Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park featuring a river or creek and forest scenes
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
Grand Prismatic Spring featuring a bridge and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center which includes interior views
Yellowstone Lake which includes a lake or waterhole
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Yellowstone National Park must see attractions

1. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a colossal wilderness of diverse landscapes and ecosystems, a natural playground of mountains, roaring waterfalls, volcanic phenomena, bears and bison.
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Yellowstone National Park featuring rapids, a cascade and mist or fog

2. Old Faithful

Visit Old Faithful to see why it has earned its name. It has been consistently erupting for as long as people have known about it. The geyser’s reliability is a main reason why Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, was created in 1872. Stay in the vicinity of the geyser for an hour or more and it’s almost certain to come to life. In fact, it’s so reliable that the park service provides time predictions for the 20 daily eruptions.
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Old Faithful

3. Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park is a marvel just by its location at such a high altitude. At 7,733 feet (2,357 meters) above sea level and with a surface area of 132 square miles (342 square kilometers), this is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Although it’s located in a park with many hydrothermal features, don’t assume the water is warm. When you visit Yellowstone Lake dip a toe in, if you like, to discover the chill. The water may approach 70 F (21 C), but the average temperature is 41 F (5 C). The lake freezes over in winter.
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Yellowstone Lake which includes a lake or waterhole

4. Mammoth Hot Springs

When you visit Mammoth Hot Springs, prepare to be mesmerized by nature. Located near Fort Yellowstone in the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District, the hot springs are one of Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic destinations.
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Mammoth Hot Springs

5. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is an awe-inspiring gorge with rock formations of pink and yellow hues and several immense waterfalls. The canyon, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long, is a major highlight of Yellowstone National Park. Hike trails surrounding this spectacular gorge and enjoy exceptional vistas.
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Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

6. Lamar Valley

Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley has open spaces that allow visitors to see many animal species from off-road viewing areas. Look for numerous bison, which some people call buffalo. You can also see bears, longhorn antelope, wolves, elk and other species here. Park guests visit Lamar Valley often just to see wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you’re caught in a traffic jam waiting for animals to cross from one side of the road to the other.
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Lamar Valley showing a river or creek, landscape views and tranquil scenes

7. Grand Prismatic Spring

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, a popular feature of Yellowstone National Park. The large steaming water basin has an unmatched blue color that is breathtaking. Its perimeter is bordered by a shoreline with hues of yellow, orange, green and brown. View the natural feature, which results from activity deep in Earth’s interior.
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Grand Prismatic Spring featuring a bridge and a river or creek as well as a small group of people

What to do in Yellowstone National Park

Discover the most popular places to visit in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park featuring rapids, a cascade and mist or fog

Yellowstone National Park

Embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure at the oldest and largest national park in the United States. You’ll come across one magnificent view after another.

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park East Entrance

Yellowstone National Park East Entrance

4.5/5(96 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Yellowstone National Park East Entrance, a lovely green space in Yellowstone National Park. Discover the area's mountain views and restaurants.

Yellowstone National Park East Entrance
Yellowstone National Park South Entrance

Yellowstone National Park South Entrance

4.5/5(137 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Yellowstone National Park South Entrance, a lovely green space in Yellowstone National Park. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Yellowstone National Park South Entrance
Old Faithful

Old Faithful

4.5/5(713 reviews)

Its iconic stature and reliability attract visitors from around the world. View this geyser, which always satisfies with its regular dramatic shows.

Old Faithful
Yellowstone Lake which includes a lake or waterhole

Yellowstone Lake

4.5/5(109 reviews)

In an area with many unique natural attractions, this large lake appears next to tall mountains. Visit for beautiful views and interesting walks.

Yellowstone Lake
Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs

Near the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park, drive around colorful travertine terraces or walk among steaming thermal features in this otherworldly area.

Mammoth Hot Springs
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

5/5(288 reviews)

Enjoy the mesmerizing views of waterfalls, a river and a variety of brightly colored rock formations in this iconic canyon, a national treasure.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Lamar Valley showing a river or creek, landscape views and tranquil scenes

Lamar Valley

5/5(277 reviews)

View wildlife wandering through this large area. While some animals saunter across the roadway, you may need binoculars to see them farther away.

Lamar Valley
Grand Prismatic Spring featuring a bridge and a river or creek as well as a small group of people

Grand Prismatic Spring

4.5/5(417 reviews)

Otherworldly is an appropriate description of this volcanic feature that bears little resemblance to the commonplace perception of a spring.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Yellowstone National Park

West Thumb

West Thumb

Discover geothermal activity, a geyser basin, the small Grant Village and more natural attractions from the western inlet of Yellowstone Lake.

West Thumb
Canyon Village

Canyon Village

Use this stopping point as a base for exploring Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Artist’s Point, one of America’s most iconic natural sights.

Canyon Village
Fort Yellowstone Historic District

Mammoth

If you're spending some time in Mammoth, Fort Yellowstone Historic District and Beaver Ponds Loop Trail are top sights worth seeing.

Mammoth
Tower Fall

Tower Junction

In the Lamar Valley near Wyoming’s border with Montana, see the Petrified Tree, Tower Fall and some of Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic wild residents.

Tower Junction
Great place to unwind after a long day of exploring. Sit on the patio and enjoy the sunset while enjoying a cocktail.

Lake Village

While visiting Lake Village, you might make a stop by sights like Yellowstone Lake and Pelican Valley Trail.

Lake Village
Old Faithful featuring a hot spring and mist or fog as well as a small group of people

Upper Geyser Basin

While visiting Upper Geyser Basin, you might make a stop by sights like Old Faithful and Firehole River.

Upper Geyser Basin

Popular day trips from Yellowstone National Park

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone

Photo by mohammed almualla

Gallatin Gateway

Gardiner

Gardiner

Cooke City

Cooke City

Norris Geyser Basin which includes a hot spring, landscape views and mist or fog

Norris

Cody

Cody

Frequently asked questions

Is Yellowstone National Park worth visiting?
Yellowstone National Park has a unique mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Yellowstone National Park?
Start your adventures with a visit to Lower Yellowstone Falls and Artist Point. Then, tour different areas of Yellowstone National Park for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Yellowstone National Park?
Lower Yellowstone Falls is one of the top tourist attractions in Yellowstone National Park and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Yellowstone National Park?
Three days is plenty for a quick escape to Yellowstone National Park — you'll hit the main attractions and get a good idea of the local vibe. But if you want to really experience it all, plan at least seven to ten days to discover the surrounding areas too.
What are some activities to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids.

What to do in Yellowstone National Park for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or adventure seeker, there's a range of things to do in Yellowstone National Park for adults.
Are there free things to do in Yellowstone National Park?
With lots of free things to do in Yellowstone National Park, you can discover the area without getting your wallet out. Soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or stroll through the local neighbourhoods.