Did you know: Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first National Park! The park is famous for its wildlife and its incredible and extensive geothermal features. With hiking, camping, fishing, geysers, wildlife and so much more, there is no shortage of things to do in Yellowstone. So, how does one exactly plan a visit and be sure to get the very best that Yellowstone has to offer? Let us help, by giving you some unique and memorable things to do during a trip to Yellowstone that will fill an entire week full of fun and adventure.
Day 1 – View The Old Faithful Eruptions
Start your week off with a bang! There are nearly 500 geysers in Yellowstone, and although Old Faithful isn’t the tallest geyser in the park, it is definitely the most popular one. Make sure you check out eruption times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Intervals range from 60-110 minutes and eruptions usually last 1.5-5 minutes, with its maximum height ranging from 90-184 feet. It is absolutely a sight to behold! The Old Faithful Lodge Porch is one of the most coveted viewing spots to take it in. And don’t forget to grab some cookies and sweets!
Day 2 – Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring
The 3rd largest spring in the world, the colorful Grand Prismatic is located in Midway Geyser Basin. There is a 0.8-mile boardwalk loop that provides an up-close encounter with the spring. Make sure you stay on the boardwalk! It’s a stunning part of the trip that you cannot miss, and a great way to mark your second day in the park.
Day 3- Hike Uncle Tom’s Trail
There are plenty of places to see the grandiose Lower Falls in Yellowstone. Although it’s only a 0.8-mile roundtrip hike, the 300-step steel stairway is what makes this trail unique. The descent down the canyon is a little tough, but the view definitely makes up for it! The trailhead is located near Canyon Village and is a great way to get in some steps and some exercise.
Day 4 – Experience the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Fun fact: Yellowstone has its own Grand Canyon. Just like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, erosion formed this canyon that stretches approximately 20 miles long and a half-mile wide. Lower Falls can be viewed from several vantage points: Red Rock Point, Artist Point, Inspiration Point, and Lookout Point. Enjoy the stunning canyon views, and be sure to photograph the Lower Falls during the Golden Hour. It’s spectacular. And it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the park.
Day 5 – Explore Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin is the oldest, hottest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. The highest temperature yet recorded in any geothermal area in Yellowstone was measured in a scientific drill hole at Norris: 459°F at just 1,087 feet below the surface! It’s not just the temperatures that make Norris so notable, though. You should see the colors! They are so impressive, thanks to a combination of minerals and life forms. So be sure to grab some great pics! The basin consists of two areas: Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin. Porcelain Basin is barren of trees and provides a sensory experience in sound, color, and smell; a 3/4-mile bare ground and boardwalk trail accesses this area. Back Basin is more heavily wooded with features scattered throughout the area. A 1.5-mile trail of boardwalks and bare ground encircles this part of the basin.
Day 6 – Visit the Unique and Stunning Mammoth Hot Springs
As you can tell, there are a lot of must-see attractions in Yellowstone. Among the geysers and waterfalls is Mammoth Hot Springs, a collection of hot springs with travertine terraces made up of limestone. The formations resemble a cave turned inside out. Colorful stripes are formed by thermophiles or heat-loving organisms. It is incredible, and unique! Be sure to plan for plenty of time inside the Albright Visitor Center to explore Yellowstone’s history and to learn about wildlife.
Day 7 – View Wildlife in their Natural Habitat
You can see wildlife almost everywhere in Yellowstone, but the two best places to see them are Hayden and Lamar Valley. Hayden Valley is located centrally in the park, and is the easiest place to get to when viewing wildlife. Driving along this valley, you are most likely to see herds of bison, scattered gatherings of elk, and the occasional bear. You can stop at one of the pullouts along the road to have a better view of the wildlife. The Lamar Valley also provides a great opportunity for viewing some of the most famous residents of the park, such as bison, bears, pronghorn, elk, marmots, osprey and much more.
There is so much to see and do in Yellowstone. You’ll definitely need a week to take it all in! And after each day, you can settle in at your favorite Kabino to rest up and recharge for your next day’s adventure. Let us help plan an amazing and unforgettable trip for you! Visit Kabino.com and get started planning today!
