Visiting Yellowstone National Park offers a wealth of natural beauty and diverse experiences. Whether you have 3 days or 5 days, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time exploring the park’s iconic geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
3-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Geysers and Geothermal Wonders
- Morning: Start your day by heading to Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world. Watch its eruption, which happens every 90 minutes, and explore the Upper Geyser Basin, where you can see numerous other geysers and hot springs.
- Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone’s most visually striking features with its vibrant colors. Take a walk on the boardwalks around the spring for great views and photographs.
- Evening: If time allows, head to West Thumb Geyser Basin near Yellowstone Lake. This smaller geothermal area offers beautiful views of the lake alongside its geothermal features.
Day 2: Wildlife Viewing and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Morning: Get an early start and drive to Lamar Valley in the northeast corner of the park. This area is often called the "Serengeti of North America" for its abundance of wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves.
- Afternoon: Head south to Canyon Village to explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Hike down Uncle Tom’s Trail for a stunning view of Lower Falls, or visit various scenic viewpoints along the South Rim for panoramic views of the canyon.
- Evening: Finish your day by visiting Mammoth Hot Springs to see the terraced hot springs. You can also visit the historic Fort Yellowstone nearby and take a stroll around the area.
Day 3: Yellowstone Lake and More Geothermal Features
- Morning: Start your day at Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America. Take a peaceful stroll along the shore or rent a boat if you want to experience the lake up close.
- Afternoon: After lunch, explore the Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most active geyser basin in the park. Take the Porcelain Basin Trail for an up-close look at geothermal features.
- Evening: On your way out of the park, stop by Hayden Valley for one last opportunity to see bison, elk, and possibly bears, especially in the late afternoon or evening.
5-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Geysers and Geothermal Features
- Morning: Arrive and visit Old Faithful to witness its eruption and explore the Upper Geyser Basin, which has the highest concentration of geysers in the world.
- Afternoon: Continue to the Grand Prismatic Spring and take a short hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook for a panoramic view. Then, explore the nearby Midway Geyser Basin.
- Evening: End the day at West Thumb Geyser Basin for a relaxing walk along the lake, with stunning views of geothermal features by Yellowstone Lake.
Day 2: Wildlife and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Morning: Drive early to Lamar Valley, a prime wildlife viewing area where you can spot bison, wolves, elk, and other animals. Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife photography.
- Afternoon: Head south to Canyon Village to explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Visit the Artist Point for one of the best views of Lower Falls, or take a hike on Uncle Tom’s Trail for a closer look.
- Evening: Visit Mammoth Hot Springs to see the travertine terraces and explore the historic Fort Yellowstone area, which is an excellent place for a relaxing evening.
Day 3: Yellowstone Lake and Waterfalls
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to Yellowstone Lake, where you can enjoy a quiet morning at the lake or take a boat tour. Visit the Lake Village area and check out the lake’s stunning scenery.
- Afternoon: Drive to Fishing Bridge and explore the surrounding area. Visit Bridge Bay and hike around the lake shore for great views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
- Evening: After a day by the lake, drive to Gibbon Falls for a short walk and enjoy the scenic beauty of the waterfall.
Day 4: Exploring More Geothermal Features and Hiking
- Morning: Head to Norris Geyser Basin, where you can walk the boardwalks and view some of the park’s most active geothermal features, including Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world.
- Afternoon: After lunch, take a hike in the Yellowstone River area, exploring the Lamar Valley or taking the Mount Washburn Trail, which provides panoramic views of the park.
- Evening: End your day with a stop at Hayden Valley for one more opportunity to spot wildlife, especially in the evening when animals are more active.
Day 5: Relaxing and Unwinding
- Morning: Start your day by visiting Old Faithful one more time or explore another geothermal area that you might have missed.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely drive along the Grand Loop Road and stop by any of the scenic pull-offs to enjoy the park’s beauty at a relaxed pace.
- Evening: Spend your last evening in Yellowstone watching the sunset over Yellowstone Lake or from a scenic viewpoint.
General Tips for Both Itineraries:
- Accommodation: Make sure to book your lodging in advance, especially during peak season, as accommodations inside the park fill up quickly.
- Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions. Yellowstone’s high elevation can lead to chilly mornings and evenings, even in summer. Bring layers and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Wildlife Safety: Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially bears and bison. Never approach animals, and follow the park’s safety guidelines for wildlife encounters.
- Plan Ahead: Some areas of the park are more remote and may take longer to reach. Ensure you have enough time for travel between attractions.
Whether you have 3 days or 5, Yellowstone offers an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and natural wonders that will stay with you long after your visit.
