Yellowstone is well-known globally for its amazing Grand Canyon, awe-inspiring valleys, and beautiful springs. If you’re visiting Yellowstone, you’re in for a wondrous exploration of some of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails and basins.
Nature lovers will be enthralled by the immense waterfalls, rich forests, and calm alpine lakes.
There are lots to do in Yellowstone, too, with adventure sports and outdoor pursuits such as horseback riding and fishing, there’s something to suit every visitor!
Because there’s so much to see and do, it’s best to think about the sites you would most like to visit to get the best out of your trip. Check out our guide on the best things to do in Yellowstone so you can have the adventure of a lifetime!
10 Best Things To Do In Yellowstone
Grand Canyon
Of course, the Grand Canyon is number one on our list. Erosion as a result of hydrothermal activity over many thousands of years caused the formation of the magnificently massive Grand Canyon.
It’s the main visitor attraction, so it’s definitely worth stopping by if you’re in the area and want to marvel at the 20 mile long, 1,000 feet deep Canyon, several amazing waterfalls, and the 600 mile river.
Old Faithful
Old Faithful is a world-famous geyser, which showcases breath-taking eruptions which can reach up to 130 feet. You’re bound to be joined by crowds of people, as this geyser has predictable eruptions that thousands of tourists come to see year-round.
You can take a hike out to the observation point if you want to catch a far-out view of the spectacular eruptions, or you can get up close and personal with this amazing geyser.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the biggest hot springs in the entire world, and displays fascinating rainbow waters which bring in hordes of tourists.
The vivid colors produced by the hot spring is a result of thermophilic bacteria which live on the minerals produced by the hot spring. Make sure to check the weather before you visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, because if it’s a foggy morning, your view of this natural wonder might be slightly obstructed.
Hayden Valley
Teeming with local wildlife, Hayden Valley is accessed via the Hayden Valley Trail or the Mary Mountain trail. It’s a long 13 mile hike to get to your destination, but it’s so worth it because Hayden Valley is the home of amazing animals such as bears, elk, and bison.
It’s got extraordinary scenery to boot, and it’s worth bringing a set of binoculars along with you so you don’t have to get too close to those dangerous grizzly bears!
Mammoth Hot Springs
The Mammoth Hot Springs contain terraces that were formed over hundreds and hundreds of years of hot water bubbling from the ground beneath them.
The water bubbled, cooled, and deposited calcium carbonate. The resultant formations are natural sculpture art, and are a definite must-see for Yellowstone visitors.
Upper Geyser Basin
The Upper geyser basin’s main attraction is Old Faithful, but there’s a lot more than that to see here. The Upper Geyser Basin has the most geysers in the world, around 150 to be exact.
If you’ve checked out Old Faithful and want to see more geysers, take a wander around the Upper Geyser Basin for some spectacular views.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is the national park’s biggest body of water. It’s an impressive 20 miles long and 14 miles wide, with freezing cold temperatures and stupefying scenery all the way along it.
Whether you choose to hike along the trails of Yellowstone Lake, take a boat out to fish, or simply sit on the shoreline, make sure to spend a good amount of time taking in this beautiful lake’s other-worldly scenery.
Norris Geyser Basin
The Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone National Park’s oldest and hottest basin. It’s over 115,00 years old and reached temperatures up to a whopping 459 Fahrenheit as a result of its two intersecting fault lines under the surface.
You’ll get the most out of visiting the Norris Geyser Basin by visiting as the sun sets or rises, as the scenery is beyond amazing at these times of day.
Mystic Falls Trail
The Mystic Falls Trail is among the best in the park. It’s only 2.4 miles out (which is quite short compared to the many other trails in the park) but along it you’ll find rich green forest and a gorgeous creek.
The staggering Mystic Falls is the star of the show though, with 70 feet of rushing water cascading with remarkable force onto the rocks under the Madison Plateau.
If you keep walking past this stunning waterfall, you can marvel at the Upper Geyser Basin from afar.
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley is exceptionally scenic, and is home to an abundance of awesome wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and bald eagles. You can get to Lamar Valley by using the Beartooth Highway, and you’ll find lots of viewing points on the way.
The Lamar Valley Trail can be used to access this beautiful area too, it’s 7 miles long so make sure you’re prepared for a long hike and lots of incredible views.
Again, make sure to pack a set of binoculars so you don’t get too close to the wildlife (it is recommended that visitors stay at least 100 yards away from wildlife at all times).
Best Things To Do In Yellowstone – Summary
We have listed the 10 best things to do in Yellowstone, but these amazing activities are only the tip of the iceberg! There’s so much to see and do in this magnificent destination.
Think about what you would most like to see and do during your visit to Yellowstone, and how much you can do in the duration of your trip!
Whatever you choose to do, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic trip and to experience some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world.
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