Adventure Your Way: Visit Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone offers you a chance to experience some of the most distinct geographical features in the USA. Get Instagram-worthy images at two of its most well-known features, Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful geyser, both found in the southern half of the park. Be in awe at the bright rainbow colors that make up the 100 meter wide Prismatic Spring and get your camera ready to snap a shot as Old Faithful ejects water and steam into the air around every 90 minutes – making it one of the most regularly-erupting geysers in the park. At the park’s north end, stroll the upper and lower boardwalks to see the striking limestone terraces and nearly 50 natural fountains of Mammoth Hot Springs. Nearby, peer down the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to see the river that also bears the park’s name far below. Drive or hike the North and South Rim for views of Upper and Lower Falls, or take it all in from afar at Artist Point.

Changing seasons bring entirely new experiences to Yellowstone National Park. The warmer months bring longer days and milder weather, allowing more time to admire wildflowers and see baby animals in spring. Take part in special programming at the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center and Ranger Talks across the park in summer. Set off on a bus tour or rent side-by-side ATVs to enjoy even more exploration in nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest. Visit in fall and winter for lighter crowds and cooler temperatures. Fall brings colorful, golden leaves, and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting during the bison and elk mating season. This is the best time to spot bison on the move and bears as they prepare for hibernation. Most roads are closed to cars in winter, making it a perfect time to sign up for guided snowcoach or snowmobile experiences – see frozen falls at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, dramatic steam eruptions at Old Faithful and enchanting views all around. A blanket of white snow makes it easier to see the park’s bison, wolves, moose, elk and fox.

Explore one-of-a-kind shops and cozy accommodations to add the finishing touches to your trip. Convenient lodging options are available for all kinds of travelers, ranging from traditional hotels and cozy cabins to expansive RV parks and pet-friendly inns. Staying in West Yellowstone, Montana, puts you close to the West Entrance, near Old Faithful. Pick from private cabin rentals at Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone, rooms for the whole family at Gray Wolf Inn and Suites, a budget-friendly hotel with onsite dining at the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, or an upscale amenity-filled stay at Yellowstone Park Hotel. Lodging options in Gardiner, Montana, are close to the northern end of the park, near Lamar Valley and Mammoth Springs. Spot wildlife from your balcony at Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone or Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins – both minutes from Roosevelt Arch.

While in the park, shop for souvenirs and pick up supplies near many of the park’s legendary features at Yellowstone General Stores – the eight locations are easy to spot due to their unique vintage architecture. Each store offers something special; Canyon General store near the Canyon Visitor Center has a retro-style diner, Fishing Bridge General Store next to Lake Yellowstone has Native American-artisan-made pottery and jewelry, and Lake General Store provides stunning views of Yellowstone Lake.

For convenient access to Yellowstone National Park, consider flying into Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, Montana, located near the park’s West Entrance. Alternatively, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Bozeman, Montana, is about an hour's drive from Gardiner and the park’s North Entrance, or roughly an hour and a half from West Yellowstone and the West Entrance.