to a fire lookout at 10,243 feet with sweeping views across the park to the Tetons on clear days. Wildflowers carpet the slopes in July and bighorn sheep are often seen. Start early to avoid afternoon storms.
A mostly flat 5-mile round-trip hike through young lodgepole pine forest to the 200-foot Fairy Falls. Along the way, a short side trail climbs to the overlook above Grand Prismatic Spring for the famous aerial-style view of its colors. Good for families; carry bear spray.
North America's largest high-elevation lake, ringed by mountains and fished by bald eagles and pelicans. On its shore, West Thumb Geyser Basin has hot springs and pools beside the cold lake water, including Fishing Cone. The historic Lake Hotel is a lovely spot for a drink with a view.
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