Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas have become all the rave thanks to the growing popularity of the tv-show “Yellowstone.” But aside from the tv screen, here are the best reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park!
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
This absolutely stunning, magnificent, and jaw-dropping sight is one of the best things to add to your Yellowstone bucket list!
Be prepared to be in awe as you marvel at the 650,000+-year-old canyon that was created from a volcanic eruption. The Yellowstone river eroded much of the rock and sediments that settled over the years, leaving a gushing waterfall in its wake.
You can access views of the falls via the Lower Falls, Upper Falls, and Tower Fall viewpoints. There is also the option of driving the rims. You can take the North Rim Drive (1.2 miles) to see views of the canyon. It will lead you to the Brink of Lower Falls where there are various paths to follow.
The South Rim Drive (2.3) miles takes you towards Upper Falls viewpoints and to the infamous Artist Point. I highly recommend stopping here!
Grand Prismatic Spring
Okay, first of all, these colors shouldn’t be real… Right? Well hunny, I’m proud to tell you that the photos you see are very, very similar to what you see in person. The first time I saw the Grand Prismatic Spring, however, was when it was about 35 degrees Fahrenheit and there was a ton of steam in the air. This made it very difficult to see the true beauty of the spring.
Since then, I have witnessed its true beauty in all its glory. I will have to say tho, visiting the Grand Prismatic Spring while it was cold created a slippery situation where everyone was scurrying around trying not to fall on the wooden path as it was covered in ice!
The Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-see in Yellowstone and you can find it in the Midway Geyser Basin. It is the largest hot spring in the U.S. and 3rd largest in the world! Also important to note, the mesmerizing colors are due to the combo of mineral-rich water it holds.
Pro Tip: Hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook which is accessed 6 miles after the Fairy Falls Trailhead if you want a less crowded view!
Lamar Valley
If you’re into finding wildlife, this is the place for you! Wolves, bears, bison, pronghorn, and so many other wildlife creatures frequent Lamar valley, making it one of the best stops in Yellowstone.
Lamar Valley can be found in the northern part of the park, which houses the Lamar River (a huge wildlife attractant). This is a wolf enthusiast heaven! I wasn’t so lucky at getting to spot a wolf, however, I did sit in traffic for a bit as a bison decided to stroll the road.
Remember to always give wildlife the space they deserve as this is their home! This area can be dangerous for both wildlife and humans if you’re not careful and forget to use common sense. This is a wonderful, scenic drive with a few pullouts to get the best views!
Old Faithful Geyser
Who comes to Yellowstone and doesn’t see Old Faithful??
Did you know that they are able to predict rather accurately when Old Faithful will erupt? This predictable geyser erupts roughly every 90 minutes, but it can vary a bit. If you arrive after it has erupted, take the time to explore the Upper Geyser Basin that surrounds Old Faithful. This basin will provide you with wonderful sights and many pathways to walk! Due to its popularity, expect crowds at almost any time of day. The earlier, the better. The Upper Geyser Basin will be less crowded than near Old Faithful and you can still see some geysers in action!
Pro Tip: If it’s cold, grab some hot chocolate from the Old Faithful Visitor Center and take a stroll through the Basin before arriving at Old Faithful 20-30 minutes early to get the best spots!
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Although not as famous as some of the other attractions, the West Thumb Geyser Basin is the perfect stroll in the park for anyone (even wheelchair accessible!). It’s not uncommon to see grandparents walking around with their grandchildren, taking pictures near Yellowstone Lake!
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the top things to do in Yellowstone National Park due to its unique features. Even though it is one of the smaller geothermal areas in the park, it boasts some pretty spectacular thermal colors, featuring Abyss Pool, the park’s deepest hydrothermal pool.
Pro Tip: This is best to start off your trip in Yellowstone as some of the other Geyser basins are larger and may seem more impressive. If you are looking for an introduction to the park, start here!
