Key Takeaways:
- Yellowstone National Park is home to geothermal wonders, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a top destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
- From hiking and fishing to observing geysers and bison herds, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic national park.
- Whether you’re exploring the park’s famous hot springs, towering waterfalls, or vibrant wildlife, Yellowstone offers unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, is a natural wonderland in the heart of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Famous for its geothermal features like Old Faithful, Yellowstone boasts incredible biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and awe-inspiring geothermal wonders. The park is home to spectacular waterfalls, vast canyons, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundance of wildlife such as bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, Yellowstone offers something for everyone. With its rich history, geological significance, and incredible scenery, it’s no surprise that Yellowstone remains one of the most visited and beloved national parks in the United States.
50 Things to Do at Yellowstone National Park:
#1 Visit Old Faithful:
Witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful, a reliable geothermal geyser that erupts every 35–120 minutes.
#2 Hike the Mist Trail:
Hike along the Mist Trail to get up close to the stunning Lower Falls in Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon.
#3 Explore the Grand Prismatic Spring:
Marvel at the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S.
#4 Go Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley:
Spot bison, wolves, and elk in Lamar Valley, one of the best places for wildlife viewing.
#5 Take a Scenic Drive on the Grand Loop Road:
Drive along the Grand Loop Road for stunning views of Yellowstone’s geothermal features, waterfalls, and wildlife.
#6 Visit the Yellowstone Lake:
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Yellowstone Lake, ideal for boating, fishing, and picnicking.
#7 Hike the Fairy Falls Trail:
Hike the relatively easy Fairy Falls Trail for beautiful views of a hidden waterfall.
#8 Go Fishing in the Yellowstone River:
Fish for trout and other species in the Yellowstone River, one of the best fishing spots in the park.
#9 See the Wildlife in Hayden Valley:
Take a wildlife tour through Hayden Valley to observe bison, grizzly bears, and migratory birds.
#10 Visit the Mud Volcano Area:
Explore the Mud Volcano Area, where you’ll find bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.
#11 Take a Boat Tour on Yellowstone Lake:
Cruise the crystal-clear waters of Yellowstone Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the park.
#12 Go Cross-Country Skiing in Winter:
During winter, cross-country ski through Yellowstone’s snowy landscapes, offering serene and scenic views.
#13 Hike the Mount Washburn Trail:
Climb Mount Washburn for panoramic views of the park and to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep.
#14 See the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River:
Visit the Lower Falls for breathtaking views of one of Yellowstone’s most iconic landmarks.
#15 Go Whitewater Rafting on the Yellowstone River:
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River, ideal for adventure seekers.
#16 Explore the Norris Geyser Basin:
Visit the Norris Geyser Basin, home to some of the hottest and most active geothermal features in Yellowstone.
#17 Take a Scenic Hike to the Lamar River:
Hike along the Lamar River for a peaceful outdoor experience and incredible views of Yellowstone’s wild beauty.
#18 Go Horseback Riding Through Lamar Valley:
Explore the beauty of Lamar Valley on horseback, a unique way to experience the park’s stunning landscapes.
#19 Visit the Fountain Paint Pot:
Explore the Fountain Paint Pot area to see colorful hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pots.
#20 Check Out the Black Sand Basin:
Visit the Black Sand Basin, known for its strikingly colorful geothermal pools and other unique features.
#21 Go Stargazing at Geyser Basin:
Enjoy the clear skies and minimal light pollution for an unforgettable stargazing experience near the geysers.
#22 Hike the Yellowstone River Picnic Area:
Take a short, scenic hike to the Yellowstone River Picnic Area for a relaxing day in nature.
#23 Take a Guided Tour of Mammoth Hot Springs:
Join a guided tour of Mammoth Hot Springs to learn about the unique terraces and geothermal formations.
#24 Go Canoeing on Yellowstone Lake:
Rent a canoe and paddle through the peaceful waters of Yellowstone Lake for a serene experience.
#25 Explore the Petrified Tree:
Visit the Petrified Tree, an ancient tree turned to stone, located along the park’s scenic drives.
#26 Visit the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory:
Learn about the park’s volcanic activity at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, a key educational site.
#27 Take a Bike Ride on the Yellowstone Bike Trails:
Explore the park on two wheels by cycling along the park’s scenic bike trails.
#28 Go Snowmobiling in Winter:
Experience Yellowstone’s winter landscapes by snowmobile for an exciting outdoor adventure.
#29 Visit the Lamar Valley Backcountry:
Take a trek through the Lamar Valley backcountry for solitude, wildlife viewing, and stunning views.
#30 Attend a Ranger-Led Program:
Participate in a ranger-led program to learn about Yellowstone’s history, wildlife, and geology.
#31 Visit the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center:
Explore the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center to learn about the park’s cultural and natural history.
#32 Take the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim Trail:
Hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim Trail for incredible views of the canyon and waterfalls.
#33 Explore the Obsidian Cliff:
Visit the Obsidian Cliff, an ancient source of obsidian used by Native Americans for tools.
#34 Go Backpacking in the Bechler Region:
For a true wilderness experience, backpack through the Bechler region for pristine landscapes and solitude.
#35 Take the East Entrance Scenic Drive:
Drive along the scenic route from Yellowstone’s East Entrance to enjoy views of the Absaroka Mountains and Lamar Valley.
#36 Check Out the Gibbon Falls:
Visit the stunning Gibbon Falls, located near the Gibbon River and offering great photo opportunities.
#37 Visit the Yellowstone National Park Museum:
Stop by the museum to explore exhibits showcasing the park’s geology, wildlife, and history.
#38 Go Paddleboarding on Yellowstone Lake:
Try paddleboarding on Yellowstone Lake for a fun way to enjoy the peaceful waters of the lake.
#39 Hike the Fairy Falls Trail:
Take a moderate hike to Fairy Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by wildflowers and scenic views.
#40 Visit the Lamar Valley Wildlife Viewing Area:
Head to the Lamar Valley Wildlife Viewing Area to spot bison, wolves, and other iconic wildlife species.
#41 Go for a Family Picnic at Swan Lake:
Have a family picnic at Swan Lake, a tranquil spot perfect for relaxing by the water.
#42 Explore the Midway Geyser Basin:
Visit the Midway Geyser Basin for a unique geothermal experience and the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring.
#43 Join the Yellowstone Photography Workshop:
Participate in a photography workshop to capture the stunning beauty of the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
#44 Take the Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail:
Hike to the Yellowstone Lake Overlook for a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
#45 See the Artist Paintpots:
Visit the Artist Paintpots to witness colorful hot springs and geysers, as well as bubbling mud pots.
#46 Hike the South Rim Trail:
Hike along the South Rim Trail for fantastic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
#47 Take a Scenic Helicopter Tour:
For an incredible aerial view of Yellowstone, take a helicopter tour and see the park from a different perspective.
#48 Go Ice Fishing in the Winter:
Try ice fishing in the park’s frozen lakes for a quiet winter adventure surrounded by nature.
#49 Explore the Yellowstone Hot Springs:
Relax in the warm waters of Yellowstone’s natural hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
#50 Go on a Bison Safari:
Take a guided bison safari tour to get up close to one of Yellowstone’s most iconic animals.
To make the most of your visit to Yellowstone, plan your trip with PlanMyWeekend.ai for a seamless and unforgettable experience!
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
