There are tons of things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is one of the most mind-blowing spots in the US. Home to almost 500 geysers, some of the most stunning natural springs on the planet, and tons of awesome wildlife, the park is a must-see if you’re around.

To get to Yellowstone, you can rent an RV in Denver or in Salt Lake City and drive straight to the National Park.

Here are some of the best things to check out in Yellowstone.

Old Faithful Geyser

The Old Faithful Geyser is the most predictable (and most famous) of nearly 500 Yellowstone geysers. It was the first to be named and erupts about every 90 minutes, making it super easy to catch in action.

Like the Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful draws a lot of visitors. No matter when you go, expect crowds. That said, the Upper Geyser Basin is pretty big, so there’s plenty of space to spread out.

Grand Prismatic Spring

The crown jewel of the Midway Geyser Basin, the Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the US and one of the most unique natural wonders on Earth. It’s also the most photographed (and thus the most recognizable) landmark in Yellowstone.

This jaw-dropping spring is deeper than a 10-story building and bigger than a football field, making it a truly humbling sight. Its colorful layers come from different species of heat-loving bacteria that live nearby, giving the spring dazzling blues, yellows, greens, and oranges.

Of course, Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most popular spots in the park, so you can expect crowds anytime you visit.

Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory Pool

Home to Old Faithful Geyser, the Upper Geyser Basin has about 25% of the world’s geysers. It’s a beautiful area with tons of walking paths that pass many geysers and thermal features. Even if your main goal is Old Faithful, take some time to explore the rest of the Upper Geyser Basin too.

Some geysers might be quiet when you visit, but if you stroll up to the Morning Glory Pool you’ll probably catch a few blowing off steam. Some great spots to check out are the Daisy Geyser, Castle Geyser, Grotto Geyser, and the colorful Morning Glory Pool.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is one of Yellowstone’s most famous landmarks. It’s over 24 miles long, up to 4,000 feet wide, and goes down to 1,200 feet deep in spots. There are walking trails and viewpoints on both rims, with the main ones drawing the biggest crowds.

The highlight of the canyon is Artist Point. This South Rim viewpoint offers incredible views over the canyon and the iconic Lower Falls. Other spots to check out are the Brink of the Upper Falls, Inspiration Point, and of course, the Lower Falls.

Lamar Valley

If you’re a big wildlife fan, you’ll love Yellowstone. One of the best places to spot bison and other animals is Lamar Valley. It’s often missed by visitors because it’s kind of out of the way, but it has some of the best scenery in the park along with tons of wildlife.

Lamar Valley is THE place to see wild bison. You’ll see hundreds or even thousands of these majestic creatures roaming freely on the vast plains. If you’re patient (and lucky), you might also catch deer, elk, coyotes, bears, or even wolves.

Hayden Valley

Hayden Valley is probably the most popular spot in Yellowstone for wildlife viewing, and it can get really crowded as a result. The bison even like to hang out on the road, causing “bison jams” that can hold you up for an hour.

Still, if you want an up-close wildlife experience, Hayden Valley is the spot. Going early morning or late afternoon ups your chances of seeing animals since they’re more active then. Just remember to keep your distance and stay in your car if animals get close.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. It freezes completely in winter and stays pretty cold in summer, so swimming isn’t really a thing. The best way to explore is by boat.

There are guided scenic boat tours you can join, or if you want to go solo you can rent a boat or try kayaking. There are also plenty of hiking trails right along the lake shore with amazing views.

Old Faithful Inn

One of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone, the Old Faithful Inn was built in 1903-1904 and is actually the biggest log building in the world. You don’t have to be staying there to check it out — just pop in and soak up the grandeur of the main building.

If you’re into the lodge’s history, you can join free guided tours of the building that run several times a day.

Camping in Yellowstone

Yellowstone has some campgrounds where you can reserve a spot and others that are first-come, first-served. If you go the first-come route, it’s super important to get there early to snag a spot.

Since Yellowstone is huge, you might want to camp at a couple different campgrounds depending on what you want to see.

Some of the top campgrounds include:

• Norris campground
• Maddison campground
• Grant village campground

Visit Yellowstone on your next road trip

There seriously are tons of things to do in Yellowstone. We covered some of the best here, but it’s just scratching the surface. At least now you’ve got a few ideas to start with. If you’re up for a road trip, check out other awesome destinations in the area.

Have fun adventuring!