About the park
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The first established park in the United States and one of the earliest in the world, Yellowstone is located upon a supervolcano caldera which last erupted 640,000 years ago, giving it active geothermal features rarely found in any other US national park. In fact, half of the world's geysers and geothermal features are present in the park, the most famous being Old Faithful, a geyser named after its regular eruptions, around 20 times a day. Yellowstone NP is the centrepiece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which along with Grand Teton NP and surrounding wilderness, makes up one of the largest near-intact ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere.
Alongside geysers, boardwalks surround many hot springs, including Grand Prismatic, the largest in America, with vivid colours due to the thermophilic bacteria that live in the mineral rich water. These bacteria form part of the base of the Yellowstone food web which sustains one of the largest concentrations of mammals in the USA, only found in a similar scale in Alaska. These include black and grizzly bears, Canadian lynx, and bison.
Impressive animal encounters are frequent while driving and hiking Yellowstone, and while tempting to approach, all animals should be kept at least 25 yards away, and always 100 yards for bears. Wolves were also reintroduced to the park in 1995, with estimations numbering the current population at 100. The combination of wildlife and geothermal features makes Yellowstone one of the most unique national parks in the country, drawing visitors from across the world.
Can't miss
Can't miss
Witness Yellowstone's Geysers
Over 1000 geysers are present within the park, with around 450 of these active each year. The most famous is Old Faithful, which erupts every 44-120 minutes, and is easily viewable next to the Old Faithful visitor centre. The NPS provides estimated eruption times for 6 different geysers in the park.
Can't miss
Boardwalk around Grand Prismatic
Grand Prismatic is the largest hot spring in the United States, with vivid colours created by different species of bacteria. The boardwalk allows a close up view of the spring as you walk through the warm steam. An overlook trail gives a different perspective and a greater view of the rainbow of colours in this impressive geological feature.
Can't miss
See the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Carved by the Yellowstone River, this 20 mile long canyon has a yellow colour due to the presence of iron. There are two waterfalls in the canyon, Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, which can be seen up close with short but steep hikes to viewing stages next to both, where the full power of the falls can be fully appreciated.
Explore the park
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Points of interest
Top experiences
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping to prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Artist's Paintpots
Artist's Paintpots Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 1.0 miles
Approximate duration: 30 mins
Maximum elevation: 7450 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 80 ft
This short hike is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the geological wonders of Yellowstone. Multiple geysers and springs bubble away as you walk along a boardwalk, allowing you to feel the spray and heat which really reminds you that you're above one of the biggest volcanoes in the world.
Artist's Paintpots is located in the Gibbon Geyser Basin, three miles south of the much busier Norris Geyser Basin. You could always stop off at both of them and see how they compare!
This is one of the many small hikes in Yellowstone that are dotted around the park, which meander through areas of geothermal activity and beauty. After ticking off Artist's Paintpots, consider heading on to Gibbon Falls, and then perhaps drive down to the Midway geyser Basin and see Grand Prismatic Spring, a highlight of many people's visit to America's most famous national park.
Moderate
Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 4.8 miles
Approximate duration: 2-4 hours
Maximum elevation: 7400 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 150 ft
A relatively flat hike with the only real incline being on the final approach to Fairy Falls, a 200 ft waterfall which is one of the best in Yellowstone. A popular trail in summer (closed until late May each year), hikers can stop off early at the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, which provides great photos of the colours of the bacteria living in the spring!
Shortly after descending north from the overlook, turn left and head west with hills on your left. The trail itself is not particularly spectacular, but the open views in parts provide some wildlife opportunities. Steam also rises from the various springs of the Midway Geyser Basin near the start of the trail, always providing a dramatic view.
Fairy Falls eventually towers above you with a narrow plume falling down creating a fine mist that sometimes catches the sunlight. For those looking to hike a little further, then you can continue another 0.6 miles to Spray and Imperial Geysers!
Demanding
Seven Mile Hole
Glacier Boulder Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 9.7 miles
Approximate duration: 5-7 hours
Maximum elevation: 8150 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 1440 ft
Longer than the name implies, this hike captures nearly everything that makes Yellowstone so great! Start off at the Glacier Boulder pullout off the road to Inspiration Point. From here, the hike begins by heading towards the edge of Yellowstone Canyon, from which you can catch glimpses of Yellowstone Falls between the trees.
The hike is relatively flat until the 3 mile point, at which it starts to descend quite steeply on the final approach down to the Yellowstone River. This is a great spot to have some lunch, but as always in Yellowstone, make sure to be bear aware, keep making noise, and leave no trace that you were there.
On the way back, consider taking it a little slower as you ascend, and then recover from the uphill workout. Along the route are waterfalls and small geothermal springs that make the park so famous. Make sure to stay on the path at all times to ensure your safety, but also to not damage these delicate features. A great hike for those looking to go a little off the beaten path!
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When to visit
We recommend:
May through October - while there will likely be crowds, the park is accessible & wildlife abundant
Itineraries
