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Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States. It has since become one of the most visited U.S. national parks pulling in millions of visitors every year. Some fan favorites are Yellowstone’s stunning geothermal features and diverse wildlife, including bison, moose, and bears.

When To Go to Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. The summer months (June to August) are the busiest and most popular months to visit Yellowstone. These months offer warmer weather and longer days allowing for more outdoor activities. However, this also means larger crowds, higher prices, and increased traffic.

If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to November). At this time the crowds thin out and the weather is still pleasant.

Winter (December to March) in Yellowstone can be a magical experience with snow-covered landscapes. However, some areas of the park may be closed or inaccessible due to snow. Temperatures can also drop well below freezing.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park depends on your interests, availability, and willingness to deal with crowds or weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to check the park’s website and weather forecasts before planning your trip.

How To Get To Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is located in the western United States, spanning across parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. There are several ways to get to Yellowstone, depending on your starting location and mode of transportation.

By Air: The closest major airports to Yellowstone are Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana, and Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho. From there, you can rent a car or take a tour to the park.

By Car: Yellowstone is easily accessible by car, with several major highways leading to the park. The most popular entrances are the West Entrance (near West Yellowstone, Montana) for its geysers and the South Entrance (near Jackson, Wyoming) for its close proximity to Grand Teton National Park. The North Entrance (near Gardiner, Montana) will have you closer to Mammoth Hot Springs. The Northeast and East Entrances (near Cooke City orCody, Wyoming) are an option as well.

By Tour Guide: Several companies offer guided tours to Yellowstone National Park from major cities such as Jackson, Wyoming. These tours typically include transportation, guided activities, and at times accommodations.

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone

Many of the accommodations in Jackson are on the pricey side, but I stayed at Cache House for around $100/night. To ensure a reservation here in peak season, I would make sure to book well in advance.

I know it’s a hostel, but they have some of the most comfortable beds I have stayed in. The bunks are also very cozy. There are reviews about it getting hot in the bunks. I didn’t have a problem with this and they provide a fan if needed. I would recommend bringing earplugs though, in the event you get someone who’s not so quiet.

What To Bring to Yellowstone

Comfortable Shoes

There is no need to have legitimate hiking shoes or boots. All of the viewpoints I’ll mention have relatively flat, well established pathways. However, bring comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking to/from each viewpoint.

Water

Depending on when you visit, it could be very hot. Either way, make sure you stay hydrated during this long day.

Sunscreen

Even on a cool day, you may be waiting 30 minutes or more in the hot sun for a geyser eruption. Keep your skin protected and try out Kinfield’s outdoor skincare products (use code DISCOVERINGDISTANCE15 for 15% off).

Camera

Obviously, you’ll want to document all your adventures. Take a camera with a good zoom if you want to photograph not only each sight, but also any wildlife you come across along the way.

Leave No Trace

So many visitors have thrown objects into the hot pools at Yellowstone. This vandalism has lowered the temperature of the water in the center, changing the colors of the pools from a blue to a mix of blues and oranges. Do not throw trash into the pools and hold on to your hats. If you were to lose something off one of the boardwalks, do not attempt to retrieve it. These pools are still extremely hot and can cause burns and death in addition to damage to the environment.

Additionally, be sure to keep an appropriate distance from all animals in the park. They may look cute and cuddly, but they can be dangerous. Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and at least 25 yards away from bison, elk, and other wildlife in the park.

To learn more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace, read more here.

Best Sights: South Loop of Yellowstone

Old Faithful

Old Faithful is the most famous attraction in Yellowstone National Park. This geyser has been erupting regularly for over a century. It draws crowds from all over the world to witness its impressive display of water and steam shooting up to 185 feet into the air.

Check with the Old Faithful Inn as to what time Old Faithful is estimated to erupt. The interval between eruptions varies, but is on average 90 minutes.

After observing Old Faithful’s eruption from the main viewing area, check out other viewpoints in the area. The area around Old Faithful offers a variety of hiking trails, boardwalks, and educational exhibits.

Emerald Pool

Emerald Pool is a hidden gem in Yellowstone National Park that’s often overlooked. This pool was once blue with yellow thermophiles that caused its waters to appear green, resulting in its name. Like other pools in Yellowstone National Park though, a drop in water temperatures has resulted in a change to its color.

This small pool is located in the Black Sand Basin with a boardwalk that provides an up-close look at the pool. This pool may not be as large or as well-known as some of Yellowstone’s other geothermal features. However, it’s a beautiful and peaceful spot that’s worth visiting for those looking for a more tranquil experience in the park.

Pro Tip: If you discover you have more time than anticipated for the Old Faithful eruption, head over to this area of Black Sand Basin to kill time.

Cliff Geyser

Cliff Geyser is a unique geothermal feature also located in the Black Sand Basin of Yellowstone National Park. The geyser is actually named for its location on a river bank of the Firehole River.

Visitors can view Cliff Geyser from a boardwalk that passes by the geothermal feature. The interval between eruptions at Cliff Geyser can be up to 35 minutes. While you’re waiting, check out the several other geysers and hot springs along the boardwalk in the Black Sand Basin.

Excelsior Geyser Crater

Excelsior Geyser Crater was one of my favorite geothermal features in Yellowstone National Park. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, this massive crater measures 200 feet across and 300 feet deep. It also constantly releases up to 4,000 gallons of water per minute into the Firehole River.

Visitors are not permitted to approach the crater due to safety concerns. However, there is a boardwalk that offers stunning views of Excelsior Geyser Crater from a safe distance. The boardwalk also passes by several other geothermal features, including the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring and nearby Opal and Turquoise Pools.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring is another one of the most famous sights in Yellowstone National Park. This massive hot spring is the third largest in the world. It measures approximately 370 feet in diameter and over 121 feet deep. This spring also has some of the most vibrant colors in the park, ranging from deep blues and greens to bright oranges and yellows.

Visitors can view Grand Prismatic Spring from a boardwalk that winds around its perimeter. Additionally, the nearby Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trail offers a better overlook of the full spring.

Turquoise Pool

Turquoise Pool is another geothermal feature located in the Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. This pool did not appear all that turquoise to me. However, the same boardwalk that passes the nearby Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser Crater also passes by Turquoise Pool. May as well check it out on your way.

Opal Pool

Opal Pool is a beautifully colored geothermal feature, also located in the Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. This pool is smaller at approximately 20 feet in diameter and can be viewed from the same boardwalk that winds through the Midway Geyser Basin.

Silex Spring

Silex Spring is a geothermal feature located in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. This small hot spring is named for the silica-rich sinter that surrounds its edges. This spring is much smaller than others in the park, but its crystal-clear blue water makes it a sight worth visiting.

Red Spouter

This small geyser-like feature is named for the bright red mud that is spouts during its eruptions. Red Spouter formed as a direct result of the Hebgen Lake Earthquake in 1959. A vent opened up in this spot, which then turned into a mudpot. This feature does change seasonally. When the water table is high, it bubbles as a mudpot. When the water table drops, it turns more gaseous.

Red Spouter is located on the Fountain Paint Pot Trail in the Lower Geyser Basin. Visitors can view Red Spouter from a boardwalk that winds through the Lower Geyser Basin.

Clepsydra Geyser

Clepsydra Geyser is named after the Greek word for water clock because the geyser used to erupt regularly every three minutes. Since the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake, Clepsydra erupts almost constantly.

Visitors can view Clepsydra Geyser from a boardwalk that winds through the Lower Geyser Basin on the Fountain Paint Pot Trail.

Hayden Valley

Hayden Valley is a beautiful and expansive valley located in the heart of Yellowstone National Park. The valley is also home to the Yellowstone River.

A visit to Hayden Valley is a must for anyone interested in experiencing the wildlife of Yellowstone National Park, most commonly bison. As I said before, be sure to keep an appropriate distance from all animals in the park. They can become defensive and dangerous.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the most iconic features of Yellowstone National Park. Carved over thousands of years by the Yellowstone River, the canyon is now 800-1,200 feet deep and miles long. It is especially famous for its many vibrant colors.

Visitors to the canyon can explore several different viewpoints and hiking trails. Each offers a unique perspective on this stunning canyon. One of the most popular viewpoints is Artist Point. This viewpoint provides a sweeping view of the canyon and the stunning Lower Falls. A popular hike is Uncle Tom’s Trail, which descends to the base of the 308-foot-high Lower Falls.

The South Loop of Yellowstone National Park is a truly remarkable and very accessible area. It offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders in the world. If you’re in the area, make sure to carve out a day to visit the South Loop of Yellowstone.

For more National Park destinations, check out these posts.