Discover Yellowstone National Park - America's First Wilderness Wonderland

Day 1: Geyser Grandeur & Prismatic Power

• Morning (7:30 AM - 12:00 PM) Begin your Yellowstone adventure by entering through the West Entrance (if staying in West Yellowstone). The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Drive approximately 30 miles (45-60 minutes) south to the Old Faithful area. Arrive early to secure parking and check the predicted eruption times for Old Faithful at the visitor center. Witness the iconic geyser erupt, a spectacle that typically lasts 1.5 to 5 minutes. Afterward, explore the Upper Geyser Basin on foot. Follow the boardwalks to see other impressive geysers like Grand Geyser (the tallest predictable geyser), Castle Geyser, and the vibrant hot springs along Geyser Hill. This walk typically covers 1-2 miles and takes 1.5-2 hours.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a casual lunch in the Old Faithful area. The Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria offers a range of quick and affordable options (budget around $15-20 per person). After lunch, drive 5 miles north (10 minutes) to the Midway Geyser Basin. Here, a short boardwalk takes you to the breathtaking Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone’s largest hot spring, famous for its vivid rainbow colors. Also, see the massive Excelsior Geyser Crater. For an iconic aerial view of Grand Prismatic, take the 0.6-mile (roundtrip) Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail, accessible from the Fairy Falls Trailhead parking lot, a short drive south from the main Midway Basin area. Allow 1.5-2 hours for this area. Continue north 5 miles to the Lower Geyser Basin and take the boardwalk trail through the Fountain Paint Pots area to see colorful mud pots, hot springs, and geysers. This walk takes about 1 hour.
• Evening For dinner, if staying in West Yellowstone, enjoy a meal at a local favorite like Wild West Pizzeria & Grill (pizza, pasta, sandwiches, budget around $20-30 per person) or Madison Crossing Lounge (upscale pub fare, budget around $30-40 per person). If you’ve opted for in-park lodging, the Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria remains an economical choice. As night falls, step outside your accommodation for some incredible stargazing; Yellowstone boasts some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states.

Day 2: Roaring Falls & Canyon’s Majesty

• Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day by driving north from the Old Faithful area towards Norris Geyser Basin (approx. 27 miles, 40-50 minutes). Norris is Yellowstone’s hottest and most dynamic thermal area. Explore the two distinct areas: the colorful, acidic Porcelain Basin and the heavily forested, steaming Back Basin, home to Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser (though eruptions are infrequent). Allow 1.5-2 hours for exploring Norris. From Norris, continue driving east approximately 20 miles (30 minutes) to Canyon Village.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Grab a quick and budget-friendly lunch at the Canyon General Store or Canyon Fountain & Grill (deli sandwiches, burgers, snacks, budget around $15-20 per person). Dedicate your afternoon to exploring the magnificent Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Start with the South Rim Drive, visiting iconic viewpoints such as Artist Point (often considered the most famous view of the Lower Falls) and Grandview Point. If conditions allow and you’re up for a strenuous hike, the historic Uncle Tom’s Trail offers 328 steps down to a platform near the base of the Lower Falls (check for seasonal closures). Then, drive to the North Rim Drive to see the Brink of the Lower Falls (a short, steep walk to view the falls plunging over the edge), and Lookout Point. Allow 3-4 hours to comfortably visit both rims.
• Evening For dinner, consider the more casual Canyon Fountain & Grill again, or, if your budget allows and you made reservations well in advance, the Canyon Lodge Dining Room offers a more refined experience (budget around $40-60 per person). For a more central stay after a long day, consider booking lodging in the Canyon Village area (e.g., Canyon Lodge cabins, which are often booked far in advance) or Lake Village, if available within budget.

Day 3: Wildlife Wonders & Lakeside Lore

• Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM) From Canyon Village, drive south 5 miles (10 minutes) to the fascinating Mud Volcano area. Take the boardwalk trails to see a variety of bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs, including Dragon’s Mouth Spring and the aptly named Mud Volcano. Allow 1 hour. Continue south through Hayden Valley, one of Yellowstone’s premier wildlife viewing areas. Drive slowly and keep an eye out for herds of bison, elk, coyotes, and sometimes bears. Pull over at designated turnouts for safe viewing. This slow scenic drive with stops can take 1-2 hours.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM) Proceed to the Yellowstone Lake area. For lunch, the Lake Lodge Cafeteria offers casual dining options with lake views (budget around $15-20 per person). Afterwards, explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin, located directly on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. This unique basin features geysers and hot springs both on land and directly in the lake, such as Fishing Cone and Abyss Pool. Enjoy a short, easy walk along the boardwalks, taking in the picturesque geothermal features against the backdrop of the expansive lake. Allow 1-1.5 hours. From West Thumb, begin your journey out of the park. If flying out of Bozeman, drive back towards the West Entrance (approx. 45 miles, 1 hour) passing through Fountain Paint Pots and Madison Junction again.
• Evening Enjoy a final Yellowstone-themed dinner in West Yellowstone at a place like Outpost Restaurant or another local eatery. If time allows and you’re looking for souvenirs, browse the shops in West Yellowstone. Afterwards, proceed to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) for your departure (approx. 90 miles from West Yellowstone, 1.5-2 hours drive). Plan for significant gas costs throughout your trip, as Yellowstone covers a vast area. Remember to pack layers, bring plenty of water and snacks, and make lodging/dining reservations far in advance, especially for in-park options, to best manage your budget and ensure a smooth, unforgettable “Yellowstone Highlights” adventure.

Day 1: Geyser Grandeur & Sunset Serenity

• Morning (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Enter Yellowstone National Park via the West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT). Purchase your 7-day vehicle pass ($35). Drive south towards the Lower Geyser Basin (~45 minutes). Your first major stop is the Midway Geyser Basin. For the iconic aerial view of Grand Prismatic Spring, drive to the Fairy Falls Trailhead parking lot (just south of Midway Geyser Basin). Hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook (1.2 miles round trip, 1.5-2 hours, moderate uphill climb). Afterward, drive to the main Midway Geyser Basin parking and walk the boardwalks to see Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser Crater from ground level (1 hour).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a packed picnic lunch you brought or grab quick sandwiches from the Old Faithful General Store (budget ~$20-30 for two). Drive south to the Upper Geyser Basin (15-20 minutes). Head straight to the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center to check the predicted eruption time for Old Faithful Geyser. Witness an eruption (plan 30-90 minutes wait). Spend 2-3 hours exploring the extensive boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin, visiting iconic features like Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, Riverside Geyser, and the vibrant Morning Glory Pool. This is a leisurely 2-3 mile walk.
• Evening Check into your accommodation near Old Faithful, such as the Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Old Faithful Lodge Cabins (expect ~$250-300). For dinner, enjoy a sit-down meal at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room (mid-range, $80-100 for two) or a more casual option at the Old Faithful Geyser Grill ($40-60 for two). After dinner, take a twilight stroll around the geyser basin – Old Faithful often erupts against a stunning sunset or starry sky.

Day 2: Grand Canyon & Wildlife Wonders

• Morning (7:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Enjoy an early start. After checking out, drive east from Old Faithful towards West Thumb, then north along Yellowstone Lake towards Fishing Bridge. Stop at the fascinating and pungent Mud Volcano and Sulphur Caldron (1-hour stop, ~1.5 hours total driving). Continue north into Hayden Valley, one of Yellowstone’s premier wildlife viewing areas. Drive slowly, utilize pull-outs, and keep an eye out for bison, elk, and potentially grizzly bears or wolves. Allocate 1-1.5 hours for slow driving and wildlife stops.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Pack a picnic lunch or pick up supplies from a general store (e.g., Fishing Bridge General Store, ~$20-30 for two) to enjoy in Hayden Valley or near Canyon Village. Head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Start your exploration on the North Rim Drive: take the steep Brink of the Lower Falls Trail (0.6 miles roundtrip, 1 hour) for an up-close view, then visit Lookout Point, Grand View, and Inspiration Point. Cross to the South Rim Drive to capture the iconic view from Artist Point. If open and you’re up for a strenuous hike, consider Uncle Tom’s Trail (328 steps down to the base of the Lower Falls, 1-1.5 hours, often closed). Also, stop at the Upper Falls Viewpoint. Allow 3-4 hours for thorough exploration of the Canyon.
• Evening Drive to Canyon Village and check into Canyon Lodge (expect ~$250-300). For dinner, choose between the elegant Canyon Lodge Lake House Restaurant (mid-range, $80-100 for two) or the casual Canyon Fountain Grill ($40-60 for two). Enjoy a relaxing evening after a day of breathtaking views.

Day 3: Northern Vistas & Wildlife Hotspot

• Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Embark on an early wildlife drive. Head north from Canyon Village towards Tower-Roosevelt Junction, then east into Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America.” This is a prime location for spotting bison, elk, coyotes, and if lucky, wolves and bears. Drive slowly, use binoculars, and pull over at designated turnouts. Allocate 2-3 hours for this drive and wildlife viewing (approx. 1.5-hour drive to the far end of Lamar Valley and back to Tower). Stop at Tower Fall for a short walk to the viewpoint (30 minutes).
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a picnic lunch you packed (or grab something quick from Tower General Store, ~$20-30 for two) in Lamar Valley. Drive west towards Mammoth Hot Springs (approx. 1 hour drive). Spend 2-3 hours exploring the unique travertine terraces. Start with the Upper Terraces Drive (one-way loop with several viewpoints), then walk the extensive Lower Terraces Boardwalks, admiring formations like Minerva Terrace, Palette Spring, and Canary Spring. Finish your visit with a stop at the Albright Visitor Center to learn about the area’s history and geology.
• Evening Check into the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins (expect ~$200-280) or opt for lodging in nearby Gardiner, MT. Enjoy dinner at the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room (mid-range, $80-100 for two) or the casual Terrace Grill ($40-60 for two). Take an evening stroll around Fort Yellowstone, the park’s historic headquarters.

Day 4: Geothermal Diversity & Scenic Drives

• Morning (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Depart Mammoth Hot Springs and drive south to Norris Geyser Basin (approx. 45-minute drive). Spend 2.5-3 hours exploring the hottest and most acidic geyser basin in the park. Walk the boardwalks through Porcelain Basin (0.75-mile loop, 1 hour) for vibrant, steamy views, then venture into the Back Basin (1.5-mile loop, 1.5 hours) to see larger geysers like Steamboat Geyser (the world’s tallest, though infrequent) and Echinus Geyser.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a packed picnic lunch (~$20-30 for two) near Madison. Drive the scenic, one-way Firehole Canyon Drive (2 miles, 30-45 minutes) to see Firehole Falls and potentially swim in designated areas of the Firehole River (seasonal). Continue south to Biscuit Basin (approx. 20 minutes from Madison). Walk the 0.6-mile boardwalk loop (45 minutes) to see Sapphire Pool and Jewel Geyser. For a moderate hike, consider the Mystic Falls Trail (2.4 miles roundtrip from Biscuit Basin, 1.5-2 hours).
• Evening Drive west to West Yellowstone (approx. 30 minutes from Biscuit Basin) for your final night’s accommodation (expect $180-250), which often offers more dining variety. For dinner, consider the upscale casual Madison Crossing Lounge ($90-110 for two) or the hearty, casual fare at Running Bear Pancake & Steakhouse (~$60-80 for two). Enjoy browsing the shops in town.

Day 5: Lake Views & Southern Wonders

• Morning (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Check out of your West Yellowstone accommodation. Drive east towards Madison, then south past Old Faithful to the West Thumb Geyser Basin (approx. 1 hour 15-minute drive from West Yellowstone). Spend 1 hour exploring this unique geyser basin, which sits directly on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Walk the 0.6-mile boardwalk to see features like Fishing Cone and Abyss Pool against the backdrop of the lake. Enjoy the scenic drive along the west shore of Yellowstone Lake, stopping at pull-outs for photos.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:30 PM) Enjoy a final picnic lunch by Yellowstone Lake (~$20-30 for two). If time and energy allow, take an easy hike on the Storm Point Trail (2.3-mile loop, 1 hour) for beautiful lake views and potential wildlife near Indian Pond. Alternatively, visit the Grant Village Visitor Center to learn about Yellowstone’s fire ecology and geology.
• Evening Begin your journey out of Yellowstone National Park. You can exit via the South Entrance towards Grand Teton National Park if you’re extending your trip, or drive back through the park (approx. 2.5-3 hours from West Thumb) to exit via the West Entrance, concluding your “Yellowstone Grand Tour.”