THREE DAY SPRING ITINERARY
Adventure As The Park Comes Back To Life
Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park in the spring means endless green landscapes, baby animals, wildflowers and all the thrills without the crowds. Need help determining where to go and what to see? This spring itinerary will help you plan the perfect adventure in Yellowstone with iconic in-park locations, local lodging and restaurant recommendations and must try activities to create the perfect vacation to America’s first national park.
Day 1: Arrival & West Yellowstone Adventures
Check-In at Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
When deciding where to stay on a vacation to Yellowstone, we always recommend starting in West Yellowstone for the beginning of your trip. We love the charming Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone which are cozy, private cabins in West Yellowstone that offer the perfect mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. Unwind, settle in, and prepare for the adventure-filled days ahead.
Afternoon: Stroll Through West Yellowstone
Take a leisurely walk around the old west town of West Yellowstone and visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to learn about Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife up close. Looking for a local secret spot to check out? Hebgen Lake is a Montana favorite, offering kayaking, stand up paddleboards and boat rentals to explore the lake. For dinner, savor local flavors at The Buffalo Bar, where you’ll find hearty comfort food and a warm, welcoming vibe. Local tip: the bison queso is a must try!
Evening: Stargazing And S’mores
End the day by stepping outside your cabin to admire the star-filled night sky next to the Explorer Cabins community fire pit. With complimentary s’more included in your stay, this is the perfect spot to breathe in the fresh Montana air (and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the wolves howling as a pack from the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center across the street).
Day 2: Explore Yellowstone on a Summer Bus Tour
Morning: Grab Breakfast at Mountain Mama’s
Start your day with a grab-and-go breakfast from Mountain Mama’s, known for its mouthwatering breakfast burritos and pastries. This location also serves Starbucks so you can get your early morning caffeine fix before heading into the park.
Full-Day Adventure: Summer Bus Tour with Yellowstone Vacation Tours
Join a guided summer bus tour led by certified Yellowstone experts who’ll take you to some of the park’s most iconic locations. Expect breathtaking stops to take in hot springs, geysers, mudpots and lots of wildlife. Spring is known for lots of animal movement as the park comes back to life and a tour with Yellowstone Vacation Tours means guides who know where to find the bison herds and the bears emerging from hibernation. Along the way, your guides will share fascinating insights about the park’s geothermal wonders, diverse wildlife, and rich history. This is the perfect introduction to Yellowstone National Park, giving you a great base knowledge for your coming self-guided days.
Dinner: Local Favorites at The Branch Restaurant
After a day of exploring, refuel with a hearty dinner at The Branch Restaurant, where bison burgers and trout are menu highlights. Local Tip: The bison stroganoff is a menu favorite that guests return again and again for!
Evening: Relax Back at the Explorer Cabins
Cozy up by the fireplace in your cabin, pour a glass of wine and reflect on the awe-inspiring landscapes you explored today.
Day 3: Gardiner, Baby Animals, & Waterfall Magic
Morning: Check Out To Head For Gardiner, Montana
Bid farewell to West Yellowstone and prepare to drive to Gardiner, MT, the charming gateway town near Yellowstone’s North Entrance. The best way to get to Gardiner is through the park, so prepare for an exciting day checking out the top spots between the West Entrance and the North Entrance to the park. Once in Gardiner, check into Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins, offering a peaceful retreat with modern amenities.
Afternoon: Baby Animals in Lamar Valley
Springtime in Lamar Valley is magical, with wildlife bursting to life and nature on full display. Witness baby bison, elk calves, and pronghorn fawns as they frolic across the famed Lamar Valley, just a short drive past the North Entrance to the park. This is a photographer’s paradise, so don’t forget your camera!
Evening: Dinner & Sightseeing in Gardiner
After your wildlife adventure, enjoy dinner at one of Gardiner’s cute local eateries. Local Tip: A drive over to the Roosevelt Arch at the entrance to the park is absolutely stunning at sunset, take a drive or a walk over at sundown to get some unforgettable photos of the original entrance to the park.
Day 4 (Optional): Chasing Waterfalls
Before heading home, dedicate the morning to exploring Yellowstone’s roaring waterfalls. Spring snowmelt makes waterfalls like Tower Fall (if the roads to there have opened) and Undine Falls especially powerful. Snap a few photos and let the thunderous sound of rushing water cap off your unforgettable Yellowstone adventure.
Ready to Plan Your Spring Escape?
This 3-day spring itinerary will immerse you in the magic of Yellowstone, from expert-guided tours to unforgettable wildlife moments. Book your stay at Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone or Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins today, and let the adventure begin!
Stay
Enjoy comfortable, modern, amenity-rich lodging when you stay outside Yellowstone National Park.
Tours & Rentals
Experience an up-close view of the park, while learning about the fascinating history and wildlife.
