Welcome to the land of bubbling geysers, majestic waterfalls, and untamed wilderness – Yellowstone National Park! Yellowstone National Park preserves the most extraordinary collection of hot springs, geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles on Earth. More than 10,000 hydrothermal features are found here, of which more than 500 are geysers.
If you’re ready for an epic adventure filled with viral-worthy moments and unforgettable experiences, then buckle up and join us on a whirlwind 3-day itinerary through this iconic park. Get ready to explore, indulge, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
The best time to visit would be the summer months (mid-May through October).
How to Get to Yellowstone National Park
If you read this three-day Yellowstone itinerary, you probably don’t live close enough to Yellowstone National Park
That being said, you are either going on a road trip to Yellowstone or flying into an airport near Yellowstone and renting a car.
No matter what, you need a car to explore this 3-day itinerary.
Nearby Airports
We have summarized each of the nearby airports for you below. we go into more detail about the airports near Yellowstone in this post.
Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is the closest airport to Yellowstone. Located just 3 miles from the west entrance, flying into this airport will make visiting Yellowstone easy to drive.
However, flights to this small airport can be expensive. In addition, rental cars are often hard to come by, so this might not be a viable option for your trip.
Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) is located near the east entrance in Cody, Wyoming, and is the second closest airport to Yellowstone.
As this is another small airport, flights here are limited and expensive.
Bozeman Airport (BZN) is located in Bozeman, Montana, and is relatively close to both the north and west entrances.
The drive to each entry point is just over 1.5 hours.
Jackson Hole (JAC) is another of the airports near Yellowstone. Located in Wyoming, Jackson Hole Airport is approximately a 1-hour drive from the south entrance of Yellowstone.
Many people stay in Jackson Hole and make it their home base for exploring Yellowstone.
You will definitely find cheaper accommodations here.
Staying in Jackson Hole will allow you to easily add Grand Teton National Park to your Yellowstone trip.
Note that you must plan extra drive time on your itinerary if you will be staying in Jackson Hole.
Billings Airport (BIL) is in Billings, Montana, about 1.5 hours from the North entrance (well, the northeast entrance) to the park.
Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) is much farther from Yellowstone National Park than the other airports on our list, but it is a convenient major airport you might consider using.
We definitely recommend staying inside the park if at all possible. This will greatly reduce your drive time.
We had taken an RV from Portland and rode our way to Yellow stone. Our base place to stay were the KOA Campgrounds. They were pretty neat and we had packed enough food for us to cook along on our trip.
However, If you are able to book in advance and have the cabins or the campgrounds inside the park, you would save on gas and travel.
Stay recommendations
If you stay three days or longer, I recommend planning your trip with several different lodging options. (We give suggestions below.)
Again, Yellowstone National Park is a huge park, and the attractions are spread out.
Being strategic about where to stay will help you save valuable time on your trip to Yellowstone.
The option inside the park is below
Yellowstone National Park Lodges
https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/
Book in advance
The lodging options inside Yellowstone fill up months in advance.So,Don’t risk it. Some lodging options fill up as far as nine months in advance!
Book in advance to ensure you get your first choice(s) and the best price.
Canyon village and the Old Faithful inn have good reviews so you could try that. Or just plan it according to the itinerary you have in mind.
canyon village during our time in Yellowstoneand is in central location. Canyon Village has newly built lodges with nice rooms and full bathrooms.
or Spend the night at the historic Old Faithful Inn for a truly memorable experience. This iconic lodge offers rustic charm and unparalleled access to Yellowstone’s wonders, including the famous geyser itself!
Campground outside where we camped:
https://koa.com/campgrounds/yellowstone-park/?ranMID=50482&ranEAID=je6NUbpObpQ&ranSiteID=je6NUbpObpQ-kTHAx.0GBoHLBvwRKK4rhA&utm_content=Sovrn&utm_source=RAN&utm_medium=affiliate
Entry to the Park
Entrance Fee
At the time of publication, the entrance fee to Yellowstone was $35 per vehicle. This is good for seven days.
If you visit several National Parks, consider buying an annual park pass instead.
The annual pass is $80 and allows you entry into all of the National Parks in the United States.This is your best bet if you like to travel.
You can purchase both options at the park entrance ticket booths.
Pro Tip:
Be sure to download offline maps for the whole state of Wyoming and the nearby states to help you plan your trip and stick to your itinerary!
You can also download the Yellowstone National Park app to learn more about the park and the sights you will see.
So, now lets Jump into our much awaited Itinerary.
Day 1
The Geysers Galore and Wildlife Wonders on our first day.
1. Upper Geyser Basin
Old Faithful Geyser: Start your day with a bang by witnessing the legendary eruption of Old Faithful! Don’t forget to capture this viral moment on camera as nature puts on a spectacular show.
Old Faithful “faithfully” erupts about 20 times a day at intervals between 60 and 110 minutes.
The eruption from the Old Faithful Geyser can last anywhere from 1.5 to 5 minutes. Once it starts, it averages about 130-140 feet in height.
Castle Geyser:The cone of Castle Geyser is thousands of years old and rests upon even older platforms. Together, they form one of the largest sinter formations in the world. Castle currently erupts, on average, every 14 hours.
Lion Geyser:It was named for the roaring sound of steam releasing during an eruption.[4] Eruptions can reach 90 feet (27 m) and last from 1 to 7 minutes.
Crested Pool:The spring is 42 feet (12.8 m) deep. It is named for the “crest” which surrounds the pool. Although it is considered a spring, Crested Pool sometimes erupts like a geyser
Grotto Geyser:
Morning Glory pool:Morning Glory Pool is a hot spring in the Yellowstone Upper Geyser Basin of the United States. The spring is also known by the name Morning Glory Spring.
Some of these are unpredictable and could be better informed by the rangers on site. Please find some Eruption timings on the NPS website:https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/hydrothermal-features.htm#collapseOne1
2.Middle and Lower Geyser Basin
Grand Prismatic Spring: Marvel at the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone’s most iconic thermal features. Snap selfies against the backdrop of this viral sensation and watch as your Instagram likes soar!
Excelsior Geyser, is a dormant fountain-type geyser in the Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park in the United States.
Emerald Spring is also in the Black Basin area. Be sure to check it out; it’s beautiful!
Fountain Geyser looks like a placid blue pool as its water slowly rises. This geyser gives little warning of its pending eruption, but when it does blow, it is one of the most beautiful geysers in the park. It erupts 10-50 feet (3-15 m) for 20 minutes or more.
Fountain Paint Pot is one of many mudpots found in the park. In early summer the mudpots are thin and watery from abundant rain and snow.
Optional: Fairy Falls
Day 2
Grand Teton National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, pristine lakes, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here are some of the top things to do in and around Grand Teton National Park:
a.Teton Park Road: This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range and access to numerous pullouts, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Be sure to stop at spots like Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake for stunning vistas.
Signal Mountain Summit Road: Drive to the summit of Signal Mountain for panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole Valley, and surrounding area.
b. Hiking: Cascade Canyon Trail: This popular trail starts at Jenny Lake and leads into the heart of the Teton Range, offering stunning views of towering peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes.
Taggart Lake Loop: A relatively easy hike that takes you to beautiful Taggart Lake with views of the Teton peaks.
Delta Lake: A challenging hike with a rewarding destination—a pristine alpine lake nestled beneath the Grand Teton.
c. Wildlife Viewing: Grand Teton National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including moose, elk, bison, bears, and eagles. Keep your eyes peeled while exploring the park’s various habitats, including meadows, forests, and wetlands.
d. Boating and Water Activities: Jackson Lake: Rent a kayak, canoe, or motorboat to explore the crystal-clear waters of Jackson Lake. Fishing is also popular here, with opportunities to catch trout, salmon, and other species.
Snake River: Join a guided scenic float trip or whitewater rafting adventure on the Snake River, offering stunning views of the Teton Range and opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbanks.
2. Yellowstone Lake: Yellowstone Lake is situated in the central part of Yellowstone National Park. It is the largest high-elevation lake (above 7,000 feet or 2,100 meters) in North America.
Grand Canyon Marvels and Scenic Treks
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the most stunning geological features in Yellowstone National Park. Here are some details about the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone:
Lower Falls: The most iconic feature of the canyon is the Lower Falls, a magnificent waterfall that plunges 308 feet (94 meters) into the canyon below. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Yellowstone.
Upper Falls: Located upstream from the Lower Falls, the Upper Falls is another impressive waterfall in the canyon, dropping approximately 109 feet (33 meters).
Yellowstone River: The Yellowstone River flows through the canyon, carving its way through colorful rock formations, including rhyolite, which gives the canyon its distinctive yellow hue.
Scenic Viewpoints: There are several scenic viewpoints along the North and South Rims of the canyon that offer breathtaking views of the waterfalls, canyon walls, and surrounding landscape. Some of the most popular viewpoints include Artist Point, Inspiration Point, and Lookout Point.
Day 3
Mammoth Hot Springs: It is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone National Park adjacent to Fort Yellowstone and the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District.[3] It was created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate (over two tons flow into Mammoth each day in a solution). Because of the huge amount of geothermal vents, travertine flourishes.
2.Lamar Valley: Embark on a wildlife safari through Lamar Valley, known as the Serengeti of North America. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, wolves, and bears – the ultimate viral-worthy wildlife sightings!
Some Extra tips:
Map to the Yellow stone National Park:
https://yellowstonenationalpark.com/planner.htm
If you have a few more days to spare try the below as well:
Famous Cuisines to Try:
Trout Dinner: Sample fresh-caught trout for dinner, prepared in various mouthwatering ways. Whether grilled, smoked, or pan-seared, trout is a must-try dish that captures the essence of Yellowstone’s wilderness.
2.Western BBQ: Indulge in a hearty Western BBQ dinner for your final meal in Yellowstone. Savor smoky meats, tangy sauces, and savory sides for a mouthwatering farewell feast.
Some fun Things to Do:
Yellowstone Lake: Spend the morning exploring the shores of Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a viral-worthy adventure on the water.
Fishing Excursion: Cast a line and try your luck at fishing in Yellowstone Lake or one of the park’s many rivers and streams. Catching a trophy trout makes for the ultimate viral photo op!
Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas and pristine wilderness. Don’t forget to pack your favorite Yellowstone-inspired treats for a memorable feast.
So there you have it – a 3-day itinerary packed with viral moments, wild wonders, and culinary delights in the best of Yellowstone National Park. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and create memories that will leave your friends and followers green with envy!
