Yellowstone National Park

Overview

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most geologically active places on Earth and home to more geysers than anywhere else on the planet. Spanning parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it's a bucket-list destination for campers, hikers, and wildlife watchers.

Best Things to Do

• Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin — Watch the iconic geyser erupt roughly every 90 minutes. The surrounding basin has dozens more geysers within easy walking distance.
• Grand Prismatic Spring — The largest hot spring in the US. The Fairy Falls Trail offers the famous elevated viewpoint.
• Lamar Valley — The "Serengeti of North America" is the best place in the lower 48 to see wolves, bison, and bears.
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — Two dramatic waterfalls pour into a 20-mile canyon. The Upper and Lower Falls are accessible via short trails.
• Backcountry camping — Over 900 miles of trails and 300 backcountry campsites. Permit required.

Getting There

The closest gateway cities are Jackson Hole, WY (south entrance) and Bozeman, MT (north entrance). There is no public transit into the park; a car or rental is essential.

Planning Tips

• Book campgrounds 6 months in advance — they sell out within minutes of opening.
• Bears are common. Carry bear spray and store food in bear canisters overnight.
• Altitude ranges from 5,300 to over 11,000 feet. Acclimatize before strenuous hikes.
• The park is open year-round but most roads close November–April.