Yellowstone Bucket List – Top 12 Things To See
Yellowstone National Park is a stunning landscape. Its vast area covers over 3,400 square miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming. With its diverse ecosystems, iconic geothermal features, and abundant wildlife, it’s no wonder that Yellowstone draws millions of visitors each year. And while the entire park is truly a sight to behold, particular highlights stand out. In this article, we will explore a Yellowstone bucket list with the top highlights of Yellowstone National Park. From its famous Old Faithful geyser to its lesser-known but equally breathtaking Lamar Valley, let us help you plan your itinerary to this incredible park. Let’s dive in!
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Introducing Yellowstone Park
Welcome to Yellowstone National Park! This majestic park is an iconic American landmark in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Established in 1872, it is the world’s first national park. It offers a breathtaking array of wildlife and stunning scenery to explore. Boasting its unique geothermal features like hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and fumaroles, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. From alpine meadows to deep canyons and pristine mountain lakes, there’s something for everyone here in Yellowstone National Park.
Next, let’s explore the top things to do for your Yellowstone bucket list adventure.
Top Yellowstone National Park Bucket List Highlights
1. Drive the Grand Loop Road
InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the best ways to experience Yellowstone National Park’s beauty and diversity is by driving the Grand Loop Road. This 142-mile loop takes visitors through some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, including Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Norris Geyser Basin.
Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery, endless opportunities for wildlife sightings, and plenty of places to pull over and explore on foot. The Grand Loop Road truly showcases the best of what Yellowstone has to offer, making it a must-do for any visitor to the park.
2. See the Surreal Mammoth Hot Springs
Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the most unique and visually stunning features of Yellowstone National Park is Mammoth Hot Springs. This thermal area is home to a series of terraces made up of colorful mineral deposits, creating a surreal landscape that looks like something out of a science fiction movie.
You can walk along boardwalks and stairs to explore different terrace levels and witness the bubbling hot springs up close. And don’t be surprised if you come across some local wildlife, such as elk or bison, roaming around the area.
3. Visit Lamar Valley – The Serengeti of North America
Aaron Zhu, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
While Yellowstone is known for its iconic geothermal features and wildlife, one of its hidden gems is Lamar Valley. Located in the park’s northeast corner, this expansive valley offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife sightings in all of Yellowstone. Visitors can spot bison, elk, wolves, bears, and more roaming freely in their natural habitat. The scenery is breathtaking, with vast open plains and stunning mountain views. For those seeking a more remote and tranquil experience in Yellowstone, a visit to Lamar Valley is a must. It’s no wonder this area is often called the “Serengeti of North America.”
4. Watch for Wildlife at Hayden Valley
Montanabw, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Another prime location for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone National Park is Hayden Valley. This expansive valley is situated between the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake, making it a popular spot for both animals and visitors alike. Bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and more can often be seen roaming this picturesque landscape. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species recorded in the area. With its proximity to other top attractions like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Old Faithful area, a visit to Hayden Valley is an excellent addition to any Yellowstone itinerary.
5. Relax at Yellowstone Lake
user:Flicka, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America is Yellowstone Lake. This lake attracts visitors year-round with its crystal clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Visitors can go boating, fishing, and kayaking on the lake during the summer. And during the winter months, the lake freezes over, creating a picture-perfect winter wonderland. Plus, it has a great location in the center of the park.
6. Stop at the Iconic Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Geyser
No visit to Yellowstone National Park would be complete without seeing the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Located in the Upper Geyser Basin, this area is home to over 150 geysers and hot springs, making it one of the world’s largest concentrations of geothermal features.
The Morning Glory Pool is one of the most famous and beautiful hot springs in the Upper Geyser Basin. Its vibrant blue and orange colors make it a standout among the other geothermal features in Yellowstone. However, this pool has lost some of its original colors due to years of human interference and is now mainly a deep blue hue.
And of course, Old Faithful steals the show in Yellowstone with its regular eruptions, shooting hot water and steam into the air every 90 minutes or so. Visitors can also explore the boardwalks and trails in the area to witness other impressive geysers, such as Castle Geyser and Grand Geyser.
7. Be Amazed at Norris Geyser Basin
InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, Norris Geyser Basin is one of the park’s most active geothermal areas. With over 500 geysers and hot springs, this area offers diverse thermal features to explore.
We were truly amazed at our visit here. You can walk along boardwalks and trails to witness boiling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and even the tallest active geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser. For those interested in the science behind these unique features, a museum and educational exhibits are available at Norris Geyser Basin. Add Norris Geyser Basin to your itinerary, as the otherworldly landscape is awe-inspiring.
8. Marvel at the Colors of Grand Prismatic Spring
Bernd Thaller from Graz, Austria, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
As one of the most photographed spots in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-see for any visitor. This massive hot spring is known for its vibrant colors, with shades of blue, green, yellow, and orange radiating from its center. The best way to view this natural wonder is by taking the boardwalk trail above the spring, offering an incredible bird’s eye view. And for those daring enough, a hiking trail leads to the top of a nearby hill for an even more stunning perspective. Whether you’re a photographer or just looking to experience the top sights in Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring is another iconic location for your itinerary.
9. Glimpse Geological History at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
James St. John, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
We enjoyed our drive to the next stop on this list. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Yellowstone National Park. The canyon showcases the power and beauty of nature, with its striking yellow and orange walls carved by the Yellowstone River over millions of years. You can take in stunning views from various overlooks or hike along trails that lead to waterfalls and other impressive features. And for those looking to get a closer look, there are also opportunities to go rafting or kayaking in the canyon. With its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, a visit to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
10. Step Inside Yellowstone with a Hiking Adventure
There are plenty of hiking opportunities in Yellowstone National Park. From our last visit, we recommend two hikes: Fairy Falls Hike and Delaney Creek Trail Hike.
Fairy Falls Hike
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, hiking the Fairy Falls Hike in Yellowstone National Park is a must-do activity. This moderate 5-mile roundtrip hike takes visitors through lush forest and along the picturesque Firehole River before reaching the stunning Fairy Falls, a 197-foot tall waterfall that cascades into a crystal clear pool below. The hike also offers views of Grand Prismatic Spring and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. It’s a great way to get some exercise while taking in the breathtaking natural beauty of Yellowstone.
Delacey Creek Trail Hike
Head to the Delacey Creek Trail Hike in Yellowstone National Park for a more challenging hike with rewarding views. This 9-mile roundtrip trail takes hikers through meadows, forests, and alongside streams before reaching the picturesque Shoshone Lake. The lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is an excellent spot for a picnic or fishing. Hikers may also spot wildlife, such as bison and elk, along the way. This hike is a fantastic opportunity to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the peaceful wilderness of Yellowstone.
11. Visit Hot Springs at Boiling River
Greg Willis from Denver, CO, usa, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, the Boiling River is a unique and popular attraction for visitors. This natural hot spring flows into the cold Gardner River, creating a perfect spot for a relaxing soak. Visitors can wade into the river and find different pockets of warm water to sit in while taking in the stunning surrounding scenery. But be careful, as the water can be very hot in some areas! Add this to your list if you want a place to unwind and enjoy the healing properties of natural hot springs.
12. Witness the Amazing Lower Falls
James St. John, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the most iconic and powerful waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park, Lower Falls is a must-see for any visitor. Located in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this waterfall drops an impressive 308 feet into the canyon below. Visitors can admire the falls from various lookout points or take a hike down to see it up close. The roar of the falls, combined with the dramatic scenery, makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
Listen to Our Podcast Episode – 10 Must See Sights in Yellowstone National Park
Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park
For a deeper dive into the park, check out our article on Planning a Trip to Yellowstone National Park. You’ll find various tips from our travel experience to help you plan your best bucket list adventure to this marvelous national park.
See Yellowstone on a Tour
With so much to see in Yellowstone National Park, why not leave your visit to the experts? Enjoy an introduction to the park on a private, full-day tour that combines driving and hiking. An expert naturalist guide will show you the best of West Yellowstone, from geysers and bubbling hot springs to magnificent canyons and waterfalls. You can see wildlife up close with provided binoculars and spotting scopes. Also, enjoy a picnic lunch on this wonderful trip.
Lodging Options For Your Yellowstone Bucket List Trip
Under Canvas West Yellowstone
Our lodging while staying in West Yellowstone was Under Canvas. This unique glamping experience is fitting for a visit to Yellowstone National Park.
Check rates and availability at Under Canvas West Yellowstone
Old Faithful Cabins
Our lodging while staying near Old Faithful was the Old Faithful Cabins. These were a relatively budget-friendly option with a great location – just steps from the Old Faithful geyser.
Check rates and availability at Old Faithful Cabins
Historic Wapiti Lodge
During our visit to the East section of Yellowstone National Park, we stayed at Historic Wapiti Lodge. This was an excellent lodging option – and our favorite during our visit.
Check rates and availability at Historic Wapiti Lodge.
Conclusion – Top Sights in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers, from geothermal wonders to stunning vistas. With so much to see and do, we hope this list of the top highlights has inspired you to plan your unforgettable trip to this incredible destination.
Thanks for reading this article. If you have questions or comments, feel free to write us at comments@theplaceswherewego.com.
We hope to see you at the places where we go!
Julie & Art
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