Places you NEED to see in Yellowstone National Park
Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Not sure where to start. If you haven’t already, check out our official travel guide for Yellowstone and don’t miss a thing! In this short article we will be giving the top 10 places in Yellowstone that you absolutely need to see
10. Ink Pots
Down in the southern portion of the park are the famous Ink Pots. With a guided wooden trail that takes you through the numerous hot springs and geo-thermal pools. Gander at the different colors and pools as they boil and spurt out around you! A short visit here is something that looks like you’re on another planet, very unique and something you won’t see anywhere else in the United States.
9. Lamar Valley
Located in the North East part of the park, Lamar Valley is famous for spotting lots of beautiful wildlife., You will see a lot of cars on the side of the road and photographers out of their cars hoping to catch a glimpse at an Elk, Coyote, Wolf, or especially a Bear. Take a chair and camp out here for a little bit, a nice place to enjoy lunch and hopefully see some wildlife along the way
8. Lake Yellowstone Hotel
If you’re driving the “Ring of Fire” or taking the tour, then you must stop at the beautiful Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Grab a coffee or dine at the restaurant. Walk along the Yellowstone Lake and admire the beauty of the hotel as well.
7. Hayden Valley
As you’re driving up from Lake Yellowstone, spot bison, elk, and grizzly bears in this picturesque valley known for its abundant wildlife. Head to the overlook to see the gorgeous rivers and mountains in the background
6. Norris Geyser Basin
Explore the hottest and most dynamic thermal area in Yellowstone, home to steam vents and bubbling pools. Take a stroll on the boardwalk and see the many different springs and colors of the geo-thermal areas.
5. Grand Prismatic Spring
Witness the vibrant colors of this massive hot spring, one of the park’s most photographed sights. Bursting with beautiful orange, red, blue and yellow!
4. Yellowstone Lake
Take a boat ride on the lake, hike around it, fish, kayak, enjoy the beautiful and serene Yellowstone Lake. One of the parks most iconic bodies of water.
3. Mammoth Hot Springs
Walk along the boardwalk in the very North part of the park to see the terraces of steaming, colorful mineral pools formed over centuries. Very unique colors, springs and smells but these hot springs will leave you in awe!
2. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
See the lower falls and then make your way to the upper falls. One of the best parts of the entire park. Absolutely gorgeous waterfalls and canyons that are an easy walk to and sights that you will remember forever and make you fall in love with nature all over again. Both falls are really magnificent and must see spots.
1. Old Faithful
We all knew what #1 was going to be. Old Faithful Geyser of course! When you arrive at the geyser however, it is surrounded by numerous other beautiful pools including “Morning Glory.” Vibrant colors and other geysers that erupt throughout the spot. Make sure you note the next time Old Faithful is getting ready to blow so you can get a good upfront spot and not have the large crowds in your way. Spend a few hours here, grab lunch, walk through the gift shop at the Old Faithful hotel and marvel at the beautiful and world famous geyser in Yellowstone National Park!
Now you’re prepared for your trip to Yellowstone! Do your best to hit all you can on this list, you will not regret it! Watch out and be respectful to wildlife, leave no trace and most importantly. Have a great time!