Explore the vibrant terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs with snowcapped peaks in Yellowstone.

United States · North America · Nature

Yellowstone National Park

The first national park: geysers, wolves, and a volcanic caldera.

Old Faithful is the appointment. Grand Prismatic, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Lamar Valley are the rest of the religion. It is huge. Stay inside the park if you can; the gates eat hours Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

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Location

44.43° N, 110.59° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

May–June for wildlife; September for thinner crowds

Trip planner

A Yellowstone National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Yellowstone National Park is a U.S. National Park in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The first national park: geysers, wolves, and a volcanic caldera.

When to go

May–June for wildlife; September for thinner crowds is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with grand Prismatic from the overlook, not only the boardwalk. Then old Faithful with time to walk the basin. If you have a second day, lamar Valley at dawn for wolves and bison. Keep one spare hour for artist Point on the Yellowstone canyon.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Stay on boardwalks. The ground is thin, and bison are not scenery.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

Open the long-form guide →

Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Cole H.

10/10

Lamar at dawn

Geysers are the appointment. Wolves in Lamar Valley are the reason you set an alarm. Stay inside the park.

Jun 9, 2026

Ines D.

8/10

Yellowstone National Park is bigger than the postcard

Old Faithful with time to walk the basin. The first national park: geysers, wolves, and a volcanic caldera. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. May–June for wildlife; September for thinner crowds is the window I would book again.

Apr 5, 2025

Owen H.

10/10

Start early in Yellowstone National Park

Grand Prismatic from the overlook, not only the boardwalk. Old Faithful with time to walk the basin. Give Yellowstone National Park days, not hours, and go in May–June for wildlife; September for thinner crowds. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Mar 4, 2025