Activities
Top 10 Activities in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, is a vast natural wonderland known for its geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Encompassing more than 2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone offers endless opportunities for adventure seekers, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re gazing at erupting geysers, hiking rugged trails, or embarking on a wildlife safari, the park promises unforgettable experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 activities in Yellowstone, providing practical details, costs, and tips to help you make the most of your trip.
The Top 10 Must-Do Activities
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall (June to September)
Location: Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Contact: Yellowstone National Park Service, (307) 344-7381
What It Entails: Watching Old Faithful erupt is a must for any visitor. This iconic geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water 100-180 feet in the air. The surrounding Upper Geyser Basin is home to more than 150 geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.
Unique Features: Old Faithful’s reliability and the concentrated geothermal activity of Upper Geyser Basin make this area special.
Physical Level: Easy, suitable for all ages.
Amenities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, gift shop, dining at Old Faithful Inn.
Good For: Families, nature lovers, photographers.
Address: 1 Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Cost: Free with park entry. No booking required.
Insider Tips: Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, or catch an evening eruption for a more tranquil experience.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or dusk, spring through fall
Location: Lamar Valley, Northeast Yellowstone
Contact: Yellowstone Forever, (406) 848-2400
What It Entails: Lamar Valley is known as the “Serengeti of North America” due to its abundant wildlife. Spotting wolves, bison, elk, and bears in their natural habitats is an exhilarating experience. Wildlife watching tours are also available with expert guides.
Unique Features: One of the best places in the world for wolf watching, thanks to Yellowstone’s wolf reintroduction program in the 1990s.
Physical Level: Moderate, as it may involve short hikes and long periods of observation.
Amenities: Restrooms at trailheads, parking at overlooks, ranger programs.
Good For: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, families.
Address: Lamar Valley Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Cost: Free with park entry. Wildlife tours can range from $100-$400 depending on the group size and duration.
Insider Tips: Bring binoculars and a long-lens camera. Patience is key for spotting elusive animals like wolves and bears.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall (June to September)
Location: Near Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park
Contact: Yellowstone National Park Service, (307) 344-7381
What It Entails: This moderate 6-mile round-trip hike rewards you with panoramic views of the Yellowstone Caldera and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The trail is often frequented by bighorn sheep, and the summit offers a fire lookout with educational displays.
Unique Features: The sweeping views from the summit of Mount Washburn make it one of the park’s most popular hikes.
Physical Level: Moderate to strenuous, with a steady climb to the summit.
Amenities: Parking at the trailhead, restrooms available at the summit.
Good For: Hikers, adventure seekers, photographers.
Address: Chittenden Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Cost: Free with park entry. No booking required.
Insider Tips: Start the hike early to avoid the heat and potential afternoon thunderstorms. Bring layers, as it can be windy and cool at the summit.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August)
Location: Yellowstone Lake Marina, Southeast Yellowstone
Contact: Yellowstone National Park Lodges, (307) 344-7311
What It Entails: Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Rent kayaks, canoes, or motorboats to explore its serene waters, or join a guided boat tour to learn about the lake’s history and geology.
Unique Features: The lake’s stunning backdrop of mountains and wildlife makes it an idyllic spot for water activities.
Physical Level: Easy to moderate, depending on the activity.
Amenities: Boat rentals, restrooms, parking, marina store.
Good For: Families, couples, adventurers.
Address: Yellowstone Lake Marina, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Cost: Boat rentals range from $25 to $70 per hour. Guided boat tours typically cost $15-$25 per person.
Insider Tips: Dress in layers and bring sunscreen, as the high elevation makes sun exposure more intense.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall (April to October)
Location: Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park
Contact: Yellowstone National Park Service, (307) 344-7381
What It Entails: The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers breathtaking views of its massive waterfalls—Lower and Upper Falls—cutting through the vibrant canyon walls. Scenic overlooks like Artist Point and Inspiration Point provide stunning perspectives of the canyon.
Unique Features: The colorful canyon walls and roaring waterfalls make this one of Yellowstone’s most iconic landscapes.
Physical Level: Easy to moderate, with some trails involving stairs and steep inclines.
Amenities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, gift shop, dining at Canyon Lodge.
Good For: Families, nature lovers, photographers.
Address: Canyon Village Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Cost: Free with park entry. No booking required.
Insider Tips: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best lighting for photography.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall (April to October)
Location: Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Contact: Yellowstone National Park Service, (307) 344-7381
What It Entails: Norris is the hottest and most dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone, with geothermal features such as Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. Boardwalks take visitors through a landscape of hissing steam vents, colorful hot springs, and bubbling mud pots.
Unique Features: The basin’s constantly changing geothermal features make it a fascinating, ever-evolving attraction.
Physical Level: Easy to moderate, with some uneven terrain on boardwalks.
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, interpretive signs.
Good For: Geology enthusiasts, families, adventure seekers.
Address: Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Cost: Free with park entry. No booking required.
Insider Tips: Watch for geyser eruptions, which are unpredictable but impressive when they occur. Visit early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Best Time to Visit: Winter (December to March)
Location: Mammoth Hot Springs, West Yellowstone, and Old Faithful Areas
Contact: Yellowstone Forever, (406) 848-2400
What It Entails: In winter, Yellowstone transforms into a snowy wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trails vary in difficulty, offering something for everyone from beginners to experienced adventurers. Rent equipment or join guided snowshoe walks led by park rangers.
Unique Features: The peaceful winter landscapes and chance to see wildlife in the snow make this a serene and unique experience.
Physical Level: Moderate, depending on the trail and snow conditions.
Amenities: Rental shops, restrooms, parking at trailheads.
Good For: Winter sports enthusiasts, families, adventure seekers.
Address: Various locations throughout the park (e.g., Old Faithful Snow Lodge).
Cost: Snowshoe rental fees start at $15 per day, with guided tours costing around $20-$40.
Insider Tips: Dress warmly in layers, and be prepared for variable weather conditions. Early morning offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing in Yellowstone’s Rivers
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through summer (May to August)
Location: Yellowstone River, Madison River, Lamar River
Contact: Yellowstone National Park Service, (307) 344-7381
What It Entails: Yellowstone is famous for its fly fishing, with world-class rivers like the Yellowstone River and Madison River offering opportunities to catch trout and other fish. Permits are required and can be obtained at visitor centers.
Unique Features: Yellowstone’s pristine waters and scenic landscapes make fishing here a bucket-list experience for anglers.
Physical Level: Easy to moderate, depending on river access.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, and permit vendors at visitor centers.
Good For: Anglers, adventure seekers, nature lovers.
Address: Various rivers throughout Yellowstone National Park.
Cost: Fishing permits cost $40 for 3 days, $55 for 7 days, and $75 for an annual permit.
Insider Tips: Early morning and late evening are prime fishing times. Make sure to familiarize yourself with catch-and-release regulations.
Guided Ranger Programs
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August)
Location: Various Locations Throughout the Park
Contact: Yellowstone National Park Service, (307) 344-7381
What It Entails: Yellowstone offers a variety of free, ranger-led programs throughout the summer, including guided hikes, campfire talks, and wildlife lectures. These programs provide in-depth knowledge about the park’s ecosystems, geology, and history.
Unique Features: Learn from the experts who know Yellowstone best, gaining deeper insights into its natural wonders.
Physical Level: Easy, though some hikes may involve moderate exertion.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking near program sites.
Good For: Families, nature lovers, educational travelers.
Address: Programs are held at various locations, such as Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Cost: Free with park entry. No booking required.
Insider Tips: Check the park’s daily schedule upon arrival to see what programs are available during your visit.
Horseback Riding in Yellowstone
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall (June to September)
Location: Roosevelt Corral, Tower-Roosevelt Area
Contact: Yellowstone National Park Lodges, (307) 344-7311
What It Entails: Explore Yellowstone’s backcountry on horseback, following trails that wind through meadows, forests, and along riverbanks. Guided rides are available for different skill levels and offer a unique perspective of the park’s landscape.
Unique Features: Experience the park like early explorers and settlers did, on horseback.
Physical Level: Moderate, with some riding experience helpful but not required.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, horseback rental services.
Good For: Adventure seekers, families, nature lovers.
Address: Roosevelt Corral, Tower-Roosevelt, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Cost: Guided horseback rides range from $40-$85 depending on the length of the ride.
Insider Tips: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.
