Geyser Country
Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks hold the greatest concentration of geysers on earth. For the best view of Grand Prismatic Spring, take the Fairy Falls Trail to the overlook above it.
Destinations
Yellowstone National Park: The World’s First National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone sits on top of an active volcano and holds roughly half of the world’s geysers. A 142-mile figure-eight road, the Grand Loop, connects its geyser basins, canyons, lakes, and wildlife-filled valleys. It is big enough that the best trips focus on regions rather than trying to see everything.
Explore by Region
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Yellowstone River plunges over Lower Falls into a canyon of yellow and pink rock. Artist Point is the classic view; the Brink of Lower Falls trail puts you right at the edge of the water.
Lamar Valley
Often called America’s Serengeti. Come at dawn or dusk with binoculars for bison herds, pronghorn, and, with luck and patience, wolves.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Travertine terraces that change shape every year, near the North Entrance. Elk often graze right in the village.
Wildlife and Thermal Safety
Ranger Tip
- Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife, including bison and elk. Bison injure more visitors than any other animal in the park.
- Stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas. The ground can be a thin crust over boiling water.
- Carry bear spray on trails and know how to use it.
When to Go
Late May through September is when all park roads are typically open. July and August are busiest; late May, June, and September bring thinner crowds and excellent wildlife viewing. Most roads close to regular vehicles from early November to mid-April. The road from the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance, through Lamar Valley, is the only one open to cars all year. In winter, guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours reach Old Faithful.
Gateway Towns
- West Yellowstone, Montana: The busiest entrance, closest to the geyser basins.
- Gardiner, Montana: The year-round North Entrance, near Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana: Small towns at the Northeast Entrance, closest to Lamar Valley.
- Cody, Wyoming: East Entrance, about an hour’s drive from the park.
- Jackson, Wyoming: South Entrance by way of Grand Teton National Park.
Know Before You Go
- Yellowstone does not require a timed entry reservation.
- Starting in 2026, visitors who are not U.S. residents pay an additional $100 per person at Yellowstone unless they hold the nonresident annual pass.
- In-park lodges and campgrounds book up months in advance for summer.
- Expect road construction delays, and check the park’s road status page before you drive.
