best towns to visit near yellowstone

• 7 Must-Visit Small Towns Near Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park covers an enormous area of nearly 9,000 square kilometers and is a haven for hundreds of species of wildlife in a spectacular natural setting. But when not in the park itself, visitors can find an assortment of charming and special towns nearby, ideal for exploration and, of course, accommodation. From shopping to fine dining to fascinating history, these small towns are a great way to add to the overall experience of Yellowstone National Park. This article looks at 7 Must visit small towns near Yellowstone.  

Jackson, Wyoming 

The town of Jackson was incorporated in 1914 and continues to be a popular destination for winter enthusiasts and athletes alike. Known for its great ski and snowboard slopes that include Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain, tourists to this town of just over 10,000 residents can enjoy a charming mountain locale with great vistas and warm hospitality. Just around 90 kilometers from Yellowstone National Park, visitors in Jackson can also enjoy the National Elk Refuge downtown, where one of the largest elk herds is cared for. Meanwhile, visiting the Centre for the Arts, where local artists proudly display their works, is a great way to discover unknown talents.  

West Yellowstone, Montana

Just a 16-minute drive from the Park, the town of West Yellowstone is truly the ideal place for quick access to the site. This 1,300-resident mountain town was first settled in 1907 and founded as a rail town, and today functions mostly as a stopover. Visitors will find great, charming, and tasty local restaurants, cute souvenir shops, specialty boutiques, and local art galleries. On the way out, tourists should not forget to stop at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Centre, where visitors can see and learn about a sampling of wildlife outside of Yellowstone Park. 

Red Lodge, Montana

A two-hour drive from the Park, Red Lodge is conveniently located near the Beartooth Highway and is a great snapshot of small-town America and all its quaint charms. Formally settled in the 1880s, Red Lodge has a population of just under 3,000 inhabitants but is full of places to relax and explore. Besides the many great local restaurants, bars, and specialty shops, visitors can also drop by the Carbon County Museum, where the town’s mining history is explored. Known for its hot summers and warm winters, those in Red Lodge can also discover the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, wildlife not fit enough to be released into the open wilderness are kept.

Cody, Wyoming

Named for famed American frontiersman Buffalo Bill Cody, this town in northwestern Wyoming is just about an hour’s drive from Yellowstone National Park. For some of the best attractions near the park, Cody is indeed the place to be. The town offers a real sense of the Old West all around. With hot summers and mild winters, tourists and history lovers can enjoy a visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum (dedicated to the life and exploits of this unique pioneer) and the Old Trail Town with its recreated Western facades. Stop in a restored saloon or just walk along the dusty path when at the Old Trail Town. One may certainly experience a feeling of time travel. And before heading out to Yellowstone, why not stop at the Draper Natural History Museum for some unique and beautiful wildlife exhibits that are great primers for the Park ahead?  

Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is around 125 kilometers north of Yellowstone National Park, nestled right in the midst of the Rocky Mountains . The town, founded in 1864, is a great place to get acquainted with the outdoors, and visitors will have ample opportunities to go hiking, biking, rock climbing, and even skiing in the wintertime. Stop by the nearby Spanish Peaks or the Bridger Mountains for great vistas and breathtaking sights of the Montana sky, or discover the area’s paleontological history at the Siebel Dinosaur Complex. Explore fossils and interactive dinosaur exhibits, and even take in a show at the planetarium theatre. Bozeman is a great place for solo travelers and families alike.  

Big Sky, Montana 

Only 72 kilometers from Bozeman, the unincorporated resort town of Big Sky is particularly popular during the winter, where skiing and snowboarding are always in demand. In the summertime, when visitors are not at Yellowstone (only 24 kilometers away), there are also great activities available in Big Sky, including hiking and cycling at Gallatin Canyon and River. At the stunning Ousel Falls cascade, beautiful picnic areas and stunning observation areas make an afternoon outing a truly memorable one. And of course, tourists will find a good variety of tasty local restaurants, charming boutique shops, and maybe even time for a round of golf or two. 

Livingston, Montana

Located near the Yellowstone River , the town of Livingston is the seat of Park County and is just a short one-hour drive to the National Park;. A charming place of history, Livingston is a great place for history lovers to explore and is home to 17 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the Livingston Depot Centre (built in 1902), a lovingly restored rail station and adjacent museum, or stop by the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, where the fascinating history of the Old West is explored. Meanwhile, the Fly Fishers International Museum highlights the history of fishing and hunting in the State in a fun and interactive place. There are plenty of unique sites to visit and enjoy in Livingston, all before heading out to the great Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park is an enormous place to explore, but before getting there, several small and equally charming towns make the journey even more exciting. In these nearby towns, visitors can enjoy beautiful encounters with nature, fascinating insights into American history, and quaint surroundings. Whether for a one-night stay or just to stop in for a meal, these small towns near Yellowstone National Park are great places to explore and discover the wonder of small town USA. 

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Gateway Towns

The towns near Yellowstone’s five entrances offer convenient access to the park, and each have a unique character, vacation activities, and attractions all their own. Whether you stay in Gardiner , Cody , West Yellowstone , Island Park , Cooke City , or Jackson , you will find many recreational activities within a stone’s throw from Yellowstone National Park.

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Towns & Cities Near Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

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Nearby Towns

Jackson Hole Wyoming

Located south of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson offers the best basecamp when visiting Yellowstone from its South Entrance.

West Yellowstone Montana

Located right at the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone is the most convenient of gateway communities.

Bozeman Montana

Bozeman is a college town rich with arts, culture, and outdoor recreation. Big city amenities make Bozeman a great Yellowstone Park basecamp.

Cody Wyoming

On the far east side of Yellowstone National Park, Cody Wyoming is a happening western town popular for its nightly summer rodeo.

Gardiner Montana

Just outside the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner Montana offers lodging, dining, and many activities for the park visitor.

Big Sky Montana

Skiing, fly fishing, mountain biking, golf, proximity to Yellowstone Park, and fun family vacation activities lure visitors to Big Sky, Montana.

• Jackson Hole, WY
• West Yellowstone, MT
• Bozeman, MT
• Gardiner, MT
• Big Sky, MT
• East Yellowstone, WY
• Cooke City, MT
• Livingston, MT
• Red Lodge, MT
• Island Park, ID

With an estimate of 3 million people coming to Yellowstone National Park each year, we are lucky to have thirteen gateway towns providing lodging, dining and other activities for all visitors, giving them the opportunity to stay awhile. Take some time to look around and see what you're missing outside the Park’s boundaries!

The Montana gateway communities offer incredible scenery, with the natural beauty of the forested backcountry surrounding. Before entering or upon leaving Yellowstone National Park, you should explore and enjoy!

• Big Sky : scenic vistas abound.
• Bozeman : outdoor activities, fabulous museums and quaint shops.
• Cooke City : laid back atmosphere and fresh mountain air.
• Ennis : old-fashioned boardwalks and nearby, the ghost town of Virginia City.
• Gardiner : the only year-round open entrance into the Park.
• Livingston : breathtaking mountains and rivers.
• Red Lodge : an excellent vacation home base.
• West Yellowstone : scenic waterfalls and bubbling hot springs.

The Wyoming gateway communities provide history and a taste of the Old West in its true-to-life form.

• Cody : a famous landmark for the Old West, named after Buffalo Bill.
• Dubois : surrounded by mountains and on the shore of the Wind River.
• East Yellowstone : reenacted gunfights and a cowboy rodeo.
• Jackson Hole : nightlife, summer hiking and fishing, winter skiing and snowboarding.

The one gateway community in Idaho shows you a land with miles of forests and plenty of adventure.

• Island Park : wooded hills and valleys for horseback riding and fun.

Questions & Answers

How far is west yellowstone from old faithful.

West Yellowstone is about 50 minutes (31.5 mi) from West Yellowstone. The drive might take longer if there’s a lot of traffic at the gate or wildlife near the roadside. Even if you aren’t held up behind animals or gawkers, don’t just breeze through. You’ll enjoy your trip through Yellowstone more if you take time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you.

How far is it from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?

The drive from Jackson Hole to the South Entrance of Yellowstone takes 1 hour and 15 minutes (57.3 miles). The shortest route includes a trip through Grand Teton National Park. You will need to pay separate $35 entrance fees for both Grand Teton and Yellowstone or have an annual Parks Pass that grants you access to both parks for a year. You’ll find the extra expense worth it either way.

What is the closest town to Yellowstone National Park?

The closest towns to Yellowstone are Gardiner, Montana which lies 3 minutes (0.7 mi) from Yellowstone’s North Entrance. West Yellowstone is the next closest town and it is 4 minutes (0.9 mi) from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. Other gateway towns include Cody, Wyoming and Jackson, Wyoming, but these are a little farther from park entrances. The consolation prize is incredible drives to access the park from these towns.

Where are the entrances to Yellowstone?

North Entrance is just 4 minutes (0.9 mi) outside of Gardiner, Montana and will take you to Mammoth Hot Springs. Northeast Entrance is 10 minutes (4.8 mi) from Cooke City, Montana and will take you to the Lamar Valley. East Entrance is 52 miles from Cody, Wyoming — the closest town. This entrance will take you to Yellowstone Lake. South Entrance is north of Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Using this Entrance will let you see two parks in one day. West Entrance is located outside of West Yellowstone, Montana. If you enter Yellowstone here, you’ll be 14 miles from Madison with geysers and thermal features to the North and South. If you want to see Old Faithful, this is the closest gate.

Which entrance to Yellowstone is best?

If you want a chance to see wolves or bears, the North and Northeast Entrances will lead you to Lamar Valley where the wild things roam. If geysers are your thing, then use the West Entrance and you’ll have access to the thermal features in either direction. For views and experiences on Yellowstone Lake, use the East Entrance. Want to see two national parks in one day? The South Entrance is sandwiched between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone.

Grand Teton National Park Lodging & Activities

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Regional Nearby Towns

Jackson hole nearby towns, grand teton nearby towns, bozeman nearby towns, cody wyoming nearby towns, west yellowstone nearby towns, big sky nearby towns, red lodge nearby towns.

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Jackson Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park.

8 Breathtaking THINGS TO DO Near Yellowstone National Park

In the summer months there are 5 entrances that can get you into Yellowstone National Park . While there are endless things to do and see inside the park, there are also amazing things to do near Yellowstone National Park by the entrances. If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone you can’t miss these awesome things to do near the park!

We will cover: Livingston | Red Lodge | West Yellowstone | Gardiner | Bozeman | Cody | Jackson Hole

And if you are looking for more information about Yellowstone visit our Yellowstone National Park page and check out our post about planning the Ultimate Yellowstone Vacation and Beyond !

Table of Contents

North Entrance: Livingston and Paradise Valley

This is another area that would be great to visit on your way into or out of Yellowstone. Livingston use to be the hub for anyone visiting Yellowstone and there is so much history in the city. Paradise Valley is a beautiful area just south of Livingston. If you are looking for things to do outside of Yellowstone – Livingston and Paradise Valley are a great option.

Fly Fishing

Livingston is the perfect place to go fly fishing! Your guide will take you out on the Yellowstone River and take you to all the great places to catch fish. Along with providing you with the fly fishing gear. For guides we recommend the Montana Expedition Trading Company.

Yellowstone River Float

Not into fishing? Then you can book a float guide where they will take you out the water to float down the river. In the warm summer months you can jump off the boat and swim in the water as you float down the river. For guides we recommend: Rowdy River Guides and Rubber Ducky Rentals .

Chico Hot Springs

Yes more hot springs! Chico Hot Springs is another historic location. You can walk the grounds, go in the hot springs or play disc golf.

Where To Eat

Mint bar and grill.

This unique and historic restaurant has fun decorations, great drinks and delicious food! It is a bar, but families are welcome.

The Sage Lodge

A beautiful lodge located in Paradise Valley. This is a meal with a view! The Sage Lodge is gorgeous and has windows all around so you can eat from inside or site outside and take in the beauty of Paradise Valley.

Where To Stay

Travelodge in livingston.

A simple, but clean hotel in Livingston. Perfect for a stop over as you explore the area.

Learn more about the: Best Things to do in Livingston, MT and Paradise Valley

Northeast Entrance: Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge, Montana is a great place to visit on your way in or out of the northeast entrance of Yellowstone. The awesome thing is you can explore Red Lodge and all of the fun things to do there and then take the Beartooth Highway into Yellowstone! Talk about the perfect road trip. So much beauty!!

Horseback Riding

Go horseback riding with Elk River Outfitters in a beautiful area where you are surrounded by 5 mountain ranges and you get to take your horse through a stream! We have done horseback riding before, but nothing quite like riding in Montana on a horse!

The Beartooths are awesome in a car, but taking a UTV from Red Lodge Power Sports up there is a whole other experience! When you rent the UTV they can recommend a few different routes to go.

Downtown Red Lodge

Make sure to make time to just walk around the town of Red Lodge and check out the shops and all of the great restaurants.

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

Learn all about the wildlife from Yellowstone country at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary . It is a great way to learn more about this amazing part of the county.

Prerogative Kitchen

Looking for a cool dining experience Prerogative is it! Small plate selections with unique options.

Feeling like a margarita? Then head to Bogarts for their fun and unique flavors!

Pollard Hotel

Located right in downtown Red Lodge the Pollard Hotel is the place to stay. They also have great restaurants and a bar on site.

Learn more about: 22 Amazing Things To Do In Red Lodge, Montana

Northeast entrance: Cooke City, Montana

Cooke City is just outside the northeast entrance of the park. This entrance and outgoing road, US Highway 212, is said to be the most scenic drive from the park. Going this way, you pass through the Beartooth Mountains, which is beautiful! Hwy 212 is closed east of Cooke City to cars November through April, so keep that in mind.

Cooke City is a very small town that also has a western feel to it. It has several restaurants and small shops as well as lodging if you can’t find any openings inside the park. If you will be in Yellowstone for an extended period of time, I would suggest taking a day trip out of the northeast entrance to see Cooke City and drive Hwy 212 through the mountains.

East entrance: Cody, Wyoming

Cody is probably the “biggest” town that is close to Yellowstone. There are a bunch of stores and shops, big and small, a grocery store, restaurants, fast food, and a nice little playground right in the center of town.

Cody is about an hour outside of the east entrance and has plenty to offer. We left Yellowstone for a weekend for a camping trip at Buffalo Bill State Park North Shore campground which is right on the Buffalo Bill Reservoir just outside of Cody. This campground was really neat. It was right on the water, surrounded by mountains, and all the campsites were positioned towards the water.

Buffalo Bill Center

One of the bigger attractions in Cody is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum. This is actually like 6 museums in one – the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Draper National History Museum, the Whitney Western Art Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, and the McCracken Research Library.

When we entered the Art Museum area with our family (4 kids) and my sister-in-laws family (2 kids) the security guard quickly called in reinforcements. Seriously, we saw the look of fear in his eyes when 6 kids under 8 years old entered.

Another security guard showed up and they followed close behind until they realized that NO, we were not going to let our kids run wild in here. We found the perfect place for them to sit and draw pictures in the art museum.

So, there’s pretty much something for everyone here. The kids really enjoyed the Draper National History Museum where we learned a lot about Yellowstone’s wildlife and ecosystem.

Explore Cody

After checking out the museum, take a walk down the main street in Cody. There you’ll find plenty of restaurants to eat at and a few taverns to enjoy a cold one.

Then at 6pm (6 nights a week in the summer), outside of the Irma Hotel, there is a gun fight re-enactment. They close the street down and have an old western shoot-out! Click here to learn more.

Follow up the shoot-out with a trip to the rodeo . Cody features a nightly rodeo with gates opening at 7pm!

That’s a full day of old-western style entertainment!

Last, but definitely not least is the drive from Cody, heading west toward Yellowstone. This may have been my favorite stretch of the entire trip! You drive right in a canyon between two large mountains and go through tunnels that go right through the mountain. I was pretty sure the RV would fit driving in the first time and luckily it did!

Check out: Things To Do In Cody, Wyoming.

Where to Stay

Buffalo bluff rv park.

Buffalo Bluff RV Park , located in Cody, is about 50 miles from the east entrance to the park. Back-in and pull-through sites are available here. It’s nothing fancy but offers a convenient stay near Cody.

The Historic Wapiti Lodge

The Historic Wapiti Lodge near the Shoshone River is nestled in the heart of Wapiti Valley. It offers a prime location – only 18 miles to Cody and 30 miles to the park entrance.

South entrance: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Well, this constitutes more than just Jackson Hole. Just south of Yellowstone, there is the whole Grand Teton area, which is amazing! We’ve already written about 5 Family Friendly Things To Do By The Grand Tetons , so definitely check that out.

If you’re interested in booking a guided tour from Jackson to Yellowstone, check out this Full-Day Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour . Or if you’d rather travel with a small group, check out this Small-Group Yellowstone Tour . Both tours will arrange pick-up in the Jackson or Teton Village area, and they are great ways to experience Yellowstone with a live tour guide.

Teton Village

Teton Village has the feel of a quaint ski town similar to Vale, Colorado. Here you can ride the tram, shop in the boutique stores, or eat at any of the great restaurants.

A few miles south of the Teton Village is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This is also a ski town which is evident by the large hills that surround the city all with ski trails. The city is centered around the town square. This is a nice little park to walk through to sit and at one of the many benches and enjoy a cup of coffee from a local coffee shop or ice cream from Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream shop.

There are a lot of great things to do in Jackson Hole . It is an upper end town and has endless shopping and eating options. The great thing about this town is that is a great place to visit in summer or winter!

We also visited Slide Lake which was amazing!

We really enjoyed the Tetons and everything around it. If you are near Yellowstone, it is worth it to make the extra trip to the Grand Tetons! If you want to spend the day in the Grand Tetons check out this awesome post: One Day In Grand Teton National Park – Jenny Lake Boat and Hike or this one about what to do in The Grand Tetons.

Jenny Lake is an awesome place to visit when in the Tetons.

Be sure to check out: The Snake River Overlook in Grand Teton National Park

Togwotee Mountain Lodge

On a second visit to the the Grand Tetons, we had the opportunity to stay at the Togwotee Mountain Lodge in Moran, WY. Whoa! Talk about a really neat place to stay! With a big family (and a dog), it can be hard to find places to accommodate us.

No problem at Togwotee. We stayed in a very nice cabin that had a bedroom with 2 large queen beds and a pull-out sofa sleeper. And best part was that Indy (our sweet Labrador Retriever) was welcome too! They also have a main lodge that has different accommodations based on the number of guests you’ll have with you.

We had a full kitchen (fridge, stove, sink and microwave) so we were able to cook our meals just like we were in the RV .

Don’t like cooking when you’re on vacation? No problem, there are 2 restaurants at Togwotee. The Grizzly Grill and the Red Fox Saloon has you covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to have a drink at the saloon and shoot some pool or play some games.

Things To Do

If you’re looking to get out in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Togwotee is a great place to make your base camp. Right from the lodge, you can do horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and fishing. They also offer a pretty cool Wyoming Cowboy Campout in the summer that we just missed. This is an overnight horseback ride into the forest where you will campout cowboy style to fish, cook by the campfire and enjoy the night sky.

In the winter, Togwotee is the mecca for world-class snowmobiling. They have everything you need (including fresh powder) for a great snowmobiling trip. Rent their sleds or bring your own and hit the trails for some epic riding. Or go off trail (depending on your skill level) and churn through the freshest snow.

Togwotee Mountain Lodge is located about 45 minutes from Grand Teton National Park , but it’s an easy scenic drive to and from the lodge. You’re also about the same distance away from Jackson Hole, so you can easily hit the shopping and restaurants there as well.

Find the best deals for Togwotee Mountain Lodge here!

Feeling overwhelmed by all the awesomeness that is Yellowstone?! We get it! The park is huge and there is so much to see and do. We have visited the park over 6 different times and have put together 1, 3 and 7 day guides to help you plan your ultimate trip to Yellowstone:

West Entrance: Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman, Montana is a great destination to hit on your way into or out of Yellowstone. It is an awesome city with a great downtown area, shops, restaurants and museums.

Museum Of The Rockies

Museum Of The Rockies is a great museum to visit to learn more about the dinosaurs that once roamed this area of Montana. Along with learning the history of Yellowstone and the people that use to call it home. Plus you won’t want to miss the planetarium shows!

Montana Alpine Guides Rock Climbing

Bozeman is a great place to head out rock climbing. Even if you have never done outside rock climbing you can do it here with Montana Alpine Guides . They have a great team of guides that will take you out, provide all the equipment and teach you how to climb.

There are some nice and moderate hiking trails to do in Bozeman as well. The Drinking Horse Mountain and College M are a couple great hikes to take just outside the city.

This will be a tough one. Not because there aren’t good places to eat, but because there are so many it is hard to choose!

Sweet Chili Bistro

For delicious Thai and a great drink menu check out Sweet Chili in downtown.

Mountains Walking Brewery and Pub

For good beer and pub food check out Mountains Walking Brewery and Pub.

For delicious pastries and coffee check out the Coffee Pot.

Lewis and Clark Motel

For an old-school yet modern motel check out Lewis and Clark’s! A locally owned motel this place is great and they really make you feel welcome. And the pool area is awesome!

Bozeman Hot Springs

If you are there in an RV then check out the Bozeman Hot Springs campground. Breakfast and entry to the hot springs are included in your stay.

The Silos Marina & Campground

About an hour north of Bozeman is The Silos Marina & Campground in Townsend, MT. Located on the Canyon Ferry Reservoir, it offers beautiful scenery, a boat launch, fishing, and more!

Check out these awesome Montana Airbnb options!

Learn more about: 23 Exciting and Fun Things To Do In Bozeman, MT

West entrance: West Yellowstone, Montana

West Yellowstone is a great place to make as your home base as you explore Yellowstone since it is so close to the west entrance and attractions like Old Faithful, the Upper Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring. This Yellowstone Park Tour will include visiting Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as well as the entire Lower Loop of the park.

But the city of West Yellowstone also has a lot of fun things to offer! It really is one of the top places to visit for things to do around Yellowstone National Park.

If you want to add another state to your list you could stay in Idaho (we enjoyed Henry Lake State Park) and enjoy West Yellowstone from there. Plus there are a lot of great things to do in Idaho Falls and the surrounding area.

Grizzly Wolf and Discovery Center

This is a great place to visit to learn more about these amazing animals! It isn’t a huge place but they rotate the grizzly bears that are out so it is cool to see different ones. They also have a new indoor exhibit where you can watch the otters play. This is a must do while on your trip to West Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Giant Screen Theater

If you are looking to get out of the sun for a while and kick back and relax head to the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre to watch the Yellowstone movie where you will learn about the history of Yellowstone.

Wild West Pizzeria and Salon

It is hard to find someone who has been to West Yellowstone and not been to Wild West Pizzeria! A definite staple in West Yellowstone and for good reason. The pizza is delicious!

The Kelly Inn is the perfect place to stay for exploring West Yellowstone and the park. They have a nice breakfast spread in the morning and a pool and hot tub to hang out in at night.

Valley View RV Park Campground

This campground in Island Park, ID is just 15 west of the park. Offering great views and a convenient location, this is a good option is you’re staying on the west side of Yellowstone.

West Yellowstone is also a great hub for visiting Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone along with Canyon Village.

Learn more about: 9 Awesome Things To Do In West Yellowstone

North entrance: Gardiner, Montana

The north entrance is the original entrance to Yellowstone. As seen by the Roosevelt Arch that you drive through to get to the current Yellowstone entrance. It is a quaint western town and is really close to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone.

Roosevelt Arch

You will drive through the Roosevelt Arch as you enter the North entrance to Yellowstone. But instead of just driving through it, stop and get out to walk through the door and look up and into the inside of the arch. Also be on the look out for elk and pronghorn sheep hanging out in this area but be sure to keep a safe distance – they are wild animals!

City Of Gardiner

The town has an amazing view of Yellowstone National Park and has a nice Visitor Center and a selection of stores and restaurants. The Yellowstone River cuts right through the hilly town which adds to its great landscape.

Yellowstone Wild Tours

If you want to see wildlife in Yellowstone and learn all about the park, the history and the animals then you are going to want to book a tour with Yellowstone Wild Tours ! They pick you up in Gardiner (before the sun rises – it is worth it – I promise!) and then spend the day driving you around the park to Lamar Valley and other places to spot wildlife. You may even end up in Hayden Valley.

When we went we saw multiple bears, wolves, bison, elk, pronghorn sheep, a mountain goat, birds and probably a few more that I am forgetting! They also feed you breakfast and lunch. It is an awesome day.

Yellowstone Hot Springs

Head a little ways outside of downtown to the awesome Yellowstone Hot Springs . They did these springs right with nice man made pools looking out over the surrounding mountains. They have  hot pools, hotter pools and a cold pool.

There are a variety of different restaurants from pizza to sandwiches and local dishes. Plus there is a local grocery store – Gardiner Market if you just want to pick up your own food to cook.

Wonderland Cafe

Wonderland Cafe is an awesome restaurant in Gardiner with local and unique dishes. If you want really good food in Gardiner this is the place to go!

Yellowstone Pizza Company

We found a delicious pizza joint called Yellowstone Pizza Company where we ate on the roof! Check it out here .

They have lodging and hotels available for guests that want to visit Yellowstone and enjoy the comforts of a small town.

Sunny Slope Lodge

We recommend the Sunny Slope Lodge which is about a 15 minute drive outside of Gardiner. It is a beautiful house up in the mountains with plenty of room for multiple families. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day in Yellowstone or exploring Gardiner.

Yellowstone Hot Springs campground is located in Gardiner on the banks of the Yellowstone River. It’s about 8 miles from the north entrance and offers a really peaceful environment.

Learn more about: 12 Amazing Things To Do In Gardiner, Montana [+ Where To Stay]

Here are a few more ideas: Lewis and Clark Caverns , Things To Do In Big Sky , Yellowstone Country on your Montana Road Trip ! Learn more about the Wyoming National Parks .

Check out these posts for a great guide to Yellowstone:

12 Things To Bring To Yellowstone National Park

Mount Washburn Hike in Yellowstone with Kids

Top 10 Things To Do In Yellowstone

Road Trippin’ around Tower-Roosevelt in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Camping: Your Complete Guide To A Perfect Spot

Yellowstone in Winter: 11 Things to Know and Do!

Here are a few more options for things to do around Yellowstone:

Things To Do In Cheyenne Wyoming

Wyoming Ski Resorts

6 Epic National Park Road Trip Ideas [Maps Included]

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12 thoughts on “8 Breathtaking THINGS TO DO Near Yellowstone National Park”

West Yellowstone is actually in Montana.

Absolutely right! It’s been fixed now. Good catch!

• Pingback: Helpful Tips For Camping in Yellowstone National Park

IMAX Theater and Wolf and Bear Discovery Center both located in West Yellowstone.

Thanks for the suggestion!

I love Togwotee and want to explore that area more. It’s so beautiful!

West Yellowstone is crazy in the summer, but so is Jackson and Cody. There is a lot of great hiking in the national forest around West. And like Kris said above, the Grizzly Wolf Discovery Center is pretty cool. The bears (which can’t be released into the wild for various reasons) get to test “bear proof” trash cans and other products to see if they really are bear proof.

Yeah, Togwotee is amazing. The park and surrounding areas are pretty crazy in the summer, but still a great time to visit. Thanks for the info on the Grizzly Wolf Discovery Center!

Hope you make it out again!

Did you camp while visiting Yellowstone? Thanks for this insight, very helpful!

We did camp while in Yellowstone, but we were lucky enough to stay in an employee lot because our brother-in-law worked at Lake Lodge for the season. That said, check out this article on Yellowstone camping – http://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/yellowstone-camping/

If you are in west Yellowstone you need to check out earthquake lake or drive a little farther and check out Virginia city and Nevada city both are historic ghost towns.

Thanks for the recommendations!

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10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Yellowstone National Park

What are the most beautiful towns near yellowstone national park.

When you visit Yellowstone National Park, you’ll have numerous small towns to choose from for your accommodation. From Old West towns to ski resort areas, these communities offer easy access to the wonders of the Californian park. 

Best of all, many of these US small towns have upscale dining, shopping, and nightlife spots, so you can still enjoy some modernity after exploring the great outdoors. Take a look at our list of must-visit small towns near Yellowstone National Park to find your ideal vacation spot.

Explore the gateway to the parklands

Gardiner is a quaint town on the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park. It has been the only year-round entrance to the park since 1872. The town has an Old West feel and natural beauty that make for a laidback retreat. 

Gardiner has numerous bars that share an authentic Western feel, complete with a saloon atmosphere, live music, and jukeboxes. Many of Yellowstone’s best attractions are near the entrance in Gardiner, such as the Roosevelt Arch, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Yellowstone River, and the Boiling River.

A charming mountain town with many historic sites

Livingston is a charming mountain city between the Crazy and Absaroka mountain ranges on the Yellowstone River. While it’s a small city, you can visit many historic places like the Fly Fishers International Museum and Livingston Depot Center (a restored rail station and railroad museum). 

A must-visit is the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, which documents the regional history of the Old West and the national park. The area is also home to 17 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Livingston is around 64 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. 

10 Best Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park

10 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Bull and Bear Steakhouse in Orlando

Experience the old west in this historic mountain town.

Red Lodge is an authentic Western mountain town in Montana, near the Beartooth Highway. Besides serving as a gateway to Yellowstone Park, it’s close to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where you can explore 10,000-ft-tall peaks, alpine lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls.

As a well-traveled town, Red Lodge has many bars, restaurants, live music venues, galleries, and museums. Check out the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, a tranquil area with an abundance of native wildlife. The Carbon County Museum is a great place to visit to learn about the town's history.

Venture through the most scenic drive in America from here

A popular basecamp and entrance town to Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City is famous for the road that connects it with Red Lodge. The route is known as the “most scenic drive in America” and takes you along the Beartooth Range and the Beartooth Pass for stunning scenic views. 

When you stay in Cooke City, you'll be surrounded by a national forest, rugged wilderness, and vast parklands, so there’s plenty of opportunity for hiking, biking, climbing, mountaineering, and other outdoor adventures.

photo by Pattys-photos ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Explore a charming town where artistic splendor and outdoor adventure await

Jackson is a bustling town that’s great for wintertime activities, such as skiing and snowboarding. Popular spots include Snow King Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. You can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Near the town center is the National Elk Refuge, a sanctuary for one of the world's largest elk herds. 

Jackson has a lively square with artwork created by local talents. A must-visit is the Center for the Arts, a facility supporting local artists and cultural enthusiasts.

Explore dinosaurs and mountains in this iconic town

Bozeman is a city in Montana's southern part, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. The downtown area hosts the Montana State University Museum of the Rockies, which traces the history of the area and surrounding attractions. The museum also has the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, where you can explore a notable collection of dinosaur exhibits and a planetarium. 

If you want to experience the great outdoors, you can visit the Bridger Range and the Spanish Peaks, a vast mountain area with trails for skiing, biking, and hiking.

Island Park

Explore one of the usa's longest main streets.

Island Park is a Western satellite town near the West Entrance of the Yellowstone National Park. The town’s main feature is the 33-mile-long Main Street, which is one of the longest in the USA. Another highlight is the Island Park Caldera, a crater that was left behind by a massive volcano that erupted 2 million years ago.

Island Park is just 29 miles southwest of Yellowstone National Park.  You'll find plenty of accommodation options, including campgrounds, resorts, and lodges. 

East Yellowstone

Step back into frontier history.

East Yellowstone is one of the best places to stay near Yellowstone National Park. The town offers rustic lodges for accommodation as well as many attractions of its own. It has a rich history of frontier and mountain life, which you can see by tackling a historic trail. 

You can choose to walk in the footsteps of many Western heroes, including Jim Bridger and John Colter, 2 early mountain men, and Buffalo Bill Cody, a showman and bison hunter.

Explore a recreated frontier town in Wyoming

Cody is a vibrant town in northwestern Wyoming that has some of the best attractions near Yellowstone National Park. You can visit the Buffalo Bill Museum to learn all about the life and accomplishments of the famous showman, and the Draper Natural History Museum to see wildlife exhibits. 

Cody hosts the Old Trail Town, a recreated frontier town with historic buildings and taverns. Take the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway to enjoy excellent views of the landscape and surrounding parkland.

Find adventure at this mountainous resort town

Tucked into the Rocky Mountains of southern Montana, Big Sky is a popular resort destination for skiing and snowboarding. You’ll find plenty of art galleries, golf courses, and other attractions, though Yellowstone National Park is the place to be for outdoor recreation. 

The Gallatin River and its offerings are nearby Big Sky, such as the Gallatin Canyon and Ousel Falls Park, so you’ll have no shortage of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. If you like hiking, you can tackle a 1.6-mile trail to Ousel Falls, a towering waterfall with picnic areas and viewpoints of the landscape.

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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5 Best Places to Visit Near Yellowstone National Park

Best Overnight and Day Trips to Add to Your Yellowstone Itinerary

Yellowstone National Park is fabulous, but if you’re traveling all the way to Montana, make time to see some of the other epic sites near America’s First National Park. Not sure where to go? We’ve made it easy for you — check out our list of 5 must-see spots destinations within an easy drive from the entrances to Yellowstone National Park.

Big Sky and West Yellowstone:

If you want to stay near the scenery of Yellowstone National Park without actually going in the park, then exploring the area around Big Sky and West Yellowstone is an excellent option. West Yellowstone is right by the west entrance to the park, while Big Sky is just an hour north from West Yellowstone.

West Yellowstone is home to an incredible animal sanctuary for grizzly bears and other locally displaced animals, a fun ropes course, and multiple restaurants.

Read More: Things to Do in West Yellowstone

From West Yellowstone, it’s an easy drive to Big Sky (or vice versa). Big Sky has a ton of incredible hikes and Big Sky Resort transforms into a summer playground in the warmer months.

Read More: Things to Do in Big Sky, Montana During Summer

Butte: History and City Life 2.5 Hours From Yellowstone

Bozeman is the much more famous city in Montana and is the typical city stay visitors do along with Yellowstone National Park, but we also love its big city neighbor to the west: Butte, located over a mountain pass less than 90 minutes from Bozeman.

There’s nowhere else in the USA quite like Butte. The city literally has a massive pit near it from the copper mining heyday at the turn of the 20th century.

In town, there are gorgeous mansions and architecture built by Montana’s “copper kings.” Plus, there are tons of restaurants and bars, including popular Irish ones since Butte has a strong Irish background and culture.

If you have kids, you’ll love Stodden Park in Butte, which has a carousel, ice cream and concession stand, mining themed playground, and a big water park.

Butte is a great place to base yourself during a trip to Montana because you can do some excellent day trips, including to:

• Lewis and Clark Caverns
• Phillipsburg
• Ringing Rocks in Whitehall

Plus, Butte should actually have reasonably priced summer accommodations. You’ll likely have to pay a minor fortune to stay in Bozeman or Yellowstone during high season.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Butte, Montana

Helena and Great Falls: 3-4 Hours From Yellowstone

Head farther north away from Yellowstone and you’ll reach the cities of Helena and Great Falls. This isn’t doable in a day trip from Yellowstone, but it’s worth a couple days to explore and you’ll get away from many of the tourist crowds.

Helena is the capital city of Montana and has a vibrant downtown area. We especially like hanging out by the shops and restaurants along Last Chance Gulch — there’s even a little urbanized creek running through part of it that kids can play in!

Read More: What to Do in Helena, MT

Great Falls has beautiful river scenery that hasn’t been affected by the recent flooding. You can walk along viewpoint trails to see the series of dams and falls along the river in Great Falls.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Great Falls, MT

From Great Falls, there are several excellent day trips to small towns and historic spots :

• Fort Benton
• Hiking in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Grand Teton and Jackson Hole, WY: Just South of Yellowstone

If you had a plans for Yellowstone, but not Grand Teton, this is an easy national park to add onto your itinerary.

Because Grand Teton is located roughly 30 minutes south of the southern entrance to Yellowstone.

Grand Teton is also a much smaller park than Yellowstone, making it easy to explore in just a day or two.

Read More : One Day in Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

Be aware that Grand Teton is just as crowded as Yellowstone in the summer, so expect long car lines by popular attractions (such as getting into the parking lot for Jenny Lake).

Get up early to beat the crowds or spend time outside the park exploring Jackson Hole and Wilson. We really love the quieter nature of Wilson, a small town just east of Jackson Hole. It’s even where we saw a moose family after not seeing any in the park!

Red Lodge and Billings via Beartooth Highway

We love Red Lodge any time of year . In summer, it’s fun to walk around Main Street and enjoy views of the mountains. If conditions allow, there is hiking at Red Lodge Mountain.

Red Lodge is a little over an hour from Billings, Montana’s biggest city. Billings has a fun downtown area complete with a craft beer walking trail.

In addition, it’s a close drive to excellent hikes and historic spots.

Read More: Local’s Guide to Billings, Montana

Day Trips from Billings:

• Pompeys Pillar
• Battlefield of Little Bighorn National Historic Site
• Bighorn Canyon and Yellowtail Dam

From Yellowstone, the best way to get to Red Lodge and Billings is from the northeast entrance via the acclaimed Beartooth Highway, one of the best drives in America.

We hope this list helps you to replan your trip to Montana if you want to explore beyond Yellowstone National Park! Need more help putting together your itinerary? Check out our First Timer’s Guide to Montana .

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16 Absolute Best Things to Do in Yellowstone (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 15, 2024

Are you planning your first trip to Yellowstone National Park and wondering what are the absolute best things to see and do in Yellowstone ? You came to the right place!

In this post we cover all the main attractions and landmarks of Yellowstone National Park.  Places that are not to be missed in America’s oldest National Park. In addition, we also share a beautiful less known place that you have probably never heard about. It became one of our absolute favorite places in Yellowstone, so I think it deserves to be included on this best of Yellowstone list as well. You can read all about it all the way at the end of this post.

This is not a complete list of things to do in Yellowstone – it would be impossible to make one. But if you are looking for the best of the best, must-see places in Yellowstone , then this is it. Find out!

Good to know: In order to help you to make the most of your trip, we also included some practical tips for your visit, tips for where to stay , and a map indicating all the main Yellowstone attractions mentioned in this article. You can find them at the bottom of this article.

TIP: If you just want to see the main highlights of Yellowstone without having to plan anything, check out these highly-rated small-group day tours – they cover all the main landmarks of Yellowstone in 1-4 days. If you wonder how to plan your own trip, please check our Yellowstone itinerary suggestions for any trip from 1 to 5 days .

READ ALSO: Best Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park

These are the very best places to see and things to do in Yellowstone National Park:

1. Grand Prismatic Spring

If there is one place that you really have to see in Yellowstone, it is the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring , the star of the Midway Geyser Basin . It is not only the largest hot spring in the United States (and the third largest in the world), but also one of the most unique natural wonders on the planet. It is also the best recognized and most photographed landmark of Yellowstone.

No matter how many times you saw the Grand Prismatic on pictures, it’s only when you stand there that you realize how large it actually is. It’s bigger than a football field and deeper than a 10-story building. 

Chances are big that your trip to Yellowstone has been inspired by all those incredibly beautiful images of the Grand Prismatic Spring photographed directly from above that you see in so many travel guides and TV documentaries…

If you come here with such high expectations, then seeing this famous landmark in real life might disappoint you a bit. No matter how much you try, you can never get the same view of the Grand Prismatic as in those famous photographs. However, Grand Prismatic Spring is still absolutely incredible and it is also just as colorful in reality as it is in the pictures. If you come here on a sunny day, the rainbow of colors will take your breath away!

Just in case you wonder, the Grand Prismatic hot spring gets its multi-color layers from different species of heat-loving bacteria that live around it. The deep center is blue, then you have green and yellow tints, followed by lots of orange on the cooler outskirts.

Needless to say that Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most popular attractions of Yellowstone . It’s one of the few places in the park where we saw big tour buses, so no matter when you visit, expect it to be busy. 

Probably the best way to avoid the crowds is to come very early in the morning or late in the evening. However, I read that the colors of the Spring are at their brightest on a sunny warm day, so we decided to go in the middle of the day.

On cooler days, but also early in the mornings and in the evening, steam can cover the spring, making it more difficult to see how colorful it really is. Colors will also be duller if you visit on a cloudy day. Still, no matter the weather or the conditions, seeing the Grand Prismatic is a must, one of the absolute best things to do in Yellowstone!

Practical information:   Plan 1-2 hours for the visit. Park your car at the Grand Prismatic Spring parking lot at Midway Geyser Basin. Expect the parking lot to be very busy, especially if you come in the middle of the day in summer as we did. Some people just park next to the road, but I’m not sure if it’s allowed. We didn’t want to park next to the road and waited for around 20 minutes before we could enter the parking (so not too bad, considering this is the busiest area in the park).

TIP: These organized tours also visit Grand Prismatic (and other main landmarks of Yellowstone). Coming with a tour, you can visit all these places much faster because you don’t have to waste time finding a parking spot. The driver will take care of the car/minibus while you’re enjoying the scenery.

Accessibility: Midway Geyser Basin is wheelchair-accessible – it’s all boardwalks, from where you can see the Grand Prismatic Spring up close. These boardwalks will also take you past the other main features of Midway Geyser Basin including Excelsior Geyser, Opal Pool, and Turquoise Pool. 

Interesting to know.  Note that this area has no shade and it’s also very windy. In summer you may want to take sun protection, just please hold on to your hats. We saw so many sun hats in the hot spring, which is really sad because most of them can never be retrieved and therefore pollute this unique geothermal area.

TIP:  The best way to truly appreciate the size and the uniqueness of the Grand Prismatic Spring is to see it from above. Please note that drones are forbidden in Yellowstone (more info here ). For the best aerial view, you can visit the recently opened Grand Prismatic Viewing Platform  which is accessible via the Fairy Falls trail that opens in late May. The view from here is unparalleled.

It’s really worth making an extra effort to see the Grand Prismatic from above! This is one of those places that you just have to see when in Yellowstone! 

The hike up to the overlook isn’t very long or hard (1.2 miles (1.9 km) round trip) and the entire hike takes about 45-60 minutes (round trip). The last section is a little steep and uneven, so you probably want to wear hiking shoes and definitely take some water with you.

MORE INFO : Complete Guide to Visiting the Grand Prismatic Spring

2. Old Faithful Geyser

One of Yellowstone’s most remarkable landmarks – Old Faithful Geyser – is another absolute must in the park. Most famous and the most predictable out of nearly 500 Yellowstone geysers, Old Faithful was the first one to receive a name. It was named during the 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition, which also led to the establishment of the Yellowstone National Park in 1872.

The Old Faithful geyser is still as faithful today as it was 150 years ago. It erupts in more or less regular intervals of around 90 minutes and is, therefore, one of the geysers that are easy to see in action.

Every time we were waiting for the OF, it erupted 10-15 minutes later than expected, so you need to be patient. The good news is that the eruption usually takes long enough to admire the geyser and take plenty of photos.

Together with the Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful is one of the most popular attractions of Yellowstone. No matter what time you come, it will always be busy. On the other hand, the Upper Geyser Basin area is very big, so there is plenty of parking available and the crowds spread out. 

Interesting to know: If you want the best spot at the front row on one of the benches surrounding the Old Faithful, you may want to come at least 20-30 minutes before the predicted eruption time. However, it’s not really necessary – you can see the geyser quite well from a distance as well.

Practical information:  If you are lucky to see the OF erupt just as you arrive, you can visit in just half an hour. However, I suggest that you plan at least 2-3 hours for a visit to this area (see the Upper Geyser Basin section below for more information). The Old Faithful area is huge and has all the facilities that you may need: a visitor center, bathrooms, a petrol station, but also shops and restaurants.

TIP: Check the predicted eruption time for Old Faithful immediately when you arrive. If it’s a long wait, explore the Upper Geyser Basin first. Otherwise, explore it after you see Old Faithful in action. In any case, don’t miss it.

MORE INFO : Complete Guide to Visiting the Old Faithful

3. Upper Geyser Basin & Morning Glory Pool

Upper Geyser Basin , home to the above-mentioned Old Faithful geyser, contains around 25% of the world’s geysers. This is a beautiful area with lots of walking paths passing many geysers and thermal features.

Make sure you take some time to explore the Upper Geyser Basin beyond the Old Faithful!

While there are always lots of people at the OF, the rest of this area is so much quieter. Un-understandable, as the Upper Geyser Basin is definitely one of the best places to see in Yellowstone!

There are too many features in this area to even mention them all; at the same time, some geysers might not be noteworthy when they are dormant.

I suggest you just take a walk through the Upper Geyser Basin all the way to the Morning Glory Pool. We were lucky to be there at the time when several geysers were predicted to go and saw a few of them in action. 

Our favorite spots of the Upper Geyser Basin were the Castle Geyser , Daisy Geyser , Grotto Geyser , and of course the colorful Morning Glory Pool . 

The best thing? We had all these places practically to ourselves. And this was in July, which is the peak season in Yellowstone. So take all those stories about how crowded Yellowstone is with a grain of salt. 20 minutes walk from the Old Faithful and there is hardly anyone around. Walk for 30-40 minutes and you are completely alone…

Interesting to know:  Please respect nature, park rules, and don’t throw any kind of objects into the geothermal features of Yellowstone. The Morning Glory Pool is sometimes referred to as ‘The Fading Glory’, because it’s losing its beautiful colors because of all kinds of objects people have been throwing in it for years. 

Back in the ’50s, the water level was lowered by siphoning, which induced the pool to erupt. Park officials removed 112 different objects from Morning Glory, including socks, bath towels, and 76 handkerchiefs, plus thousands of coins* ( *source YellowstoneNP ). 

Practical information: The entire Upper Geyser Basin Loop is about 4.5 miles (7.2 km). It is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. You don’t have to walk the entire trail and can just do parts of it. The furthest point – Morning Glory Pool – is just 1.5 miles from the Old Faithful.

TIP: At the Old Faithful Visitor Centre you can find predicted eruption times for all the (predictable) geysers of the Upper Geyser Basin. Check it out before you set on the walk – you might be lucky to catch a couple of geysers in action! 

It’s actually not as easy as it sounds, because most other geysers aren’t as easy to predict as the OF. But at least you know in which direction to look if a particular geyser is expected to go soon. Also, once they start going, some of them last several hours. That gives you enough time to get somewhat closer to the erupting geyser.

MORE INFO: Upper Geyser Basin (with Printable Map & Tips)

4. Lamar Valley

One of the absolute best things to do in Yellowstone is to watch wildlife.  Lamar Valley  is one of the best places to see bison and other wildlife in Yellowstone. Yet it is overlooked by most tourists due to its remote location. However, if you make an effort to drive there, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular landscapes and – indeed – lots of wildlife.

Lamar Valley is loved by wild bison and it’s very likely you’ll see hundreds if not thousands of them roaming freely around the huge plains of Lamar Valley, sometimes called the Serengeti of North America. Some parts of it indeed reminded us of African landscapes…

If you are lucky, you might also spot some elk, deer, bears, coyotes, and maybe even wolves.

TIP:  If you have enough time, drive all the way through the Lamar Valley and to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. As you drive further, the African-looking savanna gives way to the stunning mountain landscape. Spectacular scenery!

Practical information: Lamar Valley is located about 70 miles (100km) from the Old Faithful area. It will take you at least 2 hours just to get there (bison jams and other stops not included), so you really need to count at least half a day. We visited Lamar Valley in combination with Tower-Roosevelt and Mammoth Hot Springs area and it took us the whole day.

TIP: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for best chance to see wildlife. Don’t come here if you are short on time or in a hurry – it’s really much too far for it and delays due to wildlife on the roads are very common.

Good to know: Lamar Valley can also be visited on organized multi-day trips . The advantage is that you don’t have to drive so can devote all your attention to wildlife viewing. This 2-day trip and this 4-day trip are very popular on GetYourGuide and both visit Lamar Valley. Both tours also visit Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Canyon, so you are sure to see all the main landmarks of Yellowstone making the best use of your time.

5. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Rated as the number one place to see in Yellowstone on Trip Advisor, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is definitely a must-see in America’s oldest National Park. The reason I only put it as number 5 of things to see in Yellowstone is because I find that the other places listed above are  even more special. 

Nevertheless, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is one of the main landmarks of Yellowstone , one that you really shouldn’t miss. In fact, it’s one of the best places of Yellowstone that I think should be included in any Yellowstone itinerary. So even if you have just one day in Yellowstone, you should make an effort to see the canyon.

Yellowstone Canyon is over 24 miles (39 km) long, up to 4,000-feet (1,2 km) wide, and some parts are 1,200-feet (365 m) deep. There are many lookouts and walking trails along both rims of the canyon.

Depending on what you want to see and how much time you have, you can spend just one hour or the whole day here. As you can imagine, most tourists only visit the main viewpoints. So – once again – it’s really easy to escape the crowds if you are willing to walk.

The main place that everyone comes to see at the Yellowstone Canyon is the Artist Point . It’s a lookout along the South Rim offering an exceptional view over the canyon and its most famous feature, the Lower Falls . Other main points of interest easily reachable by car include Inspiration Point, the Brink of the Upper Falls, and also the Lower Falls.

One of our favorite things to do in Yellowstone was to hike the Uncle Tom’s Trail . It’s a steep stairway descent into the canyon. More than 300 steps bring you very close to the Lower Falls.

This is a spectacular trail and great for families with active kids who like climbing stairs. However, while it’s a short hike, please note that it’s really steep and requires a serious climb. So it’s not suitable for people who have problems with their knees or a weaker heart. 

Interesting to know: There are many hiking trails along the canyon. You can hike along both sides of the canyon – the North Rim and the South Rim – for magnificent views that are inaccessible otherwise. One of the nicest stretches is the 2,7 mile (4,3 km) Point Sublime trail. Make sure to check the  official NPS website for information on which trails and viewpoints are open at the time of your visit (there have been lots of construction works in the area in recent years).

TIP:   Yellowstone Canyon is another extremely popular attraction in Yellowstone. So you can expect big crowds and tour buses at all the main viewpoints. I suggest going there early in the morning and starting with the most popular lookouts first.

We started our visit with Uncle Tom’s Trail, followed by Artist Point. We wanted to be at the Artist Point around 9.45-10 AM, as we had read that there is a good chance to see a rainbow over the waterfall at that time in summer. And so it was! In fact, we caught rainbows at both locations. Also, it was still very quiet around 10 o’clock with hardly any people around. As we made our way to the North Rim around 11 AM, it got noticeably busier.

Practical information:  Plan at least an hour for one or two lookouts. I suggest allocating half a day for Yellowstone Canyon and exploring it a bit more. Keep in mind that every stop will take you longer if you come in the middle of the day when it’s really busy. Please consult the map at the end of this post for more information on where exactly all the lookouts are located.

Hiking tip: If you want to see some of the best views of Yellowstone Canyon, there’s a very nice guided hiking tour that takes you to some of the best places. It’s also nice to go off the beaten path with a group and a local guide since this is bear territory.

MORE INFO: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

6. Hayden Valley

Probably the most popular place to see wildlife in Yellowstone, Hayden Valley attracts lots of tourists. It can get really busy here. And if bison decide to hang around on the only road that leads through the valley, chances are big that you’ll get stuck in the bison-jam for a very long time.

It seems that bison really love showing tourists who is in charge of the place. So every time you need to pass Hayden Valley, you should be prepared for bison jams that can easily delay you by an hour.

The good news is that, despite all the traffic, bison usually still outnumber the number of people and that most of them stay next to the roads and not on them.

Hayden Valley was our first encounter with the bison in Yellowstone and we just couldn’t believe our eyes. There were bison everywhere! Actually, before our trip to Yellowstone, I wasn’t even sure if we’d get to see any bison at all. Never could I have imagined that we’d see so many of them.

TIP: The same rule counts   in Hayden Valley: come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the animals are more active around that time. Also, keep a safe distance from bison and stay in the car if they are nearby. This is definitely the case if you see bears; you really should stay inside the car. Remember, these are all wild animals!

7. Mammoth Hot Springs

Another truly unique area of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs is completely different than any other place in the park. When researching the best things to do in Yellowstone for our trip, I found two completely opposite opinions of whether it’s worth visiting the Mammoth Hot Springs area. We decided to give it a try and are sure glad we did.

Our experience was very positive and we really enjoyed the visit to Mammoth Springs. I find that area is so unique and so fascinating that it would be a loss not to see it when in Yellowstone. You’ll find a big variety of thermal features here, but they are very different than the ones at the Upper or the Midway Geyser Basins. 

The main highlights of Mammoth Hot Springs are Minerva Terrace , Palette Spring , Liberty Cap , and also  Canary Spring .

Interesting to know:  Mammoth Hot Springs area consists of two parts – Mammoth Lower Terraces area at the bottom and Mammoth Upper Terraces area on the hill. The two areas are connected by boardwalks and stairs and there is also a road, Terrace Drive, that allows you to drive past it all.

Theoretically, you could just drive, make several quick stops and see it all, but in reality, it’s not feasible since the small car parking areas are congested. It’s not really necessary either, because it’s not an overly big place and it doesn’t take that long to see it all on foot.

I hiked the whole area and it took me a bit less than an hour one way. Due to the heat, my husband and kids only walked the lower trails. They then took the car up the Terrace Drive, where they picked me up. 

TIP: If you are visiting this area in summer, prepare that it can get really hot. The Mammoth Hot Springs area has no shade at all.

Practical information:  Plan about 1- 2 hours for the visit. Mammoth Springs area has all facilities including restaurants, shops, and a petrol station. It’s just a very short drive from the sightseeing area.

MORE INFO: Mammoth Hot Springs

8. Old Faithful Inn

Built in 1903-1904, Old Faithful Inn is one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone and it’s also a national historic landmark. Considered the largest log structure in the world, the interior of the OF Inn is truly impressive.

You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel in order to visit this fascinating building. Just pop inside and explore the main building.

If you are interested in the history of this unique accommodation and Yellowstone, you could even join an organized tour of the lodge. Tours are free of charge and run several times a day; you can simply reserve/join a tour upon arrival.

Interesting to know:  If you are looking for a place to eat, check the Bear Pit Lounge – it’s a bit of a hidden gem of Yellowstone that not many people seem to know about. Reasonably priced food and no waiting lines (which can be huge in the main restaurant at the OF Inn).

TIP:   Don’t miss the outside terrace with an adjacent bar and views over the Old Faithful geyser. It’s located on the 1st floor, just above the main entrance.

Practical information: If you want to stay at the OF Inn and are traveling in high season, you’ll have to book your stay 12-18 months in advance.

MORE INFO: Guide to Yellowstone Accommodations

9. Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation (7,000 ft+) lake in North America. It freezes over completely every winter and even in summer the water temperature is too low to swim in it. 

Therefore, the lake is best explored by boat: you can join a guided scenic boat tour, rent a boat, go fishing, or kayaking. Here you can book a kayak tour on Yellowstone Lake and here you can book a private fishing tour .

There are also many hiking trails that lead to the shores of the lake; we hiked to Storm Point and it was so beautiful! 

Yellowstone Lake is one of the best places you have to see in Yellowstone, but if you’re short on time, you can just make a quick stop here.

Interesting to know:  The historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel built in 1891 is the oldest lodge in Yellowstone. You don’t have to stay here in order to visit it, but if you want to stay here in high season, you’ll have to book more than a year in advance.

TIP: The hotel has a nice upscale restaurant, but if you just want lake views and good food at reasonable prices, you better check the Lake Lodge Cafeteria. 

Practical information:  It’s difficult to say how much time you need to see the Yellowstone Lake area. You can spend just an hour or half a day, but you can also stay here the whole day or even longer. If you are short on time,  take a scenic boat trip  (1 hour) and spend some time at the Lake Hotel.

Make sure to also visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin (see below). It really depends on your interests and on how much time you have in Yellowstone.

10. West Thumb Geyser Basin

One of the smallest geothermal areas of Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin , is not to be missed!

Located on the western side of Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin offers a good view of the lake and has some interesting thermal features, including some that are in the lake itself.

The West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is an easy wheelchair-accessible short walk (0,6 miles – 1,1 km) that takes about half an hour. It follows the lakeshore and passes several thermal features, including Abyss Pool, Yellowstone’s deepest hydrothermal pool. If you feel like walking just a bit more, there are two hiking trails nearby – Duck Lake and Lake Overlook.

Interesting to know:  Bison, elk, and bears are frequently seen in this area as well. But it’s unlikely to run into them during the day – for that you should come early in the morning or around sunset.

TIP: If you arrive in Yellowstone through the South Entrance, it’s likely that West Thumb Geyser Basin will be your first introduction to Yellowstone. I can’t imagine a better way to start your trip in Yellowstone – it will take your breath away! However, if you come here after you have seen the more impressive Upper and the Midway Geyser Basins, you might be a bit disappointed.

Practical  information: Count 30 minutes to an hour for the West Thumb Geyser Basin trail loop with stops at its major features.

11. Norris Geyser Basin

Of all the best things you can do in Yellowstone, I wouldn’t put Norris Geyser Basin as the first priority. However, it’s still one of the best places of Yellowstone. So if you have enough time to also cover all the other Yellowstone attractions mentioned above, don’t miss it.

Ideally, you come here before you have seen the Upper and the Midway Geyser Basins. Norris Geyser Basin isn’t as impressive as the other two, so if you see it first, you’ll appreciate it more. But if you first visit the other places, you might be somewhat disappointed.

The hottest geyser basin of Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin is comprised of two sections – Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin.

Porcelain Basin has a very barren landscape with lots of steaming vents, spouting geysers (small ones), bubbling and boiling geothermal features, and quite a few turquoise blue hot springs. You can explore the whole area on boardwalks: the main loop is about half a mile (800 m) long, the whole Porcelain Basin trail is 1,1 miles (1,7 km) long. Please note that this area has no shade and can get really warm in summer.

Back Basin  couldn’t be more different from the adjacent Porcelain Basin! It’s located in a pine forest with plenty of shade and also some amazing hydrothermal features. The star of this area is the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser . Its last major eruption dates from 1991, but you can usually see it in action spitting water up to 40ft.

The entire Back Basin trail is 1,75 miles (2,8 km) and is therefore much less visited by tourists than the Porcelain Basin which doesn’t require that much walking.

Interesting to know:  Norris Geyser Basin is one of those areas of Yellowstone that are constantly changing, so you never know what you’ll find. 

TIP: Be prepared to walk – this area is huge, but it’s really interesting! In summer, make sure you take plenty of water and sun protection.

Practical  information: Count at least 1-2 hours for a short visit. If you want to see it all, it will take you half a day. This area is also a popular stop for the tour busses and the car parking can get full really quickly, so prepare to wait or try to arrive at the less popular times.

12. Yellowstone Grand Loop Road

Grand Loop is the main road of Yellowstone National Park. Driving this scenic road is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone.

If you look at the map of Yellowstone, you’ll see that its main roads form an 8-shape that connects all the must see places of Yellowstone.

If you take the time to drive the entire scenic loop, you’ll pass all of the main Yellowstone attractions, except the Lamar Valley. 

The Grand Loop is about 142 miles long (230 km) and, depending on the traffic, takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to complete. However, I would never advise driving the whole scenic loop of Yellowstone in just a day. There is so much to see along the way!

If you visit all the best places of Yellowstone mentioned in this article, then you’ll automatically cover the entire Grand Loop Road and more. However, to do it properly, you’ll need 3-4 days.

TIP: If you are short on time and have just one day, I suggest you drive the Lower Loop and stop at the main landmarks. If you have at least two days in Yellowstone , you could attempt the entire Grand Loop with just a few stops at the major Yellowstone attractions. Please see our Yellowstone itinerary suggestions for more information. 

READ ALSO: Best Places to See on Yellowstone’s South Loop

*** Now that we covered all the main things to do in Yellowstone, I also want to mention a few other places that you should also try to see in Yellowstone. These are not the main attractions of Yellowstone National Park, but they are each well worth visiting, especially if you have more time and want to explore Yellowstone a bit deeper. Read on! ***

13. Mount Washburn

Hiking to the top of Mount Washburn is considered one of the best things to do in Yellowstone. The views from the 10,243 feet (3,1 km) top are incredible and if you are lucky you might run into some bighorn sheep or even bears (make sure you carry a bear spray if hiking in more remote areas of Yellowstone!). Visiting Mount Washburn requires a strenuous hike that takes about 2-3 hours one way, so it is definitely not for everyone.

Interesting to know:   If you are up for this hike, you should know that there are two trails leading to the top . (1) The main hiking trail starts at Dunraven Pass. It’s about 3,2 miles  (5,2 km)one way and offers better views along the entire route, but it is also more challenging. (2) The second option is the Chittenden Road Trail which follows a wide service road to the top of Mount Washburn. It’s 2,5 miles (4 km) one way and is easier to hike, but the views along this route aren’t that impressive.

TIP:  Carry lots of water and a picnic. Make sure you also have a jacket as it can get really windy and cold on top. Arrive early as car parking areas at both trailheads are not very big. Also, afternoon storms are common in summer, and you don’t want to be on top in the storm.

Practical information:  The trail is only open from June to September and even in summer can have some snow on it.

14. Tower Fall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls of Yellowstone National Park, Tower Fall is worth a short stop. While the Yellowstone National Park website says it’s one of the best places to see in Yellowstone, they forget to mention that you cannot see the waterfall in all its glory anymore.

Interesting to know:   Due to severe erosion, the path leading to the bottom of the waterfall has been closed for years. So you can no longer hike to the waterfall and can only see it from the Tower Fall overlook. Which is definitely nice to see, I won’t argue that, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here. You can still walk a part of the trail to see Tower Creek flow into the Yellowstone River, but it’s not the most impressive place of Yellowstone. Furthermore, the climb back up is quite steep, so it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it. We found this short hike somewhat disappointing.

TIP: You can best visit Tower Fall on your way to Lamar Valley or in combination with Mount Washburn, which is also in the same area. Walking to the lookout will only take a few minutes of your time.

Practical  information:  Tower Fall viewpoint is just 100 yards (100 m) from the car parking area. Count 10-15 minutes for a visit.

15. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center  is a great place to see grizzly bears and wolfs in a safe environment. Some animals come from Yellowstone and others – from as far as Alaska. All the animals who live here are unable to survive in the wild. This center gives them a second chance, while at the same time providing an educational experience to Yellowstone visitors.

At the moment of writing, there are seven bears and five wolves in the Center, as well as some birds of prey and a Karelian bear dog. You can see the animals all year round. The bears at the Centre do not hibernate.

Interesting to know:  Admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days. So if you are staying in West Yellowstone, you could certainly visit two times.

Practical information:  Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is located in West Yellowstone, just outside the West Entrance of the park. It’s open 365 days a year. Check their website for more practical info. Count 1.5-2 hours for a visit.

16. Boiling River

Important update: Due to the severe damage caused by the floods in summer 2022, Boiling River is closed. At the time of the last update, it’s not even certain if it will reopen at all.

Boiling River is a real hidden gem of Yellowstone and one of our absolute favorite places in the park. It’s a natural hot tub, created at a place where a large hot spring enters the river. The hot and the cold water mix turning this mountain river into the best natural hot tub experience ever!

Boiling River is a wonderful place to relax after a long day exploring Yellowstone’s main attractions. Don’t miss it if you are in the northern part of Yellowstone and have an hour to spare.

Interesting to know:  Boiling River trail is often closed in spring due to melting snow and mud. You should check the latest information on the official website to see if it’s open.

TIP:  At the car parking there are bathroom facilities where you can also change your clothes. 

Practical information: Count at least an hour for a visit, but you can easily spend half a day here as well.

MORE INFO: Guide to Visiting Boiling River

Best Things to Do in Yellowstone on the Map

In order to help you plan your trip, I created this map indicating all the main Yellowstone attractions mentioned in this post.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is the ultimate list of all  the main places to see in Yellowstone . In this post, I only focused on the best of Yellowstone, because I know that everyone visiting the park for the first time wants to make sure that they cover all the musts. This list does exactly that.

If you are wondering how to best plan your time, please check our suggested Yellowstone itinerary for any trip from 1 to 5 days . If you rather let someone else do the planning, please check our guide to the best Yellowstone tours .

TIP: If you want to see all the main landmarks of Yellowstone, but don’t feel like planning it all, I recommend this highly-rated 4 days/3 nights tour . It covers all the musts in Yellowstone! If you don’t have that much time, then consider this popular 2-day tour instead.

With just a day in Yellowstone, it’s best to take this 1-day tour – it covers as much as humanly possible in a day. It will save you a lot of time not having to worry about parking, etc. so you’ll be able to make the most of your time.

Hiking: If you are looking for more great things to do in Yellowstone, I suggest you go hiking. There are so many nice short trails that will bring you to less-known places in Yellowstone. I can highly recommend this  Ranger’s Guide to Yellowstone Day Hikes . It features 29 hikes of all levels of difficulty, each with a detailed map and a short description.

READ ALSO: Yellowstone – Grand Teton National Parks Trip Itinerary

Where to Stay

We have a very comprehensive guide on the best places to stay in and near Yellowstone and also the best hotels & cabins NEAR Yellowstone , so check it out for more information.

Alternatively, if you are simply looking for the best price-quality-location option, check out lodging in West Yellowstone . It’s a small town just near the West Entrance of Yellowstone NP and it has a big range of hotels and cabins for all budgets.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in West Yellowstone and beyond. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s still available for your stay. Check it out!

Are you interested in a FREE printable .pdf with Yellowstone Travel Tips?

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More information for your trip to Yellowstone:

• Overview: Plan a Perfect Yellowstone Trip
• What to know: Yellowstone Travel Tips
• When to go: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone & What It’s Really Like to Visit Yellowstone in Summer
• Where to stay:  Guide to Yellowstone Accommodation
• Short visit: Best of Yellowstone in One Day
• For families:   Yellowstone with Kids
• Must-see:   Grand Prismatic Spring & The Old Faithful
• Fun to do:   Boiling River
• Nearby:  One Day in Grand Teton & What to See In and Near Jackson, Wyoming
• What to pack:  What to Wear and What to Pack for Yellowstone in Summer

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for USA National Parks:

• Best Things to Do in Arches National Park
• Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
• Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
• Best of Grand Canyon in 1 Day
• Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• Yosemite Travel Tips
• Glacier National Park Itinerary
• Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• Olympic National Park Itinerary
• Acadia National Park Itinerary

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Makara Chan

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Thank you so much for this!! Helped with last minute planning big time.

Monday 2nd of October 2023

Glad to help. Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 17th of September 2023

Wow!! This was definitely insightful for our first and upcoming trip this coming week! We are so excited and happy to have 5 nights 6 full days to experience and explore this beautiful national forest. Thank you for all of your advice on highlights and places not to miss out on.

Glad to help, Tiffany. Have a great time in Yellowstone!

Tuesday 4th of July 2023

Hey You may want to take off the boiling river since it washout in 2022.

Thursday 6th of July 2023

@Jurga, You are amazing! Thank you for taking time and replying on time for my planning. I really appreciate your efforts. 😊

Wednesday 5th of July 2023

@Jurga, This website is so wonderful. Thank you so much for putting together such a detailed info. I need a help, after 2022 flood. Which points on the above list should i ignore? Just learned about boiling river. TIA

Hi Robert, we already have this information in our article about Boiling River to which we link from all the other articles related to it. However, it's practically impossible for us to update each and every guide on our website every time something like that changes, especially in the situations like this where the official site doesn't clearly state if they will be able to restore/reopen this area or not. All they say is that swimming is not possible there at the moment. That's why we also always encourage people to check the current conditions page on the official site for the latest updates. But yes, we're keeping an eye on the official site and if they announce that the area is definitely not going to reopen, then we'll do our best to update every article.

Friday 30th of June 2023

Just found your wonderful website. Since we are planning our third trip to Yellowstone in September 2023 I want to say thank you. Through you website I have found new places to visit and you've given me more information on places to revisit. What a fantastic website!

Glad to help, Becky, and thanks for your kind feedback. Have a great time in Yellowstone!

Wednesday 7th of June 2023

Great info! We used this to plan our trip last week and it was wonderful. Thank you so much for all the work you have put into this!

@Linda, Any info you want to pass on after your recent trip?

Thursday 8th of June 2023

Glad to hear that, Linda. Yellowstone is amazing, isn't it! Happy travels.

Yellowstone National Park   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Different_Brian | Getty Images

17 Epic Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is known as the first national park in the world and a must-visit for its many family-friendly natural wonders. Since the park sprawls across more than 3,400 square miles, it's best to plan a multiday trip since reaching

• All Things To Do

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone free

Formed over thousands of years of erosion caused by hydrothermal activity, water and other natural forces, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the primary attraction in the Canyon Village area and one of the park's most popular hiking spots. The canyon stretches for approximately 20 miles and is between 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. The canyon is anywhere from 800 to 1,200 feet deep and features multiple falls that cascade down the Yellowstone River, including the 109-foot Upper Falls and the 308-foot Lower Falls, pouring out up to 63,500 gallons of water. The Yellowstone River is more than 600 miles long, traveling from south of Yellowstone to North Dakota's Missouri River. This makes it the longest undammed river in the continental U.S.

Visitors can drive along the scenic North and South rims of the canyon to access various viewpoints. In addition to the lookout points, there are several hiking trails. From the top-ranked and easy Artist Point, a 0.2-mile accessible, paved trail, to the equally scenic Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, a 0.7-mile out-and-back moderate trail with a 265-foot ascent on the way out, this area is home to some of Yellowstone's best trails. For the endurance hikers, the out-and-back nearly 10-mile Seven Mile Hole Trail boasts a 2,000-foot elevation gain and is one of the trails that travels to the bottom of the canyon; it will likely take all day to complete.

Old Faithful Old Faithful free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Escape the crowds directly in front of Old Faithful and enjoy the geyser's eruption from the second-floor outdoor balcony of the Old Faithful Inn, another national treasure. Visitors will find a coffee bar just inside. – Catherine Parker

This world-renowned geyser is a must-see for every Yellowstone visitor. Although it isn't the largest active geyser in the world (that would be the Steamboat Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin), Old Faithful's eruptions are definitely awe-inspiring, reaching heights of 106 to 180 feet, and most importantly, frequent. It is one of only six geysers in the park whose eruptions are predictable (Steamboat Geyser is not one of those). As such, Old Faithful lives up to its name. Since 2019, it has erupted approximately every 90 minutes (be sure to check in with the visitor center's sign to get a more accurate prediction), with the eruption lasting from one to five minutes. During this time a whopping 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of water spew out of the geyser.

Grand Prismatic Spring Grand Prismatic Spring free

The Midway Geyser Basin 's Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone and one of the largest hot springs in the world. Measuring approximately 370 feet in size and around 121 feet deep, its rainbow waters are what really make it fascinating. While the center of the pool's cerulean hue is pretty characteristic, the deep reds and greens, bright yellows and fiery oranges encircling the edges are not. These colors are caused by thermophilic bacteria that thrive on the rich minerals produced by the water around the hot spring. The center looks blue, but actually isn't – the blue wavelengths of light are scattered so we see blue when we gaze upon the spring.

Due to the steam, some visitors might want to take a photo of the Grand Prismatic Spring from above to capture its brilliant color. Located away from the main boardwalk, the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back path that offers a great view of the spring. This area opens in late May due to bear activity and offers a small parking lot, about a mile south of Midway Geyser Basin.

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Hayden Valley Hayden Valley free

U.S. News Insider Tip : For those travelers interested in seeing the big mammals (bear, elk, moose, bison), ask a park ranger for the latest sightings. The best viewing time is dawn and dusk, when wildlife is most active. – Catherine Parker

One of the best places to catch a glimpse of Yellowstone's fascinating wildlife is Hayden Valley. This grassland valley north of  Yellowstone Lake  is a highly visited gathering place for bison, elk, coyotes and grizzly bears. In fact, Hayden Valley is home to the largest rut of free roaming bison in the world. While travelers can get a good view of the valley from the Grand Loop Road, Fishing Bridge-Canyon and the various lookout points along the road, some consider going the extra mile and venturing out of their vehicles to adsorb the beauty of the valley.

Mammoth Hot Springs Mammoth Hot Springs free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visitors need to use caution, especially with kids, when walking along boardwalks in geothermal areas of Yellowstone. The water looks cool, but it can be boiling and cause serious burns. – Catherine Parker

Sitting just south of the park's north entrance in Gardiner, Montana, Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the park's more unique attractions. One of its most striking geological features is its limestone terraces. Each terrace was formed over centuries of mineral-rich hot water bubbling up from the ground, cooling and depositing calcium carbonate. An early visitor described the travertine formations as "a frozen waterfall." Meanwhile, the National Park Service describes the sight as "a cave turned inside out." To view the formations, visitors can walk along the Mammoth Hot Springs' maze of platforms that pass several of the terraces. The wooden boardwalks feature lots of stairs as they climb each travertine formation, and as such, this route is not wheelchair accessible, except for the top of Canary Springs and Palette Springs.

Lamar Valley Lamar Valley free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Families exploring near Lamar Valley may want to consider the Old West Dinner Cookout. It starts with a horseback or wagon ride from the Roosevelt Corrals and ends with dinner and songs around the campfire. – Catherine Parker

Located in the quiet northeast corner of Yellowstone, Lamar Valley is a wildlife haven along the Lamar River. In fact, this valley is often referred to as "America's Serengeti" because of its abundance of animals. Bison are most commonly spotted here, though visitors may also catch a glimpse of grizzly bears, badgers, bald eagles and wolf packs, which were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995. Though closed to a road wash-out in 2022, Lamar Valley is now accessible via the Northeast Entrance Road and Beartooth Pass from Red Lodge, Montana. There are plenty of lookout points along the way. For hikers who would like a closer look, consider hiking the out-and-back 7.1-mile Lamar Valley Trail.

Upper Geyser Basin Upper Geyser Basin

U.S. News Insider Tip: Consider renting a bike to explore this area. You can rent bikes for an hour or the whole day at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Keep in mind, biking isn't permitted on the boardwalks near the geysers. – Catherine Parker

More than its star attraction ( Old Faithful ), the Upper Geyser Basin boasts not only the largest concentration of geysers in the park, but also in the entire world (Yellowstone is home to 60% of the world's geysers). So, after seeing Old Faithful erupt, be sure to hike around to discover the more than 150 hydrothermal features throughout this area.

Yellowstone Lake Yellowstone Lake free

Sitting in the heart of Yellowstone's West Thumb area is Yellowstone Lake, the park's largest body of water and the largest high-elevation lake above 7,000 feet in North America. The lake is 20 miles long, 14 miles wide and features 141 miles of shoreline. With water temperatures averaging 41 degrees Fahrenheit, swimming is discouraged, with survival times in the water between 20 and 30 minutes. Visitors can admire the scenery via hiking trails, on a boat or with a fishing pole in hand. But remember: The lake freezes over by early December and can stay that way until early June.

There are several hikes you can take to admire the splendor of Yellowstone Lake. Easier trails include the 0.8-mile Pelican Creek Nature Trail loop and the 2.5-mile Storm Point Trail loop – both have an elevation gain of less than 100 feet. For hikers on the hunt for more of a challenge, consider the 3.6-mile Elephant Back Mountain Trail loop, which features a nearly 800-foot elevation gain, or the more strenuous 4.5-mile Avalanche Peak Trail, which offers a nearly 2,100-foot elevation gain. From both summits, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the lake. 

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Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features

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Norris Geyser Basin Norris Geyser Basin free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Some visitors, especially kids, might have respiratory discomfort at Norris Geyser Basin, as the sulfur smell can be strong. –  Catherine Parker

Old Faithful may be Yellowstone's most well-known geyser, but the Norris Geyser Basin is home to the park's oldest (thermal features are said to have been present here for more than 115,000 years) and hottest (459 degrees Fahrenheit just 1,087 feet below the surface). From the historic North Geyer Basin Museum visitors get their first glimpse of the geothermal power. Along its boardwalks, visitors can see rare acid geysers like Echinus Geyser, as well as the tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser, which shoots water 300 to 400 feet up in the air. The reason this geyser basin is so hot is due to three intersecting fault lines that lie below the area's surface.

Mystic Falls Trail Mystic Falls Trail

Of the more than 900 miles of trails available in Yellowstone National Park, Mystic Falls Trail is one of its most popular. The reason for this has to do with its scenery as well as the length. The trail can be hiked as a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail or can be combined into a 3.5-mile loop with the Fairy Creek Trail that leads to a pretty spectacular overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin . This combo includes a 600-foot elevation gain with switchbacks. Along the Mystic Falls Trail hikers pass by a mixed conifer forest and Little Firehole Creek to reach the 70-foot-tall Mystic Falls as it cascades down a rocky landscape from the Madison Plateau.

Recent visitors thoroughly enjoyed this trail and found the falls in particular to be super beautiful. Some recommended hiking the extra 1.5 miles to the Upper Geyser Basin overlook, but did warn that this part of the trail is more strenuous, noting the steep elevation gain. Other travelers strongly recommended bringing necessary supplies, such as ample water, sunscreen, bug spray and bear spray (available for rent and purchase in the park and at the airport).

Midway Geyser Basin Midway Geyser Basin free

Home to Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring , the Midway Geyser Basin leaves visitors in awe of its rainbow-colored pools and powerful geyser. In addition to the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Midway Geyser Basin features the Excelsior Geyser, a crater that dumps about 4,000 gallons of water a minute into the nearby Firehole River. The best way to experience the area is via the Midway Geyser Basin hike, a 0.7-mile loop trail with a 55-foot elevation gain that passes both features, along with Opal Pool and Turquoise Pool after it passes over the Firehole River.

Recent viewers agreed this area was a sight to behold, especially for the Technicolor pools. Travelers offered several tips for future visitors: Take the trail to the overlook if time allows for the best shot at a picture of the entire Grand Prismatic. Others suggested checking in with a park ranger for the best time for photos since stream and fog fluctuate in this basin. Others mentioned arriving early (before 9 a.m.) for the best chance at finding parking at this popular Yellowstone spot.

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

Those who want to learn about Yellowstone wildlife in a more controlled environment should take a break from the park and head to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This nonprofit (that's also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums) houses bears, wolves and raptors that could not survive on their own in the wild. In the indoor/outdoor facility, visitors will find river otters, along with birds of prey, including bald eagles, a peregrine falcon and several species of hawks and owls. In addition to animals, the center also features informative exhibits on its animal residents, as well as select educational programs that are offered for kids daily.

Although some previous visitors felt the center was a bit small, most said its habitats housing live bears and wolves along with its large viewing areas were great. To avoid feeling crammed in the tight space, a few travelers recommend visiting during the park's offseason. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center was especially appreciated by families.

Steamboat Geyser Steamboat Geyser free

Known as the world's tallest active geyser, Steamboat is located away from Old Faithful in the Norris Geyser Basin . Known to shoot water more than 300 feet into the air, this geyser puts on quite a show that can last anywhere from three to 40 minutes. Unfortunately, park scientists can't predict the next eruption. In fact, years have passed without a single eruption. Since 2018, the eruptions have been more frequent, with about a dozen each year. To walk by the Steamboat Geyser, visitors need to take the 1.5-mile Back Basin trail and boardwalk, which is located close to Cistern Spring.

Due in part to the geyser's unpredictable schedule, it received inconsistent reviews. Visitors who happened to be in the right place at the right time described Steamboat Geyser as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially if they witnessed a major eruption. Others who missed the show said it was still an interesting site, but warned of lots of dead vegetation due to the inhospitable zone around the geyser. Still, many visitors said the area was busy regardless of the geyser's activity.

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Mount Washburn Mount Washburn free

It might not be the highest point in Yellowstone (that's Eagle Peak at 11,350 feet), but Mount Washburn is a popular trail for those seeking a spectacular view. Mount Washburn stands 10,243 feet above sea level, and the trail to the top is wide and well-maintained, adding to its popularity. During the summer, it's lined with wildflowers and occasionally big horn sheep. From the top of its summit, visibility is a whopping 20 to 50 miles on clear days. These panoramic views include the forests below, distant snow-capped peaks, the sloping canyon walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake .

There are two trails that will take you to the summit of Mount Washburn, both are strenuous, featuring elevation gains of approximately 1,400 feet and take most hikers anywhere from three to six hours. The Dunraven Pass Trail is a 6.8-mile out-and-back trail with a nearly 1,400-foot elevation gain. Its trailhead is located along the Grand Loop Road. The shorter Chittenden Road trail is a 5.6-mile out-and-back trail with a nearly 1,500-foot elevation gain that starts at the Chittenden Road parking lot (vault toilet located nearby), located off the Grand Loop Road. Whichever trail you decide to take, know the National Park Service advises hikers to know their limits, especially those with heart or respiratory issues. Early season hikers are encouraged to check in with nearby park rangers regarding the conditions close to the peak as traction devices might be necessary.

Trout Lake Trail Trout Lake Trail free

For those in the Lamar Valley looking for scenic lake loop to hike, consider the Trout Lake Trail. Far from the geothermal area of the park, Trout Lake offers an incredibly serene setting. Hikers will walk through a forest to reach Trout Lake, which is surrounded by verdant scenery, including an abundance of Douglas fir trees, as well as hills with exposed cliff faces. The trail is a 1.2-mile loop with a 200-foot elevation gain and well-maintained, making it a great option for families or those with limited mobility.

Recent visitors to Trout Lake Trail loved this hike, with many noting that the landscape was exceptional. Travelers were also pleased to spot a variety of wildlife, from river otters to moose to bison. Others were happy to report that they saw very few other visitors on the trail, which was a nice reprieve from more highly trafficked places in the park. Several noted the beginning of the hike has a steep ascent, and may not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Lone Star Geyser Trail Lone Star Geyser Trail free

If you want to view Yellowstone's geysers sans crowds, then trek to the Lone Star Geyser. Lone Star Geyser lives up to its name because unlike many other geothermal areas in the park, which are clustered together, this one is all by itself. To get to the geyser, you'll have to take an approximately 5-mile out-and-back dirt trail that's bike friendly. What makes this geyser a top attraction is that it erupts regularly, every three hours to be exact. And it's no small eruption: Come showtime, this geyser shoots water up to 45 feet into the air and the eruption lasts up to 30 minutes. In addition to the standout geyser, this trail is surrounded by Yellowstone's woodland landscapes. Travelers will see beautiful trees and marshland, and the Firehole River follows the trail as well.

Recent visitors to the Lone Star Geyser Trail thoroughly enjoyed their experience. The ones who were lucky enough to be there when the geyser erupted said the display was spectacular, with some calling the overall experience better than Old Faithful . Others complimented the trail, noting that the pathway is flat, easy to traverse and overall beautiful. Several of the reviewers said it was best to bike to the trail rather than hike.

Firehole Canyon Drive Firehole Canyon Drive

Firehole Canyon Drive stands out since it takes visitors past a waterfall and to a Yellowstone swimming hole for safe and comfortable swimming during the summer (most stream and lake water within the park is too frigid). Close to Madison Junction on the west side of the park, Firehole Canyon Drive is situated off of Grand Loop Road. The seasonal 2-mile, one-way drive snakes along a particularly scenic stretch of the Firehole River. Unlike other places in the park, the river here runs through a beautiful gorge dotted with stately trees throughout, creating plenty of fantastic photo-ops.

While here, be sure to check out the roaring 40-foot-tall Firehole Falls waterfall that tumbles through lava rock, a short walk from the small parking area. The Firehole Swimming Area opens mid-summer when the water is the calmest and warmest. The swimming area has a small rocky beach that leads into the water.

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A beginner's guide to visiting Yellowstone National Park: Everything you should see and do

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

I recently returned from an incredible trip to Yellowstone , our nation's first national park. It was very strange to be there in the days of COVID-19, but it was also one of my best visits yet, as it wasn't as crowded as it's been in the past. It was also my first time actually staying inside the park, which was quite a treat.

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Of course, you could easily spend weeks exploring the sprawling 2.2 million acre park and still not see it all. But even a day trip here or long weekend getaway is well worth your time. Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

What to see and do in Yellowstone

Let me start with the highlight: the wildlife.

Among the many rare species you might encounter are grizzly and brown bears, wolves, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, elk, deer, buffalo, moose and every matter of birds. You can easily pull off the road and see any or all of these animals at once. Buffalo, in particular, are known to cause traffic jams as they use the same roads you do to commute.

Travelers will also discover a ton of adventure in this park. You can camp, hike in the backcountry, boat, fish, cycle and, in the winter, you can even try cross-country skiing.

Both biking and hiking are great ways to experience the natural wonder of this incredible park, and there are plenty of mountain biking and off-roading opportunities. Campsites are available from just $5 a night, and there are approximately 900 miles of trails to explore in the park — just be hyper-aware of your surroundings, as you'll be sharing the territory with some fearsome predators. When I was there last, I saw both bears and wolves.

There are so many amazing hikes here that aren't too difficult and are within walking distance of accessible parking areas. My favorite was probably the hike to Mystic Falls from Biscuit Basin, not too far from Old Faithful. The 2.5-mile round-trip walk takes you to a dramatic waterfall. If you hike a little farther you might luck out like I did and see Old Faithful erupt on the horizon.

Old Faithful

Probably the most famous of all Yellowstone's attractions, Old Faithful is a massive geyser that erupts reliably every 60 to 110 minutes. It's a cone geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin and easily accessible by road, and park rangers can tell you when the next eruption is during the day. There are benches from which you can watch the spectacle. It erupts about 20 times per day, and the plume of water and steam can be as high as 180 feet!

You can usually stay at a lodge near Old Faithful, but for the 2020 season, only cabins are available.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

This river valley formed by the Yellowstone River is probably my favorite part of Yellowstone. I've been here now in several different seasons and it's always changing, always distinctly different and always awe-inspiring.

There are several viewpoints, and it's one of the most dramatic areas in the country. I'm especially fond of Artist Point. As you can imagine, they call it that for a reason.

You can also check out the Canyon's Lower or Upper Falls viewing areas. I highly recommend doing the Brink of the Lower Falls observation point where you can really get a sense of the river's immense power. If you're driving, be prepared to pull over constantly to get a new perspective.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs was one of the first parts of the park that saw policing back in the 1800s when poaching was a problem. The U.S. Army had a base there (it still houses park employees) and it's home to historic Fort Yellowstone.

Travelers will also find the Mammoth Hot Springs lodges and cabins, places to eat and even a gas station.

But the best features are the dramatic hot springs laced with boardwalks for closer observations. You can get a good look at the many steaming hydrothermal pools and the travertine terraces. You can walk (or drive) to the Upper Terraces. There's also a hiking trail circling the pools and falls, but bring your bear spray. In a 24-hour span, I saw a grizzly bear and her cubs, and the next morning I saw another grizzly near the road.

There are also herds of elk that call the area home. You're pretty much guaranteed to see elk during a trip here.

Biscuit Basin and Mystic Falls

Not far from Old Faithful you'll find Biscuit Basin, which is home to gorgeous hot springs and small geysers with fairly regular eruptions.

The mix of colors and textures in the rocks is striking. You can follow a wooden walkway and it will eventually lead to an easy hike to Mystic Falls and a spectacular waterfall in a river valley.

Related: State-by-state guide to reopening America

There are also plenty of fun family-friendly activities just outside the park in cities such as Gardiner and West Yellowstone, Montana. Consider, for example, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. You and the kids can see live bears and wolves who can't return to the wild and learn a ton about the fearsome animals from a safe distance.

Whether you're exploring the park by foot or car, don't forget to grab an $80 annual national park pass . Yellowstone National Park normally charges a $35 entrance fee per vehicle, so if you have any other national park trips on the horizon, you can easily get your money's worth.

The best times to visit Yellowstone

The peak time is definitely summer when everything is open. It can get hot, but it's generally not humid. You should pack shorts for the daytime, and be sure to bring sweaters, a sweatshirt or a coat. Yellowstone is in the mountains and it gets cold at night even in the summertime.

You can travel here all year long, including during the winter , which would be a magical (albeit cold) time to visit Yellowstone. Warren Smith, a chiropractor at HealthSource in Butte, Montana, told me he has cross-country skied into the park from West Yellowstone, and outfitters will take even take you snowmobiling.

My personal favorite time to visit is in the early fall when the crowds are thinner, and the colors begin to change. Temperatures are more moderate and it's not quite so hot. You get more of the park to yourself and wildlife is more likely to be around. Keep in mind, though, there can be freak snowstorms even in September — so pack for anything.

Read our complete guide on the best times to visit Yellowstone .

Where to stay in Yellowstone

There are plenty of places for you to stay in and around Yellowstone. Both vacation rental properties and hotels are plentiful at all five entrances to Yellowstone (there are three in Montana and two in Wyoming).

Related: How to visit the national parks for less

Points hotels near Yellowstone

Search Cook City, Gardiner, Red Lodge or West Yellowstone in Montana for hotels or rental properties near the trio of Montana entrances. There are also plenty of places to bed down at the two Wyoming entrances. You can search Cody, Wyoming and areas in Idaho.

If you're looking for places to spend points, however, there are far fewer options unless you're willing to stay a few hours outside the park in places like Bozeman, Montana or Idaho Falls, Idaho.

There's a nice Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in July started at $281 a night. That's steep, but if you book early you can certainly find better rates. A long weekend in September will set you back $252 a night, or you can use 45,000 IHG Rewards Points per night.

I booked a room here in July and, despite the last-minute reservation, managed to secure a decent rate. Just watch out for added taxes and fees (unlike the rest of Montana, there are taxes in West Yellowstone). The final price ended up being almost $300 a night. Ouch.

There are also two Choice hotel properties travelers may want to consider: An Ascend Hotel for $212 a night and a Comfort Inn starting at $186 a night in West Yellowstone. Choice also has select properties in Livingstone, Montana, but that's an hour away from the park.

Travelers can also consider the Days Inn by Wyndham West Yellowstone (from 15,000 Wyndham points per night). And if you have Best Western Rewards points, you could try the Best Western Desert Inn or the Best Western Weston Inn , both from 28,000 points per night.

If you're looking for a major chain hotel, you'll need to head to Bozeman, Montana for a Hilton or a Marriott property. Rates are generally better, but it's a good 2-hour drive to Yellowstone. Prices are also high during the peak summer season — yes, even in 2020 — and can easily run at least $250 per night.

When it welcomes its first guests on Aug. 18, the 122-room Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman will be one of the area's most exciting new properties. The art deco building dating back to 1941 and features a whiskey bar, a rooftop pool and a concert hall. It's about an hour from Big Sky and two hours to the north entrance to Yellowstone .

In Big Sky, the relatively new Wilson Hotel, a Residence Inn by Marriott, is one of the first from a major brand in the area.

Related: How to use points to stay near national parks

Staying inside Yellowstone's borders

Within the park, travelers will discover several rustic lodges. Xanterra is the concessioner for all accommodations inside Yellowstone National Park (as well as Glacier and others, too). Many of the large lodges have existed for more than a century, so keep that in mind and manage your expectations accordingly.

Related: I went to Glacier and Yellowstone during COVID-19 and it was weird

Hotels sell out quickly during the high season. Even this summer, with the coronavirus crippling travel, there isn't much availability. In fact, only cabins are available in the park right now. Lodges are closed and are likely to remain shut down for the remainder of 2020. That makes inventory even scarcer than it usually is this time of year.

I was able to find some dates with availability, but prices are high. At Mammoth Falls Lodge cabins, rates were $277 a night for dates in July and August.

Back in June, I stayed in the cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge. They are charming but basic. The beds are small, and there's no air conditioning. Still, it was really fun staying inside the park and having easy access to hiking trails and the beautiful Mammoth Springs.

The cabins at Old Faithful Lodge are cuter and just steps from the famous Old Faithful geyser. They're tiny, sure, but the perfect base for exploring the nearby geysers, mountains and hot springs when I stayed there in June. Rates in August start at $174 a night.

If you're thinking about staying inside the park this summer, you want to act fast.

Betsy O'Rourke, chief marketing officer at Xanterra, told TPG earlier this year, "We open the inventory 13 months out and we sell out in a few hours. However, about 30% of that inventory cancels and gets rebooked."

Her advice? Check back frequently. "Our cancellation policy is 48 hours out, so we do get cancellations even close in."

You can find better deals if you're willing to stay at a vacation rental instead. Airbnb has plenty of properties, especially for travelers who want something unconventional like a traditional log cabin, glamping-style tent or a treehouse.

Even last minute, there's availability on Airbnb outside the park. I recommend searching for West Yellowstone or Gardiner. I found plenty of options near Montana's Western entrance to the park starting at $157 a night.

Luxury accommodations near Yellowstone

It can also make a lot of sense to use your credit card points to help offset the cost of an upscale stay near the park. Consider redeeming a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book a stay at an independent property. You could also "erase" a qualifying travel charge by using a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

The Under Canvas "glamping" lodge is just 10 minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance. I found availability in August for $264 a night. With taxes and fees, a four-night stay would be just over $1,200.

If you really want to splurge, try the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana — it's about 4.5 hours from the park, and rates start around $1,600 a night. Paws Up resort in Greenough, Montana is also a 4.5-hour drive, and rooms will set you back about $1,700 a night. And the first five-star, ultra-luxury hotel in the entire state, a Montage in Big Sky, will debut in 2021.

Camping in Yellowstone

Of course, you can always camp inside Yellowstone. Yellowstone has 12 proper campgrounds with over 2,000 individual spots. You can head over to Yellowstone National Park lodges to make reservations, which cost $27 a night, on average.

Other campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis. They fill up quickly in the summer, and in 2020 not all campgrounds are available because of the pandemic, so your mileage may vary. A search in July found just four of the 12 campgrounds open and accepting reservations. In fact, most were full by 7 a.m.

If you have an RV or camping equipment, you can stay outside the park in the surrounding national forests for very little — or nothing at all. It's called dispersed camping, and travelers comfortable with a more primitive stay should consider the surrounding Custer Gallatin or Bridger Teton National Forests.

How to get to Yellowstone

Flying to yellowstone.

You can fly to a number of cities that put Yellowstone within reach. The easiest and closest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana, which bills itself as the "Gateway to Yellowstone." It's the busiest airport in Montana with nonstop service to 21 U.S. cities.

Related: New routes make it easier than ever to visit these top US National Parks

American Airlines has been betting big on Montana and added four seasonal flights last year for this summer. American was set to fly to Bozeman from Los Angeles (LAX), New York-LaGuardia (LGA) and Philadelphia (PHL) and to Kalispell (FCA) from LGA. None of those flights are happening, but we're hoping they return next year.

American normally flies from Newark (EWR), Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) nonstop to Bozeman. I found tickets in September for between $377 and $425 in the main cabin. Award prices started at 25,000 AAdvantage miles in coach or 50,000 miles for first class, plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.

United flies to Bozeman from six of its hubs, and Delta Air Lines also flies from six hubs, including Salt Lake City (SLC). At this time, Delta is only flying from Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC). Alaska Airlines has flights from Portland, Oregon (PDX) and Seattle (SEA), and Allegiant flies from four cities including Nashville, Tennessee (BNA). Frontier flies from Denver (DEN), and Sun Country now flies from its Minneapolis hub. JetBlue normally flies from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) but this summer, they're not flying from New York.

Give yourself two hours for the drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone depending on traffic, weather and which park entrance you're using. There are a variety of operators that offer guided tours of Yellowstone. Karst Stage is one touring company that operates charter buses and day trips from Bozeman to the park.

You can also fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming. The airport is only 45 miles south of the park. It also gives you easy access to Grand Teton National Park. American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all fly to Jackson Hole airport, and Frontier offers seasonal service.

Delta has flights from Salt Lake City for about $300 in the main cabin in August or 23,000 SkyMiles plus $11.20.

You could also fly to Idaho Falls, Idaho and its Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). It's just under 100 miles from Yellowstone. Allegiant offers year-round, nonstop flights from Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix-Mesa (AZA), and seasonal service from Los Angeles and Oakland (OAK).

Delta offers year-round, nonstop flights from Salt Lake City and seasonal service from Minneapolis, and United has service from Denver. United's flights to IDA were about $347 round-trip in main cabin or 25,000 United miles and $11.20 in taxes and fees.

Of course, there's always Yellowstone's eponymous airport. Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located just 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park . Delta flies into this airport from Salt Lake City, and I found tickets from $175 in August.

Where to eat in Yellowstone

Montana and Wyoming aren't exactly known as foodie paradise. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, but haute cuisine isn't exactly a thing.

Personally, I recommend doing grocery runs and always keeping a picnic ready for those mountain meadows you stumble upon. Be sure to pack lots of snacks, as restaurants are typically only open in the high season and often have limited hours.

They are also few and far between, especially inside the borders of the park, and they're especially scarce in the age of coronavirus. In fact, most restaurants inside the park remain closed, and the few that are open are take-out only. Forewarned is forearmed.

Smith, the chiropractor from Butte, told me he really likes two places in West Yellowstone: the Slippery Otter Pub that serves bison and elk burgers, and The Branch Restaurant and Bar. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited in early July (probably due to COVID-19). Hopefully, it will reopen next year.

One of the most important things to know about visiting the national parks right now is that most of the bathrooms I encountered in both Yellowstone and Glacier were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. If you go, definitely have a plan for the call of nature. Folks driving motorhomes will be fine, but be sure to plot your visit and use bathrooms wherever you find them.

Getting around Yellowstone

I strongly recommend renting a car (or an RV!) for your trip to Yellowstone National Park. The park is really designed for drivers, with major roads taking you to most of the iconic attractions. Still, if you really want to explore, bring hiking boots. And don't forget to pack your bear spray. You can't fly with it, though, so buy bear spray after your flight.

If you'd rather not drive, seasoned park veterans take visitors on the famous Yellowstone Yellow Bus Tours . The vintage 1920s buses are an iconic part of the park's heritage. The long, yellow buses with rollback tops are perfect for gazing at the mountains without worrying about the notorious curves in the park's roads.

"These days, a fleet of eight vintage White Motor Co. buses ferry visitors on guided wildlife-watching tours, photo safaris, sunset tours and more," says operator Xanterra. "The distinctive antique yellow vehicles have retractable canvas roofs and panoramic windows, making them ideal for sightseeing. Plus, they're really cool to ride around in."

They also book up quickly, so you'll want to be aggressive with your planning. But, unfortunately, Yellow Bus tours are not running during the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns.

You could also bike around the park, but there's not a lot of separated bike lanes. There are, however, a few trails specially designed for mountain biking. There's a complete guide to biking in Yellowstone here , but you can also rent bikes at Old Faithful Lodge.

Bottom line

Yellowstone National Park should be very high on your travel bucket list. It's a great time to go local and explore the nation's many national parks. Yellowstone is a personal favorite, and getting to see wolves and bears here was one of the highlights of my entire year.

If you're traveling to Montana, don't limit yourself to Yellowstone National Park, though. Across the state, there's Glacier National Park and countless sites that tell the incredibly important history of Native Americans in the United States. Big Sky, not far from Yellowstone, is also surging in popularity. It's a great spot for skiing in the winter.

I highly recommend a visit here this year, especially since travelers with a U.S. passport might find they can't venture too far from home. Just be sure to pack your masks and have a firm plan for where to stay — and use the bathroom — before you go.

Additional reporting by Meghan Hunter.

All photos by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.

13 Top-Rated Things to Do in West Yellowstone, MT

Written by Brad Lane Updated Mar 24, 2023

In Southwest Montana, near the Wyoming and Idaho border, West Yellowstone is the most popular gateway town to Yellowstone National Park . The city abuts park boundaries, with the West Entrance less than a mile away. This proximity to Yellowstone's staggering 2.2 million acres is reason enough to visit.

But West Yellowstone's appeal extends well beyond its proximity to the park. Thousands of additional acres of national forest surround the community, and this Greater Yellowstone region entices adventure seekers throughout the year. Trails of all types extend from the city's edge into this incredible wide-open Montana landscape.

West Yellowstone isn't a new vacation destination in Montana. The town has hosted tourists for decades, bolstering a local economy that blossoms with local restaurants, theaters, and a giant movie screen. And whether on the sidewalks or at the local rodeo, expect to encounter plenty of smiling faces any time of year.

Plan your next Montana experience with our list of the top things to do in West Yellowstone.

1. Explore Yellowstone National Park

2. see the residents of the grizzly and wolf discovery center, 3. cross-country ski the rendezvous trail system, 4. catch the sunset at hebgen lake, 5. go fly fishing in blue ribbon waterways, 6. giddy up at the wild west yellowstone rodeo, 7. bundle up for a snowmobile adventure, 8. mountain bike the lionhead, 9. stop at the earthquake lake visitor center, 10. educate the whole family at the museum of the yellowstone, 11. satisfy an appetite in west yellowstone, 12. sing along at the playmill theatre, 13. zip on over to yellowstone zipline adventure park, map of things to do in west yellowstone, mt, west yellowstone, mt - climate chart.

West Yellowstone is the closest community to Yellowstone National Park. The West Entrance is less than a mile's drive from the heart of town. This proximity makes West Yellowstone one of the most popular basecamps to explore the park.

Yellowstone, the nation's first national park, encompasses a staggering 2.2-million acres and its own ecosystem. Visitors coming in from the West Entrance first encounter Madison Junction and Firehole Canyon. Automobile tourists can take Firehole Canyon Drive for spectacular views of lava flows and a fun place to swim (no lifeguards on duty).

South of Madison Junction, other big Yellowstone attractions like Grand Prismatic , Old Faithful , and the Upper Geyser Basin are a short drive away. To the north, steaming landscapes like Steamboat Geyser and Artists' Paintpots surround the Norris Geyser Basin . All these incredible landscapes host many of Yellowstone's best hiking trails .

Adventures in Yellowstone are endless. On top of the many places to visit, there's a wide range of things to do. Outfitters in West Yellowstone are happy to help craft a memorable adventure. Yellowstone Alpen Guides and Yellowstone Adventures both offer guided sightseeing trips based out of West Yellowstone.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, on the national park border, is a not-for-profit wildlife park. This AZA-accredited facility houses grizzly bears and wolves that are unfit to survive in the wild. The animals are housed in large outdoor habitats that the public can view. This setup provides a unique opportunity to see grizzlies and wolves in a controlled environment.

The on-site Naturalist Cabin is a great place to check out the three different wolf packs at the Discovery Center. This indoor, heated facility features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the wolf habitat. The Discovery Center also features a new river otter exhibit . These furry mammals are fun to watch as they swim through massive aquariums filled with Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is open 365 days of the year, and all admission tickets are good for two-day entry. The center puts on various shows throughout the year, including a Birds of Prey demonstration with some resident raptors. A "Keeper Kids" 30-minute program is also offered twice daily during the summer for children ages 5-12.

Official site: https://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org/

The Rendezvous Trail System is one of the most significant outdoor community assets in West Yellowstone. The trailhead is on the southern edge of city limits, within walking distance from almost anywhere in town. From its notable Trailhead Archway , over 35 kilometers of trails meander through the adjacent Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Trail passes are required to use the Rendezvous Trail System, with daily, season, and family passes available. The trail system caters to all skill levels, from old pros to first-time beginners. And at a base elevation of 6,800 feet, the trails are consistently snowy between January and March. Several local gear shops in West Yellowstone offer daily ski rentals.

The Rendezvous Trails are also home to a few significant events throughout the winter. The Yellowstone Ski Festival in November kicks off the season, while the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race provides an exciting finish in March. During the summer, the trail system is popular for hiking, running, and mountain biking.

Official site: www.skirunbikemt.com

Exceptional outdoor environments surround West Yellowstone outside of the park. And Hebgen Lake is a prime example of the immense landscapes nearby. Situated less than 20 minutes northwest, this massive reservoir on the Madison River is a hot spot for summer recreation.

The U.S. Forest Service maintains several facilities on the lakeshore, including boat ramps, campgrounds, and hiking trails. Fishing is one of the most sought-after activities, as the lake is one of the best stillwater fishing spots in the region. And even without a successful bite, Hebgen Lake is an excellent location to watch the setting sun paint the sky with evening colors.

Hebgen has been one of Montana's best lakes for a long time. It was a popular destination in 1959, when an infamous earthquake rocked the Madison River Canyon below the Hebgen Dam. The resulting debris blocked the river and quickly created the adjacent Earthquake Lake . Today, this still-standing body of water is also known as Quake Lake and offers another popular place to visit.

West Yellowstone is the epitome of fly fishing in Montana. Several blue-ribbon fisheries are within a short drive, including trout-filled waters within Yellowstone National Park. Among the many iconic waterways to come out of the park, including the Yellowstone River and Gallatin River , the Madison River passes closest to West Yellowstone.

The Madison forms at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers within Yellowstone, which are two formidable fish hatcheries on their own. The Madison exits park boundaries and winds next to city limits. The river then connects to Hegben Lake - yet another popular stillwater fishing spot nearby.

With so many options to cast a line and different conditions throughout the season, it pays to visit local fishing shops in West Yellowstone. Places like Jacklin's Fly Shop provide gear, suggestions, and guided services. Other spots like Arrick's Fly Shop and Madison River Outfitters offer similar services.

Read More: Best Places for Fly Fishing in Montana

It's not a western vacation without witnessing a rodeo. And one of the region's most famous rodeos takes place four miles west in a large outdoor arena. The Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo takes place Wednesdays through Saturdays between June and August.

Signature events at each nightly rodeo include bareback riding, bull riding, and roping contests. The rodeo is built on western traditions, and each event showcases fervent crowds and sold-out shows. A special Rodeo Ride Package , offered by Creekside Trail Rides, gives patrons the chance to arrive at the rodeo on horseback.

Official site: http://creeksidetrailrides.com/

West Yellowstone is a snowmobile mecca come winter. Alongside easy access to snowmobile-friendly routes in Yellowstone National Park, hundreds of miles of groomed trails span the national forests surrounding the town. And several outfitters and rental shops in the community ensure all abilities enjoy the winter rush.

The West Entrance of Yellowstone closes to vehicle traffic in the winter. Snowmobiles, however, are encouraged to explore at their pleasure. Riders can take an enchanting tour of Yellowstone attractions, like Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin, covered in snow. Local places like Yellowstone Vacations offer guided snowmobiling expeditions of these areas.

Visitors don't have to step a snowboot in the park to find excellent trails, however. The national forests surrounding West Yellowstone host hundreds of miles of trails accessible from the city. Some popular routes include the Two Mountain Top Trail , the Big Sky Trail , and the Madison Arm Loop .

Surrounded by thousands of national forest acres, West Yellowstone has no shortage of mountain bike trails to ride. The skier-friendly Rendezvous Trail System thaws during the summer to provide a popular network of mountain biking trails. Another popular place to ride is in the Lionhead area in the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

South of Hebgen Lake and the Madison River, the Lionhead area is known for its miles of high-altitude trails. And a combination of user access rights and dedicated maintenance has made the area a mecca for mountain biking. Nearly all routes require some climbing, but outstanding views reward the uphill efforts.

Freeheel and Wheel is one of the best bike rental shops in West Yellowstone and offers mountain bike rentals by the hour or by the day. The friendly associates at the bike shop can also point you in the direction of some solid trails. Freeheel and Wheel also has a selection of road bikes for those interested in hitting the pavement.

In the middle of the night in 1959, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake triggered a landslide into the Madison River near Hebgen Lake. The area was already a popular vacation destination, and the resulting havoc took the lives of 28 people. In an instant, the landslide also created a new natural impoundment still known today as Earthquake Lake, or Quake Lake.

The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center offers valuable insight into the 1959 event and surrounding geological landscape. The visitor center encompasses 2,400 square feet of indoor exhibits. Items on display include a working seismograph and several interpretive displays concerning the 1959 earthquake.

The building itself lends an excellent view of Earthquake Lake and the backdropping mountain landscape. However, the best views come from the short trails outside on the grounds of the visitor center. These easy hiking paths include commemorative plaques for the 28 victims of the earthquake.

To add a little context to any visit, the Museum of the Yellowstone details the cultural history of the national park and surrounding region. Also on display are the different transportation methods used over the years to travel through the park.

Other exhibits include information on the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake and 1988 fires in Yellowstone. The museum also offers guided walking tours of the adjacent Union Pacific Railroad Historic District . All these insights and more at the museum add a deeper appreciation to the already inspiring landscape.

A great add-on adventure to the museum is the neighboring Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre . This six-story-tall movie screen is one of a kind in the region. The theater's signature production is an educational movie about the park with gorgeous landscape shots. The theater also screens other documentary movies and recent Hollywood blockbusters.

Official site: https://museumoftheyellowstone.org/

West Yellowstone's local economy thrives on the thousands of tourists that visit each year. This economic driver has spurred a surplus of high-quality restaurants along the streets of the relatively small town. When visiting, be sure to indulge in some local businesses that pack a lot of flavors.

Mountain Mama's Coffeehouse and Bakery offers a caffeinated way to start the day. And just a few blocks west, Running Bear Pancake House offers a complete breakfast menu. Ernie's Bakery and Deli is also a local-favorite for convenient breakfast and lunch entrees. Dinner options are also nothing short of abundant, with places like Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon topping the list for pizza joints.

The Playmill Theatre has provided cherished family memories for over 55 years. This time-honored theater company is a few blocks from the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center and puts on approximately three productions a year. Shows span between May and September. With an emphasis on family values and fun, it's one show not to miss if traveling with children.

Alongside the theatrical performance, engaging moments between acts offer other ways to enjoy the show. Tacked onto every primary stage production are activities like sing-alongs and variety shows. For young aspiring thespians, the theater also hosts a five-day summer camp in June for students aged 14 to 18.

Official site: https://www.playmill.com/

The Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park provides high-flying family fun. This popular tourist attraction is a few blocks west of the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, near many of the area's top hotels. Within the facility, over 1,000 feet of ziplines and a raised ropes course offer all-day entertainment.

Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park is open every day throughout the summer, with more limited hours in the shoulder seasons. This outdoor attraction shutters between October and April. The facility offers special packages to combine with other Yellowstone adventures. Current zipline packages include add-on white water rafting trips or guided horseback rides.

Official site: https://www.yellowstoneparkzipline.com/

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Places to Stay In and Near Yellowstone National Park: The Best Cabins, Hotels, and Lodges

By Emily Pennington

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Yellowstone National Park  is the birthplace of “America’s best idea,” the first national park in the world, and routinely one of the most-visited in the country. The park itself sits atop a highly active supervolcano and is home to the highest concentration of geothermal features on the planet (think powerful geysers, steamy hot springs, and bubbling mudpots). It’s also a fantastic place to spot charismatic megafauna in the wild—wolves, grizzly bears, and bison all reside here.

With so many spectacular sites, it’s no wonder that in-park lodging, including camping, can fill up  six months to one year in advance . Plus, these historic sites often lack the soothing spa treatments and luxe creature comforts that many travelers look forward to after a day of hiking and geyser gazing. Luckily, there are still plenty of options if you’re looking for places to stay in Yellowstone—close to the park and full of great amenities.

Below, you’ll find a list of our all-time favorite Yellowstone National Park lodging hubs and vacation rentals, from gorgeous  glamping sites  to rustic resorts to secluded cabins.

Top places to stay in Yellowstone at a glance:

• Best for families: Paradise Lodge near Yellowstone
• Best for views: The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse
• Best for skiing: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
• Best affordable stay: Bridger View Bunkhouse
• Best for couples: Sunrise Silo

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Eagles Wings Mountain House

Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Top amenities: Mountain views, hot tub, dedicated workspace Best for: Classy family reunions

What’s not to love about the Eagles Wings Mountain House? From its indoor-outdoor fireplace to the hot tub with to-die-for mountain vista views, this is one seriously stunning property. Situated on 35 acres in Paradise Valley, you and your crew are sure to find solitude here as you enjoy the eat-in chef’s kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of Emigrant Peak from all four bedrooms. When you aren’t exploring the park (30 minutes away by car), a shaded alfresco dining area, complete with a Weber Summit Grill, is the perfect place to recount your wilderness memories.

Secluded mountain-modern chalet

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Full kitchen, phenomenal bedroom views, hot tub, porch swing Best for: Reuniting your favorite hiking buddies (the downstairs unit can be added on for more space)

Architectural details abound at this chic, mountain-view chalet that’s only an 80-minute drive from the park’s north entrance. Matte wood paneling, private terraces, heated floors, and stainless steel appliances give the place a modern vibe, while each of the two bedrooms is adorned with bright red pops and unique art that lends a more western feel. It’s the best of both worlds. After a day of geyser gazing, sit back and watch the sunset from the log-hewn swing, relax in the private hot tub, or lounge in bed and gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Indoor-to-outdoor living spaces, stainless steel appliances, views on views on views Best for: Families with older kids or couples seeking solitude

Architecture reins above all else at this gorgeous two-bedroom that’s set on 230 acres of private land.  The Cargill-Earl Guesthouse was designed to showcase dazzling nature, which is evident in its many floor-to-ceiling windows and huge sliding doors that open to miles of rolling green hills. Wake up to panoramic views of the mountainous Gallatin National Forest, then soak up the colors of the sunset while making a post-hike meal in the home’s full kitchen. Best of all, this rental is a part of  Erik’s Ranch , a local nonprofit that helps young adults with autism find meaningful work in hospitality and as guides.

Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman

Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath Top amenities: Luxe bath products, on-site concert venue, guitar loaner program Best for: Hip Montana hangs

Like so many western college towns, Bozeman is blowing up, and the Kimpton Armory Hotel is proof of that—serving up stylish digs and uber-cool amenities. From its in-house music hall to the rooftop pool with a mountain view to a Gibson guitar loaner program for guests, this hotel screams “Visit me, hip millennials.” Even the tiny touches (like Frette linens, in-room Illy coffee, and Atelier Bloem bath amenities) have been thoughtfully selected. Rooms come with a view of either the Northern Rockies or downtown Bozeman, and for a small additional fee, guests can enjoy things like an outdoor heated pool, live entertainment, and complimentary seasonal outdoor gear.

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Steph Koyfman

Alex Erdekian

Montage Big Sky Arrow

Bed & bath:  Varies by accommodation, residences available Top amenities:  Top après-ski dining, Spanish Peaks vistas, gas fireplaces, marble baths Best for: White-glove service

Sleek, modern interiors blend with alpine-inspired accents (think log cabin-style exteriors and faux fur throws) to create a year-round resort that’s both contemporary and at home in the mountains. Opened in late 2021, Montage’s Big Sky property boasts luxurious features like marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, and a full-service spa with products by Lola’s Apothecary , as well as breathtaking views of Montana’s Spanish Peaks, all just an hour from West Yellowstone. During winter, hit the slopes (the resort is ski-in/ski-out) before noshing from the roaming raclette cart at The Living Room .

Sunrise Silo

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Full kitchen, hot tub, washer and dryer Best for: Rural couple’s getaway

This chic farm stay with expansive sunrise vistas will wow you, from its free-roaming cattle to the fresh (and local) eggs and milk. Not only is this elegantly converted storage silo full of natural light, clean, rustic decor, and modern amenities, but it also serves as a functional jumping-off point for all kinds of adventures. A full kitchen makes pre-hike breakfasts a cinch, and a large outdoor patio with a hot tub is the perfect post-hike place to kick back with a glass of wine. Up to four guests can comfortably sleep in this one-bedroom thanks to the queen bed in the loft and additional sofa bed in the living room, but keep in mind the open floor plan means there won’t be full privacy.

The Virginian Lodge Arrow

Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation Top amenities: Hot tubs, on-site restaurant, firepits Best for: Sporty families or groups of friends

Newly opened in 2022, The Virginian Lodge is a welcome change to Jackson Hole’s billionaire cowboy scene, offering hip, well-priced rooms and suites with fun amenities tailored to what everyday adventurers actually want (like pet-friendly accommodations, nightly s’mores, and free, locally-roasted craft coffee). This stylishly remodeled motor lodge offers a variety of adventure basecamps, from simple king rooms to four-bunk hubs with a common area for your whole crew. Take a dip in the all-season pool and hot tubs, cuddle up under Pendleton wool blankets, enjoy a drink at the Saloon, or try your hand at a dogsledding tour.

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole Arrow

Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation Top amenities: Year-round pool, world-class spa, ski valet Best for: Ski and park adventures

Dark wood tones and Southwest-inspired textiles adorn the rooms at Hotel Terra, a 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards pick for one of the best hotels in the Southwest and West. This LEED Silver–certified lodge sits on an enviable ski-in ski-out location in Teton Village, close to both the slopes and Yellowstone. When not tearing it up in fresh powder, guests can unwind in jetted soaking tubs and grab second-to-none Italian fare (the elk osso bucco is not to be missed) at Il Villaggio Osteria . Pro tip: In winter, book a guided wildlife or snow coach tour as the park’s south entrance is closed to passenger vehicles.

Bridger View Bunkhouse

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Complimentary bikes, mountain views, in-unit washer and dryer Best for: Hip couples exploring Montana on a budget

Yes, Bozeman is a bit of a drive from Yellowstone—the trendy college town is 80 minutes to the north—but this up-and-coming hamlet is full of enough happening eateries, local craft brewers, and art galleries to make it a worthy stop on anyone’s Yellowstone adventure, and Bridger View Bunkhouse is a stellar place for some R&R while you’re at it. With decor that perfectly blends clean white lines with woodsy accents like vintage fishing nets, deer antlers, and river art, the property is as tasteful as it is budget-friendly.

Sage Lodge Arrow

Bed & bath:  Varies by accommodation Top amenities:  On-site spa, yoga classes Best for: Wellness lovers

Situated against commanding views of the Yellowstone River, Sage Lodge truly immerses guests in the nature they so excitedly seek when planning a national park vacation. Rooms here are spacious, with sleeper sofas, fireplaces, and private verandas to help you kick back and unwind after a day of bison-viewing and geyser-chasing. Plus, it’s one of the few hotels with a full-service spa near Yellowstone (just 40 minutes by car), offering tantalizing treatments like hot river rock massages and gua sha face contouring. Bringing a large group? The property’s four 2,783-square-foot  ranch houses boast modern, mountain-chic vibes and sleep up to 16.

Golden Stone Inn

Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation Top amenities: Private patios, firepits, wader hangers and rod racks Best for: Fly fishers and cabin seekers

Situated right outside the park in West Yellowstone, this newer cluster of single and triplex cabins proves that you don’t have to empty your bank account to find a stylish, mountain-modern stay. Designed with the fly fisherman in mind, each room features specially designed rod racks and wader hangers. In the morning, grab breakfast from the main lodge and head for the Madison River or zip into the park (a four-minute drive) for sunrise wildlife viewing.

Under Canvas Yellowstone

Bed & bath:  Studio, 1 bath Top amenities:  Woodburning stoves, organic bath products, complimentary s’mores Best for: The tent-curious who's still seeking creature comforts

A mere 10-minute drive from Yellowstone’s west entrance, this amenity-rich glamping resort is the perfect place to catch some Zs for those who prize location and convenience above all else. Every one of the site’s large canvas tents has a private deck with views of Montana’s rolling green hills freckled with trees, a private shower and flush toilet (or access to spa-inspired bathhouses), and a wood burning stove with complimentary firewood for warmth when the sun goes down. Upgrade to a Stargazer tent for a window into night sky viewing—right from your king-sized bed.

Paradise Lodge near Yellowstone

Bed & bath:  5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths Top amenities:  Hot tub, shady pergola space, indoor fireplace, huge living room with high ceilings Best for: Family reunions or big squads of hiking fanatics

Paradise Lodge is the platonic ideal of a Montana vacation rental, with the lofty, chandelier-lit ceilings, wood accents, and expansive mountain vistas to prove it. With room for your entire family or fly-fishing crew—the space has five roomy bedrooms, with private bathrooms in each—it’s a large, newly-constructed home that’s brimming with luxurious amenities. Flip flapjacks in the full kitchen, take a soak in the private hot tub, binge TV, or simply curl up with a good book by the fire (take your pick between the indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit).

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole Arrow

Bed & bath:  Varies by accommodation Top amenities:  Enormous bathtubs, ski-in/ski-out access Best for: Luxury travelers hitting both Grand Teton and Yellowstone

A brand famous for its refined class and reliably high-end amenities, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole never fails to impress. Choose between a view of the Snake River Valley or a balcony overlooking the ski slopes of Rendezvous Mountain and enjoy panoramic sunsets and starry night skies right from the comfort of your room. Southwestern fabrics add flair to each guest room’s private seating area, and the marble bathrooms and comfy bathrobes will make it hard to say goodbye.

Hotel Jackson Arrow

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Nespresso machines, L’Occitane bath products, unforgettable in-house dining at Fig Best for: Splurging on a romantic getaway

Set amidst the cowboy bar vibes of Jackson’s Town Square, Hotel Jackson has seemingly done the impossible: create a property overflowing with Old West architectural details (reclaimed barn wood, studded leather chairs, and Southwest-inspired wool blankets) without sacrificing modern life’s finer things (L’Occitane bath products, a rooftop hot tub, and a guests-only library full of original Indigenous art). After adventuring in Yellowstone National Park, 80 minutes away, don’t miss the world-class Lebanese-Mediterranean fare at FIGS.

Lone Mountain Ranch Arrow

Bed & bath:  Varies by cabin (1-6 bedrooms available) Top amenities:  Woodburning stoves, clawfoot soaking tubs, farm-to-table dining Best for: Families and couples

Set a convenient 40 minutes from Bozeman Airport and an hour from Yellowstone, Lone Mountain is an authentic dude ranch that’s been operating in Big Sky Country for over 100 years. The property’s 23 log cabins and two private homes are rustic on the outside and full of cozy amenities inside, like wood burning fireplaces, tiled walk-in showers, and private sitting areas with vinyl record players. This is a place to experience authentic Montana culture, from naturalist-led tours of the national park and fly fishing in the Gallatin River to saddling up in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness.

Old Faithful Inn

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Show-stopping lobby fireplace, proximity to Old Faithful, pet-friendly cabins Best for: Those looking to stay smack inside the park

No list would be complete without mentioning the Old Faithful Inn, a National Historic Landmark and one of the country’s foremost examples of “park-itecture.” Built from 1903 to 1904, the hotel is the largest log structure in the world, drawing thousands of guests each year to its famous stone fireplace and central location within the park. While it may not be as outwardly luxe as other spots mentioned here, the inn’s clean, comfortable rooms, log cabin-style restaurant, and views into Geyser Basin (including Old Faithful itself) combine to make it a wonderland for both history buffs and wilderness seekers alike.

Shooting Star cabin

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths Top amenities:  Killer hot tub views, woodburning indoor fireplace, large dining room, outdoor grill Best for: Moose sightings, ski-cations, and getting the gang back together

Less than 90 minutes from Yellowstone and one mile from Grand Teton, this well-appointed Airbnb is a dream for mountain fanatics at any time of year. It’s full of cozy touches like a mountain-view hot tub, rustic wood fireplace, faux fur throws, and stylish bunk beds for the kids. If the cabin’s enormous chef’s kitchen and wood plank dining table aren’t your scene, the frequent moose and deer sightings from right outside your bedroom window should be reason enough to visit.

Amangani Arrow

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath (homes also available) Top amenities:  Bespoke bath products, fine dining, bathtubs, patios with Teton views Best for: Wellness retreats

Nestled in the foothills of the jagged Grand Tetons, the Amangani pays tribute to the Old West with its sandstone and redwood architecture. Overlooking the Snake River Valley, its location is convenient to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. As part of the Aman hotel group , the Amangani offers an unparalleled year-round guest experience (think gas fireplaces, soaking tubs, spacious suites, and sustainable chef-prepared cuisine by Manuel Fernandez) and celebrates its stunning natural surroundings with accents like floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks for the best sunset views.

Under the Tram

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths Top amenities:  Chef’s kitchen, two living rooms, private sauna, hot tub Best for: Cozy nature escapes with a big family

Play house and be one with nature in this gorgeous, four-bedroom Airbnb that sleeps eight, operated by local vacation management company Outpost , which has a ton of Airbnbs available year-round. With a grill, deck, fireplace, and large outdoor seating area, the space is phenomenal for summer BBQs in between national park visits (Yellowstone is under 90 minutes away, and Grand Teton is just a stone’s throw). When you’re done hiking, unwind in the private sauna or hang out in the secluded hot tub under the dappled shade of towering trees.

Sunset Haven

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Cookable kitchen; Smart TVs; gas grill; large, shaded patio Best for: Girls gone WY-oming

It can be hard to find sleek, architectural details in a state that values its reclaimed wood and railroad spikes, but this family-friendly Airbnb set on 11 pristine acres seems to have all the modern conveniences a jet-setting national parks lover would want. Marvel at sincerely epic mountain views (or kick back and watch the flat-screen) from plush living room couches; sauté up a feast in the home’s sleek kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances; or sprawl out and watch the sunset from the adjoining pergola. After a day of adventuring, snuggle up next to the outdoor firepit (wood included).

The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection Arrow

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Stocked coffee bars, ski concierge, hip lobby, unforgettable rooftop view Best for: Ski bums and couples exploring the parks

With easy access to downtown Jackson’s infamous cowboy saloons and Stetson shops, plus relatively quick driving access to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, The Cloudveil (a new venture from Marriott’s Autograph Collection) is a park lover’s dream. Each spacious guest room is abundant with features like mountain views, plush seating areas, private fireplaces, and walk-in showers, and sprinkled with thoughtful touches of Wyoming flair (think Southwestern textiles, exposed wooden beams, and summit-inspired artwork). Add in the bath products by Grown Alchemist and you’ll never want to leave.

Cherry Creek guest house

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities:  Enviable soaking tubs, vintage piano, heated floors, Smart TVs, al fresco dining nooks Best for: Family reunions and groups of adults who love nature

Go from your front door to the park in under an hour and a half at this stylish home full of reclaimed wood and artful slate accents. The 3,200-square-foot interior features heated floors, a vintage piano, a large entertainment center, a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and clean bedroom decor with soft towels and colorful throws. Mountain views abound from the outdoor patio and grassy backyard, which boasts a hot tub, grill, seating area, and fire pit for evening campfire tales.

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11 Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone National Park for Easy Access and Great Views

From cozy lodges to a colonial-style landmark, here's where to stay on a visit to the three-state-spanning national treasure.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

In addition to being the country's first national park, Yellowstone is arguably the most iconic, with beautiful hot springs, geysers, and more than its fair share of wildlife. People come from all over the world to watch Old Faithful erupt and to spot one of the park's furry inhabitants, like grizzly bears, wolves, bison, foxes, lynx, moose, and elk.

Yellowstone spans 3,472 square miles within three states, so you can't expect to see it all in a day — no matter how efficiently you plan your time. You'll need a home base to rest your weary legs and dream of what tomorrow may bring. Maybe a moose encounter? How about a hike around a sprawling geothermal spring?

To help get you started on accommodations, we've assembled a list of some of Yellowstone's best hotels, lodges, and cabins. While properties within the park tend to be the most convenient, we've also included a few just outside (including one pet-friendly option that's just a mile from an entrance).

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins is a mere 10-minute walk from its namesake, and it's one of the few in-park properties that remain open in the heart of winter. You can book a room in the main lodge or relax in your own simple cabin — both offer cozy, rustic decor to round out your Western experience. The lodge has its own full-service dining room and a quick-service grill. Plus, kids ages 11 and under stay free when accompanied by an adult.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

This property on the northern end of Yellowstone National Park is a short walk from the tiered Mammoth Hot Springs (you won't want to forget your camera for this one). Much like the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, the aptly named Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins is one of the few in-park properties that stays open in the winter. Just keep in mind that the accommodations are simple, and basic rooms have shared bathrooms. You can upgrade to a room with a private bathroom, a suite with a living room and TV, or a cabin with a hot tub. Arguably the hotel's biggest perk is the herd of elk that's known to come and graze on the property's grounds.

Canyon Lodge & Cabins

This summer-only property is the park's largest, with more than 500 rooms spread across five lodges as well as 100-plus cabins to choose from. For a more rustic stay, book the latter; the hotel-style lodges are noticeably newer thanks to a multiyear redevelopment. Canyon Lodge & Cabins sits on the east side of the park, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River , and it has a restaurant, cafeteria, and deli.

Grant Village

The expansive Grant Village is made up of six two-story buildings that house 300 guest rooms. While the property is set squarely within the park (near the Abyss Pool hot spring and Big Cone geyser), it's only open during the summer months. Each room has a woodsy, casual feel and basic amenities — you won't find air-conditioning or TVs here. Major perks of Grant Village include a cabin-style restaurant that's set on a pier overlooking a lake and easy access to Grand Teton National Park .

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

Providing an elegant alternative to the ubiquitous Old West style, this National Historic Landmark overlooks Yellowstone Lake, the largest body of water in the park. The summer-only property dates from 1891 and hotel rooms are set within a restored colonial-style building. You can even stay in a two-bedroom suite that once hosted President Coolidge. Three on-site eateries include a high-end dining room serving seasonal fare.

Lake Lodge Cabins

This in-park property features one large lodge (with views over Yellowstone Lake) and just under 200 cabins, each with a private bath and Western decor. While Lake Lodge Cabins is closed from October through May, it does have two roaring fireplaces, perfect for early fall mornings, and a sprawling porch ideal for lazy summer afternoons. Located near West Thumb Geyser Basin, the property is less than 30 miles from both Old Faithful and the neighboring Grand Teton National Park.

Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn dates back to 1903 and has an in-park location that's hard to beat — it's just six minutes by foot from Old Faithful and less than three miles from Morning Glory Pool and Kepler Cascades. The draw of this inn is its iconic (and historic) stone fireplace, restaurant, and lounge. Plus, certain rooms have phenomenal geyser views.

Absaroka Lodge

While not located within Yellowstone National Park, Absaroka Lodge in Gardiner, Montana, is just 10 miles from the north entrance, which is open year-round. And unlike many properties inside the park, this lodge overlooking the Yellowstone River is open 365 days a year. All accommodations have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies, and suites with kitchens are available.

Old Faithful Lodge Cabins

Another historic park property set near Old Faithful, Old Faithful Lodge Cabins has roots that date back to the 1920s and a smattering of cabins set around a main lodge (which has tremendous views of the geyser). Certain accommodations don't have private bathrooms, so be sure to book a Frontier Cabin if a shower is non-negotiable. The summer-only lodge houses a bakery and snack shop in addition to a cafeteria.

Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins

The Roosevelt Lodge is set near a campsite once used by President Theodore Roosevelt (hence the name). It offers guests an array of rustic cabins to choose from, including some with wood-burning stoves and private baths. With a history that dates back to the 1920s, family-style dining, and a location near some of the park's most beloved waterfalls, this in-park property is hard to beat. The summer-only lodge lends itself to warm-weather activities, like trail rides, stagecoach adventures, and Western-style cookouts.

Pine Edge Cabins

The seven rustic log cabins at this property are a mere mile from the park's northeast entrance in the quiet community of Silver Gate, Montana. While this entrance is only open in the summer, Pine Edge Cabins is one of the few accommodation options that welcomes pets and has full kitchens. In your little home away from home, you'll also find a wood-burning stove, deck, and grill.

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The Perfect Yellowstone Itinerary for Your Next Trip

Whether you're with the kids, on a girlfriend's getaway, or flying solo, this travel guide hits all the high spots.

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

In general, this schedule provides a well-rounded mix of outdoor and cultural pursuits, a lot of scenic drives and even a bit of pampering. You'll probably notice as much time is spent outside of Yellowstone's borders as within them. For most folks, this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, so I advise seeing as much of the surrounding sights as possible. I promise you'll regret it forever if you miss Cody and Jackson Hole , not to mention the showstopping Grand Teton National Park .

A word on timing your trip. The world's first national park is open year-round, but come winter all but two of the lodging options close, along with most other facilities, entrances, and roads. And while it doesn't bring in the hordes that Great Smoky Mountains National Park does, Yellowstone can get crowded in the summertime, especially around popular sites with boardwalks, like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs.

If you have kids, consider booking your vacation as close to the shoulder season as possible, like late August, right before school starts, or the beginning of June, immediately after it ends. The weather can be brisk in early summer, with snow still piled high on the mountain peaks, but pulling on outerwear is worth it to have the park mostly to yourself, as I often did. Otherwise, I hear Yellowstone is also wonderful in September. And if you want to stay in the park's lodging, plan early! Reservations open 13 months in advance and fill up fast.

My Yellowstone Itinerary

• Day 1 : Depart Sheridan for Cody. Explore Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Overnight at Irma Hotel.
• Day 2: Raft with Wyoming River Trips. Attend Nite Rodeo. Overnight at Irma Hotel.
• Day 3: Depart Cody for Yellowstone National Park. Explore Yellowstone National Park. Overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins.
• Day 4: Explore Yellowstone National Park. Overnight at Old Faithful Inn.
• Day 5: Depart Yellowstone National Park for Jackson Hole. Trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips. Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch.
• Day 6: Paraglide with Jackson Hole Paragliding. Massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa. Overnight at Spring Creek Lodge.
• Day 7: Depart Jackson Hole Airport.

Day 1: Depart Sheridan for Cody ➡ Explore Buffalo Bill Center of the Wild West ➡ Overnight at Irma Hotel

Driving Distance Sheridan to Cody: About 145 miles

There are several airports you can fly into that will get you close to Yellowstone, and which one you should choose depends on what entrance you'll be using to access the park. They include Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport , which is about a 90-minute drive from the North Entrance and two hours from the West Entrance ( Yellowstone Airport is located about 10 minutes from the West Entrance, but it's smaller and offers fewer flights); Yellowstone Regional Airport , which is near Cody and an hour from the East Entrance; and Jackson Hole Airport , which is located inside Grand Teton National Park and an hour from the South Entrance.

I actually didn't utilize any of those airports coming into Wyoming but instead started my Yellowstone adventure in Sheridan, a lovely and historic cow town where I stayed with friends for a few days. After picking up my rental car bright and early, I hit the road via Route 14. The highway climbs into the Bighorn Mountains, rambling through pine forests in lower elevations fog-laden and mysterious, past peaks drenched in snow and sunshine. The drive took me into Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area , a must-see stop, with 1,000-foot-tall cliffs towering high above a meandering river.

Located less than two hours from Cody , Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is also definitely worth a detour if you're staying in the town. I was able to easily spot the mustangs, said to be of Colonial Spanish American heritage, from the road. Strong and stout, with gleaming coats and incurious gazes, these iconic symbols of the American West were so beautiful they brought tears to my eyes. Full-day tours to see the horses are available from the guide service PryorWild and depart from the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center in Lovell.

Fair warning: it isn't easy to tear yourself away from the jaw-dropping natural splendor within and surrounding Yellowstone. You're going to want to build in time to linger over the landscape into your itinerary. By the time I made it to Cody, I was running a little late, so I headed straight to Buffalo Bill Center of the West . I’d been told to plan to spend hours touring it, but I was still amazed by its size.

Five museums in one, the Center houses the Cody Firearms Museum, the world’s finest collection of American guns; the Whitney Western Art Museum, a rousing exhibit of Western art; the kid-friendly Draper Natural History Museum, devoted to Yellowstone’s flora and fauna; the Plains Indians Museum, a beautifully-realized exploration of this country’s original peoples; and the Buffalo Bill Museum, which traces the life of the American legend. I was probably most intrigued by the Whitney and its magnificent portraits of the animals I was hoping to encounter in Yellowstone.

By the time I checked into Cody's celebrated Irma Hotel I was tuckered out, although I still made time to head to the property's restaurant for the house specialty: juicy and tender slow-roasted prime rib. Built in 1902 by Wild West showman Buffalo Bill Cody and named for his daughter, the Irma today retains its charm and character. That's particularly true of the dining room, which still sports the famed cherrywood bar given to Cody by Queen Victoria. After my meal, logy from the long day, I was happy to retire early to my room, which was simple but comfy.

Day 2: Raft with Wyoming River Trips ➡ Attend Nite Rodeo ➡ Overnight at Irma Hotel

Because I'd been up so early on my big travel day, I slept in a bit the morning of Day 2. After a stroll through the Downtown Historic District, I took off for Wyoming River Trips . Family-owned since its inception in 1978, the company serves up a range of rafting and kayaking options. I opted for the three-hour Full Canyon Rafting Adventure, which was the perfect way to ease into my trip. The sun, shining down from boldly blue skies, was warm, even if the water was chilly. Not that there was too much splashing happening. The 12-mile section of Shoshone River we paddled was low-key, with Class I and II rapids, the mildest of the standardized whitewater classification system.

There was plenty of time to take in the magnificent Red Rock Canyon surrounding us—a sight I'd expect to see in southern Utah more than eastern Wyoming—and to chat with our affable guide, who was happy to answer my questions about the area’s wildlife. (Among other facts, I learned definitively that Yellowstone is filled with bison, not buffalo, and the latter do not feature humps.) This trip would absolutely be appropriate for families, as long as the littles weigh at least 50 pounds.

Speaking of family fun, the Cody Nite Rodeo , which kicks off every evening from June through August at 8 p.m., is ideal entertainment for all ages. The night I went it was packed with cheering people from age two to what looked like 92. Children can get their faces painted by rodeo clowns, learn to rope and even participate in the hilarious Calf Scramble, which involves chasing a couple of baby cows around the arena and trying to pull the ribbons off of their tails.

Founded in 1938 by a former performer in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, the Cody Nite Rodeo is said to be the world's longest-running nightly summer rodeo. It's a much-loved, authentic and action-packed outdoor event frequented by locals and vacationers alike, chock full of true blue Wild West cowboy mystique. For two hours I sat munching on popcorn as I watched bull riding and steer wrestling, team roping and women’s barrel racing. I groaned at the clown’s corny jokes, gasped at the spills the bareback riders took and felt truly grateful that I had a chance to attend this most wonderfully American of competitions.

Day 3: Depart Cody for Yellowstone National Park ➡ Explore Yellowstone National Park ➡ Overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins

Driving Distance Cody to Yellowstone Northeast Entrance: About 80 miles

Following another sublime night's sleep at the Irma, I was up before daybreak to head to Yellowstone . I'd decided to use the park's Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, Montana, rather than the East Entrance, which is closer to Cody by about 25 miles. I'd been told by locals that the Northeast gate experiences even less traffic than the East gate, and provides the best chance to see some of the park's celebrated animal population. If, that is, I got there bright and early. So bleary-eyed, I headed off in my rental down the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, hoping that waking before dawn's early light was going to pay off.

It did. The sun hadn't been up for too long as I handed my $35 vehicle fee to the ranger at the gate. Upon entering the park I was rewarded almost immediately with a sight that made me gasp aloud: a mother moose tending her baby. They weren't far from the road, but I might have missed them if not for a photographer standing beside his truck. He told me he'd seen this same female yesterday, without the calf—the newborn was just a day old. I watched them for what felt like hours before I resumed my journey, keeping my eyes peeled as I entered the Lamar Valley. Dubbed the American Serengeti for its copious amounts of wildlife, it's home to grizzly bears and wolf packs.

I didn't spot either species, but as I spent that first day in the park slowly motoring around the Upper Loop road, I saw an unbelievable array of animals. From the bison lumbering past my car and elk trotting alongside the road, to the coyotes frolicking in a pasture and the black bear munching vegetation, it was a veritable parade of critters. I suppose Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres are as well-known for their geothermal activity as their wildlife, but what I most cherished about my time there was the opportunity to see the West's most majestic beasts in their native environment. Unlike so much in life, Yellowstone lives up to the hype.

That's not to say Yellowstone's landscape didn't appeal to me. The Upper Loop, a 142-mile track that makes up the northern half of Yellowstone's historic Grand Loop Road, includes access to Tower Fall. The waterfall dramatically plunges 132 feet and is surrounded by pinnacles formed by ancient lava flow. It was breathtaking, though I found the Yellowstone River's Grand Canyon even more impressive. Measuring 20 miles long and more than 1,000 feet deep, it's home to two waterfalls. There are loads of trails that wind along and down into the canyon, but I stopped at Artist Point, which provides a picture-perfect view of the 308-foot Lower Falls.

I would have liked to explore the area more, but I needed to check in to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins . Renovated a few years ago to the tune of $30 million, the hotel, which mostly dates to 1936, is surprisingly sleek and modern. After dropping my luggage off in my room, I headed for a drink at the Map Room Bar, where I was greeted by the sight of the watering hole's namesake stretching across the wall. According to the bartender, the massive map of the U.S. was crafted in 1936 from more than 2,500 inlaid pieces of 15 different kinds of wood. But my cocktail sunk me: I could barely keep my eyes open over my plate of mushroom pasta in the dining room. I was back up to my room and in bed by 9.

Day 4: Explore Yellowstone National Park ➡ Overnight at Old Faithful Inn

My early night paid off in an early morning, and before heading south toward Old Faithful, I took a long stroll through Mammoth Hot Springs , an otherworldly network of hydrothermal features and naturally occurring terraced travertine deposits. The boardwalk made for an easy walk, and I enjoyed the slightly foreboding vibe of the site, which was dotted here and then by dead trees, blackened and skeletal, and ethereal mists rising from the earth. There weren't many people there, probably because it was so early in the day, which made the whole experience a little more eerie. Aside from the Lamar Valley, I think this was my favorite part of the park because it was totally unlike any place else I'd ever experienced.

I spent the rest of the day driving south toward Old Faithful , stopping at sites that interested me. That included a lot of geysers—after all, Yellowstone protects about half the world’s active geysers—like the ones in the Norris Geyser Basin. Tucked away where the western Upper and Lower Loop meet, it's said to be the oldest thermal zone in the park and, at more than 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest one, too. I found the Norris Museum, which was built in 1930 and acts as a sort of gateway to the basin, worth a peek for its exhibits explaining the ins and outs of geothermal activity.

Most beautiful of all was Grand Prismatic Spring, which lies within the Midway Geyser Basin , further south on the Lower Loop. Eye-popping orange on the perimeter, it morphs into yellow, green, and turquoise before opting for a deep, rich blue in the center. Along with its colors, what struck me immediately was the sheer size of it: it's 370 feet across. A boardwalk gets you close (but not too close). There are other pools and a geyser at the basin, but for me, they couldn't compare to Grand Prismatic Spring. It was the undisputed star of the show.

By the time I reached Old Faithful, I was ready to call it a day. Luckily, the geyser only kept me waiting for about 10 minutes. According to a ranger I talked to, it blows its stack roughly every hour and a half for as long as five minutes, reaching an average of 130 feet in height. The eruption I saw didn't seem as high or as long, but it was fun to see. Afterward, I dropped by the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center , which was loaded with info about the geyser, as well as the Yellowstone supervolcano. It's an extremely kid-friendly facility, with a dedicated room for "Young Scientists" featuring hands-on displays.

Next, it was on to the Old Faithful Inn , built in 1903-1904 of locally sourced pine and stone. One of the largest log buildings in the world, it's a National Historic Landmark and the most popular lodging in Yellowstone. The lobby is immense, rising more than 70 feet high, and after I checked in I came back to sit and people-watch in front of the monolithic stone fireplace. The inn has an onsite deli, so I grabbed a quickie sandwich to save some cash and then headed back to my room.

I was staying in the Old House, the original part of the hotel, so in addition to no air conditioning, wifi, or television (all fine by me), there was no private bathroom. Although I didn't love getting up in the middle of the night to walk down the hall to the communal facilities, the room, with its rustic log walls, was so charming it was worth the inconvenience. (Some rooms in the Old House do feature bathrooms, which might be a better choice for families with small children.)

Day 5: Depart Yellowstone National Park for Jackson ➡ Trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips ➡ Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch

Driving Distance Old Faithful Inn to Jackson: About 95 miles

It was another early morning as I hit the road to Jackson along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway. I was sorry to leave Yellowstone, but the drive south cut through Grand Teton National Park , and the scenery, to my astonishment, was even more dazzling than what I'd seen the past several days. Spreading out before me rose the young range of the Rockies that are among the most photographed mountains on the planet. The jagged, snow-drenched peaks were so magnificent that I pulled the car over and just sat for a spell, dumbfounded. I was making good time, however, so I had time for a quick wander around Jackson.

I headed for the Town Square, where a chatty resident answered a question for me: Jackson is the chichi town I was currently exploring. Jackson Hole , the name I'd heard bandied about most, is the 50-mile-long valley in which it perches so prettily. After a gander at the park's beloved entryway arches, made of hundreds of elk antlers gathered by Boy Scouts from the nearby National Elk Refuge, I headed to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar across the street. The establishment is famous for its live music—everyone from Willie Nelson to Waylon Jennings has played there—but I contented myself with a peek at the saddle bar stools and a pricey (but decent) burger.

I needed to fortify myself, because up next was a trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips and Trail Rides, which I understand is now closed. (I'd recommend Willow Creek Trail Rides , which provides rides through the same area and welcomes kids 8 and older, instead). After meeting my guide, Bob, at the Willow Creek Trailhead, we begin our journey into the Bridger-Teton National Forest . It had begun to rain, but the landscape was so magnificent I didn't care a bit. Through meadows dotted with silvery sagebrush we climbed, into aspen groves and piney woods, the Tetons standing silent guard.

Eventually, seeing my joy at riding past slopes dotted by elk, under skies graced by red-tailed hawks, Bob asked me if I’d like to cross Willow Creek, swollen with rain. I agreed and we forded it once, then, thrillingly, again. The current was strong, the water high, but my horse’s steps were sure and I never felt unsafe. Finally, after hours, our ride came to an end. Exhausted, wet and sore, I'd just spent one of the best afternoons of my life. I thanked Bob and took off for Spring Creek Ranch , where I was spending the last two nights of my trip.

Tucked away on a wildlife sanctuary above Jackson, the property features posh inn rooms, townhouses and mountain villas. I'd splurged and chosen the latter, which, with multiple bedrooms, would be ideal for a family. The view from the upper deck of my villa alone made the price worth it, with the verdant valley spread out below me, the Grand Tetons soaring beyond. Cool as the night was, I slept with my windows open to experience the fresh, fragrant mountain air as it blew down from the higher elevations on its way into Jackson Hole.

Day 6: Paraglide with Jackson Hole Paragliding ➡ Massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa ➡ Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch

I awoke in pretty much the most beautiful place I've ever been, in the most luxurious bed I'd ever experienced, but my mood was still tinged with sadness. It was the last of my amazing trip—though one final adventure awaited. That morning I was going to fly with Jackson Hole Paragliding . It was something I’d never done before: strap myself to a professional paragliding pilot and jump off a perfectly good mountain. And that first step was going to be a doozy: 3000 vertical feet more or less straight down.

I met up with Scott, my pilot, and we took his truck up the switchback trail behind Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. After placing a helmet on my head, he tucked me into my harness as the parachute was unfurled behind us. Scott explained that when the time came, I needed to stride firmly toward the edge of the drop. The chute, he said, would fill with wind, pulling us into the sky. When he noticed me shaking, he suggested I take some deep breaths. I did, and it helped calm my anxiety. A little.

And then almost before I knew it we had lifted off and I was in the air, thousands of feet above the earth. I screamed with more joy than fear as Scott guided us over the valley. It was surprisingly peaceful—at least until he began turning us in tight spirals. It was like riding the fastest, highest merry-go-round in the world, and just when I thought I wouldn't be able to stand it anymore, he pulled us out of it and we gently landed. Scott asked me what I thought and, not exaggerating a bit, I hollered, “I want to do it again!”

But I couldn't, because it was time for my massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa . If there is a more perfect combination than following up paragliding with a pampering massage, I don’t know what it is. I'd booked an hour-long Noble Massage, which combined elements of Swedish and deep tissue techniques. Under my therapist’s capable hands, the adrenaline faded, slowly replaced with deep calm. It was the ultimate in pleasure—moving from exquisite tension to total tranquility—and the best way I think I could have ended my Yellowstone adventure.

Day 7: Depart Jackson Hole Airport

Driving Distance Spring Creek Ranch to Jackson Hole Airport: About 12 miles

It's a straight shot north to Jackson Hole Airport from Spring Creek Ranch, a trip that only takes about 20 minutes. The airport itself, the only one located within a national park, provides non-stop service to and from destinations like Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Newark, depending on the season. It is as upmarket as the rest of Jackson Hole, with plenty of exposed wood and stone, plus fireplaces and leather chairs in the waiting areas. I especially got a kick out of the big sign reminding passengers to get rid of their bear spray before entering security (there are two recycling stations specifically for cans of the stuff, too).

As my plane pulled away from the gate, I thought about my trip, which even then I knew had changed me. Part of it was simply successfully navigating the challenges, and joys, of a week-long road trip through the Wild West alone. Although the expedition went surprisingly smoothly, I had no one to depend on but myself if I ended up lost, ran out of gas, or got a flat tire. I felt a little stronger, more capable, even bolder—especially after facing my fear of heights by paragliding. I surprised even myself for signing up for it, but I think the untamed spirit of the Wild West tends to encourage a bit of boundary-pushing.

I don't know that I would change much about this itinerary. I do wish I could have spent another day in Yellowstone, but I just couldn't swing any more time away. That said, I regret not hiking there. I walked the boardwalks but I never got on a trail or out in the backcountry. That was mostly due to time constraints, although I also didn't feel comfortable hiking solo. My sense of direction isn't the strongest and there's a reason why Jackson Hole Airport has that bear spray sign. They're a valid enough concern anyone heading into the parks should carry a can. If I ever get back to Yellowstone, I think I might arrange for a guided hike. In the meantime, I'll just dream of my return.

Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.

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4 Charming Mountain Towns to Visit in Wyoming

W yoming is sprawling, with more than 100 mountain ranges-and as it's the least populous U.S. state, there's plenty of room to roam. The key is knowing which mountain town to make your home base, be it somewhere in the Tetons or the Bighorns, or perhaps the Washburn Range and the Red Mountains of the world's first national park, Yellowstone.

"Any mountain town worth its salt also has a compelling history with the right mix of drama and charm," said Ryan Hauck, executive director of Cody Yellowstone, the tourism arm of the town named for co-founding settler Buffalo Bill Cody.

Follow the footsteps of the "Cowboy State" pioneers, past landscapes that inspired painter Thomas Moran, to lakes, reservoirs, and wild rivers -you can't go wrong in these Wyoming mountain towns and cities. Read on for more about jaw-dropping Jackson, the arts scene in Sheridan, old reliable Cheyenne, and Cody and its cowboy history.

Cody's roots are the ace-high Old West: This small northwest town of 10,000 dates to 1896, when Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and fellow investors saw the area's promise-even now, it's still a gateway to some of the country's best hiking, fishing , and ice climbing -and put down roots.

Along Old Trail Town , frozen in time, sits a re-created frontier town with 28 old log cabins, an 1800s saloon, and horse-drawn carriages. There's the grave and the hunting lodge of Buffalo Bill and a bank once robbed by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. (Also in Cody: a budding craft beer scene.)

Much of Cody's appeal, though, has to do with its location. It sits an hour's drive from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park-a stretch of road that Teddy Roosevelt called "the most scenic 52 miles in America." If you'd rather pass on Yellowstone's crowds, follow the North Fork Highway into an often overlooked national forest, Shoshone National Forest. And no summer trip to Cody would be complete without the rodeo .

Where to stay

Check into Buffalo Bill Cody's hunting lodge, Pahaska Tepee Resort , where he passed the time with Teddy Roosevelt outside the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park. Or saddle up at Rimrock Ranch , which offers on-site horseback riding and whitewater rafting trips.

The Tetons, arguably the most jaw-dropping mountain range in the country, are appropriately nicknamed "the Mountains of the Imagination." Grand Teton National Park, stretching 485 square miles wide and 13,775 feet tall at its highest point, offers endless year-round outdoor adventure, with hiking, biking, rafting, climbing, and skiing (Jackson Hole, Snow King, and Grand Targhee)-not to mention a national elk refuge . Down in the valley, at the foot of the mountains, by rivers and lakes, is the area's main town of Jackson. Jackson Hole is an 80-mile-long valley feeding into it, six miles south of Yellowstone. With sweeping views-thanks to wetlands wildlife protection-through the antler arches at Jackson Town Square, this thriving and lively town is filled with art galleries (try Diehl or Maya Frodeman Gallery ) and the National Museum of Wildlife Art with works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keeffe. There's plenty of shopping, restaurants, and cafés (indulge in a pastry from Persephone Bakery), or go all out with a covered wagon dinner ride past Cache Creek Canyon.

The Amangani brings nature right to you, with its wood and stone accents and wide picture windows framing the Tetons. Or mix it up with a roadside motel turned boutique, now called Anvil Hotel .

Along the path of the transcontinental railroad, Cheyenne has a celebrated cowboy history-and an up-and-coming arts scene. Here, at the foot of the Laramie Mountains, an hour and a half north of Denver, the Western frontier life goes on in the country's oldest continuously registered livestock operation, Wyoming Hereford Ranch .

Wyoming's capital is full of history, from the original 1886 Union Pacific Depot (its relics now at Cheyenne Depot Museum) to the Cowgirls of the West Museum , honoring the rowdy female pioneers of "The Equality State." That's right-Wyoming was the first state to elect a female governor and the first to give women the right to vote. But the main attraction in Cheyenne is the world's largest outdoor rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days , held every July.

Check out funky nature-inspired murals and the scrap-metal sculptures downtown that mimic the area's wildlife and natural landscapes. A short scenic drive from Cheyenne, Medicine Bow National Forest is a rocky mountain sanctuary, also known as Vedauwoo; it's the perfect setting for relaxing or rock climbing.

Curl up on cowhide under antlers at the Historic Plains Hotel , a landmark property once frequented by cattle barons and roving writers like Ernest Hemingway.

This charming arts city sits halfway between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, where inspiration comes in the form of pristine lakes and rivers. The city's historic downtown is dotted with boutiques and galleries. Check out the Mint Bar , a staple since 1907 (aside from a short hiatus during Prohibition). Prefer to earn your libation? Take a bike ride along 13 miles of trails that connect to the celebrated Blacktooth Brewing Company , known for its live music and food trucks. Check the concert and theater listings at WYO Performing Arts & Education Center inside a restored 1923 theater.

Nearby is the landmark of Bighorn Canyon-some 2,500 feet deep-and wild horses roam 31,000 acres at the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center , discovered on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The historic Sheridan Inn is another stomping ground of Buffalo Bill, who held auditions for his Wild West Show on its classic wraparound porch. Nearby at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Canyon Ranch offers a home base to try fly fishing.

Anna Fiorentino is an award-winning storyteller and freelance writer with a focus on science, outdoors, adventure, and travel. Her work has appeared in AFAR, National Geographic Travel , Outside , and Boston Globe Magazine , among other publications.

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Dining near Canyon Lodge - Yellowstone National Park Forum

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Dining near Canyon Lodge

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We’re a couple of retirees looking for dinner dining options other than the Canyon Lodge eateries. Does such a thing exist? We don’t mind a reasonable drive to get to one. TIA!

5 replies to this topic

When is your trip?

If you don't want to eat at Canyon Lodge, the closest restaurants would be at the Lake area and at Roosevelt Lodge.

Lake Hotel Dining Room (May 30 – September 2)

*18 miles south of Canyon. Plan on a 45 minute drive.

*Reservations required for dinner

*Menus are not available online yet, but should be soon

https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/restaurant/lake-hotel-dining-room/

................................

Lake Lodge Wylie's Canteen (June 10 to Oct 6)

**Menus are not available online yet, but should be soon

https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/restaurant/lake-lodge-cafeteria/

......................................

Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room (June 7 to Sept 2)

*19 miles north of Canyon. Plan on a 50 minute drive

https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/restaurant/roosevelt-lodge-dining-room/

The Canyon General Store and the Fishing Bridge General Store have old fashion grills that are an option.

https://www.yellowstonevacations.com/discover/dining/yellowstone-in-park-dining/

Just a little tip regarding Lake- if you don’t have a reservation, go right when the dining room opens at 4:30 and ask to put your name on the list. I’ve seen smaller parties get in this way- also at Grant, which is just a few minutes south from Lake. I don’t think this would work later in the evening, though.

===also at Grant, which is just a few minutes south from Lake. I don’t think this would work later in the evening, though.===

Grant Village Lake House Restaurant (May 31 - September 29)

*39 miles south of Canyon. Plan on a 1 hour 20 minute drive

https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/restaurant/grant-village-lake-house-restaurant/

...........................................

If you're out and about touring the upper loop, you could also plan to be at Mammoth for an early dinner before driving back to Canyon.

Mammoth Hotel Dining Room (April 26 - October 14)

*33 miles from Canyon. Plan on about a 1 hour 20 minute drive

****Menus are available online

https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/restaurant/mammoth-hotel-dining-room/

..................................

A reasonable drive is going to be 45 minutes or more. Be sure to return before dark (safety issues with wildlife on the road).

Consider eating your big meal of the day when you are out and about sightseeing. Eat a late lunch in one of the other villages - or one of the gateway cities - when you are out and about sightseeing during the day. Then eat light - sandwiches, snacking, etc - at night when you are back at Canyon. The food in YNP isn't great but the choices at Canyon haven't been good ones since they took the cafeteria away over a decade ago. I love eating at the Dining rooms at Old Faithful (2 hour drive back to Canyon) and the Dining Room at Mammoth. Lake is excellent too. It remains to be seen what will really be back to "normal" this year post-Covid, but expect pretty much "meh" food in YNP. The Dining Rooms have been my go tos for years. Sure, they are a bit pricey, but costs are high for the other food options in the park, especially compared to the quality.

If you decide to go to Lake, you could drive through Hayden valley and look for wildlife on your drive down and back up to Canyon, as long as you make sure to be back before dark. We were happy with Wylie's on multiple trips when visiting the Lake area for a quick easy meal. We liked the food better than the Canyon cafeteria. I haven't eaten at the Lake restaurant, since it seems fancy and we have kids. It is really nice to view the Canyon overlooks after dinner when the crowds have gone.

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National News | A Yellowstone visitor kicked a bison, and that…

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National news | a yellowstone visitor kicked a bison, and that did not end well, rangers say.

The car was pulled over in the town of West Yellowstone, Mont., and both men were arrested, the park’s report said. They are from Idaho Falls, Idaho, about 100 miles away.

The alleged kicker, who is 40 years old, was taken to a hospital for treatment of unspecified “minor injuries” inflicted by the bison. He then was taken to the Gallatin County jail, and charged with multiple crimes:

• Being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself;
• Disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition;
• Approaching wildlife;
• Disturbing wildlife.

The car’s driver, who is 37, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, failing to yield to emergency light activation, and disturbing wildlife.

The men pleaded not guilty the following day. Each violation can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and six months in jail.

Yellowstone visitors are required to remain 25 yards from any bison.

The man’s injury was the first by a Yellowstone bison this year, the park said. Last year, one visitor was injured by a bison — a 47-year-old Arizona woman who was gored.

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Arbor Day 2024: How to plant the best tree to combat climate change

Arbor Day was first celebrated on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska.

The conversation surrounding climate change action can often feel too lofty for individuals to have a measurable impact, but on this Arbor Day, change can begin at the root.

Planting trees in honor of Arbor Day is a longstanding American tradition that dates back to 1872, and while climate and landscape factors have changed since the holiday's inception, the motivation remains crucial.

"There has never been a more important time to be planting trees than right now," Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, told ABC News ahead of the annual holiday.

"As we look at our changing climate and extreme heat, as we look at the challenges in our cities and towns, planting a tree on Arbor Day is one of the simple things people can do to be a part of a solution for their neighborhood, for their community and for the planet," Lambe said.

In one year, a mature tree can absorb half a Metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere, according to the National Forest Foundation .

Across the country, U.S. forests offset 16% of greenhouse gases emitted from transportation, industrial heating and other climate polluters, according to the foundation.

When was Arbor Day established?

The history of Arbor Day dates back to 1872 in Nebraska when a local newspaper editor named J. Sterling Morton proposed a tree-planting holiday at a State Board of Agriculture meeting, according to the Arbor Day Foundation .

Trees offer building materials and fuel and act as windbreaks to keep soil in place for agriculture, and in Nebraska, the lack of ground cover was detrimental, according to the foundation.

Later that year, the first official Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10, 1872, where prizes were offered to communities and individuals who could plant the most trees in a single day, according to the foundation, which notes an estimated 1 million trees were planted.

Fast-forward to 2024, Arbor Day is now celebrated across all 50 U.S. states and traditionally falls on the last Friday of April every year.

Understanding hardiness zones

Planting trees that will have the best chance at sustained growth means understanding the native landscape and its challenges in your local environment.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard to determine which perennial plants are most likely to thrive at a location, according to the agency.

The interactive map, where individuals can input their local zip code to determine the hardiness of the area, is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

There are 13 zones on the USDA map, with the first being the coldest and zone 13 being the hottest. On average, there is a 10-degree temperature difference between each zone.

"Hardiness zones are really a reflection of temperature extremes," Dr. Gary Chastagner, Professor of Plant Pathology at Washington State University, told ABC News. "There's a common term that is used, 'plant the right tree in the right place,'" Chastagner said.

To find the right tree and the right place, Chastagner and the Arbor Day Foundation recommend taking tree height, canopy spread, growth rate and the tree's sun, soil and moisture requirements into consideration before planting.

MORE: Researchers working to save whitebark pine, a declining keystone tree species in the greater Yellowstone area

Using southern California as an example, trees need to be drought-resistant, adaptable to different types of soil and able to withstand oak root fungus, which is a common disease-producing fungus found in much of California.

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The recommended trees for Southern California's hardiness zones include river birch, Layland Cyprus, lacebark elm, silver maple, American sweetgum and hackberry, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Across the country in Michigan, the hardiness zone determines a different set of trees that can survive and thrive in the region.

Norway spruce, American mountain ash, weeping willows, mugo pine and shellbark hickory are just a few examples of trees that are best equipped to survive and thrive in the Great Lake State.

"It's important for people in Michigan to know they shouldn't be planting palm trees as much as they might love palm trees," Lambe joked. "Likewise, down in Florida, you don't want to be planting trees that are gonna be thriving up in the Upper Midwest."

MORE: How you can help combat global warming as the planet reaches 10th consecutive warmest month on record

With hardiness zones in mind, Professor Chastagner recommends diversity among tree species for the best chance at resiliency.

"Don't plant a monoculture of the exact same species, because if you do, the landscape may not be as resilient in the face of climate change, or if you have an invasive pest that comes in, all those trees are susceptible," Chastagner explained.

To learn what trees are best to plant in your specific area visit the Arbor Day Foundation's online tree finder tool .

Protecting natural forests

In addition to local tree planting, this Arbor Day it is important to recognize the role natural forests play in mitigating the effects of climate change.

"Protecting existing forests is one of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate climate change, by keeping emissions and carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere," Aaron Paul, vice president of Aurora Sustainable Lands, told ABC News.

Forests and woodlands cover more than 822 million acres of land in the United States, about 36% of the country's total land, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) .

Forests absorb carbon as they grow and act as a carbon storage "bank" that helps to offset fossil fuel emissions, according to the agency, which notes, that if trees are cut or burned, a forest temporarily releases part of this stored carbon to the atmosphere.

Aurora Sustainable Lands is the largest manager of natural-born forests in the United States, managing 1.65 million acres of forestlands in 17 states.

MORE: 'Ghost forests' threaten New Jersey's water, ecosystem

This Arbor Day, Paul stressed the importance of maintaining natural forests, minimizing land use change, and putting restrictions on industrial expansion.

"It's most important to keep front of mind just what an effective climate resistant and climate mitigation tool forests are," Paul said. "We need climate impact now, we need emission reduction now and trees have been doing that for millions of years."

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