Yellowstone National Park is nothing like anything you’d ever seen before. Just within the park, there are so many different types of landscapes. From the rolling greens where you’ll find bison roam to the bubbling steaming hot geysers, it’s a truly unique place and you’ll quickly see why it was America’s first national park.
I did a lot of research before Shane and I took our trip out west. We were being joined by his parents, so I wanted to make sure we got to see all of the park’s Greatest Hits and also explore some of the lesser-known spots. Even though we went the week of July 4th, I was pleasantly surprised by how it didn’t seem too crowded. We successfully avoiding big tour bus groups and always found an easy parking spot for each destination.
DAY ONE
We started at the Grant Campground and Lodge area which is in the southwest corner of the park. We were coming from the Grand Tetons National Park so this was our first introduction point to Yellowstone. This is a nice place to stay whether you have a tent, camper, or need a room at the lodge. There is a nice restaurant and shop for all your needs, too.
From the Grant Campground, we headed to see Old Faithful Geyser. There are tons of other hot springs and thermal features in the area that the park has put beautifully maintained boardwalks over so you can walk across the bubbling hot ground. Take a stroll around these while you wait for Old Faithful to erupt. The National Park Service website even has geyser eruption predictions!
Then we got a recommendation from a park ranger to continue on north to Fairy Falls. This was a fantastic suggestion and all four of us were glad we took him up on it. The trail runs along the Grand Prismatic Spring thermal area. As you hike up a dirt trail, the incline is minimal, and through gaps in the trees, you can get the most breathtaking views of the Grand Prismatic Spring. This was probably my favorite feature in the park, mostly because the blue colors were so blue! Continue along the trail to the Fairy Falls milestone and the hike will take you up through the mountains and to a beautiful waterfall.
After we admired the falls, took another long pause to stare at Grand Prismatic Spring, and made it back to our car, we ventured back to Grant Village to eat a yummy dinner at Grant Village Lake House Restaurant. As the sun was setting, we stopped by West Thumb Geyser Basin and were pleasantly visited by a family of elk. They were walking along the boardwalks, close to visitors, to get to the salty geysers. The basin also features stunning views from the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
DAY TWO
The next day we started off to the east to see a whole new part of the park. While yesterday’s area was mostly geysers, today’s views were open fields, canyons, and rivers. It was so impressive that such a different landscape exists only a quick car ride away.
Hayden Valley is a large open field but prime bison-spotting grounds. It didn’t disappoint. As we rounded the bend into the valley, you could spot big brown masses galloping and grazing. Bison would walk close enough that you could see their matty coat and its massive size. Bison are no joke, though, and injure more Yellowstone visitors than any other animal. Brochures and maps given to you at park entrances will warn you to stay two public bus (🚌🚌) lengths away from them. As long as you follow those guidelines, you’ll be perfectly safe. Most of the park accidents happen from tourists being too eager to take a bison’s photo.
Once you ooh and ahh over these amazing creatures, continue north to South Rim Drive which gives you stunning views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. We started at Artist Point then continued to Uncle Tom’s trail and Upper Falls. We spotted marmots along the way – an animal that this Miami native had never even heard of before visiting Wyoming. To see another perspective of the canyon and river, visit North Rim Drive and stop at Lookout Point and Inspiration Point. Canyon Village makes a great place to grab a bite to eat or rest for the evening.
If you have the energy, head to the Norris Geyser Basin, which is the hottest and oldest thermal area in Yellowstone National Park. If you are continuing south or spending the evening in West Yellowstone, stop by Artist Paintpots and Gibbon Falls on the way.
DAY THREE
The next day, you must visit Mammoth Springs. This is one of Yellowstone’s main attractions and will good reason. The thermal features are shaped as white terraces and look so different than all the thermal features you’ve experienced in the park up until this point. There are parking areas at the Upper Terraces and the Lower Terraces. Do both or pick one, you can’t go wrong! The Albright Visitor Center is a great place to eat lunch and learn more about the park from great exhibits.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park soon, I suggest purchasing my Perfect 3 Day Itinerary in Yellowstone National Park guide. This guide gives you:
– Tips on how to get to the park
– Details for every park attraction
– A map showing you where you’ll be each day to efficiently see it all
– Itineraries for every single day of your stay
– My suggestions on where to spend each night
– Packing tips
There’s even a bonus itinerary to Grand Tetons National Park, which is just a short drive south of Yellowstone.