Yellowstone
Wyoming, United States
Geysers, wolves and bison across the world's first national park.
About Yellowstone
Yellowstone is enormous — plan around the figure-eight Grand Loop and expect long drives between basins. Lamar Valley at dawn is the best wildlife viewing in the lower 48.
Why go
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and wolf and bison viewing in Lamar Valley.
Best tours & activities
We may earn a commission from these links at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay
We may earn a commission from these links at no extra cost to you.
Suggested itinerary
- Day 1
Upper Geyser Basin
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Midway Basin.
- Day 2
Canyon
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Artist Point.
- Day 3
Lamar Valley
Dawn wildlife drive for wolves and bison.
- Day 4
Grand Teton
Drive south for Jenny Lake and the Teton range.
Good with family
- Junior Ranger program
- Old Faithful eruptions
- Boardwalk geyser basins
Travel tips
- Book lodging inside the park a year ahead
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
- Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk in Lamar Valley
Safety in Yellowstone
Keep 25 yards from bison and elk, 100 yards from bears. Thermal ground is genuinely lethal — stay on boardwalks.
Keep exploring