10 Insider Tips for Visiting Yellowstone

Yellowstone, America’s first national park is big — 2.2 million-acres big. In addition to its size, Yellowstone divides into distinctly different regions and habitats that include geysers, fumaroles, and other geothermal features plus a canyon, a lake, and a series of limestone terraces as well as an abundance of roaming wildlife. With such vastness and variety, the park can be overwhelming. When you visit Yellowstone National Park, follow these insider tips to make the most of your vacation.

1. See Old Faithful in the early morning or in the evening

Old Faithful, probably the park‘s biggest show-off is also one of its busiest. Almost everyone who enters the park heads to Old Faithful. Get up early (or come back in the late afternoon) and beat the tourists to the park’s prime spots in the Upper Geyser Basin to avoid line-ups and enjoy a more intimate experience. Or hike the Observation Point Trail loop, with its own geyser and fine views of Old Faithful action.

2. Visit Yellowstone Lake in the afternoon

While the day visitors view Old Faithful and the surrounding area in the afternoon, head to 136-square-mile Yellowstone Lake, the largest in the park (and the largest high elevation lake in North America). Go beyond the shoreline consider signing up for a guided boat tour or rent a boat on your own.

3. Take a hike

Most of the park actually can’t be seen from the road-98% is off the beaten path.  Seeing Yellowstone shouldn’t be limited to marveling at wonders through your car window. One of the best ways to see Yellowstone is to hit the trails. Walking even a ½ mile on a boardwalk or trail offers you a more complete sense of Yellowstone’s features and landscape. So dust off your hiking shoes, park the car, and see the wonders of Yellowstone that lie beyond your car window.

4. Look for wildlife at the right times

Yellowstone’s amazing wildlife is the real star of the show; bison, elk, bears bighorn sheep, and more. Get up early and explore at dawn (or wait until dusk.) Head to Hayden Valley, widely known as one of the best spots, especially for bison. Your best chance of spotting the park’s legendary bison as well as other critters is in the early morning or evening. Check out our article here for more tips on wildlife viewing.

5. Explore Lamar Valley

The single best place to watch the wild things is Lamar Valley, America’s Serengeti. A wolf-watching mecca since the wolves were reintroduced, you‘re also likely to see bears, coyote, and bighorn sheep. The valleys open vistas are especially great at dawn and dusk. Often less-visited than other areas, Lamar Valley’s habitat draws wildlife and the open vistas create optimum viewing conditions. Consider booking the park’s early-morning Wake Up to Wildlife Tour. Don‘t forget your binoculars.

6. Stop at the Visitor Centers

The best way to visit Yellowstone starts with visitor centers. Each facility presents educational exhibits that focus on their region of the park. Located throughout Yellowstone, visitors Centers offer all kinds of interesting info about the park and the region you’re in with educational exhibits, activity booklets for kids, and interpretive offerings. Be sure to make time for a ranger walk, talk, or evening program.

7. Look at the stars

Big skies, clean air, and wide-open spaces make Yellowstone the perfect place for stargazing, one of Yellowstone’s true and most underrated wonders. Shift your gaze up as the night sky fills with brilliant stars and breathtaking magic. Go outside after dark. Walk 100 yards from your lodge or drive a short distance to a turnout, then park, scan the lot for wildlife and if none is present, exit your car to look up at the dazzling display of stars. With little light pollution, the night sky is a wonder. Bring a star chart and don‘t forget your telescope.

8. Carry a flashlight at night

Since the park keeps the outdoor lighting soft, bring a flashlight for comfort, especially when traveling with young children.

9. Bring binoculars

Stay a safe distance from wildlife. If you want to see what a bison or elk looks like up close, view them through your binoculars.

10. Pack for multiple seasons

Pack rain gear and warn clothes and dress in layers. Even in summer, low temperatures at night can hover near freezing and daytime highs shoot into the 80s. And because of the high elevation and surrounding mountain ranges, the weather can change quickly. Pack layers.

Long-time family travel guru Candyce H. Stapen writes for many publications and outlets. She has written 30 travel guidebooks, including two for National Geographic, and her blogs and articles appear in many outlets. For more information, see gfvac.com and follow her @familyitrips.

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