Top 7 Spots You Can't Miss in Yellowstone
Thinking about visiting Yellowstone National Park? Overwhelmed with options? You are not alone! This iconic destination is absolutely gorgeous, so obviously you want to see as much as possible. But that can easily become stressful when trying to include every little thing in the limited duration of your stay. Well stress no longer! Here is an achievable checklist for all the best spots in Yellowstone National Park! If you want to book your stay in a customer verified, beautiful VRBO in West Yellowstone, click here: https://www.vrbo.com/2926165?noDates=true&unitId=3498205
1. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
This stop is non negotiable. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is home to Lower Falls: a jaw dropping waterfall that is twice the height of Niagara Falls!
This stop is also extremely important to the history of Yellowstone. One of the first expeditions of Yellowstone was documented by a traveler’s sketches of what he saw. These sketches were then presented to the federal government with an argument to preserve this land and the beauty inside it. One of the most convincing pieces of evidence was, you guessed it, the sketch of Lower Falls. The efforts of these explorers helped establish the land as America’s first national park.
There are two lookout areas for The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: The North and South Rim. The two rims are about .75 miles from each other, so it is very possible to check out both. The North Rim’s lookout is known as Inspiration Point and South Rim has Artist Point. Both offer different views, but in my opinion, Artist Point in the South Rim is FAR SUPERIOR. Both have different levels of viewing points, but Artist Point was unmatched.
Make sure to plan this stop for a time with little to no fog. Because of the distance of the actual waterfall, you are going to want as clear of a sight as possible. But do not stress if your morning seems foggy, it is almost guaranteed to clear before the day is done.
2. The Town of Mammoth
If Yellowstone had a suggestion box, I would have recommended they rename this town to “Elk City” because they are everywhere! I always assumed they were similar to deer in the fact they were very timid with people, but boy was I wrong. These beautiful creatures were well aware that they ran this town and we were just visiting. There is something so peaceful about gazing out at these graceful and tranquil creatures!
This will be one of the only areas in the park that resembles civilization. In Mammoth you can find the Old Fort, where the soldiers protecting the park would stay (since national parks were originally run by the federal government). The beautiful hotel and general stores encourage you to stroll around the area and stay a while. Many visitors take this opportunity to check their phones because this is one of the only areas in the park with cell service.
Regarding Mammoth Hot Springs, there are two different loops you can take to see it: Upper and Lower. I do not recommend doing both because you do not see anything different. The Upper loop is the driving option and the Lower loop is a walking option on a boardwalk. Compared to the other geysers in Yellowstone, these were underwhelming.
The only sight in Mammoth Hot Spring Terrace I found worthwhile was Palette Spring. It was very close to the parking lot and the travertine on it made it look like snow.
3. Yellowstone Lake- West Thumb
This was one of my favorite stops in Yellowstone. Coming from Florida, I honestly thought all lakes were grassy, murky, and had gators. So you could imagine my surprise when I looked out to Yellowstone Lake and saw it was crystal clear!
I viewed this large lake from its different sides, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin access was the best. When you arrive, the map will show you two loops, one inside the other… TAKE THE BIGGER ONE. It is only one mile total, it takes you right along the lake, and you still see the sights of the smaller loop.
Along this boardwalk loop, you will find several hot springs, geysers, and a view of Yellowstone Lake that will take your breath away!
4. Old Faithful
This might be one of the most well known parts of Yellowstone, which makes sense because what you see here is something you probably won't find anywhere else. Old Faithful was the first geyser to be named in the park and has a very large eruption roughly every 90 minutes.
First things first: call the Old Faithful Visitor Center to check the estimated eruption times for the day. Then head over to explore everything the area has to offer! Definitely stroll around the Old Faithful Inn; it is a restored lodge that has been open since 1904. It offers a rich history and one of the park’s gift shops. In the lobby, there is a local artist that sketches and paints live for you to watch in awe. His work on the natural beauty of Yellowstone is displayed and sold beside him for all guests (I purchased several pieces).
Arrive at Old Faithful early to ensure a good seat and get your camera ready! Also, make sure to check out the delicious ice cream at the Old Faithful General Store before you leave.
5. Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most fascinating sights in Yellowstone. It is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring and one of the prettiest. Its color progression from a burnt orange, to yellow, then to a gorgeous turquoise has to do with its heat. The center of the spring is simply too hot for any bacteria to survive, that is why the colors progressively change and the water becomes so clear towards the center.
Like most sights in this national park, there are two ways to see Grand Prismatic Spring: boardwalk from the Grand Prismatic parking lot or the Grand Prismatic Viewing Platform.
Don’t waste your time on the boardwalks at the parking lot, that area is always guaranteed to be packed and to really get the best view of such a large hot spring, you need to be higher up.
The Grand Prismatic Viewing Platform will take you on a 1.2 mile trail loop, in the middle of the loop will be the perfect place to take in the spring.
6. Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls is a lesser known but equally as beautiful waterfall that allows you to get up close and explore its intricacies. The trail to it is actually an extension of the Grand Prismatic trail; from your car, the falls are about 2.25 miles away, making it a 5 and a half trip in total. There is a fallen log in front of the Fairy Falls which makes it a great spot for some unique pictures!
7. Whatever You See That Excites You
This originally goes against every fiber in my being. If it's not on the itinerary, I don't do it. Luckily, I traveled with people that pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am so happy they did! Most of my favorite parts of the trip were spontaneous (normally not in my vocabulary) pull outs we thought were pretty.
There will be random herds of bison, babbling brooks, and crazy scenery that will make you do a double take. So embrace it! Nature is not on a schedule so don't worry about yours! Some of my favorite spots were not on the map, which honestly made me like them even more!
Some of these spots for me were:
A random pullout over Lewis Lake (passed it during sunset and sat near the water)
A random pullout near Swan Lake (saw herd of bison)
A random pullout next along Gibbon River (beautiful little creek with a pathway)
Beryl Spring (Super blue and close enough to stick my hand in) **the signs are correct, it’s hot**
Lake Village Sheriff's Station (found access to walk along northern part of Yellowstone Lake)
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