Yellowstone National Park travel guide
Yellowstone National Park Tourism | Yellowstone National Park Guide
You're Going to Love Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is famous for being the first dedicated National Park in the world, and has since also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many visitors come to hike along the park's many trails, swim in the warm hot springs, view the natural geyser phenomenons, and observe local wildlife.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Yellowstone National Park
1. Mammoth Hot Springs
Relax in the hot water travertine springs that are terraced on the side of a hill in Yellowstone National Park.
2. Old Faithful
One of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone, this famous geyser shoots hot water up from the ground at consistent intervals.
3. Morning Glory Pool
This hot spring in the Upper Geyser Basin is an artist's dream with its multi-colored pool.
4. Mount Washburn
This 10,000ft mountain was named after Henry D. Washburn, who led an expedition through the area in the 18th century.
5. Artist Point
Located to the south of the grand canyon of Yellowstone, this impressive waterfall is the perfect place to snap a scenic selfie.
What to do in Yellowstone National Park
1. Old Faithful: Get Blown Away
Few natural landmarks are as deserving of their name as Old Faithful -- if you visit you're sure to see why. The massive cone geyser erupts once every 44 to 125 minutes, a range that it hasn't deviated from since 2000. The geyser isn't the only attraction worth seeing in the area -- nearby walking paths will take you up close to a range of geothermal features. When strolling next to rivers ripe with the smell of hot sulfur, you'll be reminded that earth is just another planet floating along in space; Yellowstone is an eerie testament to the natural forces that shift beneath your feet.
2. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: The Mighty Answer to That in Nirvada
Another aptly named feature, the mighty Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers you the chance to see the roaring Yellowstone River rip through towering cliffs. The mighty Lower Falls bellow out into forests of pine as they send thousands of barrels of water flowing downstream each minute. With numerous hiking paths lining its sides, the Grand Canyon is as fit a place as any to catch sight of one of Wyoming's great rivers.
3. Yellowstone Lake: Bask in the Beauty
While much of the basin can seem a bit barren due to the region's high concentration of earth metals, Yellowstone Lake is an oasis for hot days. The largest lake in the park beckons with plenty of walking trails as well as fishing and boating. Charter a boat and get the chance to catch trout on a mountain-top lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks -- it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
4. Mt. Washburn: Challenge Yourself to Reach the Summit
Towering at over 10,000 feet above sea level, Mount Washburn is a truly epic sight to behold. Better still is the vista on offer from the peak. There are numerous ways to summit, but the best is to hike up a wildflower-carpeted trail that starts about 1,400 feet below the summit. Once at the top, you'll be able to drink in views of the basin that can stretch as far as 50 miles on a clear day. Those who bring a map will identify landmarks such as the Tetons and the Beartooth Plateau. Be sure to bring warm clothes as weather in Yellowstone can vary from morning til noon!
5. Grand Prismatic Spring: Take in the Colors
Yellowstone is nothing if not monumental, and the Grand Prismatic Spring may be the epitome of the park's offerings -- it's simply huge. The third largest hot spring in the world, the Grand Prismatic steams in brilliant hues of red, yellow and blue. It's truly a sight to behold -- from afar, that is! Not only is it huge, the Grand Prismatic is piping hot, and steam from the spring can be seen from the road.
1. Old Faithful: Get Blown Away
Few natural landmarks are as deserving of their name as Old Faithful -- if you visit you're sure to see why. The massive cone geyser erupts once every 44 to 125 minutes, a range that it hasn't deviated from since 2000. The geyser isn't the only attraction worth seeing in the area -- nearby walking paths will take you up close to a range of geothermal features. When strolling next to rivers ripe with the smell of hot sulfur, you'll be reminded that earth is just another planet floating along in space; Yellowstone is an eerie testament to the natural forces that shift beneath your feet.
2. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: The Mighty Answer to That in Nirvada
Another aptly named feature, the mighty Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers you the chance to see the roaring Yellowstone River rip through towering cliffs. The mighty Lower Falls bellow out into forests of pine as they send thousands of barrels of water flowing downstream each minute. With numerous hiking paths lining its sides, the Grand Canyon is as fit a place as any to catch sight of one of Wyoming's great rivers.
3. Yellowstone Lake: Bask in the Beauty
While much of the basin can seem a bit barren due to the region's high concentration of earth metals, Yellowstone Lake is an oasis for hot days. The largest lake in the park beckons with plenty of walking trails as well as fishing and boating. Charter a boat and get the chance to catch trout on a mountain-top lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks -- it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
4. Mt. Washburn: Challenge Yourself to Reach the Summit
Towering at over 10,000 feet above sea level, Mount Washburn is a truly epic sight to behold. Better still is the vista on offer from the peak. There are numerous ways to summit, but the best is to hike up a wildflower-carpeted trail that starts about 1,400 feet below the summit. Once at the top, you'll be able to drink in views of the basin that can stretch as far as 50 miles on a clear day. Those who bring a map will identify landmarks such as the Tetons and the Beartooth Plateau. Be sure to bring warm clothes as weather in Yellowstone can vary from morning til noon!
5. Grand Prismatic Spring: Take in the Colors
Yellowstone is nothing if not monumental, and the Grand Prismatic Spring may be the epitome of the park's offerings -- it's simply huge. The third largest hot spring in the world, the Grand Prismatic steams in brilliant hues of red, yellow and blue. It's truly a sight to behold -- from afar, that is! Not only is it huge, the Grand Prismatic is piping hot, and steam from the spring can be seen from the road.
1. Old Faithful: Get Blown Away
Few natural landmarks are as deserving of their name as Old Faithful -- if you visit you're sure to see why. The massive cone geyser erupts once every 44 to 125 minutes, a range that it hasn't deviated from since 2000. The geyser isn't the only attraction worth seeing in the area -- nearby walking paths will take you up close to a range of geothermal features. When strolling next to rivers ripe with the smell of hot sulfur, you'll be reminded that earth is just another planet floating along in space; Yellowstone is an eerie testament to the natural forces that shift beneath your feet.
Activities & attractions in Yellowstone National Park
Where to Eat in Yellowstone National Park
Grant Village Dining Room is open from May to September and serves tasty dishes such as bison top sirloin and wild Alaska salmon. A meal for two costs $50-60.
When to visit Yellowstone National Park
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is May to September when the snow has melted and there is a greater opportunity for hiking, swimming, and viewing natural wildlife.
How to Get to Yellowstone National Park
Plane
Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located one mile north of West Yellowstone, Montana and is the closest airport to the National Park. There are regular domestic flights in the summer tourist season with connections from Salt Lake. Most travelers then transfer to private car to reach Yellowstone National Park.
Train
There is currently no train leading to Yellowstone National Park. The closest Amtrak destination with bus transfers to West Yellowstone is Salt Lake City, Utah.
Car
There are five entrances into Yellowstone National Park. From Wyoming, you can cross over in the north through Gardiner along Route 89; Silver Gate and Cooke City on US Route 212; or West Yellowstone along US Routes 20, 191, 287. Entrances into Yellowstone National Park from Cody can be found along Routes 14, 16, 20 and Grand Teton National Park through US Route 89, 191, 287.
Bus
The Salt Lake Express Shuttle will take you from Utah to West Yellowstone, Montana where you can transfer by private car to Yellowstone National Park. The trip takes 9.5 hours and costs $80 one way.
Airlines serving Yellowstone National Park
Where to stay in Yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful Inn is a historic lodge located within Yellowstone National Park with views of the Old Faithful geyser. Yellowstone Valley Inn is located 30 miles away, but features an outdoor seasonal pool and breakfast.
Popular Neighborhoods in Yellowstone National Park
Bridge Bay - this area in the north is centered around Yellowstone Lake, with many boating, fishing, and thermal options available.
Madison - this area between Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin is home to such sites as Gibbon Falls, Artists Paintpots, and Firehole Falls.
Tower-Roosevelt - this region is perfect for observing local wildlife such as elk, bighorn, and buffalo.
Where to stay in popular areas of Yellowstone National Park
Most booked hotels in Yellowstone National Park
How to Get Around Yellowstone National Park
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation within the National Park, as most visitors travel by tour or private car. Xanterra Parks and Resorts offers adventure tours of different sections of the park for $1,200; the price includes food, lodging, transport, guided walks, and more.
Car
Most visitors travel to Yellowstone by private vehicle. A park pass valid for one week costs $30. Vehicles can be rented from Avis or Budget in West Yellowstone, starting at $40 a day.
The Cost of Living in Yellowstone National Park
Shopping Streets
There are several general stores and park shops located in Bridge Bay, Lake Village, Grant Village, and West Yellowstone where you can buy hiking gear, food, and tourist items.
Groceries and Other
General stores in the Mammoth Hot Springs area and Canyon Village are the main grocery markets. A dozen eggs costs $5.