Things to do at Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is more than just a destination—it’s a journey into nature’s most spectacular showcase of geothermal wonders, untamed wildlife, and sweeping mountain beauty. Stretching across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and remains one of the most visited for good reason. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, the park offers an incredible range of experiences, each season bringing its own charm. From watching geysers erupt skyward to hiking through lush valleys where bison roam, there’s something magical waiting around every bend in Yellowstone’s vast wilderness.

Quick-Reference Table: Things to Do at Yellowstone National Park

Activity	Location	Highlights
Old Faithful Geyser Viewing	Upper Geyser Basin	Watch eruptions every 90 minutes, visit Observation Point for views.
Grand Prismatic Spring	Midway Geyser Basin	Stunning rainbow-colored hot spring visible from Fairy Falls Trail.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone	Canyon Area	See Lower and Upper Falls, hike Uncle Tom’s Trail for close views.
Wildlife Watching	Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley	Spot bison, elk, wolves, bears, and eagles in early morning or evening.
Hiking & Nature Trails	Throughout the Park	Explore trails like Mount Washburn, Mystic Falls, and Beaver Ponds Loop.
Scenic Drives	Grand Loop Road & Firehole Drive	Enjoy geothermal features, lakes, and panoramic viewpoints.
Camping	Multiple Campgrounds	Stay close to nature; options include Madison, Bridge Bay, and Grant Village.
Lodging	Historic Park Lodges	Stay at Old Faithful Inn or Lake Yellowstone Hotel for comfort and views.
Fishing & Boating	Yellowstone Lake & Rivers	Try angling for native trout or boat on Yellowstone Lake with a permit.
Winter Activities	Old Faithful & Mammoth Areas	Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobile tours.
Photography	Entire Park	Capture geysers, wildlife, and sunsets—best light at dawn and dusk.

One of the must-do experiences in Yellowstone is witnessing the awe-inspiring power of Old Faithful. This world-famous geyser erupts roughly every 90 minutes, shooting steaming water up to 130 feet in the air. Visitors can view it from the designated boardwalk or hike up to Observation Point for a breathtaking view from above. Surrounding Old Faithful is the Upper Geyser Basin, home to a dense concentration of geothermal features—steaming vents, vibrant hot springs, and bubbling mud pots that make you feel like you’re walking on another planet. The colors in the Grand Prismatic Spring, just a few miles away, are among the park’s most photographed sights, their rainbow hues formed by heat-loving microorganisms thriving in the mineral-rich waters.

For those drawn to the grandeur of landscapes, a visit to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must. Carved by the Yellowstone River, this canyon showcases layers of gold, orange, and red rock that glow in the sunlight. The Lower Falls, plunging over 300 feet, is one of the park’s most iconic views. Visitors can admire the canyon from the various lookout points or hike down Uncle Tom’s Trail for a close-up experience that immerses you in the roar of the waterfall and the mist rising from below.

Wildlife watching is another unforgettable activity that brings Yellowstone’s wilderness to life. Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America,” is one of the best places to see herds of bison, elk, and pronghorn grazing across the open plains. Wolves, reintroduced in the 1990s, can sometimes be spotted in the early morning hours, and grizzly bears occasionally roam through this vast region. Hayden Valley offers similar opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the light adds a golden glow to the landscape. Birdwatchers will find plenty to enjoy, from bald eagles soaring over rivers to trumpeter swans gliding across lakes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Yellowstone offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails catering to all levels of adventure. From easy boardwalk strolls around geyser basins to challenging treks like Mount Washburn or the Bechler River Trail, every path reveals a different side of the park. Many trails lead to hidden waterfalls, remote hot springs, and panoramic viewpoints that most visitors never see. Horseback riding, biking, and guided tours are also popular ways to explore the park’s vast terrain. During winter, the park transforms into a snow-covered wonderland where visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobile tours to iconic spots like Old Faithful or Mammoth Hot Springs.

For those who prefer a slower pace, there are numerous scenic drives throughout the park. The Grand Loop Road connects all major attractions, offering scenic pullouts where you can stop and soak in Yellowstone’s beauty. The Firehole Lake Drive and the Black Sand Basin Road offer shorter, less crowded routes filled with geothermal activity and scenic views. The West Thumb area of Yellowstone Lake is another tranquil place to unwind, with thermal features bubbling right along the lake’s edge.

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Yellowstone up close. With campgrounds spread throughout the park—from the forested Madison Campground to the lakeside Bridge Bay—visitors can fall asleep to the sounds of nature and wake to crisp mountain air. For those seeking more comfort, the park’s historic lodges, such as the Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel, provide cozy accommodations steeped in history and rustic charm.

Fishing and boating on Yellowstone Lake or the park’s many rivers add another layer of adventure. The clear, cold waters are home to native cutthroat trout, and anglers can enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Permits are required, but the reward is an unforgettable experience of solitude and connection with nature.

Photography lovers will find endless opportunities in Yellowstone. Every moment—from sunrise over Lamar Valley to sunset at Artist Point—is a masterpiece waiting to be captured. The constantly changing weather and light make each visit unique, and even the same location can look completely different from one hour to the next.

At the end of the day, one of the most rewarding things to do in Yellowstone is simply to pause and take it all in. Whether you’re standing at the edge of a geyser basin, gazing at a herd of bison crossing the road, or watching the stars appear over the mountains, Yellowstone has a way of grounding you in the moment. It reminds every visitor that the natural world is both powerful and delicate—and that protecting it ensures future generations can experience the same wonder.

Yellowstone National Park isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to feel alive. Every geyser, every trail, every glimpse of wildlife tells a story millions of years in the making. No matter how you choose to spend your time here—whether exploring on foot, by car, or through the lens of your camera—each moment is a step deeper into the heart of America’s greatest wilderness treasure.