Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse natural areas in the United States. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich geothermal features, it provides a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the park’s hot springs and geysers, hiking its scenic trails, or fishing its iconic rivers and lakes, there is something for everyone in Yellowstone. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 things to do in Yellowstone National Park, including scenic drives, hikes, wildlife watching, geothermal features, fishing, and much more. Get ready to experience the beauty and wonder of this amazing park!

#1 – Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful is one of the most famous geysers in the world and a must-see attraction in Yellowstone National Park. It is located in the Upper Geyser Basin and erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting hot water and steam up to 185 feet into the air. Visitors can watch the eruption from a designated viewing area and learn about the geothermal features of the park through interpretive displays and ranger-led talks.

#2 – Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most spectacular sights in Yellowstone. It features a vivid array of colors, including deep blue, vibrant green, and rust orange, created by thermophilic bacteria that thrive in the different temperature zones of the spring. The best views of the Grand Prismatic Spring can be seen from a boardwalk trail that provides a panoramic view of the spring and its surroundings.

#3 – Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America and a popular destination for boaters, anglers, and sightseers. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour to explore the lake and its surrounding scenery, or they can fish for cutthroat trout and other species. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, and its calm waters provide a peaceful and serene setting for visitors.

#4 – Mammoth Hot Springs

The Mammoth Hot Springs are a series of hot springs and terraces located in the northwestern part of the park. Over thousands of years, mineral-rich water has flowed over the terraces, creating intricate formations of calcium carbonate and other minerals. Visitors can explore the terraces and learn about the geothermal processes that have formed them through interpretive displays and ranger-led talks.

#5 – Yellowstone Canyon and the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River

Yellowstone Canyon is a stunning gorge carved by the Yellowstone River over the course of thousands of years. Visitors can hike to the brink of the canyon and take in the breathtaking views, or they can explore the trails and boardwalks along the rim. The Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River is a 308-foot waterfall that is one of the highlights of the canyon. Visitors can also hike to the base of the waterfall and experience its power and beauty up close.

#6 – Yellowstone Wildlife

Yellowstone is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and other iconic species. Visitors can see these animals in their natural habitat by taking a scenic drive through the park or going on a wildlife-watching hike. It is important to always follow park regulations and guidelines for viewing wildlife, as well as to keep a safe distance from the animals to protect both them and visitors.

#7 – Hayden Valley

Hayden Valley is a lush meadow located in the heart of Yellowstone that is known for its abundant wildlife and stunning views. Visitors can observe wildlife, such as bison, elk, and bears, from a scenic drive through the valley, or they can take a hike to see the valley from a different perspective. The valley is surrounded by mountains and forests, and its rolling hills provide a peaceful and serene setting for visitors.

#8 – Norris Geyser Basin

The Norris Geyser Basin is the largest and most dynamic geyser basin in the park, featuring a wide variety of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Visitors can explore the basin through a series of trails and boardwalks, and they can learn about the geothermal processes that have formed the features through interpretive displays and ranger-led talks.

#9 – Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is a scenic valley located in the northeastern part of the park and is known for its abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. It is often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America” and is one of the best places in the park to view wolves, coyotes, bison, and other animals in their natural habitat. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the valley, go on a wildlife-watching hike, or participate in a guided wildlife tour to see the valley and its wildlife up close.

#10 – Tower Falls

Tower Falls is a 132-foot waterfall located in the Tower Falls area of the park. Visitors can hike to the base of the falls and experience its beauty and power up close, or they can take a scenic drive to view the falls from a distance. The falls are surrounded by scenic mountains and forests, and provide a peaceful and serene setting for visitors.

#11 – Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States and is a popular destination for fishing, rafting, and sightseeing. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the river, hike along its banks, or participate in a guided rafting trip to experience the beauty and power of the river. The river flows through the heart of Yellowstone National Park and is surrounded by scenic mountains and forests.

#12 – Biscuit Basin

Biscuit Basin is a geothermal area located near Old Faithful that features a series of hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles. Visitors can explore the basin through a series of trails and boardwalks, and learn about the geothermal processes that have formed the features through interpretive displays and ranger-led talks. The basin is surrounded by scenic mountains and forests, and provides a peaceful and serene setting for visitors.

#13 – Snow Lodge

The Snow Lodge is a historic lodge located in the Old Faithful area of the park that provides visitors with comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can stay at the Snow Lodge and explore the nearby geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features, or they can take a scenic drive through the park to see other attractions.

#14 – Artist Point

Artist Point is a scenic overlook located in the Yellowstone Canyon area of the park that provides visitors with breathtaking views of the canyon, the Yellowstone River, and the Upper Falls. Visitors can hike to the overlook or take a scenic drive to see the views, and they can also explore the nearby trails and boardwalks along the rim of the canyon.

#15 – Fishing Bridge

Fishing Bridge is a popular destination for anglers, located near the northern end of Yellowstone Lake. Visitors can fish for cutthroat trout and other species in the lake, or they can take a scenic drive to see the lake and its surrounding scenery. The Fishing Bridge is also a popular spot for wildlife watching, and visitors may be able to observe bears, elk, and other animals in the area.