Things to do nearYellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, spanning Wyoming and parts of Montana and Idaho, captivates visitors with its geothermal wonders, vast wildlife, and ancient volcanic landscape.
Established in 1872 as the world's first national park, Yellowstone sits atop one of the planet's most active volcanic hotspots, a fact that explains the extraordinary concentration of geothermal features found nowhere else in comparable density. The park holds roughly half of the world's active geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful, which erupts with reliable regularity and draws visitors to the Upper Geyser Basin throughout the day. Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, stuns with concentric rings of vivid color produced by heat-loving microbial mats.
Beyond the geothermal spectacle, Yellowstone encompasses more than two million acres of forest, alpine meadow, river canyon, and high-elevation lake. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone cuts dramatically through rhyolite rock, exposing yellow and orange walls that gave the park its name, with the Lower Falls dropping nearly twice the height of Niagara.
Wildlife viewing here is among the finest in North America, with bison, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, and trumpeter swans all present in recoverable numbers. The Lamar Valley is often called the American Serengeti for the density and variety of large mammals visible from the road. Dining and lodging options range from the historic Old Faithful Inn, a century-old log structure considered a masterpiece of rustic architecture, to campgrounds scattered across the park's five main districts.
Whether exploring by car, on foot along maintained boardwalks above thermal features, or deeper into the backcountry on multi-day trails, Yellowstone National Park offers a scale and authenticity of wilderness experience that continues to define what a national park can be.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Yellowstone National Park
Visit the Upper Geyser Basin in the early morning to watch Old Faithful erupt with fewer crowds and better light for photography.
Bring bear spray and know how to use it before entering any backcountry trail, as grizzly and black bear encounters are genuinely possible.
Drive the Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk for the best chance of spotting wolves, bison herds, and pronghorn in open meadows.
Try the bison chili at the Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room, a rustic stop near the Tower-Roosevelt area that reflects the park's early tourist-camp heritage.
Pack layers regardless of the season, as temperatures in Yellowstone can swing dramatically between morning and afternoon even in midsummer.
Top tours & experiences near Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park Full-Day Guided Tour
Choose a Lower Loop, wildlife, or custom Yellowstone adventure with a local guide
Yellowstone Wildlife & Waterfalls Guided Tour
Search for wildlife and hike Yellowstone’s canyon waterfalls on a private day out
Private Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour
Explore Yellowstone's wild valleys or geothermal landmarks with a private guide
Yellowstone Geyser Guided Tour
Explore Yellowstone's thermal basins with guide service, breakfast or lunch, and viewing optics
Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Grand Loop Tour
See Yellowstone’s Upper and Lower loop highlights in one tour
Yellowstone 5-Hour Wildlife Tour
Scan Yellowstone's Northern Range with a naturalist guide and provided optics
Explore Yellowstone Hot Springs & Geysers
A private day of Yellowstone hikes, thermal features and wildlife viewing
Yellowstone Wildlife Photography Tour
Take more time to photograph Yellowstone wildlife and landscapes with a dedicated guide
Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Tour from West Yellowstone
Explore Yellowstone’s wildlife-rich northern reaches in comfort
Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Tour
Discover Yellowstone's canyon, geothermals & open plains with an expert guide
Private Full-Day Yellowstone Lower Loop & Old Faithful Tour
Explore Yellowstone’s geysers, canyon, and wildlife habitats with a guide dedicated to your party
Private Yellowstone Wildlife Tour with Lodging Pickup
Search Yellowstone's wildlife habitats with a guide and viewing equipment
Private Grand Teton National Park Photography Tour
Build your photography skills with guidance tailored to you
Walk-Wade Guided Fishing Trip in Gardiner
Walk and wade with a guide near Gardiner for a half-day fishing outing
Horseback Riding & 8-Mile Rafting in Gardiner
Saddle up in the forest, then raft the Yellowstone River
2-Hour Horseback Tour Near Yellowstone National Park
Ride ranch trails between the Yellowstone River and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting In Gardiner
Ride rolling-wave rapids on a family-friendly Yellowstone River raft trip from Gardiner
Family Tandem E-Bike Rental in Gardiner near Yellowstone
Share a Yellowstone ride with a child who isn't ready for their own e-bike
Guided 3-Hour Kayak Tour on Yellowstone Lake
Paddle Yellowstone Lake with a guide in a small group
Private Winter Wildlife Safari in Yellowstone National Park
Search Yellowstone’s winter valleys for wildlife with a seasoned naturalist
Private Full-Day Wildlife Tour in Yellowstone National Park
Customize a private Yellowstone wildlife day around your interests
Yellowstone National Park 15-Minute Scenic Flight
A private aerial glimpse of West Yellowstone, Hebgen Lake, and Yellowstone
Step-On Tour Bus Guide in Yellowstone National Park
Discover Yellowstone with local insight and experienced support for your bus driver
Yellowstone National Park Lower Loop Tour with Old Faithful
See geyser basins, Old Faithful, and canyon falls in one day