Make room for the wonder.
Yellowstone brings together erupting geysers, colorful thermal basins, a great river canyon and wildlife-rich valleys. Choose a park region for each day rather than trying to compress the whole park into one circuit.
NPS / Jacob W. Frank · Photography credit
NPS / Jacob W. Frank · Photography credit
Places to consider
- 01Old Faithful area
- 02Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- 03Wildlife-viewing valleys
Choose the stops that suit your time and your party. These are ideas for exploring, rather than a fixed itinerary or a promise that every road, trail or facility will be open.
Give each region its own time
Thermal basins, canyon overlooks and wildlife valleys are spread across a large road network. A clear plan for one region is usually more satisfying than spending the whole day driving a large loop. Add nearby Grand Teton only with enough time to appreciate it in its own right.
Before you set out
Give the day room
Allow time for the approach, parking and breaks. Pick walks for the least mobile members of your party, and leave space for weather or a change of plans.
Bring your group
Confirm vehicle access, drop-off and parking with the park. Check any guided tours, transport and accessibility arrangements before fixing the rest of the itinerary.
Check the official NPS guide for current access, fees, passes, reservations and permits. Gateway names identify useful surrounding communities or access areas, not exact entrance directions. Photographs may show earlier seasons or conditions.