Yellowstone National Park is massive. We’re talking over two million acres massive. And within those acres, you’ll find some of the most unique geothermal features on Earth, not to mention an abundance of wildlife.
Because Yellowstone is so vast, it’s important to have a plan before you go. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time trying to figure out what to see and do than actually seeing and doing. Without a Yellowstone itinerary, you might feel rushed, miss out on key attractions, or simply feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the park.
That’s why we’ve put together some comprehensive Yellowstone National Park itineraries to help you make the most of your trip, whether you have just one day or five. Each itinerary focuses on the park’s must-see attractions and provides a suggested schedule to help you make the most of your time.
Understanding Yellowstone’s Layout: The Grand Loop Road and Regions
Yellowstone’s layout is dictated by the Grand Loop Road, which connects the park’s major attractions and regions. Think of it as your Yellowstone lifeline. The loop makes it relatively easy to target the attractions you most want to see.
From the Grand Loop Road, you can easily access the park’s different regions: North, South, East, West, and Central. For example, if you head north, you’ll find Mammoth Hot Springs. Head south, and you’ll discover the iconic Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin.
Why Location Matters: Minimizing Drive Times
Location is key when planning your Yellowstone itinerary. Because the park is larger than some states, it’s important to group attractions by region and plan your days around nearby sights. That way, you’ll spend less time driving and more time exploring.
How many days do you need in Yellowstone?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Honestly, the perfect amount of time depends on what you want to see and do, and how much vacation time you have.
But if you really want to hit the highlights without feeling totally rushed, I’d suggest a minimum of three full days in Yellowstone. Anything less, and you’ll have to make some tough choices about what to skip. Yellowstone is HUGE.
If you can swing it, four or five days is even better. That gives you a more relaxed pace, a chance to do some hiking, more opportunities for wildlife viewing, and the flexibility to change your plans if something unexpected comes up. Plus, you won’t feel like you’re just checking things off a list.
Essential Yellowstone Planning Tips
A little advance planning can help you get the most out of your trip to Yellowstone. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Booking Accommodations
It’s important to book your lodging well in advance, especially if you want to stay inside the park. Reservations for in-park lodging are highly recommended and often book up a year in advance. If you can’t find anything inside the park, consider staying in gateway communities like Gardiner, Montana, or West Yellowstone.
Campsite reservations are also popular and should be made well in advance, particularly during peak season.
Dealing with Crowds
Yellowstone can get crowded, especially during the summer months. To beat the crowds and secure parking, arrive early. Starting your day by 7 AM can make a big difference. Another strategy is to visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds.
Safety First: Bear Spray and Wildlife Etiquette
If you plan on hiking in Yellowstone, carrying bear spray is a must. Make sure you know how to use it properly. It’s also crucial to maintain safe distances from wildlife. The park service recommends staying at least 25 yards away from bison, female elk, deer, and moose, and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves, and bull elk during rutting season.
Staying Connected (or Disconnected)
Be aware that cell service is limited in many areas of the park. Download offline maps and save your reservations before you go. Consider using Google Maps offline or bringing printed maps as a backup.
Preparing for the Elevation
Yellowstone’s high elevation can affect some people. The Yellowstone Caldera, for example, is above 9,000 feet. Give yourself time to acclimatize to the elevation and stay hydrated. Save more strenuous activities for later in your trip, once you’ve adjusted.
One-Day Yellowstone Itinerary: A Whirlwind Tour
Okay, let’s be real. One day in Yellowstone is like trying to read War and Peace on a lunch break. It’s just not enough. But, if one day is all you’ve got, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Get there early. Seriously. Before the crowds descend.
- Head straight to Old Faithful. Watch the eruption, then explore the Upper Geyser Basin. There are tons of other geysers and hot springs in this area, so take your time.
- Next, hit Midway Geyser Basin. This is where you’ll find the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is even more impressive in person.
That’s pretty much your day. If you hustle, you might have time for a quick drive towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, but don’t count on it. The key is to prioritize and accept that you’ll only scratch the surface. But hey, even a scratch of Yellowstone is better than nothing!
Two-Day Yellowstone Itinerary: Geysers and Canyons
If you only have a couple of days to spend in Yellowstone, you can still hit some highlights with this itinerary that focuses on geysers and the park’s stunning canyon area.
Day 1: Old Faithful and Geothermal Wonders
Start your day at the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful. Check the predicted eruption times at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and then find a good spot to watch the show.
After Old Faithful, explore the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world. Don’t miss Castle Geyser, Beehive Geyser, and the colorful Morning Glory Pool.
In the afternoon, head to the Midway Geyser Basin to see the Grand Prismatic Spring. Walk the boardwalk around the spring to take in the stunning views of its rainbow hues.
Day 2: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake
On your second day, drive to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Stop at various viewpoints like Artist Point and Inspiration Point to see the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. The views are truly breathtaking.
In the afternoon, head south to Yellowstone Lake. Consider taking a boat tour or hiking along the lake’s shoreline. The lake offers stunning views and a chance to spot wildlife.
Three-Day Yellowstone Itinerary: Adding Mammoth Hot Springs and Wildlife
Want to extend your trip by a day? Here’s how to add Mammoth Hot Springs and more opportunities for wildlife viewing to the two-day itinerary.
Days 1 & 2: Repeat the Two-Day Itinerary
On days one and two, you’ll visit the Old Faithful area, including Geyser Hill and the Old Faithful Inn. You’ll also explore the Midway Geyser Basin, home to the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Upper Geyser Basin. From there, you’ll drive the Firehole Lake Loop and explore the Fountain Paint Pot area. Finally, you’ll explore Yellowstone Lake and the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Day 3: Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley
On day three, head north to Mammoth Hot Springs, the location of the park headquarters. Here, you can explore the otherworldly terraces created by the hot springs. The colors and formations are constantly changing, making it a truly unique experience.
After Mammoth Hot Springs, drive east into the Lamar Valley. Known as “America’s Serengeti,” Lamar Valley is one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife. Bison, elk, wolves, pronghorn, and bears are commonly seen in this area. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing experience. Drive slowly, keep your eyes peeled, and be prepared to stop for wildlife crossings.
Four-day Yellowstone itinerary: Tower-Roosevelt and Norris
Ready for a longer trip? With four days in Yellowstone, you can spend some time exploring the Tower-Roosevelt area and Norris Geyser Basin.
Days 1 and 2
Follow the two-day itinerary outlined above, focusing on Old Faithful and the southern loop of the park.
Day 3: Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley
On day three, head north to the Tower-Roosevelt area. A must-see stop here is Tower Fall, a 132-foot waterfall. Next, drive east into Lamar Valley, known as “America’s Serengeti” for its abundant wildlife. Scan the hillsides for bison, elk, pronghorn, and maybe even wolves or bears.
Day 4: Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Hot Springs
Today, explore Norris Geyser Basin, home to two distinct areas: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. Porcelain Basin is known for its otherworldly landscape of thermal features, while Back Basin offers a closer look at geysers and hot springs nestled in a wooded area.
After Norris, revisit Mammoth Hot Springs for a more in-depth exploration. Spend some time wandering the boardwalks and taking in the views.
Five-day Yellowstone itinerary: Hiking and scenic drives
If you have five days to spend in Yellowstone, you can take a slightly more relaxed approach to exploring the park.
Days 1 through 4
Follow the itinerary above for days one through four. You’ll see geysers and hot springs, marvel at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and look for wildlife in Hayden Valley.
Day 5: Choose your own adventure
On your final day in the park, you can either opt for a scenic drive or a longer hike.
If the weather is good and the Beartooth Highway is open, consider taking a drive along this stunning road. Beartooth Highway has hairpin turns and switchbacks. The views are spectacular!
If you’d rather spend the day hiking, the Beaver Ponds Loop Trail is a good option. This trail is about five miles long and takes you through meadows and forests, past several beaver ponds. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
Summary
Yellowstone is a vast and wild place, so careful planning is essential. But remember that flexibility is equally important. Weather, wildlife sightings, and unexpected closures can all impact your schedule. Be prepared to adapt and embrace the unexpected!
Most importantly, customize your Yellowstone itinerary to match your interests and abilities. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a geothermal geek, or an avid hiker, tailor your visit to make the most of your time.
With a little planning and a sense of adventure, you’re sure to have an unforgettable Yellowstone experience. Happy travels!