Whether you’re looking to spend several days in nature or just make a quick stop, Yellowstone National Park is full of unique expeditions and stunning guided tours that are totally worth checking out.
For Scenic Views
Did you know that there is a canyon in Yellowstone? Head over to Artist Point for a beautiful view of the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” carved by the turquoise waters of the Yellowstone River, or see the river cutting through lava rock spires at Calcite Springs before snapping a picture in front of Tower Fall — an accessible 132-foot waterfall.
One of the most famous things to see in Yellowstone is Lamar Valley. You can park your car along the road and watch black bears, elk, wolves, bison, and more, roam freely around the valley. With this Yellowstone expedition, the best time to catch the action is later in the day, but remember to watch from a safe distance.
For A Unique Experience
Enjoy a fully immersive experience in the park as a volunteer on National Public Lands Day. Outdoor lovers can come together and work on conservation projects, renovations, and more, inside Yellowstone National Park — plus, for volunteering, you get free entry into the park!
Check out the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail to the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, a 121-foot deep rainbow pool of water and the third largest spring in the world. It gets its orange, yellow, blue, and green hues from bacteria and light wavelengths that reflect blue back to your eyes — and the view is absolutely stunning.
Don’t forget to stop at one of the most popular things to see in Yellowstone: Old Faithful, just a short walk from the Old Faithful Inn. Two other popular stops are Riverside Geyser and Lone Star Geyser that erupt every three and six hours, respectively. The information center has estimated times for daily eruptions, but get there early to avoid crowds.
For Days-Long Explorers
You can easily see a few top spots in one day (especially with this handy one-day Yellowstone itinerary), but if you want to experience Yellowstone from every angle then you’ll want to have a mix of hiking, kayaking, and guided Yellowstone tours. In addition to the Grand Prismatic Trail, here are a few of the best Yellowstone hikes, tours, and things to do during a longer stay.
Yellowstone Hikes
- Mount Washburn (7.1 miles). Enjoy a 10,243-foot summit view of Yellowstone.
- North Rim Trail (6.8 miles). Every view will feel like a movie.
- Fairy Falls Trail (4.8 miles). A kid-friendly Yellowstone hike that leads you to a breathtaking waterfall.
- Trout Lake Loop (1.2 miles). Spot tons of wildlife like otters, trout, and bears.
Yellowstone Tours
- Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls, and Wildlife Day Tour (12 hours). Learn more about the area, wildlife, and natural wonders.
- VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop (7-9 hours). For a luxe day in the park, take a private VIP Yellowstone tour.
- Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features (4 hours). This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to kayak across an old volcano.
- Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration (2 days). This tour includes an overnight stay at a hot springs resort and tons of info about Yellowstone.
- Guided Horse, Mule, and Llama Outfitters (varies). See new views of Yellowstone on the back of a horse, mule, or llama!
Yellowstone Experiences
- Firehole Swim Area is a great spot to enjoy a warm soak (weather and temperature permitting).
- Boating is generally permitted in Yellowstone from June to September. Hop aboard the Lake Queen II for a one-hour scenic cruise, or rent your own boat and explore.
- Old Faithful Inn is one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone and is also a national historic landmark — and tours are free. Find more information on Old Faithful Inn and other cool national park lodges here.
- The Grand Loop passes most of the major photo spots during this hours-long drive (more information on the best national parks photo spots here).
For a quick day trip or multiday stay, you’ll find plenty of Yellowstone expeditions that you and your family will want to try all year round. Check out this page for more information on Yellowstone and other amazing national parks, and visit RCI.com to book your trip now.
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