Top 10 Things To Do in Yellowstone National Park

Last Updated on March 02, 2023 by Nikki Jain

Yellowstone national park, located mostly in the state of Wyoming atop a volcanic hot spot, is one of the gorgeous gifts of natures. It comprises of lush green forests, rivers, canyons and geysers, that depict the beauty nature has bestowed on planet earth. It is also home to wildlife like bears, antelope, and wolves.

The park covers an area of about 3500 square miles, so if you are visiting this beautiful place you definitely need to plan ahead for what to do as otherwise seeing the most awesome sights of this scenic park will not be possible for you.

So, if you are planning a trip to the Yellowstone national park, here are top ten things that you cannot afford to miss at all.

Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

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1: Old Faithful

Old Faithful

Although the park comprises of a number of geysers, but the old faithful is one of the most famous geysers not only in this park but also around the world. It is not among one of the oldest geysers around the world but its eruptions definitely leave the viewers stunned by reaching an average height of 130 feet which sometimes even shoots up to 180 feet.

This amazing site can be viewed in a variety of ways as to which one suits you the most either you can gather around the geyser as most of the tourists do, nibble onto a meal while enjoying the breathtaking view from the nearby eatery or being more enthusiastic and adventurous you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the upper basin of the geyser by taking a mile long hike out to the observation point.

If you want to enjoy this amazing sight then you need to plan your trip accordingly as this facility is closed from September to November.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

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2: Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring

As if all of the above-mentioned fascinations were not enough so nature decided to bestow the park with another enchanting sight, which is the Grand Prismatic Spring. This hot spring displays rainbow colors starting from deep blue in the center to hues of yellow and red along the edges.

It is the largest hot spring in the United States, located in the Midway Geyser Basin, which promises to leave you artistically inspired.

Address: Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

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3: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Flickr/Scott Taylor
You simply cannot come to this marvelous place without capturing the view of the amazing Grand Canyon on your camera. It is one of the best hiking places around the world which would satisfy your adventurous side. In addition to these attractions, the canyon is home to some awe-inspiring cliffs that prove to be a sight worth seeing. It is located in the northeast corner of the park.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY

4: Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake
Flickr/manufrakass

A trip to the park is incomplete without relishing the beauty of the Yellowstone Lake which is a favorite spot for adventurous boaters and anglers and even for those who would love to have an encounter with the wildlife habitat of this park including grizzly bears and bald eagles.

You will undoubtedly love the sight of this largest freshwater lake in North America where you can be part of a lot of fascinating adventures as well. However, if you want to go for boating then you should know the lake starts to freeze by early December.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

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5: Hayden Valley

Hayden Valley
Flickr/Zhenya Kuzina

Most of you would definitely visit Yellowstone Park, to take a glance at the wildlife that abodes this spot and Hayden Valley is the best place to do that. It is a place that is frequently visited by elks, bison, and coyotes.

The best place to take a glimpse of the sights, this spot has to offer, is the Hayden Loop and be sure to keep distance if you come across some wildlife. Similar to the Hayden Valley is the Lama Valley, where facilities like riding are also available.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

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6: Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs
Your trip is certainly incomplete if you have not witnessed the sight that Mammoth hot springs, towards the southwest of the mammoth country, have to offer. A unique feature of this part of the park are the bubbling waters that cool down and form deposits that have taken the shape of terraces and are often categorized as nature’s sculpture. So you definitely can’t forget to visit this place if you wish to make your trip memorable.

Address: 1 Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

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7: Mount Washburn

Mount Washburn
Flickr/zhenyakuzina
Another breathtaking site is the peak of Mount Washburn which is part of the Washburn Mountain range. You can hike all the way up to the summit of this mountain to witness the delightful aerial view of almost the entire park. So, Mount Washburn should definitely be on your list when you are visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY

8: Lower Geyser Basin

Lower Geyser Basin
Flickr/James St. John

Located in the North of Old Faithful is the lower Geyser Basin, which is filled with mud instead of water. The belching Fountain Paint Pots, which derived their name due to the colors the mud displays owing to the different intensities of the acidic mud, are worth seeing.

Around this place lie the Queens Laundry where you can enjoy swimming and the Fountain Geysers displaying eruptions up to 200 feet.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY

9: Uncle Tom’s Trail

Uncle Tom’s Trail
Flickr/Roy Luck
It is one of the most amazing sites the park has to offer. Although it is a long way up about 330 steps, but on every step you can enjoy some breathtakingly awesome views of the park like from the golden cliffs of The Grand Canyon to the powerful brink of the Fall which reflects the colors of the rainbow.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

10: Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Flickr/Dennis Matheson

If you are interested in knowing more about the wildlife around the area in a controlled environment, this is the ultimate place for you which not only offers a detailed history of the wildlife but also teaches some conversation tactics.

In addition to this, the center also has a number of activities lined for small children to entertain them and inform them more about bear habitat under the protection of a naturalist and an animal keeper.

Address: 201 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758

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