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Best of Yellowstone National Park

Big enough that the drives are the trip — thermal basins, wildlife valleys and a week that never repeats itself.

5 daysLocal gems
Trip length
3-day5-day7-day

Checking live park conditions…

Best time to visit: May to September

Full road access, active thermal basins and wildlife in the valleys. Roads close to cars from November to late April, and even in June the passes can hold snow.

Day 1·Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin

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  1. Sightseeing

    Old Faithful

    Arrive in the park and head straight for the icon. Grab a seat and wait for the show.

  2. Sightseeing

    Upper Geyser Basin

    Walk the boardwalks around Old Faithful and witness a collection of some of the most concentrated thermal features in the world.

  3. Sightseeing

    Old Faithful Inn

    Explore the historic lodge, a masterpiece of rustic architecture. Grab a drink or just admire the lobby.

Day 2·Midway Geyser Basin and Fairy Falls

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  1. Sightseeing

    Grand Prismatic Spring

    Witness the vibrant colors of Yellowstone's largest hot spring, best viewed from the boardwalk.

  2. Activity

    Fairy Falls Trailhead

    Hike to the overlook for Grand Prismatic Spring and continue to Fairy Falls, a picturesque waterfall.

Day 3·Mammoth Hot Springs and the Northern Range

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  1. Sightseeing

    Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

    Explore the unique travertine terraces, constantly reshaped by the hot, mineral-rich water.

  2. Sightseeing

    Fort Yellowstone

    Wander through the historic buildings of the former US Army headquarters, now the park's headquarters.

  3. Food

    Gardiner, MT

    Stop for lunch in the town just outside the North Entrance. The drive takes about 15 minutes.

  4. Sightseeing

    Lamar Valley

    Drive through 'America's Serengeti' for prime wildlife viewing opportunities, especially at dawn or dusk. The drive from Mammoth takes about an hour.

Day 4·Yellowstone Lake and Canyon

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  1. Sightseeing

    Artist Point

    Gaze upon the iconic view of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The drive from West Yellowstone takes about an hour and a half.

  2. Sightseeing

    Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (North Rim Drive)

    Drive along the North Rim, stopping at various viewpoints like Grand View and Inspiration Point for different perspectives of the canyon.

  3. Sightseeing

    Hayden Valley

    Another excellent spot for wildlife viewing, particularly bison and grizzly bears, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. The drive from the Canyon Village area takes about 20 minutes.

Day 5·Norris Geyser Basin and Departure

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  1. Sightseeing

    Norris Geyser Basin

    Explore the hottest and most dynamic thermal area in the park, featuring the Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. The drive from West Yellowstone takes about 45 minutes.

  2. Sightseeing

    Artists Paintpots

    A short, scenic boardwalk trail featuring colorful hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. The drive from Norris is about 15 minutes.

Make it your own

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