One of the most iconic parks in the United States. A place with millions of years, which will make you travel through the numbers of geysers, waterfalls, pools of unique colors and much more. You can't help but be surprised at Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest in the United States. Known as Yellowstone National Park, it was founded on March 1, 1872, with an area of almost 9.000 km², larger than the entire island of Puerto Rico.
The region of volcanic origin was created to preserve not only one of the largest concentrations of geysers and hot spring lakes, but also wildlife. This is one of the most visited parks in the country because of its spectacular beauty.
Take advantage of the trip to Yellowstone to discover Grand Teton National Park. Located a little further south, if you look at the map you can barely see where one ends and the other begins. Even with the proximity between the parks, they are very different and worth visiting.
In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know to visit Yellowstone National Park in the United States:
In this post you will read:
- Where is Yellowstone National Park
- How to visit Yellowstone National Park
- What to do in Yellowstone National Park
- How many days to stay in Yellowstone National Park
- Best time to visit
- What to Pack for Yellowstone National Park
- Yellowstone National Park Hotels – Where to Stay?
- Onde Comer no Yellowstone National Park
- More options for tours in unmissable parks
- US Internet Chip
- Travel Insurance for the United States
- Car rental in the USA
- Flights to Yellowstone
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park spans three US states, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Most of the park is located in the state of Wyoming. There are five main entrances: North Entrance (north), Northeast Entrance (northwest) and West Entrance (west entrance) in Montana; and South Entrance (south) and East Entrance (east) in Wyoming. You can check it out better on the map below. ?
The cities of Idaho Falls and Bozman are good options close to the park. The first, in the state of Idaho, is 235 kilometers from the South Entrance, passing through Grand Teton National Park – another impressive region to venture into. The second, in the state of Wyoming, is 120 kilometers from the North Entrance.
The city of Salt Lake City, in the state of Utah, is a little further away, it is 540 kilometers to the south entrance (South Entrance). Other cities like Las Vegas, Nevada, San Francisco, California, and Portland, Oregon, the distance to Yellowstone National Park is over 1000 kilometers.
How to get to Yellowstone National Park
You can get very close to Yellowstone National Park by plane. The nearest airport is Jackson Hole Airport in Grand Teton. But flights here are not so frequent, especially in winter. The cities of Bozeman, Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City are other nearby options to land near the park.
There are no public transport services within the park. In that case, the tip is: rent a car in the usa. This is the best way to make the most of your destination and not leave any attraction out of your itinerary, especially those with an appointment.
Another option is to hire the transport service with private companies or tourism agencies. In this case, you will not have much freedom to come and go, but you will certainly visit impressive places with all comfort and organization.
How to visit Yellowstone National Park
Opening Hours
Yellowstone National Park is open throughout the year, but be aware that some facilities and sectors of the park close for most of the year – due to weather conditions. July and August are the only months with services and roads operating normally.
To check whether the roads are open or not, visit the park's official website to see it in real time. In winter, the entrances to the park may be closed. Even with everything planned, be sure to confirm whether or not the entrance is open.
If you arrive at a time when there is no employee at the concierge, no problem. Enter and pay your way at the visitor centers or at the exit.
Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is $35.00 per private vehicle, in this case the price is not per person; $30.00 per motorcycle. In the case of access on foot, by bicycle or by private vehicle (with more than 15 people) the cost is US$20 per person. Another alternative is to buy the annual pass for $70.00 which grants year-round access for you and three other people over the age of 16.
Tip: If you want to visit more than three national parks in the USA, it is a good idea to purchase one of the travel packages available through GetYourGuide. This platform guarantees several tours from 1 to 4 days in both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton Park, for example. Or private guides with meals included, night tours and much more. It is worth checking! ?
Book all tickets and tours in advance to avoid the lines with GetYourGuide
Parking
Yellowstone National Park is well signposted, and it's not difficult to find the right places to park your vehicle. Some regions can be busier than others, be patient and look for your spot. Don't park anywhere as you risk getting a fine and jeopardizing your trip.
What to do in Yellowstone National Park
From viewpoints, trails, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes Yellowstone National Park is full. Regardless of how many days you stay there, the trip will be worth it. If you plan well, don't forget to pick up your map at the concierge and hit the road. Below are some of the attractions that cannot be missed on your itinerary.
Lewis Falls
For those who access the park via the South Entrance, coming from the Grand Teton, take the opportunity to discover the Lake Lewis region. In addition to the waterfall, it is possible to do activities such as kayaking and canoeing.
Grant Village e West Thumb
Lakeside area of Yellowstone National Park, with beautiful viewpoints and short trails such as the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trailhead. A circular trail that starts at the parking lot.
The one kilometer walk is very easy and done under wooden platforms. Try not to step on the ground and follow the park's guidelines. Abyss Pool, Black Pool and Fishing Cone are some of the highlights of this walk.
If the day is beautiful and you are in the mood to walk, another tip is the Duck Lake Trail. A light trail, which can take one to two hours (1.3 kilometers).
Check out tour options and plan your trip in advance at GetYourGuide
Old faithful
One of the park's postcards is in this region, the Old Faithful Geyser. Her rash is definitely something you can't miss. Plan ahead, as they have an appointment.
There are more than 500 hot springs in the park and this is one of the few eruptions that can be predicted, which on average occur every 1:35 hours. In this link, you can follow their schedules.
Before or after watching the spectacle of nature, be sure to walk along the trail platforms The Upper Geyser Basin. There are at least 150 thermal pools in the region. An impressive hike.
Still in the region, a little further north, it is worth getting to know the Black Sand Basin e Biscuit Basin. There is parking and the trails are on wooden platforms and short.
Midway Geyser Basin
Here the stop is mandatory, I assure you. Be sure to take a close look at the Grand Prismatic Spring, simply the largest thermal pool in Yellowstone National Park. In addition to walking in the surroundings, it is possible to climb on a platform to have a privileged view from above. And this one is pretty impressive.
To get the view from above, walk along the Fairy Falls Trailhead – parking here is small and very busy, but it's worth it. There are signs indicating the way to the viewpoint of Grand Prismatic Spring ou Midway Geyser Basin. Be careful and have water with you.
O Firehole Lake Drive e Fountain Flat Drive are two small scenic park roads located between Old Faithful and Madison that are well worth a visit. The first one you have good stops and amazing visuals; and in the second you will have the opportunity to see bison – be careful and even by car, keep a safe distance.
Check out tour options and plan your trip in advance at GetYourGuide
Mammoth Hot Springs
The path from the Madison region to the north of Yellowstone National Park is quite beautiful. If you have time, travel slowly and enjoy the scenery.
The Norris region has amazing places too, like the Norris Geyser Basin – the hottest, oldest and most dynamic thermal area in the park, which is divided into two large areas: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. If you decide to head towards Canyon Village, don't miss the Virginia Cascade.
It is worth dedicating a little time to this region, Mammoth Hot Springs, especially to get to know the Travertine Terraces.
Divided between Upper Terraces and Lower Terraces, the former is done by car and large vehicles such as buses, trailers and motorhomes are not allowed – in addition to the road having a one-way path. The second, you can walk peacefully along the wooden walkways.
Tower-Roosevelt
Still in the region, but heading towards Tower-Roosevelt there are two beautiful waterfalls, Undine Falls and Wraith Falls.
Here it is worth taking the path Blacktail Plateau Drive and go through Petrified Tree (petrified tree). This is also a great area to see some wildlife. If you prefer, extend the path to Vale Lamar – eastbound.
Another highlight of the Tower-Roosevelt is Tower fall, a beautiful waterfall with a 40m high drop.
Check out tour options and plan your trip in advance at GetYourGuide
Canyon Village
One of the main points of the park is here, the Artist Point. To get there, you can drive along the South Rim Drive. Another driving route you can't miss is North Rim Drive, with obligatory and stunning stops, such as the Inspiration Point. You can go hiking and enjoy the view, without losing sight of the main waterfalls in the region: Lower Falls and Upper Falls.
How many days to stay in Yellowstone National Park
You could see that Yellowstone National Park is immense and its main tourist attractions are well spread out from each other. My suggestion is to stay at least three to five days to get the most out of it.
Can you do a day trip or stay just two days? Of course you can, but it will be very tight. If this is your case, focus well on where and what you want to visit and try not to fall into temptation. Rest assured the trip will be well worth it. The only risk is regret not having had more days there. ?
Best time to visit
Every month be sure to find a new park. Seasons change the scenery, but beauty is always present. During the summer, which runs from June to August, it is the busiest season. More than half of the visits of the year take place in these months. Go prepared to find queues and queues of cars and tourists. Be willing and patient.
the months of Spring (from March to June) it's fall (from September to December) are good options to visit Yellowstone, not so crowded, but still with a good movement of visitors. Please be aware that services may be limited (roads, accommodation and visitor center). The roads start to open in May and close in October.
Winter can provide quite an experience, but it's not that simple to get around the region. Park services will be very limited, so keep an eye out for updated information on the park's official website.
Check out tour options and plan your trip in advance at GetYourGuide
What to Pack for Yellowstone National Park
Feed
Always have water and snacks with you in the car. Depending on the time you spend in the park, taking sandwiches can speed up your day. Take the opportunity to enjoy nature and relax in the picnic areas.
If you don't want to be too busy, go to cafes and restaurants. You'll find options for where to eat in Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge and Lake Village.
Clothing and accessories
If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park in the summer, wear comfortable, cool clothing for your hikes. Remember to wear a cap or hat and sunglasses. I suggest the use of closed shoes such as sneakers, shoes or boots. For cold winter days, the tip is to dress well, hats, gloves and scarf are essential.
Oh, and of course, cold or hot, sunscreen is a serious thing. Do not forget.
Hotels in Yellowstone National Park - Where to stay?
Staying inside the park, in lodges and cabins, can be more expensive, but the experience and the fact of being so in touch with nature will be rewarding. There are nine hotels spread across the main regions of the park, but only two are open in winter: Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Reservations are made online. On the official Yellowstone Park accommodation website you will find all the necessary information. The others are open from spring to autumn.
In order not to run the risk of running out of place, book your hotel in advance.
To stay in hotels and inns on the outskirts of the park, I suggest some cities, such as West Yellowstone e Bozeman, not state of Montana; Jackson, em Wyoming; e Idaho Falls, in Idaho. Click on each city name to see hotel options and prices. In addition to being close to the entrance, they have a good variety of accommodation, restaurants and local shops.
Below we indicate some great different accommodation options with excellent reviews for you to stay and enjoy in fear.
Find the best accommodation and book in advance on Booking.com
Camping site
There are 12 campsites in the park, with more than 2 thousand spaces. Only five of them accept advance reservations, Camping Bridge Bay, Camping Canyon, Camping Fishing Bridge RV Park, Camping Grant Village and Camping Madison. The others work on the “first-come, first-served” system, that is, the reservation is made upon arrival, and those who arrive late run the risk of running out of space.
For more details, such as reservations, opening dates, and pricing, visit the official Yellowstone National Park Lodging website.
where to eat in Yellowstone National Park
There is a good variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops throughout Yellowstone National Park. The restaurants, where you can find more complete meals, are located close to the hotels or visitor center – Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge and Lake Village. As well as small markets, where it is easy to find snacks for a quick snack.
Another suggestion is to bring your own food and cook at the campsites; or eat ready-to-eat snacks in the picnic areas. These are usually located near beautiful viewpoints or impressive vistas.
More options for tours in unmissable parks
Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone, is a great tip for a national park double. Don't be intimidated by the size, yes, it is much smaller than its neighbor, but it can provide days of many adventures and incredible landscapes.
A little further north, almost on the border with Canada, is Glacier National Park. A park that is a paradise for trail and nature lovers. With lush scenery, it's a six-hour drive from Yellowstone's north entrance, or five from the town of Bozeman.
To the south, in the state of Utah, a national park paradise. Each one with its characteristics and visuals very different from the northern parks, but just as impressive. I cannot fail to mention Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, Zion National Park and Arches National Park.
Check out tour options and plan your trip in advance at GetYourGuide
US Internet Chip
It's getting easier and cheaper to have unlimited internet throughout your trip to Yellowstone National Park. Nowadays you can buy an international cell phone chip online while you're still here in España. We always use and love it!
You receive the sim card at your address and then just insert it into your cell phone to reach your destination with unlimited 4G internet working.
Also read more chip tips:
- Cell Phone Chip in the USA – How Does It Work?
- International Cell Phone Chip – Which is the Best and How Much Does It Cost?
- America Chip Discount Coupon – 10% OFF on Travel Chip
Want to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?
Compare prices and buy your international travel chip in advance at America Chip.
Travel Insurance for the United States
Buying Travel Insurance for Yellowstone National Park it is essential. To have fun and enjoy the best of the country's attractions without worrying, the best thing to do is to buy travel insurance with good medical and hospital coverage. So you can relax to enjoy the destination.
Read all about travel insurance:
- What is the Cheapest Travel Insurance – Tips on How to Save
- How to Get Travel Insurance – 5 Easy Steps [DISCOUNT]
- Which Travel Insurance to Choose – 3 Infallible Tips to Help
- International Travel Insurance – Step-by-step How to Hire
Get your travel insurance quote at Promo insurance and get 5% off with our coupon FORTRAVELOVERS
Car rental in the USA
Renting a car in the US is a great idea. In addition to optimizing your time a lot, you will be able to enjoy it more without having to depend on public transport.
We really like Rent Cars to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!
We made a super complete post with tips for car rental in usa. We explain how toll collection works in the country, roads, necessary documentation and much more. It is worth checking!
Haven't rented a car for your trip yet?
Guarantee the best price, without IOF, and pay up to 12 interest-free installments at RentCars.
Flights to Yellowstone
Looking for a good deal and flight prices? When buying tickets to Yellowstone National Park, it is worth taking a look at the website Promo Tickets.
It is quite common to find cheaper and better flight options than on other sites. We always use and is it worth it?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Yellowstone National Park located?Yellowstone National Park spans three US states, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Most of the park is located in the state of Wyoming. See the full content.
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone?The months of Spring (from March to June) and Autumn (from September to December) are good options to visit Yellowstone. It's not that crowded, but it still has a good traffic of visitors. Learn more here.
How many days to visit Yellowstone?The ideal to get to know the park well is to stay at least 3 to 5 days. But it is also possible to do a day trip and visit some of the main attractions of the park. Check out the best attractions in the park here.
