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Yellowstone National Park

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Bird's eye view of Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park.

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Overview

Yellowstone National Park is the wild, free-flowing, beating heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Its real showstoppers are the geysers and hot springs – nature’s crowd-pleasers – but at every turn this land of fire and brimstone breathes, belches and bubbles like a giant kettle on the boil. The park’s highways traverse these geysers, through meadows and forests, past roadside herds of bison and campsites aromatic with pine needles and family campfires. In between lies the country’s largest collection of elk, the continent’s oldest, largest wild bison herds and a pristine wilderness roamed by wolves, grizzlies, moose and antelope.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Mammoth Hot Springs

    Mammoth Hot Springs

    Yellowstone National Park

    The imposing Lower and Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs are the highlight of the Mammoth region. An hour’s worth of boardwalks wind their way between…

  • Grand Prismatic Spring

    Grand Prismatic Spring

    Yellowstone National Park

    At 370ft wide and 121ft deep, Grand Prismatic Spring is the park’s largest and deepest hot spring. It’s also considered by many to be the most beautiful…

  • Lamar Valley

    Lamar Valley

    Yellowstone National Park

    Of Lamar Valley's abundant wildlife, the most famous – and to some, controversial – resident is the gray wolf. Wolves were missing from the ecosystem…

  • Canyon Visitor Education Center

    Canyon Visitor Education Center

    Yellowstone National Park

    This major center is well worth a visit for its innovative and interactive displays on Yellowstone’s geology. The highlight is a room-sized relief model…

  • Upper Geyser Basin

    Upper Geyser Basin

    Yellowstone National Park

    While Old Faithful gets the most attention, there's lots to explore in Upper Geyser Basin, which has the densest collection of geysers in Yellowstone. On…

  • Artist Point

    Artist Point

    Yellowstone National Park

    Artist Point is probably the most famous of the canyon’s viewpoints, offering a long overview of the Lower Falls and canyon. It was not, as many people…

  • Lookout Point

    Lookout Point

    Yellowstone National Park

    Popular Lookout Point, near Canyon Village, offers the best views of the Lower Falls. An adjacent 0.5-mile trail drops 500ft to Red Rock for even closer…

  • Norris Geyser Basin

    Norris Geyser Basin

    Yellowstone National Park

    Norris Geyser Basin comprises Porcelain Basin and Back Basin, accessed through two connecting loops. If the world's tallest geyser, Steamboat Geyser, isn…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Yellowstone National Park is a magical slice of the US, with spectacular geysers, epic hiking and gorgeous wildlife.

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Best Time to Visit

Every season brings its own unique pros and cons at Yellowstone National Park. Here's how to choose the right time for your visit.

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Things to Know

The oldest national park in the US, Yellowstone National Park is a must-see treasure.

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Traveling with Kids

The very best things to do with kids in Yellowstone National Park, from getting a Junior Ranger badge to biking out to a backcountry geyser.

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Best Road Trips

Find the perfect driving route in Yellowstone National Park with this road-tripping guide.

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