Yellowstone was the world’s first national park, and it’s one of the largest in our system.
There’s so much to see and do that even a week doesn’t give it full justice, but not everyone can swing that, and sometimes people just have a single day to see it. If that’s where you find yourself, then consider the following itinerary to get a taste of all the park has to offer.
It starts from the North Entrance just outside Gardiner, Montana, and it ends at the Northeast Entrance by Silver Gate and Cooke City.
Boiling River
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On a hot summer day, a soak in a mountain stream can be a delight, especially when there are hot springs warming the chilly waters. Boiling River is a spot on the Gardiner River where runoff from Mammoth Hot Springs comes in. Normally, that water would be scalding, but where it meets the cold waters of the river, it’s just right.
Mammoth Hot Springs
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Boardwalks allow you to safely access the multicolored terraces here that are always changing. You’re also likely to see elk that are very used to people, but they’re still wild animals that deserve plenty of space.
Watch Old Faithful Erupt
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The world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful erupts every 60-120 minutes on average. There are also many other geysers, pools, and hot springs here at Upper Geyser Basin, so stay a bit and see more of them.
Visit Another Geyser Basin
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There are many other geyser basins both large and small along the Firehole River, so be sure to stop at one or two more at least. They still attract a lot of visitors, but not like the huge crowds for Old Faithful. These other geyser basins have some geysers that have smaller eruptions but erupt much more frequently, some almost constantly. There’s also a nice geyser basin along the shore of Yellowstone Lake at West Thumb.
Hang Out at Yellowstone Lake
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Between West Thumb and the Lake Village area, there are numerous turnouts that provide Lake Access. It’s usually quite breezy along the shore, but it’s still a nice place to hang out and maybe have lunch on a summer day. You’re allowed to swim in the lake, and some do, but just be aware that the waters of this high-elevation lake are icy-cold.
Drive Up to Sylvan Pass
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Drive up the East Entrance Road, enjoying the mountain and lake scenery, and when it crests at Sylvan Pass, turn around and drive back, getting a different perspective on the way back down. On clear days, you can see across Yellowstone Lake to the famous peaks of Grand Teton National Park to the south.
Stop in Hayden Valley
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As you continue your journey north through the park, you’ll pass through the Hayden Valley. This is a wildlife hotspot, with elk, bison, moose commonly seen, so stop the car at a pullout to do some wildlife viewing. Sometimes you have no choice but to stop because the bison herds have a habit of congregating on or crossing the road, which can sometimes stop traffic for hours.
See the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
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At the Canyon area, the Yellowstone River plunges over two impressive waterfalls before rushing through a colorful, steep-walled gorge. Several overlooks provide different perspectives, with the most popular being Upper Falls View, Artist Point, and Inspiration Point.
Hike to Tower Fall
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Descending from Dunraven Pass to the Roosevelt-Tower area, you’ll pass a large parking area for Tower Fall. Named for a pinnacle above it, Tower Fall is an impressive sight. A short, moderately strenuous trail leads to its base, and from there you can follow Tower Creek to its confluence with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone near the latter’s end.
Check out the Petrified Tree
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At the Roosevelt-Tower junction, turn left and drive a short distance to a signed spur for a petrified tree. There’s a lot of petrified wood in Yellowstone, and this is an especially impressive specimen for its size and upright position.
Drive Through Lamar Valley
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Known as the American Serengeti for its abundance and diversity of large game, the Lamar Valley is a must-see if you love wildlife. You’re unlikely to see all of these on a one-day visit, but the following are common in this valley: bison, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears, pronghorns, foxes, coyotes, and wolves. Look for eagles and ospreys in the skies.
Hike to Trout Lake
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Closer to the Northeast Entrance now, stop one more time for a short hike to Trout Lake, which frames rugged mountains nearby. Now you can go back to the Roosevelt-Tower junction, return to Mammoth Hot Springs, and exit the way you entered; or you can head out the Northeast Entrance and then drive the spectacular Beartooth Highway from Cooke City to Red Lodge, Montana. Maybe save that for the next day, as there’s so much to see and do there, too!
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