Vacation Spotlight: Yellowstone National Park
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Yellowstone National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the world, also claims the title of America’s first park (the park was established way back in 1872). Although it is not the largest national park, the more than 2 million acres of park space means endless opportunities for exploration. If you are are wondering, Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska is the largest national park at over 13 million acres (basically it is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite and Switzerland combined according to the NPS)!.
Most of this gorgeous park lies in Wyoming, however, small portions are located in Idaho and Montana. Fortunately, Mike and I were lucky enough to live in Idaho Falls (the (“the Gateway to Yellowstone”) for a year, and thus, we took advantage of several quick daytrips during National Park Week. All national parks are free during this one week period in April each year; this is the perfect opportunity to visit one of the pricier parks.
“America’s First National Park” is a fantastic year-round recreational paradise with numerous seasonal activities to partake in. From scenic drives, to wildlife viewing, to biking and hiking, and even winter snowcoach tours, Yellowstone offers some of the best opportunities for a memorable and adventure filled vacation any time of the year.
Below is my guide covering a few great things to do on your first trip out here. Obviously, it’s a massive park with endless possibilities, so this guide serves only as a starting point.
1. Take a scenic drive around the park
By far, the best way to see a large portion of this magnificent park in a short period of time is by driving just a small portion of the hundreds of miles of scenic roads that cross through the park. Bison, elk, and coyotes are frequently seen from a distance. Oftentimes, the bison block traffic. We were lucky enough to see bison crossing the road at many points along the journey. This was a really cool experience that you will not have anywhere else in the country.
In addition, you may get lucky and spot a bear. While we did not see a bear up close, there were some photographers capturing photos in the distance. Honestly, I am a bit too afraid to hike here with all the bear attacks but I wouldn’t mind seeing one from the safety of my car! With my luck, I would be more likely to see a bear on a desolate trail when I don’t want to see one lol. Along with wildlife watching, it’s a beautiful sightseeing adventure and you will pass many beautiful landscapes including streams, rivers, forests, mountains, mud pots, canyons, waterfalls, and geysers. For any nature lover, a drive through an uninterrupted national park is a dream come true!
The 140 mile long Grand Loop will take you past most of the major attractions in the park. Do plan at least half a day and pack plenty of snacks. It took us about 7 hours to complete the drive with numerous stops along the route.
2. Watch Old Faithful Erupt
Old Faithful is one of the park’s most amazing attractions – you definitely need to put it on your bucket list. It is the most predictable geyser in the world with an average eruption time of 92 minutes. Watching a beautiful natural show like this is much better than visiting an overpriced, man-made tourist attraction. According to the NPS, each show lasts between one and a half to 5 minutes and the height can reach 90-184 feet which is pretty impressive. A picture of you standing next to the fountain is the perfect free souvenir! It can be a long wait depending on when you arrive, but trust me it’s worth it!
3. Take a snowcoach tour
The quiet winter season brings forth a new opportunity to view the park in a completely different setting. Although most roads (besides the North entrance in Gardiner, Montana) are closed to the public, various snowcoach tours are available to give you a snowy glimpse into the park. A snowcoach tour is one of the only opportunities to visit this magnificent park during the calm, serene winter season (a snowmobile is the only other vehicle permitted). At this time of year bears will obviously be hibernating, however, you will have the opportunity to see elk, wolves, bison, and even moose.
Tours are offered to hot spots such as Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Winter is a beautiful time to plan your visit, as well as the perfect time to glimpse rare wildlife like moose (there population numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss and predator attacks) in their uninterrupted habitat. The snow capped mountains and frozen waterfalls lead to endless photo opportunities regardless of whether you see any wildlife. Visit Snowcoach Tours page for more information on this year’s tours.
You can also cross country ski and snowshoe on all unplowed roads within the park. There are trails you can access from the West Yellowstone entrance and also you can access the Mammoth, Tower, and Northeast ski trails from the Gardiner entrance. You will need to sign up for one of the snowcoach tours listed above to ski in the Old Faithful and Canyon areas.
More info on the park in winter
4. Bike the park (for free!)
Each year during the beginning of the spring season, the park opens only to non motorized traffic. Pedestrians and bikers can take advantage of no fees and peaceful surroundings. This is your best opportunity to visit the park without any noisy traffic and also get in a hefty workout. The park can get extremely crowded during the busy summer months, so take this unique opportunity to visit sans large tourist crowds. Note bicycling is also permitted in early – late November. I love that you can still enjoy some snow capped mountains at this time without having to trek through the snow.
5. Photograph wildlife
Not surprisingly, this park is known as one of the premier places for wildlife photography. According to the NPS, 67 animal species currently live here including: bison, black and grizzly bears, bobcat, cougars, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and more! It’s not uncommon to see a bison crossing the road or walking side by side right next to your car! This is the best place in the country to see so many bison roaming free.
Occasionally bears will be seen crossing the street, especially during the spring season. Visit early in the mornings for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. There are tons of beautiful pictures to take of these fantastic animals in their natural habitat. What you will have the opportunity to see will depend on the season you visit.
Bison can be seen much of the year. Black and grizzly bears, on the other hand, are more commonly sighted during the springs months. Because of migration patterns, spring is also an awesome time for birdwatchers. And, as I mentioned earlier, a winter visit via a snowcoach tour is the best time to see moose and wolves. We saw a wolf during the late spring season which is a bit rare and exciting. As always, keep your distance from all wildlife as there have been attacks. The NPS page has some good tips on what to do in the case of bear or other wildlife encounters.
To get the most out of your trip, I have recommended a few daytrips to consider while you are in the region. I recommend staying in Idaho Falls. It’s a low-key small town with lots of affordable hotel options. There are a number of places to dine, plus a few great local attractions. You would be missing out if you did not take time to explore other gorgeous waterfalls and state parks while in the vicinity. Check out a few of my recommended daytrips!
Mesa Falls
Be sure to plan a drive on the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (closed during the winter months to vehicles). This 28 mile scenic drive in southern Idaho features gorgeous mountain overlooks and 2 stunning waterfalls.
The drive, located just an hour or so from the national park, is an absolute stunner. It is one of my favorite attractions in southern Idaho after exploring much of the best things to do and see in this part of the state. This picturesque drive is easily one of the hidden gems of the state, perhaps the mountain West. The beautiful drive affords you the opportunity to check out 2 gorgeous waterfalls: the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls with virtually no hiking required on your part. It’s a truly scenic drive with picturesque views of the Snake River, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and the majestic Grand Tetons.
Harriman State Park
Harriman State Park is located just 28 miles south of the national park. Spanning 16,000 acres and offering numerous activities and events throughout the year, Harriman is another year-round destination for all kinds of fitness buffs. It’s a great place to hike, bike, and wildlife watch during the summer months. I also love visiting in winter. The park is so quiet and exotically beautiful this time of year (think Narnia) and the cross country skiing trails are awesome.
Where to stay
There are many great towns to explore within a 2 hour drive of the park. West Yellowstone and Bozeman in Montana, and Rexburg and Idaho Falls in southern Idaho are a few good options. Each town is located within convenient driving distance of the park and each offers its’ own great lodging, dining, and entertainment options.
West Yellowstone, Montana
West Yellowstone is a great choice as you will be minutes from the entrance to the park. Although there are a lot of choices for lodging and dining during the summer months, many establishments close for the winter season. Be sure to pre-plan your trip in advance! Three Bear Lodge, Alpine Motel, and Kelly Inn are great summer options.
This small city is home to numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions. Running Bear Pancake House, Three Bear Restaurant, and Woodside Bakery are a few popular breakfast choices. We liked the food and cozy ambiance at the Running Bear which I recommend for breakfast. In terms of attractions, the city offers the following: Playmill Theater, Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, and Museum of the Yellowstone. You will also find many touristy shops selling souvenirs including the cutest black bear knick knacks.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls, “The Gateway to Yellowstone,” is a great option just under 2 hours from the West Yellowstone entrance to the park. This mid-sized city offers dozens of affordable hotels, hundreds of restaurant choices (it claims to be home to the most number of restaurants per capita), and a few worthy attractions of its’ own (check out the beautiful Greenbelt, Tautphaus Park Zoo, and the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho).
Many hotels (ranging from basic budget choices to more luxury lodging options with river views) are available to suit your budget. A handful of fantastic hotels line the Greenbelt, including: Fairfield Inn and Suites, Best Western Driftwood Inn, and Red Lion Hotel on the Falls.
In addition, more budget friendly options like Motel West offer comfortable accommodations at a reasonable cost. Priced at just $100 a night and including extra amenities like a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and an on-site restaurant, it’s the perfect affordable choice. No matter which hotel you decide on, you will enjoy the benefits of easy access to Yellowstone.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is another fantastic choice located just short of 2 hours from the entrance. There are many excellent affordable lodging choices in town including cabins and rustic lodges. We stayed in a cute little rustic place called the Western Heritage Inn once which has since closed. The city is most notably home to Montana State University, although this quaint college town offers much more including plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. I love the city’s charming downtown district which is home to numerous local restaurants, souvenir and antique shops, and a fabulous coffee/tea shop called Wild Joe’s.
Tips for a great vacation
*Plan your hotel and flight several months in advance for the best deals.
*Consider flying into Salt Lake City and renting a car. Although there are closer airports, the price with renting a car will likely still be cheaper than flying a small airport.
*Plan your vacation during the off-season (early spring) for cheaper rates and fewer crowds.
*Pick up a detailed map in the West Yellowstone Visitor Center. Helpful staff will be able to answer any questions you may have, including the best roads to spot wildlife.
*Plan a few hours in West Yellowstone for dining and shopping. Even if you are not staying in town, there are plenty of rustic themed restaurants and great shops to browse around.
*Sign up for a guided tour. Many companies such as Wildland Trekking offer both single and multi day trips.
*Check for special deals on sites like Groupon.
*Bring with a high quality camera and tripod. You never know when the perfect photo opportunity may arise!
*Prepare in advance for your lengthy drives through the park. You could be out there for hours. Break drives into several days – do not try to do it all in a single day! Be sure to pack snacks and water bottles for the trip. And, fill up your tank completely – there are only a handful of fuel stops.
Location & Pricing
The park has 5 entrances. Check the NPS website for location and operating hours for each. The West Entrance is located at: 436 W Entrance Rd. West Yellowstone, MT 9758.
Entrance fees are: $35 per vehicle, $30 for motorcycles and snowmobiles, and $20 when entering by ski, bike or foot. The fee is good for 7 days at both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Annual passes are $70. America the Beautiful Passes (the best deal) are offered at $80 – the perfect choice if you will be visiting more than one national park this year. Pricing current as of 2025.
