Yellowstone National Park
© Jacob Frank/NPS
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
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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
With its spectacular geysers, waterfalls and abundant wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is a true national treasure.
Read articleBest 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.
Read articleThings to Know
Everything you need to know before visiting Yellowstone National Park, from advice on booking campsites to staying safe in grizzly country.
Read articleTraveling 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.
Read articleBest Road Trips
Find the perfect driving route for you in Yellowstone National Park with this road-tripping guide.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Yellowstone National Park
Filter by interest:
National Parks
See the best of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks on this road tripMar 21, 2025 • 12 min read
- HikingWhy you should think twice before dipping your toe in a Yellowstone hot spring
Jan 3, 2024 • 6 min read
- Destination PracticalitiesWhen is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
Feb 8, 2023 • 5 min read
Tips & Advice10 things you should know before visiting Yellowstone National ParkJan 30, 2023 • 6 min read
