Erupting geysers and roaming bison call this national park home.
Home to half the world’s geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park stuns with natural wonders ranging from explosive geysers and boiling hot springs to massive waterfalls and grazing bison. Everything looks a little grander in this 3,500-mile park spanning areas of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Experience the unspoiled nature of the American West as you hike to massive waterfalls framed by dramatic peaks, walk (carefully) around multi-colored pools reaching temperatures as high as 205 degrees and search for the megafauna that call the park home.
Explore Yellowstone
- Driggs, Idaho
- Island Park, Idaho
- Livingston, Montana
- West Yellowstone, Montana
Driggs, Idaho
Overview
Located on the headwaters of the Teton River, this Idaho city is roughly 2.5 hours from either the West or South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, making it a popular base camp. Within the town, you can rip down mountain bike trails, spend a night at the movies at an old-school drive-in theater, explore Old West-style storefronts downtown or soak up mountain views with a hot air balloon ride over the valley.
Known For
Mountain Biking , Hiking, Horseback Riding
Island Park, Idaho
Overview
Located a 20-minute drive from Yellowstone’s West Entrance, this little town boasts a staggering 36.8-mile-long Main Street and one of the largest calderas in the world. Anglers will enjoy casting their line at Big Springs. Get a feel for the area’s off-the-grid lifestyle with a tour of Johnny Sack’s Cabin, built in 1929 by a local hero who created a source of his own electricity in a handmade waterwheel.
Known For
Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife
Livingston, Montana
Overview
Known as the “Original Gateway City to Yellowstone National Park,” Livingston is a popular stop for park visitors looking for a bit of civilization. The city center is home to museums educating visitors on its historic ties to the park. Long-running family-owned businesses offer up friendly service along the Yellowstone River, all surrounded by Paradise Valley.
Known For
Outdoor Activities , Scenery
West Yellowstone, Montana
Overview
This little gateway community stands less than a mile from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. West Yellowstone packs a surprising number of attractions into a 900-or-so-person town. Meet bears and wolves up close at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, lean in to local history at Museum of the Yellowstone or hit the trails with snowshoes, a snowmobile, a mountain bike or your own two feet.
Known For
Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife , Snowshoeing , Rafting
Stay in The Center of it All
Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.
Get Into the Wild at Yellowstone National Park
See Geysers in All Their Glory
Start the day before sunrise to visit Old Faithful ahead of the crowds. When the geyser spouts 180 feet into the sky, you’ll see firsthand why this is the park’s best-known attraction. Spend the afternoon exploring other equally incredible geothermal formations, hiking to a 200-foot-tall waterfall and enjoying an end-of-day picnic at Firehole River.
Set Out to Find the Park’s Wildlife
This is one of the last corners of the American West where mega-mammals still roam free, and you’ll dedicate Saturday to these incredible beasts. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before visiting Lamar Valley to find bison, wolves, bears and more. Cap off the day in one of the only hot springs in the park where it’s permitted to take a dip in the relaxing waters.
Get Out on a Glacial Lake
On your final day, relax on America’s largest alpine lake. Rent a boat (powered by motor or elbow grease) and glide on the crystal waters, soaking in the views. Shake off your sea legs and hop aboard a trusty steed to explore Yellowstone by horseback, then admire a final sunset at Avalanche Peak before digging into some classic barbecue.