The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Yellowstone National Park: Things to Do in Yellowstone, When to Visit Yellowstone, Where to Stay in Yellowstone
Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, drawing over 4 million visitors per year. Spanning 3,471 square miles across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is home to incredible geothermal features, abundant wildlife, stunning lakes and waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone, this travel guide will provide tips on how to visit, what to do, and where to stay near the park and in the park itself. Welcome to Yellowstone in USA!
When to Visit Yellow Stones National Park
Due to its high elevation and location, Yellowstone has a short peak tourism season. The park is open year-round but the most ideal times to visit are from May through September when all roads and facilities are open.
Spring (May-June) brings warmer weather and wildlife sightings as animals emerge with newborns. Flowers start blooming by May and crowds are smaller than summer.
Summer (July-August) is peak season with warm, sunny days perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
Fall (September-October) offers beautiful foliage, fewer crowds, and cool but comfortable temperatures. Wildlife is active prepping for winter. Some facilities start closing in October.
Getting to Yellowstone
Yellowstone has 5 entrance gates. Most visitors fly into nearby airports including:
- Jackson Hole Airport - 50 miles from the South Entrance
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport - 90 miles from West Entrance
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl Airport - 90 miles from North Entrance
Renting a car is recommended to explore the park at your own pace. Shuttle buses and tours are also available seasonally from nearby gateway towns.
You can also get to Yellowstone by rail. Amtrak stops in nearby Gardner, Montana just north of the park. Free shuttles can take you between Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Where to Stay at Yellowstone National Park
Inside Yellowstone National Park
For an immersive national park experience, stay at one of Yellowstone's 9 lodges or campgrounds located throughout the park. The hotels are located within the national park, however are generally quite rustic and very expensive for the actual product offered. Popular options include:
- Old Faithful Inn - Historic lodge near Old Faithful Geyser
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel - Elegant lodge overlooking Yellowstone Lake
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins - North entrance lodging
Rates start around $130/night for simple motel rooms or $200/night for suites. Book well in advance for summer stays.
Outside of the park, some amazing options for hotels near Yellowstone National Park include:
Hotel Jackson - Escape to the majestic Teton Range and experience charming Western hospitality at Hotel Jackson, located in the heart of lively Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Our luxurious downtown accommodations put you close to Yellowstone National Park and incredible outdoor adventures, then unwind afterwards with happy hour cocktails or fine dining at our onsite restaurant. With sophisticated rooms featuring cozy fireplaces and premium amenities, Hotel Jackson provides a relaxing home base to take in the natural wonders of Jackson Hole and the surrounding national parks. Let us help you plan the perfect mountain getaway full of rustic charm and breathtaking scenery.
The Cody - Experience the wild spirit of the Old West at our charming hotel in the heart of downtown Cody, Wyoming. Located near the eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park, our comfortable accommodations put you close to incredible wildlife viewing, natural wonders and outdoor adventures. After an active day exploring the area's vast natural beauty, unwind in our lobby lounge or dine at our restaurant featuring fresh, seasonal cuisine. With warm Western hospitality and amenities, our Cody hotel is the perfect home base for your Yellowstone adventure.
Best Western Premier Ivy Inn and Suites - Experience legendary Western hospitality at the Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites, located in the heart of downtown Cody, Wyoming. Our comfortable accommodations place you minutes from Yellowstone National Park to view wildlife and marvel at natural wonders. After an active day of adventure, unwind with delicious dining, refreshing drinks, and cozy amenities at our hotel. With exceptional service and access to Cody's frontier attractions, the Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites is your ideal home base for exploring this unique Western town.
Gateway Towns Near Yellowstone National Park
For more variety and budget options, stay outside the park in gateway towns like:
West Yellowstone, MT: Located near the West Entrance with lots of lodging and dining choices. Try staying at Three Bear Lodge or Yellowstone Park Hotel.
Gardiner, MT: Small town at the North Entrance with quaint B&Bs and motels. The Alpine Motel is a nice budget pick.
Cooke City, MT:Eastern gateway near the Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing. The Antlers Lodge offers cabin rentals.
Jackson, WY: Upscale town near the South Entrance with luxury resorts like Hotel Terra Jackson Hole.
What to See and Do in Yellowstone
With so much to explore, here are some of the top things to see and do on a Yellowstone trip:
See the geysers: Yellowstone has over 10,000 thermal features but the crown jewel is Old Faithful Geyser erupting every 90 minutes. Other impressive geysers include Grand Geyser and Beehive Geyser.
Go geyser spotting: In the Upper Geyser Basin, follow the boardwalks to see unique geysers like Riverside Geyser, Giantess Geyser, and the rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring.
Drive Grand Loop Road: This 142-mile scenic drive circling the park passes major attractions like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Mt. Washburn, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Look for wildlife: Scan meadows and valleys to spot bison, elk, moose, bears, wolves, bighorn sheep and over 300 bird species. Top spots include Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.
See Yellowstone Falls: The thundering Lower Falls and Upper Falls cascade over the colorful Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Hike Uncle Tom's Trail for canyon views.
Marvel at Mammoth Hot Springs: See ornate mineral travertine terraces at the north edge of the park, accessed via the road to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
Go boating on Yellowstone Lake: Rent boats or join a fishing charter on one of the world's largest high elevation lakes. Look for lakeside campgrounds and beaches.
Hike mountain trails: Over 1,000 miles of trails traverse alpine forests, meadows, lakes, and peaks. Popular routes include Mt. Washburn, Avalanche Peak, and Elephant Back Loop.
Go horseback riding: See Yellowstone's backcountry on a guided horseback ride. Old West options include Roosevelt Lodge and Canyon Lodge stables.
Try Yellowstone in winter: Snowcoach or snowmobile through frosted landscapes to see steaming geysers amid snowcapped terrain.
Planning Your Yellowstone Trip with Us
A trip to Yellowstone deserves thoughtful planning to make the most of your time. Our team of Yellowstone travel experts can help craft your ideal itinerary, book lodging and tours, suggest hikes and activities based on your interests, and provide advice on when to visit. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Yellowstone adventure!
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