a guide to vacationing in yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful-summer
Our trip to Yellowstone National Park is still my favorite National Park that we have visited. Yellowstone is America's first National park and is one of the most popular parks to visit. I took a lot of time to plan our trip to Yellowstone so that we could make the most of our time while we were there.
Yellowstone is one of the largest national parks, so we chose to explore the southern side. Our flight landed at the Jackson Hole Airport, and I won’t give away just how breathtaking it is to arrive there, but I was absolutely amazed by the stunning scenery! The Jackson Hole Airport remains my favorite airport experience; it has a charming, rustic ambiance, beautifully designed like a cozy cabin.
Jackson Hole Airport
our first day and first stop was old faithful because we wanted to get a great spot to see the famous geyser! the geyser was given its name in 1870 for its reliable eruptions. it erupts around every 90 minutes. we parked at the old faithful inn and grabbed a snack at their cafe in the lobby. this old faithful inn is beautiful and worth walking around and also checking out their Souvenir shops. we were so thrilled that we were able to get a front row seat to see old faithful erupt. it was one of those moments that was like a dream and will be etched into my brain forever!
Old Faithful-Summer
tips before entering Yellowstone National park:
get up early to beat the crowds-head to Old Faithful first because it is one of the most popular site in the park-
bring layers because it can be chilly in the mornings depending on the time of year you go
wear hiking shoes/socks-the sand can be slippery and hiking socks to avoid blisters (I found this out the hard way Ha!)
bring your national park passport for stamps
bring water & Electrolytes (especially in the summer because it gets to hot)! and snacks
a detailed map of the park (you can get a free one at the visitors center)
a gPS or hiking app-*there is usually no cell reception in the parks
Bring hats, sunglasses & sunscreen
After our amazing experience at Old Faithful, we made our way to Grand Prismatic. The hike is an easy 0.6 miles, offering stunning views of this magnificent site. Grand Prismatic is the largest hot spring in the United States and ranks among the most photographed locations in the park due to its striking colors reflecting off the spring. This natural wonder is fueled by the Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest active super volcanoes in the world. I was truly mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of Grand Prismatic, with its vivid colors complemented by the clear blue sky in the background.
Grand Prismatic-Summer
After visiting the Grand Prismatic, we made our way to the Norris Geyser Basin. This area is home to the oldest geyser basin in Yellowstone, which has been active for over 100,000 years! Temperatures here can soar to over 400 degrees below the surface, making it the hottest geyser basin in the park. There were many geysers I was excited to see, particularly the Dragon’s Mouth Hot Spring, which erupts with a sound reminiscent of a dragon! It was an incredible experience, and I’m grateful I captured some video to relive the moment anytime I want. This area is truly fascinating, so be sure to prioritize it on your visit to the park.
Dragon’s Mouth-Norris Geyser Basin
On our final night in Yellowstone, we ventured onto a road recommended by locals, known for being a prime spot to see moose at dawn and dusk—Moose-Wilson Road. We spent hours driving up and down this 8-mile stretch, eager to catch a glimpse of the moose. Eventually, we noticed a group of people parked and gathered together. What a find! There were several moose across the river, enjoying a drink. They were quite a distance away, but a friendly man nearby offered us his binoculars. It was an incredible experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed driving around, soaking in the stunning mountain views while searching for these magnificent creatures!
We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have visited numerous national parks, and my daughter and I still believe this remains our favorite trip! I was absolutely captivated by Yellowstone, as it feels like stepping back in time. The park offers no Wi-Fi, allowing you to immerse yourself completely in nature and the surrounding wildlife, which leaves you in awe. You can truly disconnect while you're there, offering a sense of freedom that is really refreshing. I felt I could genuinely focus on my family and create unforgettable memories. I hope my tips and recommendations inspire you to fall in love with Yellowstone as well.
for those curious about our Yellowstone or combined yellowstone and grand tetons trip plan, check out our custom curated travel Itinerary templates in pdf format in our store section of our website (sign up for our email list, and receive a free pdf yosemite itinerary template download). additionally you can collaborate with me to create a personalized itinerary exclusively tailored to your vacation.
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Happy Travels!
Mandy
