First-Timers Can’t Miss These 14 Photogenic Things To Do in Yellowstone

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park is the world’s oldest national park? With stretched necks watching geysers shoot water high into the sky and where algae turn the world’s largest hot spring into a rainbow of colors, a trip to Yellowstone is an experience you won’t forget.

I spent two years vanlifing across the country, visiting over 29 national parks, and Yellowstone easily tops the list. After driving the entire park for four days, here are the must-see attractions you can’t miss!

1. Gawk at the Height of the Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful is a must-see when you’re in Yellowstone. It’s not just famous; it’s reliable, shooting water every 60-110 minutes up to 180 feet high. Wait in anticipation with a crowd, eyes glued to the geyser, and then, boom! Water everywhere.

A visitor center nearby teaches you all about the geyser’s history. If you can get a reservation, the Old Faithful Inn is an old-time log cabin in a great location within the park.

2. Walk the Grand Prismatic Spring Boardwalk

The Grand Prismatic Spring is a massive hot spring bigger than a football field. Thanks to heat-loving bacteria, it bursts with surreal colors, blending reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues.

The walk itself is easy and perfect for snapping some Instagram-worthy shots. For the best view, take a short hike up to the overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail.

3. Watch the Pounding Falls in Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is like the park’s own mini Grand Canyon, but with a thundering waterfall twice the height of Niagara Falls. Named Lower and Upper Falls, stand at one of the lookouts to witness the powerful water rush down.

Take the Uncle Tom’s Trail, a steep climb down (and back up) to get closer to the waterfall. Artists Point is another popular spot.

4. Safari through Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is often called America’s Serengeti for its incredible wildlife. This is the best place in Yellowstone to see bison, wolves, and the occasional bear.

Early morning or late evening is the prime time for wildlife sightings. Bring your binoculars, and just remember to keep your distance from the animals!

5. Feel the Heat at Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of the park’s thermal areas. The Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, is here and can shoot water up to 300 feet into the air.

You’ll walk by all the steam vents, hissing geysers, and colorful hot springs. The Porcelain Basin is particularly striking with its milky-blue pools and steaming ground. Take the Back Basin Trail for a quieter experience.

6. Walk the Mammoth Hot Springs Travertines

Watch the steaming water cascade down the sides of Mammoth Hot Springs’s impressive limestone terraces. These formations are created by hot water from the springs cooling and depositing calcium carbonate.

The Main Terrace is stunning, with layers of white, orange, and brown. Canary Spring has beautiful yellow hues. Although there are ups and downs, the boardwalks make exploring easy.

7. Set Sail on Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, and it’s a great place to chill out and enjoy some water activities. Rent a boat and explore the lake or join a guided tour.

Nearby, the West Thumb Geyser Basin is another popular area where you can see hot springs right next to the lake.

8. Watch the Bubbling Mud Volcano Area

Cross through bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and a smell that’s… well, let’s just call it “earthy.” The Dragon’s Mouth Spring is a highlight, spewing steam and making roaring sounds like a dragon.

The area is easily accessible with boardwalks that take you right up to the action. It’s a short loop, so it’s perfect if you’re pressed for time but still want to see something cool.

9. Check out the Artist’s Paintpots

The Artist’s Paintpots is a hidden gem of colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots. The area is smaller compared to other geyser basins.

The boardwalk takes you through a forested area before opening up to the geothermal wonders. The paint pots themselves are fascinating, with their constantly changing colors and textures. Along the way, you can also spot some bright blue and green hot springs.

10. See the Clearest Blues in West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin is a small but mighty geothermal area right next to Yellowstone Lake. The contrast between the hot springs and the cold lake is striking.

The Abyss Pool is one of the standout features, with its deep blue color that seems to go on forever. The Fishing Cone is a hot spring right by the lake where early visitors used to catch fish and cook them on the spot.

11. Hike to Fairy Falls

The trail to Fairy Falls is relatively easy and takes you through a lovely forest before opening up to the falls. At 200 feet tall, Fairy Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Yellowstone. You can get right up to the base and feel the mist on your face.

If you want, continue on the trail to the Imperial Geyser and Spray Geyser.

This hike is the same one that leads to the overlook for the Grand Prismatic Spring, so you can combine both sights in one trip.

12. Walk around the Upper Geyser Basin

The Upper Geyser Basin is home to the highest concentration of geysers in the world, including the famous Old Faithful. But it’s not just about Old Faithful; there are over 150 geysers in this area alone!

Check out Morning Glory Pool, known for its brilliant blue color. The Castle Geyser and Riverside Geyser are also highlights. If you’re patient, you might catch one of the less predictable geysers erupting.

13. Join a Wildlife Safari Through Hayden Valley

Besides Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley is another ultimate spot for a wildlife safari in Yellowstone. This place is teeming with animals; you never know what you might see. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to catch the action.

Plenty of pullouts along the road allow you to stop and take it all in. If you’re really into it, consider joining a safari tour for expert insights.

14. Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Biscuit Basin may have lost its biscuit-shaped formations after a 1959 earthquake, but it’s still packed with geothermal wonders. The boardwalks take you past colorful hot springs like Sapphire Pool and Jewel Geyser, which erupts every 7-10 minutes.

The Mustard Springs are also worth a look, with their vivid yellow color and bubbling mud pots.

Travel Tip! After an unexpected explosion in July 2024, Biscuit Basin is closed for at least the rest of the season.

Places to Visit with More Time

• Mount Washburn: A challenging hike leading to one of the best 360° views of the park; it’s particularly impressive for wildflower spotting in July.
• The Hoodoos: Known as the “fairy chimneys,” this grouping of spire-shaped rock formations is tucked away near the canyon, and it’s a bizarre landscape sculpted from centuries of erosion.
• Firehole Canyon Drive: A one-way road that lets you enjoy the beauty of the Firehole River, with opportunities to spot wildlife and see features like the Firehole Falls without having to hike.
• Tower Fall: A must-see 132-foot waterfall that plummets into the Yellowstone River, easily accessible from the Tower-Roosevelt area.
• Petrified Forest: This remote section of the park holds large petrified trees that turned to stone over millions of years. It’s a fascinating off-the-beaten-path hike for those interested in geology and paleontology. Arizona’s Petrified Forest is another famous place to see this.

Day Trips from Yellowstone

Explore these thrilling day trips just a 3-hour drive from Yellowstone National Park. Drive times vary depending on your location within the park.

• Grand Teton National Park: With its mountain scenery and wildlife herds, it’s like Yellowstone’s younger sibling.
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming: This western town has art galleries and outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting, and hiking.
• Cody, Wyoming: Visit the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” a historic mountain town, to see the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and enjoy nightly rodeos during the summer.
• Bozeman, Montana: A college town with a fun downtown area.
• Quake Lake (Earthquake Lake Visitor Center): Learn about the 1959 earthquake that created this lake.
• Virginia City, Montana: See the preserved Victorian-era buildings in this old mining town.
• Big Sky, Montana: Head outdoors with skiing in winter or hiking and zip-lining in summer.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.