Are you headed to Yellowstone for the first time? Yellowstone National Park was always on my list, but the stars never aligned for a visit. A park that had eluded me for 30(ish) years finally became a possibility, of all times, in 2020. An opportunity presented itself, and pandemic or not – I had to jump at it. While I did a ton of research before my trip, there were some things that really surprised me about Yellowstone. If you are starting to plan your first visit to Yellowstone National Park – you are in the right place!
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This article may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see the affiliate disclaimer here.
The Basics:
Where Is Yellowstone National Park? –
Yellowstone is actually in 3 different states. Most of the park lies within Wyoming, but there are small parts in both Montana and Idaho.
How Do I Get To Yellowstone National Park? –
The closest airports to Yellowstone are Bozeman, Montana, to the North. Bozeman is about 2 hours and 51 mins from Yellowstone and is a much smaller airport. Flights will generally cost about $350, booking ahead and flying economy.
The other option for air travel is the Jackson Hole, Wyoming airport to the South. Jackson Hole Airport is about 2 hours and 14 mins from Yellowstone and is also a fairly small airport. Flights here will generally cost about $375, booking ahead and flying economy.
Will I Need A Rental Car?
YES! With the closest airports being 2 hours+ from Yellowstone, you will absolutely need a rental car. It’s also the best and easiest way to see the park!
Where Should I Stay? –
There are SO many options for Yellowstone, and there are 5 gates that you can enter through at Yellowstone. But keep in mind that Yellowstone does get millions of visitors each year and that things can book up really quickly. Especially if you are looking to stay at a central location, book early!
Inside The Park:
Lake Yellowstone Hotel –
- 235 Yellowstone Lake Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- (307) 344-7311
Dating from 1891, this refined lodge is set in a restored Colonial revival–style building overlooking Yellowstone Lake. However, this hotel is only open seasonally.
Old Faithful Inn –
- 3200 Old Faithful Inn Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- (307) 344-7311
This is a great location set in a log-and-stone building dating from 1903, this historic seasonal inn is a 6-minute walk from Old Faithful, 2.4 miles from Morning Glory Pool and 2.5 miles from Kepler Cascades. This is also only opened seasonally.
Old Faithful Lodge –
- 725 Old Faithful Lodge Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- (307) 344-7311
Set within Yellowstone National Park and overlooking the famous Old Faithful geyser, this rustic seasonal lodge in a 1920s stone-and-wood building is 2 miles from Highway 191. It is temporarily closed and you need to call to check on the reopening date.
Camping Inside The Park:
Grant Village Campground –
- 159 Grant Campground Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- 2021 Opening Date: June 18
- 2021 Closing Date: September 12
- Cost: Sites run around $28 per day
- You can book here.
There are tent, RV, ADA, and combination RV/Tent sites at this campground. Keep in mind, there are no hookups for water, electricity, or sewer here. Pay showers and laundry services are located nearby. Rates for this campground include 2 showers per night.
Madison Campground –
- 30 Madison Campground Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- 2021 Opening Date: May 14
- 2021 Closing Date: Oct 17
- Cost: Sites run around $28 per day
- You can book here.
There are tent, RV, ADA, and combination RV/Tent sites at this campground. There are over 270 individual sites here, but keep in mind, there are no hookups for water, electricity, or sewer. Pay showers are not available on the premises. Rates at this campground do not include showers.
Canyon Campground –
- 27 Andesite Lane, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
- 2021 Opening Date: May 21
- 2021 Closing Date: September 18
- Cost: Sites run around $28 per day
- You can book here.
Canyon Village Campground is located within a mile of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, an is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. Canyon has over 270 individual sites, but keep in mind, there are no hookups for water, electricity, or sewer. Pay showers and laundry services are located nearby. Rates for this campground include 2 showers per night.
Dreamy/Pet Friendly Stays:
Under The Canvas: Yellowstone
- 890 Buttermilk Creek Road, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
- 2021 Season: May 20 – September 6th
- You can book here.
I’ve been wanting to stay at an Under The Canvas location ever since I found them on social media. These dreamy tents are located only 10 minutes from the West Entrance of Yellowstone. Under The Canvas offers safari-inspired glamping, and certain tents are even pet friendly. I cannot wait to stay at one of their National Park locations one day.
Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel
- 20 Maiden Basin Dr, Gardiner, MT 59030
- 2021 Season – May 7 – October 3
- Cost: Between $350-
- You can book here.
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a Tipi in Montana, this is your place. Located just 5 miles from the North Entrance of Yellowstone in Gardiner, Montana, this is the kind of stay that you will remember for years to come. But it books up quickly! BONUS: It’s dog friendly for a small fee! There is also a nightly community campfire, 2 complimentary adult beverages, and a gift shop with local artisan goods.
When Should I Visit Yellowstone National Park?:
Yellowstone is open year-round, and you can visit during any season, but here are a few things to keep in mind…
Winter Visits:
Almost all of the park closes down during the winter months. Only Lamar Valley is accessible in your own vehicle, and even those roads close if the weather gets bad enough. However, there are several advantages to visiting in winter, and you get to see the park by snow coach or snowmobile, which gives it a completely different feel and view of the park. Keep in mind that the record low in Winter is -66 degrees (Fahrenheit). Find out more here.
Tip: Wolves are also more active and easier to spot during the winter months. I cannot wait to visit Yellowstone in winter!
Spring Visits:
It might be a little later than you are thinking, Spring hits Yellowstone sometime toward the beginning or middle of May. The awesome thing about visiting the park in spring is getting to see all the new babies! You are more likely to spot red dogs (baby bison), elk calves, and even grizzly cubs in spring! You are less likely to spot wolf pups because they are kept tucked away during the dangerous spring season.
Summer Visits:
Summer in the park will bring beautiful weather but insane crowds. Visiting Yellowstone during the summer months is NOT for the faint of heart. Most visitors come to the park between June-August. It will be overcrowded, and you need to be ready for it. Be prepared for traffic jams, lines, and not a lot of options in terms of accommodations.
Fall Visits:
I love fall, don’t you? My first visit to Yellowstone was at the end of September/beginning of October, and I can’t recommend it enough! I loved Fall because the animals were really active in Lamar Valley. I got to see thousands of bison, a grizzly, a moose, tons of elk (during the rut, so I got to hear the dreamy bugles and 30+ wolves! What’s not to love?
Did You Know?: Yellowstone National Park
Did you know that Yellowstone was America’s first National Park? Well, it was! Yellowstone became a National Park on March 1, 1872.
Did you know that half of the world’s hydrothermal features are in Yellowstone? Well, they are! There are more than 10,000 hydrothermal features in the park.
Yellowstone is, in fact, a supervolcano. Yep, it sure is! One of the largest active volcanoes in the world lies under Yellowstone. It’s been about 2.1 million years since the first major eruption of this volcano. However, it’s been about 70,000 years since the last lava flow at Yellowstone.
Did you know that Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times? Well, it is! Bison injure many people at Yellowstone because they are incredibly unpredictable and can run three times faster than any human.
Yellowstone is also home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. That’s right, there are over 67 species of mammals, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, elk, and foxes.
Did you know that for about 11,000 of those years, Native Americans called Yellowstone their home? Well, they did! Yellowstone was the ancestral home of Crow, Blackfeet, Bannocks, and Shoshone.
Know Before You Go: Yellowstone Edition
- You will need a par pass to visit Yellowstone. It’s $35 for a week. Or you can purchase America The Beautiful Pass for $80 and have unlimited access to all National Parks. You can buy your America The Beautiful Pass here.
- For the 2021 Season – There are planned road closures in the park on the Grand Loop Road between Tower Falls and Chittenden Road. It will be closed until May of 2022, and it was closed during my visit last year as well.
- You are probably severely underestimating the size of Yellowstone. It takes hours and hours of driving to get around the park. Don’t get me wrong, the park is beautiful but way bigger than you think.
- It’s 2.2 million acres, just to put that into perspective.
- Find a map here.
- I didn’t know this until my trip last fall, but bison eyes do not glow in the dark as deer and elk do. So, if you are visiting a bison-heavy area (Lamar or Hayden Valley) make sure to leave before it gets completely dark. You will never see them.
- Pets are prohibited in most areas at Yellowstone National Park. They are permitted in Mammoth Village and Old Faithful (just not on the boardwalk).
- I recommend downloading the Yellowstone National Park app if you are trying to see this all in one day. It’s the best way to try to time out Old Faithful’s timing.
Keep In Mind: Yellowstone Edition
- I visited the park in late September, and sunrise and sunset times may vary depending on when you visit.
- Get gas before you enter the park. There are several gas stations outside of each entrance. Once inside, there are only a few, and you pay a premium price for the luxury of gassing up inside the park!
- Prepare for early mornings and late evenings if you want to make to most of your trip to Yellowstone
The 8 Things A First-Timer Cannot Miss At Yellowstone National Park
1. Seeing Bison In The Wild –
You’ve absolutely GOT to see a Yellowstone National Park bison in the wild. There are several places to spot bison inside the park, but the most notorious places are Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley. If you’ve followed me on IG (@thewellwornshoes) then you know my deep love and appreciation of Lamar Valley. In my opinion, Lamar Valley is the best place for wildlife viewing in the United States. But, honestly, you may also see bison randomly around the park.
Check out this post on the One Place You Can’t-Miss In Yellowstone
Tip: Remember that these are wild animals and that you should never approach a bison. Stay at least 25 yards from the bison.
Tip: Drive slowly through Lamar & Hayden Valley. Bison jams are a real thing, and they will just walk right out in front of your car.
Tip: Bison eyes do not glow in the dark (like deer and elk), and if you are traveling in high bison areas (Lamar or Hayden Valley) in the dark, please obey the posted speed limit. You don’t want to hit a bison.
2. Don’t Skip Old Faithful –
If you’ve never heard of anything about Yellowstone, chances are you’re probably still familiar with Old Faithful. Keep in mind that when it comes to Old Faithful, well, she’s not quite as faithful as her name suggests. Although it is generally stated that Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes, it isn’t like clockwork when it comes to hydrothermal features.
If you end up catching the end of the eruption, you may have to wait 30+ mins for the next.
This is a dog-friendly area, but pets are not allowed up on the viewing boardwalk. There is plenty of seating behind the boardwalk, where you still get a great view of Old Faithful.
If you aren’t into crowds, skip the boardwalk for Observation Point, where you can get a bird’s eye view of Old Faithful. It’s only a 1.1-mile hike.
Tips:
- Plan to get here 20 to 30 mins early because the boardwalk gets incredibly packed.
- Visiting Old Faithful early in the morning or later in the evening will make it more enjoyable because it will be WAY less crowded.
- If you want to get souvenirs inside the park – this is the place to do it!
3. Check Out A Few Hydrothermal Features –
In a park that has 10,000 hydrothermal features, you cannot miss visiting at least a few. Of course, there are the famous ones: Old Faithful mentioned above and…
Midway Geyser Basin Featuring Grand Prismatic Springs:
Grand Prismatic can be found in the Midway Geyser Basin. While Old Faithful is the most famous, Grand Prismatic is the most photographed hydrothermal feature in the park, and for good reason! I mean, look at it!
So where do those colors come from? Well, the bright bands of orange, yellow, and green in the spring are actually caused by bacteria. The multicolored layers get their beautiful hues from different species of thermophile (heat-loving) bacteria.
While Grand Prismatic may be the showstopper, the Midway Geyser Basin, although small, gives a lot of bang for your buck. You can also see Excelsior Geyser, an enormous geyser crater, Turquoise Pool, and Opal Pool while visiting this basin.
For different hydrothermal features: Check out Artist Paint Pots
These beautifully colored mud pots get their hugh from a variety of dissolved minerals, and they are set against a stunning alpine backdrop. Mudpots are generally touted as some of the most bizarre of Yellowstone’s thermal features. They are bubbling cauldrons of soupy mud that occur when surface water collects in pools and is mostly cut off from groundwater by a lining of clay.
4. Soak In The Boiling River –
Although not technically in the park, the Boiling River is just outside the Northern Entrance in Montana. It’s where a hot river meets a cold one, and is the perfect mix of temperatures for soaking year-round. Definitely worth a dip on your first-ever visit to Yellowstone!
5. Marvel At The Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone –
There are two different loops to view the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone:
The North Rim is a short one-way drive along the, you guessed it, north rim of the Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone. Stop at as many viewpoints as you can, and this rim will give you viewpoints of the canyon and lower falls. Inspiration Point and Grand View are some of the most popular viewpoints.
The South Rim drive offers upper and lower fall views. Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artists Points are some of the highlights from the south rim.
Tip: If you only have time for one, I would suggest the South Rim Drive. Artists Point gives such a beautiful view of the Upper Falls.
6. Wander Around Mammoth Hot Springs –
Yes, it’s another hydrothermal feature, but it’s so different from the others in the park! Make sure to give yourself some time here, it’s not a quick pullover to snap a few photos spot. The boardwalks around Mammoth cover about 1.75 miles; it’s considered an easy hike with about 300 ft elevation gain.
Tips:
- Skip the souvenir shops in Mammoth Village.
- If you are traveling with pups, Mammoth Village is a great place to take them for a bit of a walk. But if there is elk activity in the area (esp during the rut), be incredibly careful.
- Speaking of elk, they are very active in Mammoth Village, especially during
rut . I actually had a coyote walk behind my truck in Mammoth Village while watching an elk herd at dusk. It was crazy!!
7. Take In All The Wildlife You Can –
When I was posting all of my wildlife encounters at Yellowstone, I couldn’t believe how many of my friends said they went to the park but didn’t see any animals. How? I saw all of the bigger mammals Yellowstone has to offer! There is a chance that you will see bison in any part of the park; in fact, I spotted one as I was leaving the parking lot at Old Faithful!
So, where can you spot wildlife in Yellowstone as a first-timer? The valleys are your best bet! Hayden Valley is more centrally located, but I didn’t have much luck spotting wildlife there. I loved Lamar Valley, so much so that I wrote an entire post on how you cannot skip it! Click here to view The Complete Guide To Lamar Valley.
So what can you spot in the valleys?
- Wolves
- Elk
- Bison
- Grizzly Bears and Black Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Fox
- Deer
- Moose
- Pronghorn
- Also, watch out for bald eagles and osprey in the Lamar River.
Please don’t forget that these are wild animals and that you should keep your distance and respect them.
Wildlife Safety Distances:
- Wolves & Bears – at least 100 yards
- Bison & Elk – at least 25 yards
- All other animals at Yellowstone – 25 yards
Tips:
- As mentioned above – to spot elk, head to Mammoth Village.
- You will know where the wolves are! There will be a ton of people next to the road with spotting scopes and incredible camera lenses. The wolves are there, and wolf spotters will help you to spot them and even let you use their scopes and lenses to view the wolves.
- Keep your eye peeled everywhere at Yellowstone. I had a coyote pass behind my truck in Mammoth Village because the bull elk above was bugling at it.
More Tips:
- Make sure to take a spotting scope if you have one. I bought this spotting scope specifically for my trip to Yellowstone. I also had these binoculars with me! Wolves and bears are usually pretty far away, and trust me, you want to be able to see them!
- I also recommend that you take a telephoto or zoom lens. If you don’t have one, then I highly recommend renting one. This is not an affiliate link, but I rented this telephoto lens from Lens Rentals and had a great experience with them.
8. Find Some Huckleberry Ice Cream –
And while you’re at it, try anything huckleberry that you possibly can. Ice cream, lemonade, vodka, jams, soap, lip gloss, I tried any and everything huckleberry that I could find, and I love it all!
For Huckleberry Ice Cream Check Out:
Mammoth General Store – 315A Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Espresso West – 21 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
And for some huckleberry adult beverages in West Yellowstone, I highly recommend –
The Buffalo Bar – 335 US-20, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Try their spiked huckleberry lemonade! It’s delicious!
I’m excited to help you plan your first visit to Yellowstone National Park. It’s a place you will never forget. A place that feels wild even with the droves of people who visit each year. There are so many things to see and do at Yellowstone that this list could be never-ending. But, really, you can’t go wrong when it comes to America’s first National Park! There is something for everyone! Have you been to Yellowstone? What was your absolute favorite/must-see?
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