Best of Yellowstone National Park
Big enough that the drives are the trip — thermal basins, wildlife valleys and a week that never repeats itself.
Checking live park conditions…
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·Arrival & Old Faithful Area
Open in MapsSightseeing
Old Faithful
Yellowstone's most iconic geyser, famous for its predictable eruptions. Arrive in the late afternoon for a less crowded experience.
Sightseeing
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
Learn about the park's geothermal features and geyser prediction times.
Sightseeing
Upper Geyser Basin Boardwalk
A flat, accessible walk past numerous geysers and hot springs, including Grand Geyser and Castle Geyser.
Day 2·Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
Open in MapsSightseeing
Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the US, known for its vibrant rainbow colors. Best viewed in the early afternoon.
Sightseeing
Midway Geyser Basin
Home to Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser Crater; a short boardwalk loops through this colorful basin.
Activity
Fairy Falls Trailhead
Start here for the hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook and Fairy Falls. The overlook provides the best view of Grand Prismatic.
Day 3·Mammoth Hot Springs & Northern Range
Open in MapsSightseeing
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Unique travertine terraces formed by hot, mineral-rich water. Explore both the Upper and Lower Terraces.
Sightseeing
Albright Visitor Center
Located in Mammoth Hot Springs, this visitor center offers exhibits on the park's history and wildlife.
Sightseeing
Fort Yellowstone
Historic buildings from the U.S. Army's administration of the park.
Rest
Gardiner, MT
The historic northern entrance town, with services and places to eat.
Day 4·Hayden Valley & Canyon Area
Open in MapsSightseeing
Artist Point
Iconic viewpoint of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Activity
Uncle Tom's Trail
Descend into the canyon for a closer view of the Lower Falls (check for seasonal access).
Sightseeing
Hayden Valley
A prime location for spotting wildlife, especially bison and elk. Drive slowly and use pullouts.
Day 5·Norris Geyser Basin & Gibbon Falls
Open in MapsSightseeing
Norris Geyser Basin
Yellowstone's hottest and most dynamic thermal area, home to Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser.
Sightseeing
Museum of the National Park Ranger
A small museum near Norris Junction, detailing the history of park rangers.
Sightseeing
Gibbon Falls
A beautiful 84-foot waterfall easily accessible from the road with a viewing platform.
Day 6·Lamar Valley & Tower-Roosevelt
Open in MapsSightseeing
Lamar Valley
Often called the 'Serengeti of North America' for its abundant wildlife, including wolves, bison, and bears. Best at dawn or dusk.
Sightseeing
Tower Fall
A dramatic 132-foot waterfall with unique rock formations. A short trail leads to a viewpoint.
Sightseeing
Roosevelt Arch
The historic northern entrance arch to Yellowstone National Park, located in Gardiner.
Day 7·West Thumb Geyser Basin & Departure
Open in MapsSightseeing
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Geothermal features situated on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, offering stunning reflections. Best in the morning.
Sightseeing
Yellowstone Lake Overlook
Pull off the main road for expansive views of Yellowstone Lake, North America's largest high-elevation lake.
Sightseeing
Grant Village Visitor Center
Learn about the geology and ecology of the Yellowstone Lake area.
Make it your own
Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.