31 Amazing Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Are you on the hunt for the best things to do in Yellowstone and exciting Yellowstone activities? From enjoying a tasty breakfast sandwich while watching one of the world’s most famous geysers erupt to a chilly dunk in the Firehole River, I’ve got you covered.
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Make a point to see Grand Prismatic Spring while in Yellowstone National Park.
Nowhere on earth is as gorgeous, wild, and majestic as Yellowstone National Park. There is so much to see and do, and it’s truly the trip of a lifetime.
My husband and I just returned from a 10-day jam-packed adventure in Yellowstone, and it was an absolute blast. While it was my second trip to Yellowstone, it was Logan’s first.
My favorite part, hands down, was witnessing Logan watch his first geyser explode. While I fully expected him to fall under nature’s spell and be swept away by the beauty and power of these geothermal wonders… he was straight up alarmed. “ARE YOU SERIOUS? THAT THING IS JUST DOING THAT? IS SOMEONE GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT?” Mind. Blown. He came around to them, for sure, and wound up making an extensive video of all his favorite geysers, but it was absolutely hilarious.
Anyhow, traveling with Logan means that you will be doing All The Things, All The Time, which is quite a feat when you’re exploring a park that spans 3,468.4 square miles. He’s a passionate, excited traveler. Though I needed a vacation to recover from our Yellowstone vacation by the time I got home, I joke that we did All The Things, so you don’t have to! I would be greatly remiss, however, to not credit Yellowstone in a Day for helping guide us through this enormous national park.
Read on for our favorite moments, cherished experiences, and must-try things to do in Yellowstone National Park! You’ll also find a helpful section at the bottom for things we wish we’d remembered to pack and had to buy at a higher price on-site.
Note: This article starts at the North entrance and loops around through the park the way we experienced it. The Lamar Valley was closed during our trip.
Add hitting all the geyser basins to your list of must-see Yellowstone attractions.
30 Awesome Yellowstone Experiences
An excursion with the Yellowstone Wolf Tracker is a must-do Yellowstone activity.
Take a Yellowstone Wolf Tracker excursion.
Our morning with the Yellowstone Wolf Tracker was one of the most magical parts of our trip. Our experienced and personal guide located 3 or 4 adult wolves feeding on an elk carcass with 4 of their pups, and it was so incredible that I actually cried. We also caught glimpses of pronghorn competing for mates, bison family groups migrating, trumpeter swans, a pine marten, and a black bear.
It’s expensive, and you’ll have to get up before the crack of dawn, but it’s absolutely worth it. Plus, they provide snacks and coffee (and yes, you’ll have access to restrooms during your trip).
The Roosevelt Arch is a great piece of history… and photo op.
Snap a photo at the Roosevelt Arch.
Did you even go to Yellowstone if you don’t come back with a cheesy family photo under the Roosevelt Arch? Take a moment to check out this historic structure and learn a bit about its history (did you know there’s a time capsule tucked inside the arch?). The Yellowstone Forever gift shop is also directly across the street, so you can pick up maps, books, and souvenirs.
photo provided by Wild West Rafting
Go whitewater rafting in Gardiner, Montana.
Experience the beauty and power of the Yellowstone River at eye level on a white water rafting tour. Wild West Rafting operates out of Gardiner, Montana, also home to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. You can literally walk from the front door of the rafting company across the park boundary. Wild West Rafting offers full and half-day excursions, along with horseback riding. You’ll scream your lungs out as you sail over roaring rapids (or maybe that was just me), roll your eyes at your guide’s dad jokes, and possibly even catch cherished up-close glimpses of wildlife. During our two-hour trip, we saw an elk with her calf, eagles, pronghorn, and osprey.
There’s so much to see at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park.
Hike the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs.
One of the most unique and showstopping Yellowstone attractions, Mammoth Hot Springs is home to the constantly-changing, colorful travertine terraces. Bring your camera and take your time wandering the extensive system of boardwalks.
Check out the Obsidian Cliff and learn about indigenous people.
The Obsidian Cliff is a stunning National Historic Landmark located along the Grand Loop Road between Mammoth Hot Spring and the Norris Geyser Basin. Humans first quarried obsidian from this incredible natural wonder more than 11,000 years ago, and obsidian from this location can be found along hunter-gather trade routes from western Canada to Ohio.
The Norris Geyser Basin offers a sprawling system of boardwalks and scenic overlooks.
Get your steps in at the Norris Geyser Basin and hit the Norris Museum.
What's the Norris Geyser Basin's claim to fame? The Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone's thermal areas, with recorded temperatures reaching a whopping 459°F only 1,087 feet below the surface. (It's also a wildly stinky geyser basin, but that's neither here nor there.) It's almost like an alien landscape, filled with vibrant colors and textures. Plan to spend a decent amount of time here, and be sure to drop by the museum before you leave to learn all about these incredible thermal features.
Go fly fishing on the Madison River.
Rumor has it there are 3,000 fish per mile in this 140-mile stretch of water. And, if you’ve ever listened to the X Marks the Spot podcast, you know fly fishing on the Madison River is nothing short of legendary. Even if you don’t catch anything, the scenery is breathtaking, and you won’t find a more picturesque place to pass the day. There are, however, a lot of restrictions on fishing in Yellowstone, so read up before you go.
Take a (freezing) dip in the Firehole River.
Take a dip in the brisk, beautiful waters of the Firehole River at the designated Firehole Canyon Swimming area. (Do NOT arbitrarily jump in bodies of water in Yellowstone. The park is incredibly dangerous, and this is one of the only safe places for swimming.) The river typically opens for swimming in mid-summer once the strong currents from snow runoff have lessened.
This was one of our favorite activities while in the park! It was the perfect treat at the end of a long, hot day walking through geyser basins. The canyon is breathtakingly beautiful, and the water is clear, cold, and so refreshing.
Catch the Fountain Geyser and Fountain Paint Pots at sunset.
This one is for the geyser gazers: The sun sets right behind the Fountain Geyser, and if you time your visit right, you’re in for an incredible treat. The geyser looks like a deceptively placid blue pool until the pressure and water level reach their tipping point, and then the eruption begins. The Fountain Geyser erupts every 3.5 to 11 hours for 20 minutes at a time, and it’s eruption seems to precede or trigger activity of the other neighboring thermal features.
The Midway Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Boardwalks get really crowded, so it’s worth setting an early alarm.
Get up early to hit the Midway Geyser Basin.
Watching the steam rise off the features in the Midway Geyser Basin was one of the most magical and otherworldly experiences we had in the park. The scorching thermal runoff slides right into the Firehole River at this basin, and it’s also home to Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone’s most-recognized and colorful thermal features.
It can be hard to get a sense of the scope and colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring from the boardwalk.
Get a better view on the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail.
Walk the boardwalks first, before the massive crowds descend and parking becomes competitive, and then head to the overlook trail. Are you short on time? Skip the boardwalks and head for the overlook trail (1.2 miles roundtrip) for a better view. It’s hard to gauge the scale of the spring at eye level; it’s much more impressive from the overlook. And, if you continue along the trail, you can ditch the crowds and catch Fairy Falls as well.
Enjoying wine or coffee by the fire at the Old Faithful Inn is the most relaxing way to spend an evening.
Enjoy a beverage by the roaring fire at the Old Faithful Inn.
The Old Faithful Inn is such a gem, I actually gave it its own blog post. Definitely book a room if you’re able, but make a point to stop in and check out this iconic hotel. If the weather is chilly, settle in at one of the fireside rocking chairs before the enormous hearth. Are you visiting during the summer? Grab an iced coffee and head to the patio overlooking the geyser basin. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Old Faithful is arguably the most famous geyser in the world.
Eat a tasty breakfast sandwich while watching Old Faithful erupt.
If you want to make the most of your trip to Yellowstone, set an early alarm. The wildlife is most active at sunrise and sunset, and you’ll be able to beat the crowds and have a more relaxing experience at some of Yellowstone’s best attractions.
Check Old Faithful’s eruption schedule the night before, set your alarm, and grab a tasty breakfast sandwich and coffee from the Old Faithful Lodge. Then settle in on your pick of the front-row benches for the show. If you go in the afternoon, expect to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow tourists.
The Upper Geyser Basin is filled with incredible sights.
Spend the afternoon geyser gazing at the Upper Geyser Basin.
Put on your comfortable walking shoes, grab your sunscreen, and fill up your reusable water bottle for a full afternoon of geyser gazing at the Upper Geyser Basin. You’ll see plenty of exciting thermal activity at this basin; our favorites were the Grotto Geyser, Tardy Geyser, and Sawmill Geyser. Be sure to take the trail all the way to Morning Glory Pool. If you’re on the athletic side, keep on trekking: the path will take you to the Biscuit Basin.
The West Geyser Basin offers incredible views of Yellowstone Lake.
Drop by the West Geyser Basin.
The West Geyser Basin is home to the Fishing Hole, the gorgeous Abyss Pool, and sweeping views of Yellowstone Lake. The Abyss Pool is also where a human foot inside a shoe was discovered this past summer, so let this remind you to stay out of those thermal areas, y’all.
Learn about the important and historic role of wildfires in Yellowstone National Park at the Grant Visitor’s Center.
The 1988 Yellowstone fire was the largest forest fire in the history of the national park, devouring nearly 800,000 acres. The Grant Visitor Center focuses on the ecological importance of forest fires, nature’s resilience, and the stories of the individuals who fought that devastating natural disaster. This exhibit gave us a new appreciation for this amazing ecosystem.
Dinner with sunset views is a delightful treat.
Make reservations for a sunset dinner at Grant Village.
The Grant Village Restaurant and Lake Restaurant both offer sweeping, wall-to-wall views of the sunset over Yellowstone Lake. Lovingly referred to as the “mistake on the lake,” Grant Village is one of the quieter areas in Yellowstone, which is not a bad thing if you’re in the mood for a little rest before your next adventure.
Yellowstone’s West Thumb is a short drive from Grand Teton National Park.
Use the West Thumb as a jumping-off point for Grand Teton National Park.
There are tons to see and do in Yellowstone, but if you’ve come all that way, you can’t NOT also pop into Grand Teton National Park. It’s a short, stunning drive from West Thumb/Grant Village. Take in the majestic mountains, hop aboard the scenic Jenny Lake water taxi, hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and drop by the rangers’ interactive exhibits.
Eat in the tepee at Dornan’s Chuckwagon.
Take a break from National Park food and eat in a teepee at Dornan’s Chuckwagon.
Studies show everything tastes better when consumed in a giant tepee with views of the Grand Tetons. Learn all about why Dornan’s house-smoked BBQ made my list of top Yellowstone experiences (even though it’s in Grand Teton National Park).
The Natural Bridge Trail is an easy 2.5-mile hike.
Hike to the Natural Bridge.
The Natural Bridge Trail is a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that culminates in a 51-foot cliff of rhyolite rock. Bridge Creek has eroded the rock over time to form an impressive natural bridge. This Yellowstone attraction is a little off the beaten track, offering a welcome respite from the crowds and bus tours.
Catch an invasive Lake Trout in Yellowstone.
Charter a fishing guide on Yellowstone Lake.
No fishing experience? No problem! Yellowstone’s experienced fishing guides will provide all the equipment and know-how needed to ensure you come home with some fresh catch - which also happens to be an invasive trout species. We grabbed some butter, foil, and seasonings and cooked ours right at the Bridge Bay Marina.
Attend a ranger talk.
Listen, ranger talks were not high on my list of things to do in Yellowstone, but we learned a few things and had an absolute blast. I got to impersonate a female bison in front of 30 strangers. I used my index fingers as horns. I stomped my feet.
View from the porch of the Lake Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.
Sip a cocktail in a rocking chair with mountain and lake views.
The Lake Lodge is stinkin’ adorable, and the front porch (and fireplaces) are prime real estate after a long day on your feet. (We averaged 20,000 steps every single day in Yellowstone.) Grab a cocktail and watch the world go by from the comfort of your rocking chair; it’s an incredibly relaxing way to end the day.
Catch a live piano performance and sunset at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel.
There’s something special about panoramic views and live music, and it’s a luxurious way to unwind after a long day of hiking and seeing the sights. The Lake Yellowstone Hotel hosts live music each evening.
Learn the history of the Lake Yellowstone Hotel.
Take a historic tour.
We caught a historic tour of the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and man, are we glad we did. Who knew Yellowstone had such a rich, varied, and at times outrageous history? Our tour gave us greater insight into how Yellowstone came to be and the history of tourism in the area. (My parents did a historical tour of the Old Faithful Inn, and they still rave about that one.)
Watch a sunrise from the Fishing Bridge.
The Fishing Bridge is a lovely structure with pretty views, but nothing compares to a Yellowstone sunrise. (I should know, my husband woke me up for a bunch of them all over the park.) Whether you catch a sunrise at the Fishing Bridge or over the Lamar Valley, you’ll be blown away by “the reveal” as the sun bathes the landscape with vibrant colors. Sunrise is also a wonderful opportunity to catch glimpses of wolves, elk, bears, coyotes, and other elusive wildlife.
Dragon’s Mouth Spring is a constantly changing and fascinating thermal feature.
Check out Dragon’s Mouth.
The Dragon’s Mouth Spring is one of the coolest thermal features in Yellowstone; it was actually my husband’s favorite in the park. Located in part of the mud volcano, the Dragon Mouth Spring was once interpreted by the Crow people as the snorts of an angry bull bison. There are other interesting thermal sights in the area, including Sulfur Canyon, which wins the award for the stinkiest thermal feature in Yellowstone.
Walk to a private view of Artist’s Point.
Artist’s Point is another of Yellowstone’s must-see natural wonders, but it’s the crowds and parking lot that will overwhelm your senses at the overlook. Walk down to the overlook and elbow your way in for a photo if you must, but then walk to the far end of the parking lot. There you’ll find a quiet, peaceful path into the woods with an almost identical view… and without a selfie competition between you and the falls.
Brush up on your volcano expertise at the Canyon Visitor Center.
Each visitor center offers a unique focus on a specific aspect of the park, and the interactive exhibits at the Canyon Visitor Center focus on Yellowstone’s thermal activity and volcanic history. From maps of the Yellowstone caldera to exhibits highlighting the magnitude of ash dropped in volcanic eruptions, there’s something for everyone.
Hike the North Rim/Lower Brink Trail.
This delightful 2.3-mile out-and-back trail offers great views of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park. The sound of the roar of the river, the cooling mist on your face, and the arresting views of the waterfall made this one of our favorite experiences on our 10-day trip.
The Calcite Springs overlook is worth the stop.
Stretch your legs at the Tower Falls and Calcite Springs overlooks.
Take a break from driving the Grand Loop Road (and waiting for bison to get out of the way) by stopping at both the Tower Falls and Calcite Springs overlooks. Each viewing area offers a short walk to breathtaking views, so take your camera with you.
What to pack for Yellowstone National Park:
Have you been to Yellowstone National Park? What were your favorite sights, activities, or memories? Drop 'em in the comments below.
