v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Old Faithful Geyser — The classic: erupts predictably (roughly every 90 minutes), shooting a huge, photogenic plume of water and steam. The Upper Geyser Basin around it has boardwalks and a concentration of other geysers, so you can nerd out on geothermal drama without wandering off-trail.
- Grand Prismatic Spring — Riotous colors (from heat-loving microbes) in the largest hot spring in the U.S. Best appreciated from the overlook above the Midway Geyser Basin or the Fairy Falls trail — up close the steam obscures the colors, from above they explode.
- The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — Towering, painted canyon walls carved by the river and framed by the thunderous Lower Falls (about 308 feet). Artist Point and the various rim trails give dramatic, postcard-ready panoramas; great for afternoon
- Old Faithful Geyser — The classic: erupts predictably (roughly every 90 minutes), shooting a huge, photogenic plume of water and steam. The Upper Geyser Basin around it has boardwalks and a concentration of other geysers, so you can nerd out on geothermal drama without wandering off-trail.
- Grand Prismatic Spring — Riotous colors (from heat-loving microbes) in the largest hot spring in the U.S. Best appreciated from the overlook above the Midway Geyser Basin or the Fairy Falls trail — up close the steam obscures the colors, from above they explode.
- The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — Towering, painted canyon walls carved by the river and framed by the thunderous Lower Falls (about 308 feet). Artist Point and the various rim trails give dramatic, postcard-ready panoramas; great for afternoon light and short hikes.
- Lamar Valley — Wildlifing goldmine: wide, open valley where bison herds, elk, pronghorn and (if you’re lucky) wolves and bears show up at dawn and dusk. It’s like Yellowstone’s living room; you’ll want binoculars and patience. — Personal favorite.
- Mammoth Hot Springs — Terraced travertine formations that look almost sculpted, with walkways weaving through steaming terraces. The historic Fort Yellowstone area nearby means you can combine geology with a bit of park history, and elk often loaf around town.
- Mount Washburn — A popular, relatively short summit hike (roughly a 6-mile round trip on common routes) with sweeping views over the caldera and opportunities for wildflowers and pika sightings in summer. Great for sunrise or to scan for distant wildlife.
- Norris Geyser Basin — One of the park’s hottest and most changeable thermal areas; prone to sudden new features. It’s home to Steamboat Geyser (the tallest active geyser on Earth) and a maze of trails that feel more raw and otherworldly than the busier spots.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Private Yellowstone Tour: ICONIC Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + lunch
Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch
Kayak Day Paddle on Yellowstone Lake
Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features
250th Anniversary Yellowstone 55+ Adults Only Deals,gifts & lunch
4-Hour Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch
Upper Loop Tour and Lamar Valley from West Yellowstone with Lunch
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.