What to Do at Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is known for its dramatic canyons, colorful hot springs, and gushing geysers. The lush forests and alpine rivers are home to abundant wildlife. The park spreads for over 3,500 square miles throughout Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. There is so much to discover in this wondrous park.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Watch Geysers Erupt and See Giant, Colorful Hot Springs

There are over 10,000 hot springs and geysers at Yellowstone National Park. Some geysers erupt 300 times every year while others erupt every 50 years. Some of the most popular ones include Mammoth Hot Springs, Midway Geyser Basin with Grand Prismatic Spring, and Upper Geyser Basin with Old Faithful. Mammoth Hot Springs has flowing waters that spill over the colorful travertine limestone terraces creating a gentle waterfall. Grand Prismatic Spring is Yellowstone’s largest single hot spring and the rising steam reflects the colors of the rainbow. The Upper Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s largest geyser basin and is the world’s largest single concentration of hot springs. There are over 150 geysers here including Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in America. Old Faithful erupts about every 92 minutes and shoots water 135 feet into the air.

Bison in Yellowstone National Park

See Wild Animals in their Natural Habitat

The wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is almost as famous as its geysers. The park is over 3,000 square miles (over 7,500 square km), so seeing these unique animals requires a bit of timing and luck. The diverse wildlife includes moose, elk, deer, bison, pronghorn, fox, coyote, bald eagles, golden eagles, black bears, grizzly bears, and even wolves. Remember though, wild animals are unpredictable and dangerous! Maintain a safe distance and do not disturb the animals. The best time to see bears is in March and April when they are merging from hibernation. Winter is a great time to watch wolves because they are easier to see in the snowy landscape.

Rafting in Yellowstone National Park

Go Rafting

On your next vacation to Yellowstone National Park, be sure to discover the Yellowstone River, America’s longest free-flowing river. Yellowstone Rafting lets you choose between a whitewater rafting trip or a relaxing scenic float. Whitewater rafting is an exhilarating adventure that will make memories to last a lifetime. The scenic floats are perfect for all ages, photography enthusiasts, and bird watchers. Either way, you will get to experience beautiful scenery and wildlife as you enjoy amazing views of Paradise Valley, the Absaroka-Beartooth, and the Gallatin Mountains.

Horseback Riding in Yellowstone

Go Horseback Riding

Setting out on horseback at Yellowstone will inspire that authentic western spirit within you. If you dream of heading off into the mountains, crossing streams, and breathing the fresh mountain air, then a horseback tour is the right choice for you. There are numerous tours for you to choose one that will best fit within your ideal time frame. The folks at Paradise Adventure Company will give you the Old West experience you are searching for.

Yellowstone National Park Hiking

Take a Hike

Yellowstone has over 1,300 miles of trails. There are several beautiful trails, but my favorites are Riddle Lake, Fairy Falls, and Mount Washburn. I love Riddle Lake because you can cross the Continental Divide and the trail takes you through meadows, forests, and of course, Riddle Lake. The trail is 4.8 miles and will take around 2-3 hours. Fairy Falls is a 200-foot waterfall that is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. Along this trail, you will also get to see the Grand Prismatic Spring from up above. The trail is 5.4-6.7 miles long and should take around 3-5 hours. Mount Washburn is a more strenuous hike but it is one of the most famous hikes at Yellowstone because of the beautiful views at the summit. The hike is best in July when the wildflowers are blooming. The hike is 5-6.2 miles and should take around 3-6 hours.

Best Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains has over 900 miles of world-renowned trails showcasing grandiose mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, charming mountain streams, 1800s historic structures, and quiet woodland meadows. Check out the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Top 10 Adventures Around Moab

Moab is the stunning area surrounded by Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. The canyons extend all around, stretching far beyond the park boundaries. If you are planning a visit to Arches National Park, then we recommend booking a tour so that you can get the full experience in the canyons. These adventures will take you away from the crowds of tourists and into the very heart of Canyon country.

5 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure

Rafting adventures take you through the heart of the Grand Canyon along the Colorado River. You will spend 6-16 days soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder. However, rafting trips in Grand Canyon need to be planned at least one year in advance. Read on to find our 5 best tips for discovering the Grand Canyon on an unforgettable rafting adventure.