America’s First National Park Remains Unforgettable — Tips for Your Visit

Yellowstone National Park, spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is the top choice among Dinogo readers and was named the most visited park in 2023 by Google. So, what’s the hype? The park boasts surreal geothermal features, is home to iconic wildlife and elusive predators, and, simply put, is breathtaking. 

You could explore for years and still discover new wonders. Sadly, many visitors only skim the surface. T+L consulted Yellowstone specialists Daryl Hunter and Linda Veress, who encourage a deeper exploration of the park. “I advise people to leave their cars and take a stroll. Too many just drive around. Even a brief walk on the boardwalk allows you to soak in the tranquility and makes a significant impact,” Veress shared. 

“One common error is rushing to the first plume of steam they spot, checking it out and thinking it's fine, then moving to the next and feeling the same. Eventually, they tire of ordinary springs and overlook the remarkable ones,” Hunter noted. 

We don’t want you to overlook the remarkable ones. Enter: your guide to Yellowstone National Park. 

Preparing for Your Visit 

You don’t need to book a spot for your vehicle to enter Yellowstone National Park. Just keep in mind that if you’re entering through the South Entrance, you’ll go through Grand Teton National Park first. Each park has its own entrance fees, which range from $20.00 to $35.00.

However, it’s essential to reserve accommodations and campsites well ahead of time — Yellowstone fills up quickly. “It’s not a place where [visitors] can arrive and expect last-minute availability,” Veress advised. 

If everything within the park is fully booked, no worries — there are nearby communities where you can stay. “The closest ones are West Yellowstone and Gardiner, just outside the park entrances. Some may drive in from Jackson or Cody, but those are further away,” Veress explained.

Once you’re in the park, manage your time effectively. “You can easily spend a week there, but most visitors stick to around three days,” Hunter mentioned. If you're limited on time, follow Hunter's suggestion: “Explore the lower loop on the first day and the upper loop on the second. The upper loop offers more wildlife and fewer thermal features, while the lower area is rich in thermal attractions.” He also suggests that if you’re nearby, you should take a trip to Jackson Hole for a day and visit Grand Teton. 

How to Reach the Park

Yellowstone features five entrances. The year-round North Entrance and Northeast Entrance provide easy access to the northern loop, Mammoth Hot Springs, and abundant wildlife; the West Entrance is ideal for geyser viewing; the East Entrance is situated by the lake; and the South Entrance is the closest to Jackson. A car is necessary unless you are part of a guided tour.

Consider flying into Bozeman, Montana, or Jackson, Wyoming. You can also arrive via Salt Lake City or Idaho Falls. Generally, car rentals are more affordable from Idaho Falls or Bozeman compared to Jackson. Alternatively, you can fly into Jackson, spend some time there, then head to Yellowstone, dropping off your car in Bozeman or vice versa.

Optimal Times to Visit 

The ideal time to visit Yellowstone National Park depends on your interests. The summer months, generally from mid-April to late October, are perfect for sightseeing, camping, and hiking. Most park roads are open during this period, making it easy to access popular sites.

To escape the crowds, think about visiting in May or June before Memorial Day, or after Labor Day. These times provide a quieter experience with fewer tourists and better prices. Additionally, visiting famous spots like Old Faithful during early morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the busiest times.

While the park is less busy in winter, access is limited. Only one road remains open year-round, which reduces exploration opportunities unless you join a snowmobile tour. Access to the park's interior is mainly through these guided tours. “You can stay at the snow lodge by Old Faithful and go on ski excursions. It’s a unique way to experience the park,” Veress noted.

Top Activities in the Park

Explore the Lower Geyser Basin.

To truly appreciate Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, Hunter recommends that “everyone visit the Lower Geyser Basin, home to the Fountain Paint Pot. If you check out these two, you can skip other springs if you're short on time.” The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is a simple half-mile hike. 

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring.

Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-see attraction in Yellowstone. The Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail offers stunning views of its vibrant blue and orange hues from above, or you can stroll along the wooden walkway that runs right beside it. 

Experience a snowmobile or snowcoach ride.

If you come to Yellowstone in winter, you’ll find some unique ways to explore the park. With roads closed, your options for transportation are limited to snowmobiles and snowcoaches — the only means to access Old Faithful and Lower Falls. “If you’re not a fan of the cold, opt for the snowcoach. And be sure to book your reservations well in advance,” Hunter recommended, noting that excursions fill up fast.

Enjoy a vintage car tour.

Hunter emphasized the distinctive experience of exploring Yellowstone in vintage vehicles with retractable canvas roofs and expansive windows. These classic yellow buses were first introduced in the 1920s. Today, you can enjoy the park in style aboard eight vintage White Motor Co. buses.

Take a ride.

“We have commercial outfitters that offer both day and overnight horseback rides in the park,” Verress mentioned. So, even though there are no barns within park boundaries, you can still saddle up. For an unforgettable adventure with a different type of pack animal, consider llama treks. 

Visit Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Many guests Hunter has guided on tours often prefer this breathtaking waterfall — located in what’s known as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone — over Old Faithful. “Lower Yellowstone Falls is a must-see for everyone,” he noted. 

Top Hikes 

Yellowstone boasts numerous flat and paved paths and boardwalks that can easily fill a day, but if you're able, don’t miss out on a day hike. Hunter particularly enjoys the 1.6-mile trek to Fairy Falls, which shares a trailhead with the route to Grand Prismatic Overlook. If you're seeking more adventure, you can extend your hike to Spray and Imperial geysers. 

The Storm Point Nature Trail leads you to a stunning lake viewpoint (and a colony of yellow-bellied marmots). The family-friendly Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek, and Little Firehole Loop spans miles and features waterfalls along with sweeping views of Biscuit Basin. The Lamar River Trail to Cache Creek takes you through meadows that burst into wildflower blooms in June and July.

Wildlife and Natural Wonders

One of Yellowstone’s biggest attractions is its remarkable wildlife, featuring iconic species such as bison, elk, grizzly and black bears, and gray wolves. 

The prime time to spot grizzly bears and wolves is in the spring, especially in northern areas like Lamar Valley. “A great spot for viewing black bears is near Tower Junction,” Hunter noted. “There’s a five-mile radius around Tower Junction where you can find them.” You can also catch them further south: “The Hayden Valley has improved significantly for bear sightings over the last decade,” he added.

If you’re keen on seeing bison, July and August are your optimal months, particularly in Hayden Valley, where you might encounter hundreds of bison causing traffic jams. “That’s the breeding season, and it’s exciting to watch them as they’re active and searching for mates,” Hunter explained.

By September, during the rut — when male elk compete for dominance — early mornings resonate with elk bugling. Mammoth, Hayden Valley, and Madison Valley are excellent locations to witness this spectacle.

Accommodations

Choosing the ideal place to stay in Yellowstone really depends on your personal preferences, as you'll find everything from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly lodges and campsites. Given the park's vastness and the amount of driving involved, Veress suggests selecting your accommodation based on your top sights. Various areas of the park offer unique experiences, such as geothermal features, wildlife viewing, and lakeside activities. For example:

• If you're interested in geothermal wonders and activities, consider staying near Old Faithful or West Yellowstone. “You can find good lodging right on the edge of Yellowstone and West Yellowstone, Montana, and Gardener, Montana,” Hunter mentioned. “These spots often have more availability, and you’re still very close to the park. 
• For hiking and higher elevations, accommodations near Cooke City might be the best choice.

Old Faithful Inn

Many accommodations within Yellowstone embrace a vintage and rustic aesthetic while offering a delightful historical appeal. The park’s signature lodge, Old Faithful Inn, built in 1903, is located right next to the famous geyser and is described by Hunter as “a masterpiece.” He adds, “It’s a fantastic place to stay. Be sure to book a room with a bathroom.” The older rooms lack ensuite facilities and require a trip down the hall, but they provide a fascinating glimpse into early 1900s hospitality. 

Lake Hotel and Cabins

The Lake Hotel, built in 1895, is another delightful historic establishment. Its architectural style echoes the colonial designs prevalent on the East Coast during that period. 

Glamping with Excursionist

For an exceptionally luxurious getaway, Excursionist, a premium tour company, provides a custom camping experience. They will create a tailored camp for you and your companions, complete with flushing toilets, plush bedding, and exclusive tours led by naturalists. 

One&Only Moonlight Basin

Nestled in Big Sky, Montana, One&Only Moonlight Basin is approximately an hour away from Yellowstone. While it's outside the park, it serves as an excellent luxury alternative when in-park accommodations are fully booked a year in advance. 

Camping

Immersing yourself in nature is what it’s all about, right? Yellowstone boasts 2,000 campsites across 12 campgrounds, along with countless backcountry options. The top campsites in Yellowstone for an outdoor night include Mammoth Campground (the only campground open year-round); the seasonal Madison Campground, where you can spot bison in meadows during spring and summer and elk in the fall; and Grant Village Campground, conveniently located near amenities like a restaurant, gas station, and visitor center.

Dining Options

Dining at Yellowstone National Park varies from elegant restaurants in historic lodges like Mammoth Hotel and Old Faithful Inn to convenient grab-and-go spots. For a unique experience, check out the Bear Pit Lounge at Old Faithful Inn, where you can dine right next to the famous geyser.

Just outside the park in West Yellowstone, savor the locally inspired dishes at Madison Crossing, featuring bison nachos, trout cakes, and elk strip steak. For coffee lovers, Espresso West is a beloved cabin offering a straightforward menu of morning favorites.

And of course, a packed lunch picnic is always a winning choice.