The Ultimate Yellowstone Travel Handbook
Welcome to the breathtaking world of Yellowstone National Park! Nestled in the heart of the American West, this iconic destination promises an adventure like no other. From its mesmerizing geothermal features to its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, Yellowstone captivates visitors with its raw beauty and untamed wilderness. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking an escape into the great outdoors, Yellowstone offers an array of experiences that will leave you in awe. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll delve into the must-see attractions, activities, accommodations, and culinary delights that await you in this natural wonderland.
You will see pictures from my personal experience there and then of course some much better and clearer pictures from drones and professionals as well
Where to stay
I will run through exactly what we did in our time there that ended up saving us easily over $1000 and we didn’t miss any big parts of the park either. I will also go over some more luxury options if you’re willing to spend for the full experience.
If you’re like me, someone who loves to stay in Airbnb’s to save money, then Yellowstone is going to be a little difficult. However we were able to find a terrific Airbnb about 10 minutes from the Northern Entrance of the Park. We stayed in a quaint little town called Gardiner. Pulling up the small Airbnb we were surrounded by Elk, which was very cool to see, just minding their own business with not a care in the world. There was a beautiful little coffee shop called “Tumbleweed Bookstore and Cafe” where we started most of our mornings.
The town was built right next to the Yellowstone river where there is gorgeous scenery and lots of activities. They have a grocery store, white water rafting, bar and grills you name it. We really lucked out on the Airbnb being in such an amazing little town. This is the perfect place to start out your trip if you’re flying into Bozeman.
To save money, I HIGHLY recommend looking for an Airbnb in Gardiner, MT, it is a short drive into the park and you will save a lot of money this way as well. As we moved through the park we did have to stay at a hotel inside the park at Grant Village which is on the southern end of the park, but we will get more into that shortly .
Finally as we drove about the park we stayed just outside of the West Yellowstone park entrance. Keep in mind that this park is HUGE. to drive from the top to the bottom will take you about 3-4 hours if you drive straight through, but of course you will want to stop for photo ops. We stayed at another gorgeous Airbnb in Island Park, Idaho. Pristine mountains and lakes all around you as you stepped out of the home.
Again, if you’re looking to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars this is the route to go. It will entail more driving of course, but if you are ok with that, then I recommend these options. there are no Airbnb’s inside the park, so as I mentioned we did have to stay a night in Grant Village. If you’re looking for other options inside the park, here is a list:
- Old Faithful Inn: Experience the charm of rustic elegance at the historic Old Faithful Inn. Situated near the iconic Old Faithful geyser, this grand lodge offers cozy accommodations, stunning views of the geyser basin, and a welcoming ambiance that goes back to the early days of Yellowstone tourism. We went inside the Old Faithful Inn and it really is beautiful. The lobby and architecture of the place really does capture what Yellowstone is all about. There is a dining hall on site and it’s in a prime location in the middle of the park. Staying here however will run you at least $300 a night
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel: Indulge in luxury at the elegant Lake Yellowstone Hotel, overlooking the serene waters of Yellowstone Lake. With its timeless architecture, refined dining options, and proximity to various attractions, this iconic hotel provides an unforgettable retreat in the park. Another beautiful hotel, you will not regret staying here at all. We visited this hotel on a tour we did and it feels like something out of a movie. If you’re wondering about the price tag however, it is going to be very expensive of course. At least $399 per night.
- Canyon Lodge and Cabins: Embrace the beauty of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon at Canyon Lodge and Cabins. Set amidst towering pines and rugged cliffs, this lodge offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.
- Grant Village: For a more rustic experience, consider staying at Grant Village. Tucked away in the south end of the park in a secluded valley, these cozy cabins provide a peaceful retreat surrounded by wilderness, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures right at your doorstep. I believe we spent about $250 for the night on the room here. Which was the cheapest in the park mind you.
As previously mentioned, this is where we stayed for a night so I will talk a little more about it. The rooms are nothing special and there really isn’t a lobby at all. We did eat at the restaurant on site which I highly recommend. You NEED a reservation however as they will fill up very quickly and you will have to wait. The restaurant overlooks the Yellowstone lake so you can step out onto the deck to take it all in. The staff was very friendly and the meal was delicious.
We also booked a “Circle of Fire” tour here. The bus picked us up in front of the main building and took us all around the iconic places of Yellowstone. We always love to do at least one bus tour to give us a break from driving, and it’s fun to learn about the park from the terrific guides and be with like-minded people as well. We stop along the way for photo ops, lunch, hikes and seeing the places that need to be seen in Yellowstone! More on that in the next section
Places to see
Since the park is so big I will try to break it up into sections. When we started our trip we were in the North / North East part of the park. The big destination here is Mammoth Hot Springs. As soon as we pulled up we were amazed to see dozens of bison just sitting around the area with their babies. We got out to take a picture here:
They say to stay at least a couple bus lengths away, so we kept our distance and admired from a far. Don’t be that person that gets up close to the bison and has to charge towards you. No one likes those people. Anyways, we spent about two hours here walking along the wooden paths through the hot springs, admiring the geothermal activity and beauty of the place. It was the perfect way to start off the trip. this was only about a 20 minute drive from our Airbnb in Gardiner as well. Driving up through Yellowstone to the hot springs is a joy in itself admiring the mountains, rivers, lakes, wildlife etc. You will see a ton of bison along the way and may even have to stop for a “Bison Crossing” which was so cool to witness.
From there we drove up East through Lamar Valley for a scenic drive and to go hike to Trout Lake. The valley is a very popular place to spot wildlife as it’s a wide open field with streams running through it. If you’re patient enough you may spot a bear fishing in the streams or wolves in the distance!
We hiked the short two mile trail to Trout Lake where there is another popular wildlife spot of course for Bears! We did see a wolf as we were hiking which scared me and almost made me want to turn back, but we kept trucking through and the wolf ended up leaving us alone thankfully! After the beautiful hike, we headed back to the Airbnb in Gardiner for dinner. Keep in mind a lot of time is spent driving through the park to different destinations. There are tons of pull outs that you can stop at along the way to catch a waterfall, and overlook or hike a short trail through the woods. but always keep on the watch for Bears.
Driving through the middle of the park you get to the big named places such as Norris Geyser Basin:
Tucked away in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, you’ll find Norris Geyser Basin, a place of extraordinary beauty and natural energy. Known for its vibrant geothermal activity, Norris Geyser Basin invites visitors to witness the Earth’s powerful forces at work. With bubbling hot springs, roaring steam vents, and stunning terraced landscapes, this area showcases the awe-inspiring wonders of nature, sparking curiosity and amazement in all who explore it.
You can expect to spend a couple hours here walking on the boardwalks visiting the different hot springs and taking in the natural beauty. One of the coolest things to see is Steamboat Geyser, which is the tallest geyser in the world! Sometimes it sprays water really high up into the sky! You can also explore Porcelain Basin and Back Basin, where there are more bubbling hot springs and colorful pools
Another awesome place to see is the Grand Prismatic Spring! It’s like a giant rainbow puddle of water. It really gives you a whole new perspective on things. The colors are beautiful , and they come from tiny living things called thermophiles that live in the hot water. You can see the Grand Prismatic Spring from a special boardwalk that goes around it. It’s really cool to walk there and see the steam coming off the water. Just make sure to stay on the boardwalk so you don’t hurt the special hot spring or the little living things that call it home. So, if you want to see some of the coolest things nature has to offer, you have to stop by Norris Geyser Basin and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
There is a little bit of walking involved if you’re wondering. More so at Norris Geyser Basin than the Grand Prismatic Spring, but still be expecting to walk a couple miles at least.
Again these are the big places to see, if you’re more of a hiker, you can absolutely find a lot of trails scattered throughout the park that keep you away from the crowds and so it’s just you and nature.
Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful will get its own section. We stopped here as part of our tour where they let us out for about two hours to walk around the natural hot springs and of course see Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the entire world! It erupts approximately every 90 minutes and you can always check online as well to see when it last erupted so you can make sure you don’t miss it.
While we had time to kill we walked to Morning Glory Pool which was a geothermal hot spring, and walked around the boardwalk seeing all the natural hot springs around the area. There was a hell of a lot more walking than I had originally thought there would be here. Walking all the way around the Old Faithful area was about three miles. However we got to see more Bison standing on the hot ground, as we found out the hotness doesn’t burn their feet as they have adapted to it. While it would burn us, the Bison are able to walk freely on the ground!
We finally sat down in the main viewing area for the Old Faithful eruption along with hundreds of other tourists. The eruption lasted about five minutes in total and got up very high! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. As mentioned we were able to go in the Old Faithful Inn and walk around the lobby and explore the gift shop as well which was very cool.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is one of the most iconic features of Yellowstone National Park. Spanning over 136 square miles, this pristine body of water offers visitors a tranquil oasis amidst the park’s rugged wilderness. Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and lush forests, Yellowstone Lake captivates with its serene beauty and crystal-clear waters.
Aside from its stunning natural scenery, Yellowstone Lake also boasts a rich ecological diversity, serving as a vital habitat for a variety of fish species, including cutthroat trout, lake trout, and mountain whitefish. Anglers flock to its shores to try their luck at catching these prized fish, while boaters and kayakers enjoy leisurely excursions across its calm waters. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with scenic picnic areas and hiking trails, providing opportunities for visitors to explore its shores and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. Whether you’re casting a line, paddling along the shoreline, or simply admiring the panoramic views, Yellowstone Lake offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with the beauty of the natural world.
You are able to take a sunset cruise along the lake, go kayaking, do a boat tour and several other excursions that take off from the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. We stopped and admired the beauty of it several times and were able to walk along side it as well. While we were never able to go on the water, it is beautiful to admire and one of the staples of Yellowstone.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Now for my favorite part of the Yellowstone! The Grand Canyon! Of Yellowstone. We were able to visit this on our “Circle of Fire tour” for those interested. We first stopped at the “Lower Falls” this was a stopping area where you could get out, walk around, take some pictures etc. We then hopped on the bus and drove over to the “Upper Falls” This is where the canyon is much larger and the waterfall is bigger as well. This was incredible see. The true natural beauty of the falls and the canyon was mesmerizing.
The crowds on the other hand were not very fun. You do have to be patient when trying to get a good picture of the falls as there are lots of people in a small viewing area.
Its sheer cliffs reveal layers of vibrant colors, ranging from hues of yellow and red to deep shades of orange create a stunning tapestry of natural beauty. At its heart, the thundering waters of the Yellowstone River cascade over Lower Falls and Upper Falls, forming dramatic waterfalls that captivate visitors with their raw power and majestic beauty.
Visitors to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone can explore a variety of viewpoints and hiking trails that offer unparalleled vistas of the canyon’s rugged terrain and cascading waterfalls. Artist Point, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park, provides a panoramic vista of the canyon and Lower Falls, framed by towering cliffs and verdant forests. For a closer look at the waterfalls, visitors can hike down to viewpoints such as Uncle Tom’s Trail or take in the sights from overlooks along the North Rim and South Rim drives. Whether you’re gazing in wonder at the canyon’s towering cliffs, listening to the roar of the waterfalls, or capturing the beauty of the landscape through your camera lens, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur.
There are the main locations for visiting Yellowstone that you should absolutely hit when you go. There are multiple smaller hiking trails, and waterfalls at pull outs that you can stop at to admire and take a quick picture as well.
Along with all that, lets hop into some of the things you can do in the park.
Tips for Yellowstone
Just to quickly touch on a few tips. There is a good amount of walking involved. Carry a backpack or fanny pack with some snacks and water in it to keep our going throughout the day. Try to get an early start as crowds do form to the popular spots and you want to pack in as much as you can during the day.
Dress for every kind of weather. I recommend comfy walking shoes as a lot of walking is on a boardwalk, unless you plan on going off trail. Comfy hiking pants, a long sleeve t-shirt and a warm jacket that you can take off is usually perfect, depending as well on when you go.
Be on the lookout for wildlife! Bison are all over the park and they’re awesome to see! We had on walking on the shoulder of the road right next to our car at one point. They will not be aggressive as long as you keep your distance. Do NOT try to get close to them, especially if they’re with their babies or else they will charge. You can admire them from afar.
Be on the lookout for Bears, while Bears are awesome to see from afar, you need to be careful when on the trails. Carry bear spray with you for emergencies, hike in groups and always be talking. Bears recognize human voices and if they know you’re coming, they will be tamed or usually walk away. If you scare them or startle them, that is when they can get aggressive. Hike in groups, always be talking and carry bear spray if you’re hiking.
As I mentioned before. If you wish to save money, look for Airbnb’s that are just outside the park by the entrances, in Gardiner, Island Park or Silver Gate. The hotels inside the park are very cool, but they are also VERY expensive. If you want to make the most of your trip, then by all means splurge for a nice hotel, but just know that there are cheaper options out there.
Don’t rush. Take your time, admire and truly take in your surroundings. Yellowstone is one of the most popular National Parks in the world! People come from all over the world to see it, do not take your time there for granted and feel like you’re always rushing. Plan for at least 3-4 days in the park so you can hit every aspect of the park and the main spots.
Book a tour! I love taking bus tours. They usually take you to a lot of the most popular places in the park, the guides are very knowledgeable, you don’t have to drive so you can look out the windows and you can just relax. I think they’re worth the money as well. So I highly recommend trying to take at least one bus tour to hit all the good places and learn a different side of the park.
Food / Dining Options
The first place we stopped at was Yellowstone Valley Lodge & Grille – If you’re driving down from Bozeman and you have a big appetite on your way down to the park. this is a great place to stop. A small little lodge and grille area right along the Yellowstone River where you can grab a bite to eat and sit around a fire outside while watching the sunset is a great way to start off your trip, and that’s exactly what we did.
Grant Village – If you do stay here, make sure you book a reservation before hand. Even if you’re not staying in Grant, the restaurant and the scenery was awesome. The staff was super friendly as they are all seasonal workers. Enjoy a nice meal and then step onto the deck outside to admire the moonlight shimmering over Yellowstone Lake.
Here are a few more favorites that you should try while you’re in Yellowstone and some of the best places to eat while you’re inside the park.
- Bison Burger: Sample the flavors of the American West with a juicy bison burger, a local specialty that can be found at many restaurants and lodges throughout Yellowstone. The Old Faithful Inn Dining Room and Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room are excellent options for savoring this iconic dish while enjoying stunning views of the park’s natural wonders. One of my favorite dishes in Yellowstone.
- Huckleberry Treats: Indulge your sweet tooth with huckleberry-infused treats, such as huckleberry ice cream, pie, or jam. These wild berries grow abundantly in the region and are celebrated for their unique flavor. Look for them at gift shops, cafes, and snack bars throughout the park.
- Dutch Oven Dinner: Experience the tradition of cowboy cooking with a hearty Dutch oven dinner, featuring savory meats, vegetables, and baked goods slow-cooked to perfection over an open fire. Many lodges and campgrounds offer guided cookout experiences where you can enjoy this delicious frontier fare under the stars.
- Local Craft Beer: Quench your thirst with a refreshing pint of local craft beer, brewed with pure mountain water and inspired by the flavors of the region. I always try to get local beer from every place I travel to. Montana brews their own local beer in Billings and it was delicious.
Most restaurants in the park are located at the lodges. There are plenty of places to go in Gardiner as well, and a great breakfast spot we ate at just outside of West Yellowstone was called the Running Bear Pancake House. Some of the best pancakes I’ve had if i’m being honest. A very popular spot, and busy, but well worth it when just beginning your day if you’re staying in West Yellowstone.
If you’re spending the night in Bozeman before a flight out there are plenty of options to eat downtown. We took a drive around the city where we ate at Ted’s Montana Grill for one last Bison Burger and another round of local brews. But there are tons of options for great food here.
In conclusion, Yellowstone National Park stands as a testament to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. From the mesmerizing geothermal features of Norris Geyser Basin to the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, every corner of this iconic park offers an opportunity for adventure, exploration, and connection with the great outdoors. Whether you’re marveling at the eruption of Old Faithful, spotting wildlife in Hayden Valley, or gazing out over the tranquil waters of Yellowstone Lake, each experience in Yellowstone is a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. So pack your bags, embark on a journey into the heart of America’s first national park, and prepare to be inspired by the majesty and magic of Yellowstone.