22 Amazing Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

It's called Old Faithful for a reason! Yellowstone’s most famous geyser erupts about every 90 minutes like clockwork. Grab a snack and get there early so you can watch the steam and water shoot high into the sky.

Don’t want to travel on foot? Hop in the car and hit the Grand Loop Road. This scenic drive takes you through most of the park’s major attractions without needing to hike. You’ll pass geysers, waterfalls, and more.

Not your average beach boardwalk! This one wraps around a steaming hot spring that’s bright blue in the middle and ringed with orange and yellow. It’s super colorful and looks almost otherworldly.

This easy-to-moderate hike takes you through the forest to a tall, misty waterfall. You’ll also pass a popular overlook that gives you a stunning aerial view of Grand Prismatic Spring.

Mammoth Hot Springs is like nothing else in the park. The terraces are formed by hot water flowing over the rocks and leaving behind colorful mineral deposits. They’re always changing, which makes the whole area feel magical and full of surprises.

This wide, open valley is one of the best places in the park to spot wolves, bears, and big herds of bison. Bring binoculars and go early in the morning or near sunset for the best chance.

This massive high-elevation lake is calm, beautiful, and great for fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing. There are plenty of spots to pull over and take in the views, too.

This steep trail takes you down more than 300 steps for an up-close view of Lower Falls. You’ll even get to feel the spray and hear the water crash into the canyon below. The climb back up isn't easy—but it’s totally worth it.

This is one of the park’s most active geothermal spots, filled with colorful pools, steam vents, and hissing geysers. You might even catch the tallest geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser, in action.

This is one of the only places in the park where you can safely soak in natural hot spring water. The mix of warm and cold water makes it feel like a wild hot tub in the middle of nature.

Rangers lead all kinds of free activities like hikes, talks, and wildlife viewing sessions. It’s a great way to learn fun facts and ask any questions you have about the park.

This overlook gives you a jaw-dropping view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its roaring waterfall. The golden canyon walls look even prettier in the early morning or evening light.

This uphill trail takes you to one of the highest points in the park, with sweeping views in every direction. On a clear day, you might even spot the Tetons in the distance.

This area is full of bubbling mud pots, steaming pools, and the dramatic Dragon’s Mouth Spring. It’s totally fascinating to see up close—just be prepared for the less-than-lovely sulfer smell.

Hop on a guided cruise to explore hidden coves and learn more about the lake’s history and geology. It’s especially relaxing on a warm, sunny afternoon.

Old Faithful is just the beginning—this area of the park is home to the largest group of geysers on Earth. Wander the paths to find colorful pools and small geysers going off when you least expect it.

This fossilized tree has been standing for millions of years and is a fascinating reminder of Yellowstone’s volcanic past. It’s an easy stop and great for a quick photo.

This short, scenic trail leads to a 132-foot waterfall crashing through a rocky canyon. The view from the top is gorgeous, and you can hike down further if you want a closer look.

Hayden Valley is a popular hangout for bears, bison, elk, and other wildlife. Bring a camera and some patience—you never know what you’ll see out there.

The visitor centers have exhibits on everything from geysers to grizzlies, plus helpful rangers to answer questions. It’s also a good place to cool off or plan your next stop.