19 Things to Do and See in Yellowstone National Park in 7 Days

October 9, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 1318 Views

Yellowstone National Park is a national park in the United States of America. It is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It covers an area of 8,900 square kilometers. Although the majority of it is in Wyoming, the national park also extends to Idaho and Montana. Some of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park include hiking, trekking, camping, mountain biking, and more. The park is best known for its wildlife, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, paint pots, and geothermal features.

The national park sits atop the largest dormant super-volcano in North America. It is home to more than half of the geysers in the world and they are the top Yellowstone attractions. The most well-known among these is the Old Faithful geyser, which is known for its punctuality.

On Yellowstone National Park vacation you will come across several geyser basins containing geothermal pools, mud volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Many of these basins can be explored on foot. Watching geysers spew out hot water is among the best things to see in Yellowstone National Park.

Other than all things hot and dangerous, the national park also has a rich variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic creatures. These pockets of wildlife are among the best places to visit in Yellowstone National Park. You get to see wolves, grizzly bears, bison, wild buffaloes, coyote, and more.

Aside from its natural heritage, the park is also deeply ingrained with Native American history and culture. The region has 11,000 years of Native American history. The historical and archeological sites are among the best places to see in Yellowstone National Park.

You can explore this national park on foot or in a car. There are several highway routes passing through it, passing by major attractions. The boardwalk hikes are also among the most popular activities in Yellowstone National Park.

There are several amazing lookout points, picnic sites, thermal bathing spots, kayaking streams, and more. You will need to make Yellowstone reservations for any of these activities before you get to the place.

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Table of Contents

Top 19 Tourist Places to Visit in Yellowstone National Park in 7 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful)

Old Faithful is among the most well-known geysers in the world. It is given this name because rangers can quite accurately predict its eruption based on the previous eruption. Watching this geyser spew out hot water is among the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park. This park is actually home to 60% of all hot water geysers in the world. The Upper Geyser basin has 150 geysers in just 1 square mile area. The hike through this area is dangerous so you should stick with the guide. One wrong step and nature will get you. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this area and enjoy nature’s bursting fountain show.

I suggest you should go for a Full Day Guided Tour to Yellowstone National Park to see the major attractions in one day.

Day 2

1. Mammoth Hot Springs

Though there are several hot springs you can explore during Yellowstone National Park vacation, this one is special. Mammoth Hot Springs is known for its unique rock formation. It looks like blocks of ice, copper & stone arranged to make a hill. Only the ice is limestone deposited by hot water on the rocks. It is one of the most picturesque sites in the park. As you tour the hot springs, you will see a variety of rock formations in different colors and patterns. These are some of the best things to see in Yellowstone National Park and among the most photographed attractions. You will also see hot water pools, stalagmite, stalactite, colored ground, and more. Please remember that these springs emerge from a dormant volcano and are not safe for bathing, swimming, consumption, or even touch. Admire the peculiar wonders of nature from a safe distance. It will take at least 2 hours to explore these hot springs.

I suggest you should book a 2 Days Guided Tour to visit Mammoth Hot Springs and other popular attractions.

2. Boiling River Hot Springs

In contrast to Mammoth Hot Springs, people can swim and bathe in the waters of this river. The water is heated by the hot springs and geothermal activity. A dip in this stream is one of the most popular activities in Yellowstone National Park. This river is closed during springtime as the water becomes hazardous. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying the warm waters here.

Day 3

1. Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail

This spot sits atop a cliff from where you can see for quite a distance. The beautiful valley turns and curves with the river in front of you. This spot is also one top Yellowstone attractions for birdwatching and nature photography. The trail leading up to this spot touches the forested areas, plains, river valleys, cliffs, and rock formations. You can easily spend an hour or so at this place.

2. Lamar Valley

This valley is called the “Serengeti of America” because of its rich wildlife. Lamar Valley is among Yellowstone’s must-see places for nature and animal lovers. You will come across wolves, bison, elks, bighorns, bears, bald eagles, osprey, and several other animals. You can explore this valley on foot, in a car, or on horseback. The horseback tour of Lamar Valley is among the top things to do in Yellowstone Park for those seeking a little ranger-style adventure. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this valley.

I suggest you should go for a Hiking Tour of Lamar Valley.

3. Cooke City

This amusement town sits in the middle of the national park. It is designed like a classic western town. The town has hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and entertainment. It is one of the top Yellowstone National Park attractions to chill, socialize and have fun. It is one of the best places to initiate your tour of the national park. You will need about an hour to relax and enjoy at Cooke City.

4. Island Lake Campground

The Island Lake has several picnics and recreation spots around. There are also several small and large lakes nearby it. It is one of the best places to visit in Yellowstone National Park for a lot of activities. You can enjoy a nice picnic with nature, take a boat into the lake for fishing, enjoy hiking around the lake, go birdwatching, and more. You should be mindful that there are quite a few grizzly bears in the area, so don’t wander in the woods alone. You can easily spend an hour or so around this lake.

5. Beartooth Pass Overlook / Beartooth Highway

This overlook sits at a height of 3336 m above tree level. From this vantage point, you can get a view straight up to the Rockies. The view is one of the top things to see in Yellowstone National Park. The area is also populated with Grizzly bears, so be careful. If you are lucky, you can see the bear from a distance, if you are unlucky you will see one up close. You are in a jungle, always be alert and listen to the guides and rangers. You will need about an hour for this vantage point.

Day 4

1. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

This canyon goes up to 1,200 ft deep and spans up to 4,000 ft. in width. The canyon is estimated to be about 14,000 years old. Layers of rocks tell the story of centuries. It is one of the best places to see in Yellowstone National Park. This trail is quite popular among nature photographers. If you have the capacity to walk for 6 to 7 hours, you can cover the hiking trail in a day. Otherwise, you can spread the hike over 2 days and camp in the canyon for a night. There are also short trails leading to popular vantage points for a great view of the canyon. Even the short trails require at least 2 hours.

I suggest you should book a Hiking Trip to The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

2. Hayden Valley

This Valley is yet another great Yellowstone Park attraction to see wildlife. This valley is home to Grizzly Bears, Coyotes, Buffalo, Wolves, Elk, Coyotes, and more. The valley is also rich with birds including eagles, ducks, harriers, geese, pelicans, and several others. You will need about 2 hours to tour this valley when you visit Yellowstone National Park.

I suggest you should go for a Full Day Tour of Yellowstone Lower Loop to see Hayden Valley.

3. Yellowstone Lake

This lake is the largest waterbody in the national park. It sits at an elevation of 7,700 ft. above sea level. The lake is one of Yellowstone’s main attractions for hiking trails and camping spots. The lake is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is known for its aquatic wildlife. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this lake.

I suggest you should do a Kayak Tour of Yellowstone Lake.

4. Lake Butte Overlook

This vantage point is the end point of the wonderful hiking trail that goes through a forest and takes you up a hill. It is among the must-see places in Yellowstone National Park for a great view of the lake and the Rocky Mountain. You will need an hour to spend at this overlook and admire the view.

Day 5

1. Lower Geyser Basin

This basin has some wild hydrothermal activity and some interesting hot-water pools. You can explore this basin on a boardwalk trail at Fountain Paint Pot or take a car and drive along the Firehole Lake Drive for 3 miles. You will come across several Yellowstone tourist attractions on both routes. You will need about 2 hours to explore this basin.

2. Norris Geyser Basin

This basin is the oldest and the hottest hydrothermal area of the national park. Some of the thermal features of this basin are 115,000 years old. The basin is home to many Yellowstone National Park tourist attractions including Steamboat Geyser which is the tallest one of its kind in the world. Steamboat shoots water as high as 400 feet. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this area.

Day 6

1. Midway Geyser Basin

This basin has large and dramatic hydrothermal activity. It is most well known for the Firehole river, which stretches for about 11 miles. The hiking trail through this basin is among the most fun things to do in Yellowstone National Park for its colorful pools and variety of geysers. Some of the attractions of this basin include Grand Prismatic Spring, Opal Pool, Turquoise Pool, Excelsior Geyser, Rabbit Creek, Fairy Falls, and more. You will need about two hours for Midway Geyser Basin.

2. Gibbon Geyser Basin

This basin has some of the most beautiful and colorful geographical features. Some of the top Yellowstone attractions of this basin include Sylvan Springs, Artist Paint Pot, Gibbon Hill, Geyser Creek, and more. You will need 2 hours or so to hike through this basin.

Day 7

1. West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin is famous for the Fishing Cone Hot Spring and the steaming Abyss Pool. It is also home to Twin Geyser, Painted Pool, Black Pool, Hillside Geyser, King Geyser, Lakeshore Geyser, and Seismograph Pool. These are among the best things to see in Yellowstone National Park. Each of these attractions has a viewing point to admire them. You can also take a hike to Yellowstone Lake Overlook point from this basin. You need about 2 hours to explore this area.

I suggest you should try Kayaking at West Thumb Geyser Basin.

2. Mud Volcano Area

Despite its name, there is not much active volcanic activity in this area. But it is famous for the Dragon Mouth’s Spring, one of the coolest (hottest actually) places to visit in Yellowstone National Park. It got its name from the smell of sulfur and fumes that lurk around this spring as if a dragon was resting underneath it. The Mud Volcano trail includes sights of geysers, hot springs, thermal pools, volcanic mud pools, and more. You will need at least 2 hours for this trail.

3. Lone Star Geyser Basin

This basin has a 2.5-mile trail is centered around the Lone Star Geyser. The geyser is 12 feet tall and shoots jets 50 feet high. The trail runs along the Firehole river and includes some Yellowstone must-see attractions like Clear Pool, Upper Firehole, Firehole Springs, and more. You will need about an hour for this trail.

If you are looking for more attractions and activities in Yellowstone National Park, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of these to explore within the vast national park.

Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful Visitor & Education Center
Roosevelt Arch
Museum of the National Park Ranger
Canyon Visitor Education Center
Madison Information Station
Fort Yellowstone
Albright Visitor Center
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Museum of the Yellowstone
Fishing Bridge Museum
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
South Pass City
The Lake Ranger Station
Crevice Patrol Cabin
Upper Miller Creek Petrol Station
Sportsman Lake Patrol Cabin
Fox Creek Patrol Cabin
Thorofare Patrol Cabin
Pelican Springs Cabin

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful
Grand Prismatic Spring
Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone Lake
Upper Falls of Yellowstone River
Norris Geyser Basin
Hayden Valley
Thumb Geyser
Yellowstone Caldera
Mount Washburn
Upper Geyser Basin
Tower Fall
Morning Glory Pool
Artists Paint Pots
Artist Point
Gibbon Falls
Biscuit Basin
Lone Star Geyser
Fountain Paint Pots
Steamboat Geyser
Black Sand Basin
Castle Geyser
Lower Geyser Basin
Mystic Falls
Brink of the Lower Falls
Shoshone Lake
Bunsen Peak
Lewis Lake
Great Fountain Geyser
Grand Geyser
Firehole Falls
Electric Peak
Kepler Cascades
Lewis Falls
Fairy Falls
Wraith Falls
Bridge Bay
Shoshore Geyser Basin
Abyss Pool
Sapphire Pool
Beehive Geyser
Trout Lake
Union Falls
Boiling River Hot Springs
Monument Geyser Basin
Heart Lake
Beaver Ponds
Excelsior Geyser Crater
Undine Falls
Lake Butte
Storm Point
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Osprey Falls
Dragons Mouth Spring
Moose Falls
Harlequin Lake
Firehole Canyon
Porcelain Basin
Firehole River
Pelican Valley
Fishing Cone
Dunanda Falls
Specimen Ridge
Yellowstone River
Avalanche Peak
Yellowstone Hot Springs
Natural Bridge
LeHardy Rapids
Mud Volcano
Sulphur Cauldron
Isa Lake
Red Mountains
Shoshone Lake

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful Inn
Yellowstone River Picnic Area
Old Faithful Lodge
Fishing Bridge
Cooke City
Lake Yellowstone Hotel
The Lake Lodge

Shopping in Yellowstone National Park

Fishing Bridge General Store
Yellowstone Park Village
The Cradleboard
Bear Den Gift Shop
Old Faithful Lodge Gift Store
Old Faithful Inn Gift Store
Lake Lodge Gift Store
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Gift Store
Grant Village Gift Store
Canyon Lodge Gift Store
Madison Mercantile
Mammoth Hotel Gift Store
Roosevelt Lodge Gift Store

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Yellowstone National Park

Hiking
Trekking
Camping
Wildlife Safari
Mountain biking
Kayaking
Boating
Skiing
Zipline
River Rafting
Cycling
Horseback Riding

Sightseeing in Yellowstone National Park

Firehole Lake Drive
Dunraven Pass
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
North Entrance Road
Blacktail Plateau Drive
Lake Butte Overlook
Firehole Canyon Road
North Rim Drive
John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Yellowstone National Park

Canyon Lodge Dining Room
Canyon Lodge Cafeteria
Canyon Lodge Deli
Grant Village Dining Room
Grant Village Lakehouse Restaurant
Lake Lodge Cafeteria
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Lake Deli
Mammoth Hotel Dining Room
Mammoth Terrace Grill
Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
Old Faithful Inn Dining Room
Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria and Bake Shop
Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room
Seven Stool Saloon
Bear Pit Lounge

Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park?

Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in and nearby Yellowstone National Park. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Yellowstone National Park.

Custom Tours Package in Yellowstone National Park

How to Reach Yellowstone National Park?

By Air

The closest airport to reach Yellowstone National Park is the West Yellowstone airport in Montana. You can get direct flights from Salt Lake City and Denver. Although these flights are seasonal. You can get buses and rental cars to visit Yellowstone National Park from the airport.

By Road

There are no direct trains to reach Yellowstone. The closest city on the Amtrak route is Salt Lake City. You can take a bus from the city or get a rental car to drive to Yellowstone National Park.

You can also get buses to visit Yellowstone from several towns and cities in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

If you are planning to drive to this national park, you can choose from routes 89, 212, 14, 16, 20, 191, or 287. Depending on which route you take, you will have to make Yellowstone entrance reservations to make your journey easier. Many of these routes pass through the national park and you can catch many Yellowstone must-see places as you drive.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to get to Yellowstone National Park.

Image Reference

Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful) – KrisNM / Flickr
Mammoth Hot Springs – Brigitte Werner / PixaBay
Boiling River Hot Springs – funkjoker / Flickr
Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail – Jacob W. Frank / Yellowstone National Park / Flickr
Lamar Valley – Russell Feldhausen / Flickr
Cooke City – Kevin Baird / Flickr
Island Lake Campground – Joan Amero / Flickr
Beartooth Pass Overlook / Beartooth Highway – Russell Feldhausen / Flickr
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Jung Ryeol Lee / PixaBay
Hayden Valley – Charles (Chuck) Peterson / Flickr
Yellowstone Lake – Charles (Chuck) Peterson / Flickr
Lake Butte Overlook – Tim Lumley / Flickr
Lower Geyser Basin – Mike Goad / PixaBay
Norris Geyser Basin – Rennett Stowe / Flickr
Midway Geyser Basin – Mike Goad / PixaBay
Gibbon Geyser Basin – James St. John / Flickr
West Thumb Geyser Basin – Jayjay P / Flickr
Mud Volcano Area – James St. John / Flickr
Lone Star Geyser Basin – James St. John / Flickr