Things To Do in Yellowstone National Park

Explore the many Things To Do in Yellowstone National Park with this guide intended to help visitors enjoy Yellowstone National Park while staying active. With so many things to see and do, take advantage of this on-the-ground knowledge to help you plan the perfect trip.

For Outdoor Adventure

Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for exceptional outdoor adventure. It is the perfect destination for those who love to stay active and explore the world on foot, and so much more. Suitable for families or active travelers, consider visiting the park and taking part in some of these exciting adventure activities that will craft memories that will last a lifetime.

Keep in mind that there are many rules and restrictions related to adventure travel here. Some options may only be open during very specific time periods.

Hiking Trails Available At Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Park maintains hundreds of hiking trails suitable for travelers of all different skill levels. These are just a few of the thousands of miles of available hiking trails. Some of the best highlights include:

Hiking Options Suitable For Beginners:

• Fairy Falls Trail: roughly 7 miles in length on generally flat terrain, with exceptional sights including waterfalls, access to the Grand Prismatic Overlook, and viewing opportunities of several of the park’s natural geysers.
• Storm Point Trail: a shorter hiking option that takes you through rolling hills and forest landscapes. Considered appropriate for beginners or others who require less strenuous hiking options.
• West Thumb Geyser Basin: One of the easier hiking options, taking guests along a boardwalk trail, browsing through the park’s geothermal activity, including Abyss Pool, Black Pool, and Thumb Paint Pots.

Intermediate Yellowstone Park Hiking Trails

• Mystic Falls Trail: A steep yet rewarding hike taking visitors through the Biscuit Basin boardwalk, leading to the stunningly beautiful Mystic Falls. Less busy than other hikes, more suitable for hikers with decent physical fitness levels.
• Bunsen Peak: A high-elevation hike that offers panoramic views of Yellowstone Park and its surrounding landscapes. This trail may be subject to closure depending on the season.
• Trout Lake Trail: Explore the deep forest landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and keep an eye out for wildlife, including bears and trout. Considered to have some steep elevation, challenging for many hikers.

Advanced Hiking Trails of Yellowstone National Park

• Mount Washburn Hiking Trail: This six-hour hike takes guests through Mount Washburn, offering spectacular visuals but also the opportunity to view wildlife. This hike is considered best suited for those with exceptional physical fitness.
• Avalanche Peak Hiking Trail: This extended hike offers guests the chance to take in some visuals of the park in some of the most isolated and remote peaks. With high elevation, rocky paths, and even snow found throughout the summer months, this is one hike suitable for the most experienced outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
• Sky Rim Trail: At almost 30 km long and taking guests over 1,400 meters into elevated territory, this loop can take hikers up to 12 hours to complete. Best suited for those who wish to bring together hiking and camping, the views and wildlife you can encounter are truly amazing. Approach this hike with caution, as it is suitable for the most experienced hikers and outdoor adventurers.

Tips For Encountering Wildlife on Your Hiking Adventure

Some hikes will have travelers encountering wildlife, including bears. Guests are encouraged to travel as small groups, carry bear spray, but also take precautionary steps to avoid bears, never feed them, and always view them from a far distance.  

Cycling Options in Yellowstone National Park

There are many trails and roads that are designed specifically for those who wish to experience the park via cycling. There are restrictions throughout the park, and not all trails are intended to be biked.

• Morning Glory Pool Biking Trail: This two-mile-long trail offers flat and paved terrain, taking guests through several different thermal attractions, including several geysers. Consider renting a bike from the shop near Old Faithful to experience the park at a different pace than hiking on foot.
• Fountain Flat Drive Biking Trail: This flat and paved trail is intended specifically for cyclists, coming in at 8 miles in total for the full experience. Take in the scenic views of Goose Lake and Fairy Meadows, with relatively low elevation.
• Mount Washburn Biking Trail: This trail, best suited for advanced mountain bikers, offers both dirt and gravel trails with 1,500 feet in elevation all the way to the summit of Yellowstone National Park. While the ride may be challenging and tiring, the payoff is huge with its full 360-degree landscape views of the park. Be prepared to share the trail with fellow hikers and mountain bikers!

Some trails are subject to closures, depending on weather conditions and the season. Always do your research prior to taking part in one of these biking trails, and check online to ensure the trail is fully open and ready to be enjoyed. Should you ever be concerned as to whether you are physically capable of one of these trails, learn towards the side of caution and choose the beginner-friendly options.

Whitewater Rafting in Yellowstone National Park

Whitewater rafting continues to attract thousands of tourists each year, taking guests through an exciting experience of a lifetime. While there are plenty of options in the area, the rivers located directly in Yellowstone National Park are protected and prohibited from rafting through. Instead, there are many options in Yellowstone County that can facilitate exceptional rafting experiences of varying difficulty.

• Rafting the Yellowstone River: Located outside the park itself, many guests find thrills by experiencing Yankee Jim Canyon with a qualified rafting provider.
• Snake River Rafting: Running from Grand Teton National Park to Jackson Hole, this trip offers both scenic floats and thrilling rapids. Collaborate with a rafting company to find an option that is suitable for your needs. Some floating options are gentle, while others offer more challenging rapids, best suited for experienced guests.
• Gallatin River and Madison River: Located at the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, offer gentle tubing but also the opportunity to take on the infamous Mad Mile, known for its thrilling rapids.

Curious to explore your options? Always take on rafting, tubing, or floating alongside a qualified rafting company or provider. Safety first, as they say!  

Camping In Yellowstone National Park

Known to be a hub of exceptional camping options, Yellowstone National Park remains home to over 2,000 different camping sites throughout 12 unique campgrounds. Each site has its own perks and benefits, so let’s explore some of the highlights:

• Madison Campground: Set up camp in the depths of Yellowstone National Park alongside the rich green forests with a great blend of sunshine and shade. Centrally located to many of the park’s best attractions, guests also have access to exceptional fishing and hiking trails.
• Bridge Bay Campground: Located at an elevation of 7,800 feet alongside Yellowstone Lake, the views here are truly impressive, with scenic sights of the Absaroka Range. Those who love boating or kayaking should explore this option as it offers impressive access to Yellowstone Lake.
• Grant Village Campground: A high-elevation campsite deep in the pine forest located just a short walk from West Thumb Geyser Basin, this site offers quiet and tranquil experiences but is still close to the park’s major attractions.  This site is also equipped with modern amenities, including flush toilets, facilitating traditional camping and RV camping.

Many campsites require visitors to book their sites more than a year in advance as spots tend to fill up quickly. Remember to treat these sites with deep respect and leave them exactly how you found them. 

Watersports at Yellowstone National Park

Those who love to stay active on the water will be delighted by the number of options available to them in Yellowstone National Park. While whitewater rafting is prohibited, there are plenty of options to consider, including kayaking, boating, and swimming.

• Yellowstone Lake and Lewis Lake are unique opportunities to see the sights of the park on the water, offering beautiful and unique perspectives. Consider renting a canoe or kayak and exploring at your leisure, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Many tour companies offer guided options that are gentle and easy to complete.
• Non-motorized and motorized boating remains available depending on the season, with many rental options available to guests. Yellowstone Lake remains the top option, even with boat tour options alongside a qualified guide. Further, Lewis Lake is another popular option, along with Shoshone Lake, which requires specific permits and restrictions depending on the season.  Consider visiting Bridge Bay Marina to explore options and learn more about the boating options available to guests.
• Swimming is another option, but there are many restrictions and rules created to protect the natural environments of the park. The two swimming options are Firehole Canyon and Boiling River. These spots are often closed, with some seasonal offerings. Visit the National Park Service website to explore possible swimming options when you visit.

Speak with a park ranger or qualified tour guide to learn more about the watersports that are available to you.

Your Adventure Travel Safety Check List For Visiting Yellowstone National Park

Use this safety checklist for adventure travel to Yellowstone National Park.

• With the incredible abundance of wildlife you are likely to see at Yellowstone, always stay at least 100 yards from any animals.
• Never leave designated paths and always stick to trails that are crafted for your enjoyment.
• Carry bearspray and take the time to learn how to use it before taking part in any extended hike or remote camping experience.
• Always follow the rules as outlined by the park. These rules are crafted to ensure the safety of you, the wildlife, and the environment.
• Never, under any circumstance feed the animals that you encounter. Should you carry food with you during a hike, keep it stored away safely on your person or in a sealed container.
• Never, under any circumstances, place your feet or hands in thermal waters.
• For extended safety, travel in small groups and never hike to remote parts of the park alone.

Look To Caravan To Lead The Way

With the overwhelming options for outdoor adventure, having a guide by your side is the best way to enjoy all that the park has to offer without ever missing out on an important detail. The knowledge offered by qualified guides can help you better appreciate the natural wonders this historical park has to offer, working to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Guided travel groups remain incredibly safe for family travelers, helping you enjoy the scenic landscapes, but also activity options. Pre-booked and pre-planned trips avoid the possibility of missing out on an important attraction, allowing you to focus on the enjoyment of your trip. Tap into the knowledge of Caravan travel guides and allow those who have deep knowledge and familiarity with the area to lead the way.

Ready to book the vacation of a lifetime?

Private Tours of Yellowstone National Park offered by Caravan continue to help visitors make the most of their trip, offering careful guidance and group travel options that make the experience all the more special.

Book today by calling 1 (312)-321-9800, or 1-800-CARAVAN to speak with one of our representatives. Inquire about available tours and see if our fully-booked tour offerings are right for you. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay! 

Call now to learn more.