Best Yellowstone Stops You Can See Without Hiking
Places you can see in Yellowstone National Park Without Hiking
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 can see without hiking!
Interested in taking a full day bus tour of Yellowstone? Don’t worry about planning a thing! Check on the link for a full-day Yellowstone Bus Tour
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 Northeast 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. This place is easily accessible without hiking.
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! There is a short wooden path that you can walk around to see the beautiful pools. Very easy to walk.
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. There are so many things to do here and one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. The best part? You can also visit this lake and see its beauty without hiking to it.
Want to kayak around Yellowstone Lake? Check out the link here!
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.
This was probably my favorite spot on the trip.
Want a tour of West Yellowstone? Check out the amazing tour here.
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!
Staying in Jackson Hole? Check out the incredible full-day tour from Jackson Hole that visits Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife!
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!