Yellowstone National Park hosts nearly 5 million visitors each year, and for a good reason. Spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho with unique landscapes that cannot see nearly anywhere else in the world, Yellowstone National Park is truly a natural marvel.
Yellowstone's Grand Loop provides an easy map of how to explore Yellowstone. Having only 2 days in the park, it's easy to divide day 1 into exploring the lower loop and day 2 into the upper loop. The Grand Loop is paved with various pull-off spots to park and use the restroom along the way. There are not many opportunities for food and drink, so be sure to pack appropriately when coming to the park.
HOW TO GET THERE
Yellowstone has 5 main park entrances - North Entrance (Gardiner), Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate), South Entrance, West Entrance, and East Entrance. Since the park has a clear road system of 2 main loops, it's critical you understand which entrance is closest to where you're staying and what makes the most sense to enter from. Each entrance comes with it's own unique landscapes, so it's hard to say which is the "best." However, you may note that the North Entrance is by far the most popular and therefore you may wait in some lines to get in.
The National Park Service has a lot of great online maps that you can browse and download in advance to help map out your trip. By making a list of your top sites to see, it'll help you narrow it down to where you want to stay and which entrance to use. The one we used most closely and that we'll refer to in the itinerary is this map of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AND NEAR YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Near/Outside the Park
Gardiner(North Entrance) - A small town filled with great views and outdoor activities.
Grand Teton (South Entrance) - Close to Grand Teton National Park for those wanting to hit both in a trip.
Cody (East Entrance) - An traditional western-inspired town known for "Buffalo Bill."
West Yellowstone (West Entrance) - A town built off of the tourism of Yellowstone, this a popular spot!
Inside the Park
Canyon Lodge and Cabins: 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations.
Grant Village Lodge: 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges.
Lake Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
Lake Lodge Cabins: 186 cabins.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
Old Faithful Inn: Rustic lodge with hotel room-style accommodations.
Old Faithful Lodge: Cabin accommodations.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
Roosevelt Lodge: Cabin accommodations.
(Note: Lodge Descriptions from the National Park Service Website)
TIPS FOR VISITING
Road Closures... Depending on the time of the year, many roads will shut down for the season. Only the North Entrance is confirmed to remain open year round. Inclement weather and road conditions frequently will cause closures, so it's best to keep a close eye on the National Park Service website prior to your trip.
Fees and Passes... You are required to pay entrance into Yellowstone National Park. The fees collected are given back to the park for maintenance and to provide aid to the services allowing Yellowstone to operate and protect the national resources. Full details are available of the National Park Service website.
Packing... Be prepared for the heat in the summer, and cold in the winter. Come prepared with a range of clothing to support the chilly morning/nights and peak heat in the afternoon. Hydration will be key as there are water stops throughout the park, but not necessarily many places to purchase water.
Leave no trace!... Be respectful and clean up after yourself.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Yellowstone (Lower Loop)
Start your day by entering through the West Entrance (West Yellowstone). From there we'll head south to focus on the Lower Loop of attractions within Yellowstone National Park
First stop, Lower Geyser Basin - Fountain Paint Pot
The Fountain Paint Pots are a massive area of geothermal activity. There's a parking lot, then a boardwalk that visitors can walk around to view the hundreds of colorful, steaming paint pots. We went early in the morning when it was cold, so the clash of heat and cool weather made for a hazy morning.
Drive the Firehole Lake Drive
A not-so-crowded 3 mile drive that will take visitors back to Artesia Geyser and Firehole Spring. This route is full of hot pots with the ability to quickly pull off the road for a photo opportunity.
Hike to Midway Geyser Basin - Grand Prismatic Spring
One of the most popular spots in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States. It boasts a beautiful array of red/orange and green/blue colors surrounded the heated spring.
Sit back and view Old Faithful Geyser Basin
Visitors flock from all over the world to see Old Faithful erupt. There are benches around Old Faithful for visitors to lounge at while they wait - the NPS Twitter account "GeyserNPS" provides real time updates on when the eruption will next occur.
The area around Old Faithful offers the Old Faithful Inn, restaurants, and visitor centers to spend time relaxing and grabbing a bite to eat. Additionally, there are multiple hikes that can be taken to other geysers and spots near the area.
Take the scenic drive to West Thumb Geyer Basin
The drive headed south on the Lower Loop and then west toward
Take the short hike to Fishing Cone
At the southeast corner of the park lies a plethora of hidden gems. Park in the parking lot and then take the short walk via boardwalk around the natural hot pools to reach Fishing Cone.
Fishing Cone a small fishing pot hot spot that protrudes up from the lake. There are signs nearby that explain that this spot used to be used to cook fish in the boiling water after fishermen and women caught something!
Enjoy a snack at Yellowstone Lake
There are very few restaurants and places to stop for a quick snack while you're inside Yellowstone National Park (in our opinions). But, along Yellowstone Lake there is a Lake General Store that you can stop in and grab a drink and snack. Crack a beer and enjoy a calm view overlooking the water!
Drive through Hayden Valley
Head north through Hayden Valley -- a vast, picturesque area situated between Yellowstone Lake and Yellowstone Falls. It's known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the Yellowstone River flowing through it. While there, we were able to see so many bison.
Pro Tip: Head here in the morning when the wildlife is most active if you're able.
Embrace the magic of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
An absolute show stopper! The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is breathtaking and can be seen from a small parking lot and overlook that is highly accessible to tourists.
Exit through the North Entrance (Gardiner) to head to where you'll spend the night.
Day 2: Yellowstone (Upper Loop)
The next morning, enter through the North Entrance (Gardiner), the same way that you exited on Day 1. This time, take a minute to embrace the history of Yellowstone National Park as you start by entering through the Roosevelt Arch before setting off to explore the Upper portion of the park.
First stop, the Roosevelt Arch
The Roosevelt Arch is a historic and iconic gateway marking the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Constructed in 1903, it stands as a tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt, who played a significant role in the establishment and conservation of the park. The arch's rustic design and inscription "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People" encapsulate the park's mission and enduring commitment to preserving its natural wonders for generations to come.
Stroll the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs
We made a quick visit to Mammoth Hot Springs, stopping at the parking area before following the well-maintained boardwalks that guide you to the springs. The springs are travertine which is full of warm color tones and intricate patterns, creating a stunning backdrop!
Roaring Mountains
As you drive into the park you'll pass what seems to be merely a road, however, take a look out the window and appreciate the sight of Yellowstone's Roaring Mountains.
Norris Geyser Basin
The Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most dynamic and active thermal areas in the park, known for its large collection of geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. The Norris Geyser Basin is divided into two main areas: the Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin, each offering a diverse array of hydrothermal features to explore.
Artist Paintpots
The Artist Paint Pots is another geothermal area within Yellowstone National Park, known for its unique and colorful geothermal features. Follow the trails and get a close look at the colorful, bubbling hot pots in piles of mud. Think of a pottery wheel mound of clay mixed with a potion of some sort and that's what you've got!
Steamboat Geyser Basin
A not-so-talked about, but highly impressive geyser, Steamboat Geyser Basin is the world's tallest active geyser. Catch it at the right time and you'll have the chance to see it in action!
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Okay... we just had to go back. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone poses a stunning beauty that could be seen no where else. Pending all roads are open, both the North and South Loops will lead you here.
Tower-Roosevelt (Tower Falls)
We spontaneously stumbled upon this walkway and were so glad we did! Park on the street or in the small parking lot and head down the Red Rock Point Trail. It'll start on dirt paths, then transition to stairs that will lead you down to a stunning lookout point.
Exit through the North Entrance (Gardiner)
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Yellowstone was awesome. The sheer size and scale of the park is impressive, then you add in the varying landscapes and it truly blows you away. It felt like a playground for the outdoor lover hopping between spot to spot. In 2 days we felt we could see a lot, but we were unable to dive deeper at each spot and do some hikes. We were also bummed we missed out on the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trail and would be sure not to skip that next time. If Yellowstone is of any interest to you, put it on your bucket list and book that flight - you won't regret it!
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