The Top Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Have you ever been to a place that was so beautiful and majestic it took your breath away? Yellowstone National Park is one of those places. With its geysers, hot springs, and an incredible landscape full of wildlife, it’s no surprise why Yellowstone has attracted visitors for decades.
It’s an extraordinary place full of natural beauty that promises adventure each time you visit.
From stunning hikes to unique attractions, there are plenty of activities and sights to explore in this fascinating park —all waiting to be discovered! Let’s look at the top things to do while visiting Yellowstone National Park.
1. Lone Star Geyser Trail
For those seeking a less crowded view of Yellowstone’s geysers, the hike to Lone Star Geyser is well worth the effort. Unlike other geothermal areas in the park with multiple geysers, Lone Star Geyser stands alone in the beautiful landscape.
A 2.4-mile hike is required to reach it, but the experience is unforgettable. The star of this trail is the regular, impressive eruptions of the geyser, shooting water up to 45 ft into the air every three hours.
The surrounding country landscape is equally breathtaking, with scenic trees, marshland, and the Firehole River leading the way. Recent travelers have raved about this trail, describing the flat, easy terrain and stunning natural surroundings. If the geyser is not in eruption mode upon arrival, some have reported that it can start again after a short wait.
2. Grand Prismatic Spring
Check out the Grand Prismatic Spring, located within the Park’s Midway Geyser Basin, as one of the best things to do at Yellowstone National Park– it’s one of the coolest things to see in the area! The hot spring is enormous, measured at approximately 370 feet wide, with a depth of around 121 feet (that’s taller than a 10-story building, you all!).
However, the great thing about it is the rainbow of colors surrounding the waters. You’ll notice a blue center, with vibrant reds, greens, yellows, and fiery oranges encircling the edges thanks to happy bacteria thriving on minerals produced by the water.
It’s a bustling spot, though, so tote your patience. Why not aim to beat the crowds by heading over early in the morning (if the fog isn’t lingering), so you can get the whole experience? And, if you want the best views, check out the Fairy Falls overlook – your Insta will thank you!
3. Yellowstone Lake
Want to know one of the things to do in Yellowstone? Visiting Yellowstone Lake is a great place to start! It’s the biggest body of water in the park, covering a whopping 20 miles long and 14 miles wide.
You can’t swim here cause it’s too cold and could be fatal, but you can check out the scenery by hiking, fishing, or renting a boat. Remember, the lake’s frozen over by December till early June, making the start of the summer the perfect time for boating and fishing.
There are great hikes, like:
- Pelican Creek Nature Trail
- Storm Point Trail for a more leisurely hike
- Elephant Back Mountrail Trail
These are a bit more challenging, offering superb lake views from their summits. If you want to go boating, take note of the cold temperatures and unpredictable winds, or join Yellowstone National Park Lodges on a guided tour.
Did you know that Yellowstone Lake is home to the largest population of cutthroat trout in North America, drawing most of the park’s anglers? Have fun fishing and admiring the beautiful scenery around the lake. Recent visitors shared they loved Yellowstone Lake and its clear waters and drove around, stopping at West Thumb Geyser Basin and other attractions and lookout points all the way around.
4. Mystic Falls Trail
Who says trails can’t be fun? Yellowstone actually has 900 miles of them. Mystic Falls Trail is a favorite, thanks to its 2.4-mile distance, which takes around 2-4 hours. It might not be the longest, but it’s certainly not short of fantastic scenery.
Before arriving at Mystic Falls, you’ll pass by a creek and mixed conifer forestry cascading down 70-foot-tall rocks. Pretty awesome, right? If you need a challenge (you wild adventurer, you), try the switchbacks that lead to an iconic overlook of Upper Geyser Basin.
Visitors who’ve embraced the extra 1.5 hikes to Upper Geyser Basin warn that it’s no walk in the park. Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and bear spray. One visitor almost came face-to-face with a bear! Friendly reminder, bears are pretty common in Yellowstone, so you’ve got to be switched on, even on the trails less traveled.
5. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
If you want to learn about Yellowstone’s awesome wildlife without going into the wilderness, visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. It’s a non-profit organization just outside of the park’s West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, and it houses:
- Bears
- Fish
- Snakes
- Amphibians
- Wolves
- Raptors
- Otters
- And more
You’ll see live animals up close and learn about them with informative exhibits. They even have programs for kids! It can get cramped inside, but seeing the bears and wolves is worth it. If you’re worried about the crowds, go during the off-season.
6. Trout Lake Trail
Are you ready to explore Yellowstone but overwhelmed about where to hike with the fam? Look no further because Trout Lake Trail is your low-maintenance, low-risk, perfect trail. Check out the easy 1.2-mile flat loop, where you’ll be charmed through a forest with some of the best views of Douglas fir trees and hills exposing cliff faces.
Soak up the peaceful vibes at Trout Lake itself, where the surroundings are lovely, and so might the view that reflects at the topmost section of the lake if you’re lucky. Hikers have even spotted some cute faunas like river otters and bison! Besides the beautiful views and wildlife spotting, hikers love the secludedness of this trail.
Fewer visitors make for a welcome change from other crowded spots in the park. The climb at the start to the river may be challenging, so keep that in mind before hitting the trail.
Get an Up-Close and Personal View of Yellowstone National Park with Caravan
Yellowstone National Park is an awe-inspiring escape into the beauty of nature. Whether it’s marveling at the Old Faithful Geyser or escaping from the hustle and bustle of modern life on a hike through Yellowstone’s backcountry, there are many things to do in Yellowstone Park.
That’s why a guided tour with Caravan makes your Yellowstone experience even more special, as our knowledgeable tour guides provide easy access to the park’s natural wonders. So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to enjoy everything that Yellowstone has to offer!
Join us as we explore this natural wonderland, as we provide the best way to experience all this incredible national park has to offer! Call us at 1-800-CARAVAN or +1-312-321-9800 today and be part of a wilderness adventure like no other, knowing you’ve made the right choice in Caravan!
