Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Activities, attractions and tours
Yellowstone National Park

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Top places to visit

1. Yellowstone National Park (and vicinity)

Yellowstone National Park is a colossal wilderness of diverse landscapes and ecosystems, a natural playground of mountains, roaring waterfalls, volcanic phenomena, bears and bison.
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Yellowstone National Park which includes mist or fog, rapids and landscape views

2. Old Faithful

Visit Old Faithful to see why it has earned its name. It has been consistently erupting for as long as people have known about it. The geyser’s reliability is a main reason why Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, was created in 1872. Stay in the vicinity of the geyser for an hour or more and it’s almost certain to come to life. In fact, it’s so reliable that the park service provides time predictions for the 20 daily eruptions.
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Its iconic stature and reliability attract visitors from around the world. View this geyser, which always satisfies with its regular dramatic shows.

3. Mammoth Hot Springs

When you visit Mammoth Hot Springs, prepare to be mesmerized by nature. Located near Fort Yellowstone in the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District, the hot springs are one of Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic destinations.
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Mammoth Hot Springs

4. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is an awe-inspiring gorge with rock formations of pink and yellow hues and several immense waterfalls. The canyon, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long, is a major highlight of Yellowstone National Park. Hike trails surrounding this spectacular gorge and enjoy exceptional vistas.
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Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

5. Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park is a marvel just by its location at such a high altitude. At 7,733 feet (2,357 meters) above sea level and with a surface area of 132 square miles (342 square kilometers), this is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Although it’s located in a park with many hydrothermal features, don’t assume the water is warm. When you visit Yellowstone Lake dip a toe in, if you like, to discover the chill. The water may approach 70 F (21 C), but the average temperature is 41 F (5 C). The lake freezes over in winter.
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In an area with many unique natural attractions, this large lake appears next to tall mountains. Visit for beautiful views and interesting walks.

6. Fishing Bridge

Fishing Bridge is a vehicle and pedestrian bridge that crosses the Yellowstone River at the point where it empties into Yellowstone Lake. Join other visitors on the bridge to spot schools of cutthroat trout and admire the landscapes of the national park. Fishing Bridge began its existence as a log crossing in 1902 and was rebuilt in its present form in 1937.
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Fishing Bridge

7. Lamar Valley

Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley has open spaces that allow visitors to see many animal species from off-road viewing areas. Look for numerous bison, which some people call buffalo. You can also see bears, longhorn antelope, wolves, elk and other species here. Park guests visit Lamar Valley often just to see wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you’re caught in a traffic jam waiting for animals to cross from one side of the road to the other.
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View wildlife wandering through this large area. While some animals saunter across the roadway, you may need binoculars to see them farther away.

8. Grand Prismatic Spring

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, a popular feature of Yellowstone National Park. The large steaming water basin has an unmatched blue color that is breathtaking. Its perimeter is bordered by a shoreline with hues of yellow, orange, green and brown. View the natural feature, which results from activity deep in Earth’s interior.
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Otherworldly is an appropriate description of this volcanic feature that bears little resemblance to the commonplace perception of a spring.

Popular places to visit

Image for Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure at the oldest and largest national park in the United States. You’ll come across one magnificent view after another.

Yellowstone National Park
Image for Yellowstone National Park South Entrance

Yellowstone National Park South Entrance

4/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Yellowstone National Park South Entrance, a popular green space in Yellowstone National Park. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Yellowstone National Park South Entrance
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Old Faithful

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Its iconic stature and reliability attract visitors from around the world. View this geyser, which always satisfies with its regular dramatic shows.

Old Faithful
Image for Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs

Near the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park, drive around colorful travertine terraces or walk among steaming thermal features in this otherworldly area.

Mammoth Hot Springs
Image for Yellowstone National Park East Entrance

Yellowstone National Park East Entrance

5/5(2 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Yellowstone National Park East Entrance, a lovely green space in Yellowstone National Park. Discover the area's mountain views and restaurants.

Yellowstone National Park East Entrance
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Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

5/5(4 reviews)

Enjoy the mesmerizing views of waterfalls, a river and a variety of brightly colored rock formations in this iconic canyon, a national treasure.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
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Yellowstone Lake

5/5(1 review)

In an area with many unique natural attractions, this large lake appears next to tall mountains. Visit for beautiful views and interesting walks.

Yellowstone Lake
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Fishing Bridge

3/5(1 review)

Watch fish swim along the Yellowstone River, enjoy views of emerald green forests and see the mountains of Yellowstone National Park.

Fishing Bridge
Image for Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley

5/5(4 reviews)

View wildlife wandering through this large area. While some animals saunter across the roadway, you may need binoculars to see them farther away.

Lamar Valley
Gardiner

Gardiner

Photo by Maddox Growney

Pahaska

Tower Fall

Tower Junction

Photo by John Toranto

Ashton

Norris Geyser Basin showing mist or fog, landscape views and a hot spring

Norris