Weekend in Yellowstone
All The Epic Spots and Activities Needed For A Bucket List Trip To Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park, the United States’ first national park, offers an unparalleled adventure that draws visitors from all over the world. With its breathtaking wildlife, diverse landscapes, and extraordinary geothermal features, this expansive park is a true natural wonder. From geysers erupting alongside steam vents to surreal thermal features that look like they belong on another planet, every corner of Yellowstone promises to amaze. Picture muddy, bubbling cauldrons and vibrant emerald pools, all while encountering wildlife so majestic it will leave you in awe. Yellowstone isn’t just a park; it’s a place that will capture your heart.
While you could easily spend weeks exploring all that Yellowstone has to offer, a well-planned three-day trip allows you to experience the park’s highlights in depth and discover some other epic experiences in the surrounding region. Even if you only have a couple days, it’s crucial to make the most of your time in this vast landscape, covering nearly 3,500 square miles and boasting five entrances. With a carefully crafted itinerary, you’ll be able to see the best of what Yellowstone has to offer, ensuring an unforgettable adventure that will leave you longing for more.
Day 1: Upper Loop Adventure
Stop 1 – Upper Yellowstone Falls
Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Upper Falls, where you can admire the breathtaking views from various viewpoints. Capture the beauty of the waterfall as it plunges into the canyon below. Getting here early is key in the summer as the parking along the many overlooks fills up fast. Head straight in from West Yellowstone at daybreak to be one of the first to arrive at the Canyon Area.
Stop 2 – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Next, make your way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Enjoy the spectacular vistas from lookout points like Artist Point and Lookout Point, where the vibrant colors of the canyon walls are truly mesmerizing. Artist Point is truly one of the most awe inspiring views in the park, give yourself some time here to just take it all in.
HOT TIP: The Canyon area has lots of food & beverage and retail locations, this is a great place to have lunch and fill up before continuing through the upper loop.
Stop 3 – Lamar Valley
After lunch, continue around the loop and head to Lamar Valley, often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America.” There are lots of scenic stops as you make your way towards Lamar Valley including Dunraven Pass and Tower Fall. Take your time and stop at as many scenic overlooks as your heart desires. Once you make it to Lamar Valley, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and if you’re lucky, wolves.
Stop 4 – Mammoth Hot Springs
Conclude your day at Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can explore the unique travertine terraces formed by mineral deposits. Wander the boardwalks and learn about the geothermal features of the area. This area is a great place to watch elk, as they frequent the area – just keep your distance, they’re faster than they look.
Extra Stop – Norris Geyser Basin
If you’re up for it before returning to your lodging, take a stop at the Norris Geyser Basin. This area is known for its variety of geysers and hot springs, including the famous Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. Sunset is particularly gorgeous here, reminding us of what sunset might look like on another planet.
Day 2: Adventure on the Water and Trails
Exploring Yellowstone National Park is a lot of drive time and splitting that up with a day on the trails and on the water is the perfect way to get out of the car and see the beauty of the surrounding region during your trip.
Activity 1 – Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Hebgen Lake
Start your day at Hebgen Lake, where you can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at Kirkwood Marina. Enjoy the stunning scenery as you paddle across the serene waters, taking in views of the surrounding mountains. This is a quintessential Montana moment and truly a magical experience to be out on the water surrounded by pine-covered mountains.
Activity 2 – Rent Side-by-Sides from Yellowstone Vacation Tours
After a morning on the lake, head back to Yellowstone Vacation Tours to rent side-by-sides. Explore the exhilarating trails leading to the top of Two Top, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the park and its stunning landscapes. Yellowstone Vacation Tours rents both four-person and two-person side by sides, perfect for exploring the hundreds of miles of trails throughout the surrounding National Forest.
Day 3: Lower Loop Exploration
On your third day, dive into the wonders of the Lower Loop of Yellowstone. This part of the park is teeming with hot springs and geysers of every size.
Stop 1 – Grand Prismatic Spring
Start your morning at the Grand Prismatic Spring, where you can marvel at its brilliant colors. Take a walk along the boardwalks to get an up-close view of this natural wonder. This parking lot fills early and fast, make this your first stop after entering the park to avoid waiting for a spot to open up. If you’d prefer to see Grand Pris from above, go past the feature to the Fairy Falls parking lot and take the short hike to look at this marvel from above.
Stop 2 – Old Faithful Geyser
Next, continue along the lower loop, it’s time to visit Old Faithful and experience one of nature’s most famous (and timely) geysers. Be sure to check the eruption schedule, so you can witness its spectacular display. This location also includes the famed Old Faithful Lodge, a beautiful NPS Visitor Center and lots of shopping and food at Yellowstone General Stores. Grab lunch here before you continue on along this beautiful drive.
Stop 3 – West Thumb Geyser Basin
After lunch, head to West Thumb Geyser Basin, where hot springs bubble alongside the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Enjoy the unique landscape where geothermal features meet the tranquil water. There’s plenty of boardwalk to explore the different features in this area, with everything from hot springs, to cone geysers, to bubbling mudpots.
Stop 4 – Hayden Valley
Conclude your day with a drive through Hayden Valley, where you can take in stunning views and, if you’re fortunate, spot more wildlife in this beautiful valley.
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.
