Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the United States’ most iconic national parks and is located primarily in the state of Wyoming, but also extends into Montana and Idaho. Established in 1872, it was the world’s first national park and is considered to be the birthplace of the national park system.
Yellowstone covers an area of 2.2 million acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and many species of birds. The park is also known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. In fact, Yellowstone is home to more than half of the world’s geysers.
One of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone is Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water and steam up to 185 feet in the air. Visitors can watch Old Faithful’s eruption from a viewing platform located nearby.
Another popular area of the park is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which features a stunning 20-mile-long canyon with two waterfalls, the Upper and Lower Falls. Visitors can view the canyon from multiple viewpoints or hike down into the canyon for a closer look.
Yellowstone is also home to a network of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous backcountry hikes. Popular hikes include the Fairy Falls trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall, and the Mount Washburn trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s mountainous terrain.
Visitors to Yellowstone can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. The park offers several campgrounds and lodging options, including lodges and cabins, but it’s important to make reservations in advance, as the park can be very busy during peak season.
Yellowstone in 3 Days Itinerary
While this three-day travel plan covers some of Yellowstone’s most iconic sites, there’s still so much more to explore in the park. Consider extending your stay or planning a return trip to take in more of the park’s stunning natural beauty and unique geology. However, 3 days in my opinion is the best choice to visit Yellowstone park.
Day 1: Geysers and Wildlife
On your first day in Yellowstone, head to the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the world-famous Old Faithful geyser.
Arrive early to catch one of the early morning eruptions before the crowds arrive. From there, explore the boardwalks and trails that wind through the basin, taking in the stunning geothermal features like the Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pot, and the Grotto Geyser.
In the afternoon, head north to the Lamar Valley for some wildlife viewing. This is one of the best spots in the park to see bison, elk, bears, and wolves. Keep your eyes peeled for any movement on the valley floor or along the hillsides.
Day 2: Waterfalls and Canyons
On your second day, head to the Yellowstone Canyon area to take in some of the park’s stunning waterfalls. Start at the Upper Falls, which is a short walk from the parking area. From there, hike down to the brink of the Lower Falls and take in the incredible views of the canyon below.
In the afternoon, drive over to the Norris Geyser Basin to see some of the park’s most unique geothermal features. The basin is home to a variety of colorful pools, steam vents, and geysers, including Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser.
Day 3: Hiking and Hot Springs
On your final day in Yellowstone, head to the Mammoth Hot Springs area to take in the park’s unique geology. Start at the Lower Terraces and hike up through the Upper Terraces to see the stunning mineral formations and steaming pools. From there, drive over to the Boiling River for a relaxing soak in the hot springs. The river flows over a geothermal area, creating a unique hot spring experience.
In the afternoon, head to the Beartooth Highway for a scenic drive through the mountains. The highway offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, with plenty of pullouts for photo opportunities.