Explore the top 11 attractions in Yellowstone National Park! Dive into iconic wonders like Old Faithful, Lamar Valley, and hidden gems with expert tips.
Ready to unlock the magic of Yellowstone and pin down the absolute must-visit sites? You’re in for an exhilarating ride!
Dive deep into the wonders of America’s very first national park with our handpicked list of the Top 11 attractions.
From the vibrant hues of the Grand Prismatic Spring to the rhythmic eruptions of Old Faithful and the serene beauty of Lamar Valley – we’ve cherry-picked the spots that guarantee a feast for your eyes and soul.
And guess what? As you scroll through, you’ll be treated to insider tips, fun facts, and even a few secrets that most visitors overlook.
So, strap on your explorer’s hat, and let’s venture into Yellowstone’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems! Ready to tick off your Yellowstone bucket list?
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley is one of the most beautiful and popular areas in Yellowstone National Park. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, bears, wolves, and many other species. Visitors can explore the valley by foot, horseback, or car.
There are several hiking trails and scenic viewpoints throughout the area. Lamar Valley is also a great place to see the night sky. The stars are incredibly bright and the Milky Way is visible on clear nights.
Lamar Valley is known for its unique geological features, including canyons, rivers, waterfalls and hot springs. Hikers may also be able to spot some of the area’s natural landmarks, such as Soda Butte or Tower Fall.
Wildlife watching is one of the most popular activities in the valley. Visitors can often spot bison grazing in open meadows, while grizzly bears prowl around the hillsides.
In addition to its wildlife viewing opportunities, Lamar Valley is also home to a handful of historic sites, such as Old Faithful Inn and Yellowstone Lake Lodge.
To Help you plan your trip, we’ve partnered with TripAdvisor to offer you the best possible range of activities. Read reviews of customers who have actually done it!
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most popular destinations in Yellowstone National Park. The hot springs are located in a large basin at the foot of a huge hill. Visitors can see steam rising from the hot springs and watch as the water flows down the hillside. The colors of the rocks are very beautiful, and there are many different types of plants that grow around the springs.
Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States. The hot springs are located in the northwestern part of Wyoming and are an easy day trip from Jackson Hole or Cody.
There are several different ways to experience the hot springs. The most popular way is to take a dip in one of the many pools that have formed over centuries as the water has cooled. There are also walks and hikes that lead through different sections of the springs, offering views of geysers, bubbling mud pots, and travertine terraces.
To Help you plan your trip, we’ve partnered with TripAdvisor to offer you the best possible range of activities. Read reviews of customers who have actually done it! Find below the best ways to explore Mammoth Hot Springs!
Grand Prismatic Spring
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and for good reason. The park is home to some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world, including the Grand Prismatic Spring.
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the largest hot springs in Yellowstone and is truly a sight to behold. The spring gets its name from its bright colors, which are produced by thermophilic bacteria that thrive in the hot water. The spring itself is over 160 feet deep and is surrounded by a large walkway, making it easy to get up close and personal with this natural wonder.
Visitors to the Grand Prismatic Spring can enjoy incredible views of the spring from the walkway, or get even closer by taking a boat tour. The vibrant colors, combined with the steam rising off of the hot water makes for an unforgettable experience.
To Help you plan your trip, we’ve partnered with TripAdvisor to offer you the best possible range of activities. Read reviews of customers who have actually done it! Find below the best ways to explore Grand Prismatic Spring!
Morning Glory Pool
If you find yourself in Yellowstone National Park, be sure to set aside some time to explore the Morning Glory Pool. This geothermal pool is one of the most popular attractions in the park, and for good reason – its vibrant colors are truly a sight to behold.
The Morning Glory Pool is located in the Upper Geyser Basin and is easily accessible from several major trails. Its colors come from a combination of bacteria and minerals and are constantly changing depending on the temperature of the water. In the winter, the pool is typically a deep blue, while in the summer it can range from light blue to green.
Be sure to take plenty of photos when you visit the Morning Glory Pool – it’s definitely one of those places that’s worth revisiting again and again.
Mount Washburn
Assuming you are beginning at the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park, one of the first places you should visit is Mount Washburn. It is the highest point in the park, reaching an elevation of over 10,000 feet. There are several ways to reach the summit, but the most popular is by hiking the 3-mile round-trip trail. This trail isn’t too strenuous and provides incredible views of the surrounding area.
From the summit, you will be able to see all sorts of wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, and bears. You may even spot a buffalo or two roaming around in the distance. The views are simply stunning and definitely worth the effort it takes to get there.
Other than hiking Mount Washburn, there is also a viewpoint located at the summit, which offers spectacular views without having to complete the hike. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is also a mountaineering route that follows the north face of the mountain for expert climbers.
No matter how you decide to visit Mount Washburn in Yellowstone, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Firehole Canyon Road
If you’re looking to explore the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, Firehole Canyon Road is a must-see. This scenic route takes you through some of the park’s most stunning scenery, including the geyser basin and the majestic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
There are plenty of pull-offs along the road where you can stop to take in the views or go for a short hike. And if you’re up for a longer adventure, there are several trailheads that lead into backcountry areas of the park.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely drive or an adventurous hike, Firehole Canyon Road is sure to please. So make sure to add it to your list of must-see sites in Yellowstone National Park!
South Rim Trail
The South Rim Trail in Yellowstone is one of the most popular trails in the park. It offers stunning views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and is a great way to see some of the park’s many geothermal features.
The trailhead is located near the south entrance to the park, and the trail can be accessed from several different parking areas. The South Rim Trail is a moderate hike that is suitable for most people. It should take about 2-3 hours to complete the trail.
Yellowstone National Park’s South Rim Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park. The trail offers amazing views of the Yellowstone River and the surrounding mountains. The trail is also a great place to see wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears. The South Rim Trail is an easy hike for all levels of hikers.
Firehole River
The Firehole River is one of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone National Park. The river is home to a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. There are also a number of hot springs and geysers located along the river. Visitors can take hikes along the river or go for a swim.
The Firehole River is a tributary of the Madison River. It passes through the Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins before joining Madison. It is especially popular for anglers due to its abundance of aquatic life. The river’s greenish-gray waters are fed by hot springs and geysers that make it beautiful to behold.
Boiling River
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and for good reason. The park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, as well as a wealth of wildlife. One of the highlights of any visit to Yellowstone is a stop at the Boiling River.
The Boiling River gets its name from the hot springs that flow into it. The water in the river can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s definitely not suitable for swimming! However, visitors can soak their feet in the river for a unique and relaxing experience.
Near the Boiling River is another must-see site in Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs. This area is home to a series of hot springs and terraces that are truly a sight to behold. The vivid colors and interesting formations make Mammoth Hot Springs a photographer’s dream come true.
Old Faithful
Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States. Each day, thousands of people come to see this amazing natural wonder.
Old Faithful is a geyser, which means that it is a hot spring that occasionally erupts. The eruptions are caused by the buildup of pressure beneath the earth’s surface. When the pressure gets too great, the water and steam are forced up through the cracks in the rock.
The Old Faithful geyser erupts about every hour or so. The eruption usually lasts for about 1-5 minutes. During an eruption, the water and steam can reach heights of more than 100 feet!
After an eruption, the water level in the geyser decreases. This allows more water to seep into the ground, reheating and building up the pressure again. This cycle continues over and over, which is why Old Faithful is called a “geyser.”
Yellowstone River
Yellowstone River is one of the most popular features of Yellowstone National Park. The river runs through the park and is a great spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. There are also several waterfalls along the river that are worth checking out.
The upper portion of the river is designated as a Wild and Scenic River, with floating and wading allowed. The banks of the river provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including trumpeter swans, ospreys, bald eagles, moose, and more. There are several hikes in the area that can take you along the banks of the Yellowstone River and provide unique perspectives on some of its best natural beauty.
The river is also a great spot for photography and admiring the diverse landscape of Yellowstone. From alpine meadows to sheer rock canyons, the river’s banks offer stunning views. There are also some excellent camping spots along the river, making it a perfect spot for taking in some of Yellowstone’s spectacular natural wonders.
Conclusion
Exploring Yellowstone National Park is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’ve outlined the best 11 places you must see when visiting this incredible natural marvel, and so hopefully you now feel well-equipped with knowledge for your travels! From observing wildlife to catching stunning views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, there’s something here for everybody to enjoy! So don’t forget your camera and head out on an adventure – we promise it’ll be worth it!
