Yellowstone National Park Travelers Recommend

Yellowstone National Park is celebrated for its untouched environment, plentiful wildlife, and must-see natural features, including geysers, waterfalls, and windswept mountain peaks. With so much to see, here's what you need to know to make the most out of one day in Yellowstone.

Morning: Adventure on the Water

To start your day in scenic Yellowstone National Park off on the right foot, don't miss a thrilling morning rafting on the Yellowstone River. Most river-rafting adventures are beginner-friendly, with a guide to lead the way. Rip through Class II and III rapids, and enjoy the chance to take a swim as you pass through calm sections of the river. If you're not up for the rapids, try a guided kayak excursion on Yellowstone Lake. Take in the views at a relaxed pace, and expect to spot some local wildlife, such as elk and bison, as you paddle. 

Afternoon: Geysers and Mountain Hikes

After your time on the water, take the guesswork out of getting around with a guided sightseeing tour or wildlife tour. If you want to explore independently, head to the West Thumb and Grant Village area, known for views of Yellowstone Lake, numerous geyser basins, and hydrothermal features. It's a great place to stroll a boardwalk trail and see the lake and mountain vistas. Another ideal afternoon destination is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where you find the towering Upper and Lower falls. And if you're an outdoor-sports enthusiast, prioritize a hike up Mount Washburn—one of the park's most popular destinations for day hiking.

Night: Old Faithful and Historic Dining

After so much outdoor adventuring, end your day with a calming stop at one of the most celebrated features in Yellowstone park: Old Faithful. If you're patient, you can see this geyser erupt over 100 feet (30 meters) into the air, which it does reliably every 35 to 120 minutes. After taking in this natural wonder, cruise through the Upper Geyser Basin area, and visit the historic Old Faithful Inn Dining Room for a sit-down dinner. Don't miss the buffet for a great value and a taste of fantastic local flavors such as huckleberry (in dishes sweet and savory) and freshwater trout.

With two days in Yellowstone National Park, you don't need to pick and choose which sights to see, since you have enough time to visit the park's North Loop and South Loop, see Old Faithful, and even float on the Yellowstone River. Here are your options for two days in Yellowstone. 

Day 1: Park Sightseeing

**Morning:**On your first day in Yellowstone, get your bearings with a full-day tour of the national park. Hop on an air-conditioned vehicle to explore top park sights, including Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and Hayden Valley. Snap fantastic photos of roaming wildlife, which is plentiful in late summer.

**Afternoon:**If you booked a tour, enjoy a picnic lunch with your group (included with most tours), then head on to the Northern Range of the park. Don't miss Lamar Valley, which is known as a wintering ground for bison and elk and home to packs of wolves. 

**Night:**After your busy day touring Yellowstone, enjoy dinner in one of the park's historic lodges. If you're around Old Faithful, stop at the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room. On the north side of the lake, dine at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel for regional cuisine, including Montana trout.

Day 2: Adventuring in the Great Outdoors

**Morning:**Since you've seen the park's top sights, spend your second day enjoying outdoor activities. Try a morning rafting excursion through Class II and III rapids on the Yellowstone River, or, for a calmer adventure, opt for a river float or a kayaking tour on Yellowstone Lake.

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, don't miss a hike up Mount Washburn. Start from the Dunraven Pass Trailhead or Chittenden Road parking area, and enjoy the lookout from the top of the mountain, where you see parkland stretching out for 50 miles (80 kilometers). 

**Night:**With no light pollution in the park, be sure to look up at the stunning night sky. You can join a ranger stargazing program, or stop by the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center or Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalks for safe, peaceful spots to look up at the stars.

With three days to spend, you can enjoy all that Yellowstone National Park has to offer. Tour the park's natural sights, including lakes, rivers, and hydrothermal features, and dine on locally sourced cuisine in the park's historic lodges. Here's what you need to know to enjoy three days in Yellowstone.

Day 1: Park Sightseeing

On your first day in Yellowstone National Park, discover the park's must-see attractions on a guided tour. Whether you opt for a private or group tour, expect to visit Mammoth Hot Springs, the colorful mud pots in the Lower Geyser Basin, and the soaring waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Along the way, use your binoculars to spot local wildlife, such as elk and bison. If you're lucky, you might even sight a pack of wolves when exploring Lamar Valley, in the Northern Range of the park. End your first day back at your hotel—most tours include hassle-free hotel drop-off—or book a 2-day excursion to stay overnight in the park. 

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

After a day taking in the park's top sights, spend your second day enjoying an adventure on the water. Thrill seekers can head out on the Yellowstone River for a guided whitewater-rafting adventure, while adventurous travelers shouldn't miss an overnight rafting expedition complete with stargazing free of light pollution. Those who like a slower pace might opt for a daylong kayak excursion on Yellowstone Lake, taking in the rugged landscape and spotting wildlife along the shore. Winter visitors can opt for a thrilling snowmobile adventure, traversing miles of snow-covered forest and seeing top park sights with fewer people than in peak summer months. 

Day 3: Panoramic Views and Historic Dining

Finish your time in the park with a day hiking up Mount Washburn, taking in views of the snow-capped mountains and expansive valleys from the lookout at the top. This popular day-hike destination is the perfect place to start your day—or enjoy a postlunch excursion. Alternatively, head to the Tower area of the park for a hike among the petrified forests. After a day of hiking, refuel with a meal at one of the park's historic lodges. The Old Faithful Inn Dining Room is a standout for its exposed wood and stately stone fireplace, while Lake Yellowstone Hotel, on the north side of the lake, is the perfect place for white-tablecloth dining and regional ingredients, such as Montana lamb and local Wagyu beef.