Intro

Yellowstone National Park is one of those places that feels almost too grand to put into words. It's wild, rugged and endlessly fascinating. From erupting geysers and steaming hot springs to deep canyons, alpine lakes, and wandering wildlife, Yellowstone offers a landscape that changes by the minute and surprises at every turn.

Whether you're here for the first time or coming back to discover more hidden corners, there's always something new to experience. In this blog, we'll take you through five of the most unforgettable things to do in Yellowstone, plus a bonus stop that's well worth the detour.

So, grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and get ready for a journey through one of America's most iconic national parks.

 

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook & Fairy Falls

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook

Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most iconic sights in all of Yellowstone. With its vibrant colors changing from deep blue to bright orange and yellow, it looks like something from another planet. And while you can see it up close by walking the boardwalk across the geyser basin, the best way to really appreciate its size and color is from above – at the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook.

The boardwalk area near the spring is often crowded and parking is limited. The overlook, on the other hand, offers a much more peaceful experience, and the view is simply unparalleled. From the elevated platform, you can see the full span of the spring and the way it shines against the surrounding landscape.

Getting there is easy: a short, well-maintained trail starts at the Fairy Falls parking lot and takes you through forest and open meadows before climbing gently to the viewpoint. It's a relaxing hike, perfect for anyone looking to combine stunning views with a bit of quiet nature.

 

Fairy Falls

Just beyond the overlook trail to Grand Prismatic Spring lies one of Yellowstone's most serene destinations: Grand Prismatic Spring: Fairy Falls. Cascading nearly 200 feet down a sheer rock face, this waterfall is a hidden gem tucked away in the forest – and well worth the effort to reach.

The trail to Fairy Falls is a flat, easy hike that takes about 45 minutes each way. It winds through dense forest and open areas, offering moments of quiet and occasional glimpses of wildlife. As this area is known to be bear country, it's highly recommended to carry bear spray and stay alert, especially if you're hiking early in the morning or late at night.

Once you arrive, the atmosphere is completely different. The falls are tall, elegant, and surprisingly peaceful, with cool mist rising in the trees and only the sound of water and wind. It's the perfect place to rest, grab a snack, and take in one of Yellowstone's most soothing landscapes - far away from the crowds.

 

Old Faithful

No visit to Yellowstone is complete without seeing Old Faithful. It's easily the most iconic geyser in the park, and for good reason. Every 90 minutes or so, it shoots boiling water up to 180 feet into the air, giving visitors a dramatic display of geothermal power against the wide-open sky.

The parking lot is massive, but don't let that fool you - it fills up quickly, especially during peak hours. Plan on arriving a bit early if you want to get a good spot. Once you're there, everything is within easy walking distance, and the boardwalks offer plenty of room to watch the geyser do its thing.

While we weren't big fans of the on-site restaurant (the food was underwhelming and not something we would recommend), the visitor center more than made up for it. It's filled with fascinating information about Yellowstone's geothermal features, how the geysers work, and what makes Old Faithful so constant. It's a great place to stop if you want to understand what you're seeing, rather than just watching the show.

Speaking of the show, seeing Old Faithful erupt is a must. You can check out the estimated eruption times on the NPS app or website, and they're surprisingly accurate. Just make sure you get there a few minutes early to grab a good spot along the viewing path.

 

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, and standing on its shores almost feels like being on the edge of an ocean – except you're surrounded by mountains and pine forests. Its wide, glassy surface stretches as far as the eye can see, and depending on the time of day, the water reflects either blue skies or dramatic storm clouds, making it one of the most photogenic places in the park.

One of the best ways to get to the lake is to drive the scenic stretch of US Route 20, particularly the section from West Thumb to Lake Village. This route hugs the shoreline and offers plenty of places to stop, take pictures and just breathe in the alpine air. It's a slow, peaceful drive that feels far away from the busier sections of the park.

Once you arrive near Lake Village, you'll find a few charming spots that are worth exploring. There are small general stores, visitor centers, and even a historic lodge nearby where you can grab a snack or a coffee with a view. It's not a busy town by any means, but it offers just enough to stop, relax, and enjoy the quiet side of Yellowstone.

Whether you stop for a picnic, watch the waves, or just drive by and admire the view, Yellowstone Lake brings a moment of calm to a park otherwise full of bubbling, steaming, and erupting energy.

 

Mammoth Hot Springs & Roosevelt Arch

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most unique geothermal features in Yellowstone. Instead of geysers or bubbling pools, you'll find multicolored terraces of mineral-rich hot water cascading down the mountainside in surreal, almost sculptural formations. The constant flow of water creates constantly changing patterns and colors, making each visit feel different.

There are two main parking options when visiting: you can park at the top of the springs, where you'll be closer to the upper terraces, or you can start at the bottom and walk up along the boardwalks to get a full view of the formation. Either approach is worth considering, depending on how much walking you're up for. The boardwalks make it easy to explore the area, and there are plenty of overlooks where you can stop and take in the natural artistry.

Right next to the springs is the town of Mammoth, one of the park's larger developed areas. It has a visitor center, restaurants, and general amenities, as well as plenty of elk casually grazing on the lawns, a classic Yellowstone scene. It's a nice place to stop for a bite or a coffee before or after exploring the terraces, especially if you're heading toward the park's north entrance.

 

Roosevelt Arch

Just outside the north entrance to Yellowstone is the Roosevelt Arch, a towering stone structure with the words "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People" inscribed at the top. It was built in 1903 and named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who famously laid its cornerstone. Standing under it is like stepping into history – a reminder of how long this park has inspired visitors from around the world.

The Arch is located in the town of Gardiner, Montana, which serves as a welcoming little hub just outside the park's boundaries. Here you'll find restaurants, shops, and lodging, along with a laid-back vibe that makes it a perfect base for exploring the northern reaches of Yellowstone.

Getting to the arch from within the park is part of the experience. US 89, the road leading north from Mammoth to Gardiner, offers a very different feel from the geothermal areas and dense forests found elsewhere in the park. It's a wide, open route with sweeping views of hills, valleys and distant mountain peaks – ideal for a slow drive with the windows down.

Roosevelt Arch adds a sense of history and grandeur to the northern entrance to Yellowstone. It's more than just a photo op - it's a symbolic gateway to one of America's most treasured landscapes.

 

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the entire park. Carved by the Yellowstone River over thousands of years, this massive canyon stretches for almost 20 miles, with towering cliffs painted in shades of gold, red, and orange. And at the heart of it all is the Lower Falls, which plunge into the canyon below with thunderous force - twice the height of Niagara Falls and just as breathtaking.

There are several incredible overlooks scattered along both the North and South Rims, each offering a different perspective on the canyon's size and power. On the North Rim, the Brink of Lower Falls Trail takes you right to the edge of the waterfall - so close you can feel the spray and hear the roar echoing through the canyon walls. Just a short drive away, Grand View opens up to a sweeping, wide-angle view of the canyon, where you really begin to understand its scale. Inspiration Point is another stop on the North Rim, dramatically perched on the rim and offering a more elevated view into the depths.

On the South Rim, Artist Point steals the show. It's the most famous viewpoint for good reason – framed by pine trees and perfectly positioned to look out over the canyon with the Lower Falls cascading in the distance, it feels like stepping into a painting.

The nearby Canyon Village has everything you need before or after your visit: a visitor center, gift shops, restrooms and a restaurant. It's also a great place to stop and learn more about the geology and history of the Canyon.

 

Wrapping Up

Yellowstone National Park is one of those rare places that lingers with you long after you've left. Its geysers, waterfalls, hot springs, and wildlife are unforgettable – but it's the feeling of being so close to nature's raw power and beauty that really leaves an impression. Even after exploring some of its most iconic highlights, it's clear there's so much more to discover.

That's why we're already planning our next visit – we're heading back in late May 2026, this time with even more time and curiosity. We're hoping to go deeper, find some of the park's hidden gems, and experience some of the quieter corners that most visitors miss. Yellowstone has a way of pulling you back, and we're already counting the days.