Yellowstone National Park

America's first national park featuring geysers, hot springs, wildlife, and dramatic canyons spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. An essential destination for nature lovers offering unparalleled opportunities to see bears, bison, and geothermal wonders.

Things to do

• Old Faithful Geyser — Watch this iconic geyser erupt approximately every 90 minutes, shooting hot water up to 180 feet into the air.
• Grand Prismatic Spring — Experience the largest hot spring in the United States with stunning rainbow colors created by heat-loving bacteria and minerals.
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — Hike the rim trails to view the dramatic 1,200-foot-deep canyon carved by the Yellowstone River with its famous Upper and Lower Falls.
• Lamar Valley Wildlife Viewing — Known as the 'Serengeti of North America,' this valley offers excellent opportunities to spot bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears.
• Mammoth Hot Springs — Tour the otherworldly white travertine terraces formed by hot mineral springs cascading down the mountainside.
• Hayden Valley Bison Watching — Drive through this expansive meadow to observe herds of American bison grazing in their natural habitat.
• Norris Geyser Basin Hiking — Explore geothermal features including Steamboat Geyser and numerous hot springs along well-maintained walking trails.

Food to try

• Bison Burger — A hearty local favorite made from Yellowstone's wild bison herds, often served at park restaurants with a leaner, richer flavor than beef.
• Trout from Yellowstone Lake — Fresh-caught cutthroat trout prepared simply, often pan-seared or grilled at lodges near the lake.
• Elk Steak — Premium wild game meat sourced locally and featured at fine dining establishments throughout the park.
• Huckleberry Pie — A regional dessert staple made with wild huckleberries foraged in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, commonly found at park lodges.
• Snake River Fine Dining — Multi-course meals highlighting local game, seasonal vegetables, and regional ingredients served at historic lodge restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Wildlife Safety First — Always maintain at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears and wolves; never approach or feed any animals regardless of size or perceived tameness.
• Extreme Hot Spring Hazards — Stay on designated boardwalks and trails as geothermal features can be dangerously hot and the ground around them can collapse; never test water temperature with your hands or body.
• Early Morning Visits Recommended — Visit popular geysers and wildlife viewing areas at dawn to avoid crowds and maximize opportunities for wildlife encounters and clear photography.
• Respect Tribal Heritage — Yellowstone is sacred land to multiple Native American nations; learn about their history and ongoing connection to the park through visitor center displays and programs.

Nearby

• Grand Teton National Park (Rocky Mountains) — 71 km
• Jackson Hole (Rocky Mountains) — 106 km
• Rapid City — 587 km
• Mount Rushmore — 588 km