1 day itinerary

If you're passing through Wyoming on a longer trip, and just have a day to spare, then this Yellowstone itinerary full of the most famous geological features in the USA may well be perfect for you!

Following the eruption of Yellowstone volcano 600,000 years ago, this area of what is now Wyoming became a hub of geothermal and geological activity. Pretty much everywhere you look in the park, you'll find steam rising from pools, geysers or vents!

There's a couple of special features famed in the park that are definitely worth checking out however! Midway Geyser Basin is home to Grand Prismatic Spring, the most colorful pool in the park. This rainbow of colors is produced by the different bacteria that live in the different temperatures of the spring! Have a look at the entire spring from the overlook, or enjoy the warmth of the steam as you carefully walk the boardwalk which skirts the outside of it.

Make sure to also stop off at the Upper Geyser Basin just down the road for the famous Old Faithful! This geyser, named for its reliability and regularity in erupting, puts on a show every 44 to 120 minutes, with more accurate estimations given in the visitor centre at the time. While being one of the busiest areas of the park, it's still a must see! The basin is also home to numerous other geysers that the NPS gives rough times of eruption for if you fancy sticking around these impressive features for a little longer!

As you drive around, keep an eye out for any wildlife! Not many parks in the US are like it, and traffic often builds up as animals cross and block the road. Usually these are enormous bison, weighing around two tonnes, but look a little further into the distance and with a bit of luck you'll see some of the famous Rocky Mountain grizzly bears! Never approach the animals, keeping at least 25 yards from bison and elk, and 100 from bears and wolves. For both their safety, and yours.

In the afternoon, head north to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and see the most powerful waterfall in all of the Rockies! This spectacular canyon has been carved by the Yellowstone River, eroding the volcanic rock formed by lava flows following the huge Yellowstone eruption! Lookout Point is one of the famous viewpoints in the park, but you can also take a very small hike down some switchbacks and stand right beside the Lower Fall! It doesn't get much cooler than that!

Choose one of the impressive foregrounds of Yellowstone to watch sunset as your day in America's original park comes to an end. Artists Paint Pots, Firehole Lake Drive and the Norris Geyser Basin are all great spots! Or just stay in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Artist Point for sunset is one of our favourite in the park, but make sure you have your head torches for the hike back!

If you've enjoyed this one day itinerary but plan on spending a little longer in this awesome place, then check out our 5 day complete adventure itinerary, or full national park guide!