When most people think of US National Parks, they generally think about Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is one of the most iconic landscapes on the planet. Yellowstone encompasses over 3,400 square miles, more than 10,000 hydrothermal features (including more than half the world\u2019s geysers), the largest high-elevation lake in North America, the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states and over 285 species of birds, more than 1,800 known archaeological sites, 290 waterfalls, and over 1,000 miles of hiking trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple Itinerary:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With all of the above items available in the park, there is a lot to see and do. If you only have two days, here are some ideas for you. There are two loops in the park, we plan for one loop daily. There are multiple gates in the park, so you may have to adjust the itinerary depending on where you enter and where you stay. Our first stop is always the Visitor Center, so add that to your list based on where you start. We visited multiple times prior to the 2022 flooding, so check for openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day One: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin<\/li>
2. Black Sand Basin and Biscuit Basin<\/li>
3. Midway Geyser Basin<\/li>
4. Firehole Lake Drive and Fountain Paint Pots<\/li>
5. Norris Geyser Basin<\/li>
6. Hayden Valley<\/li>
7. Mud Volcano<\/li>
8. Lake Hotel Deli<\/li>
9. Fishing Bridge<\/li>
10. West Thumb Geyser Basin<\/li>
11. Kepler Cascades<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Day Two:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. South Rim Drive to Artist Point <\/span><\/li>
    2. North Rim Drive to Inspiration Point<\/li>
    3. Brink of Lower Falls Trail<\/li>
    4. Canyon Visitor Center<\/li>
    5. Tower Falls<\/li>
    6. Petrified Tree<\/li>
    7. Undine Falls<\/li>
    8. Boiling River<\/li>
    9. Fort Yellowstone<\/li>
    10. Terraces<\/li>
    11. Obsidian Cliff<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

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        Extra Time??<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        • Hike Fairy Falls Trail<\/li>
        • Hike to Mount Washburn<\/li>
        • Check out the lodges and hotels<\/li>
        • Search for wildlife in Lamar Valley<\/li>
        • Boat on Yellowstone Lake<\/li>
        • Tour the Norris Museum<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Day One<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Yellowstone has over half of the world’s geysers. The Upper Geyser Basin is home to the largest number of geysers found in the park. There are over 150 geysers within one square mile. Five major geysers are predicted regularly by the park service: Castle, Grand, Daisy, Riverside, and Old Faithful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          Black Sand Basin and Biscuit Basin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Northwest of Old Faithful is the Black Sand Basin with several hydrothermal features including the Rainbow Pool and Sunset Lake. Keep heading north to Biscuit Basin, named after the biscuit-shaped geyserite formations around parts of the majestic Sapphire Pool. The Mystic Falls Trail starts here as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Midway Geyser Basin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The two biggest standouts here are the Excelsior Geyser Crater, where a large hot spring steams and constantly discharges water into the Firehole River, and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring which is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          Firehole Lake Drive and Fountain Paint Pots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Firehole Lake Road is a 3-mile, one-way road off the Grand Loop between Old Faithful and Madison. Geysers and hot springs are visible from the road and boardwalk. Drive that loop then stop at the Fountain Paint Pots Trail to see various hydrothermal features that are expressions of Yellowstone\u2019s still active volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Norris Geyser Basin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Some of the more popular features are Steamboat Geyser, the tallest geyser in the world and Echinus Geyser, the largest frequently active acid geyser in the world. The basin is comprised of two distinct sections: The Back Basin is in a more forested setting containing geysers and hot springs tucked among the trees. In contrast, no plants can live in the hot, acidic, water emitted from the numerous thermal features in the Porcelain Basin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Hayden Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Hayden Valley is the location of the largest rut of free-roaming bison in the world. Yellowstone bison are exceptional because they make up the nation\u2019s largest bison population on public land and are among the few bison herds that have not been hybridized through interbreeding with cattle. You may also see elk and the occasional grizzly bear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          Mud Volcano<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The Mud Volcano area has many mudpots. Mudpots are acidic features with a limited water supply. There is an odor of rotten eggs in the area. Some microorganisms use hydrogen sulfide as an energy source and convert the gas to sulfuric acid, which breaks down rock to wet clay mud and creates a smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Lake Hotel Deli<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The Lake Yellowstone Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in the park. The deli is located in the hotel and is a perfect place to grab some food on the go. Try the smoked salmon BLT and the bison chili. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Fishing Bridge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Although you can no longer fish from the bridge, it is a great place to check out the fish in the lake. This is a popular area for the native cutthroat trout to spawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          West Thumb Geyser Basin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          West Thumb Geyser Basin, including Potts Basin, is the largest geyser basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. It is one of the least visited basins in the Park. It was formed by a large volcanic explosion that occurred approximately 150,000 years ago. There are some exceptionally pretty pools along this walk, such as Collapsing Pool, Blue Funnel Spring, Abyss Pool and Black Pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          Kepler Cascades<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          This three-tiered cascade drops over 50 feet as the Firehole River flows North. There is a pullout to see this waterfall from the road. By this time, you will have completed the lower loop back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Day <\/em>Two<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          South Rim Drive to Artist Point<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the highlights of Yellowstone National Park. It\u2019s 24 miles long, up to 1200 feet deep, and up to \u00be miles wide. The South Rim Drive has some amazing viewpoints and trails. Be sure to stop at Uncle Tom\u2019s Point, where you can get great views of the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River. Take the Uncle Tom\u2019s Trail to the base of the Lower Falls. At the end of South Rim Drive is Artist Point. There are magnificent views in both directions. If you arrive between 9am and 10am you might catch the waterfall at the base of the Lower Falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          North Rim Drive to Inspiration Point<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The North Rim Drive has several stops along the way where you can park and enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon and the Lower Falls. Inspiration Point, Grand View and Lookout Point are the easiest to access. Stop and take the Brink of Lower Falls Trail which switchbacks steeply down a mostly forested section of the Grand Canyon to an observation platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Canyon Visitor Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Although we typically stop at all the visitor centers in the National Parks, don’t miss the Canyon Visitor Center to learn about the Yellowstone volcano, its geysers and hot springs, and geologic history that shapes the distribution and abundance of all life found in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Tower Fall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          For a great view of Tower Fall, walk to the overlook located behind the General Store. It is a very popular, must see waterfall that drops 132 feet down Tower Creek just before the creek converges with the Yellowstone River. The hike to the bottom is no longer available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          Petrified Tree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Stop here to see a tree that is tens of millions of years old. It is now solid rock, but was once a giant redwood tree surrounded by a forest of trees just like it. After volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, mudflows and volcanic deposits filled the open pores of the tree, solidifying it into the rocky trunk that you see today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Undine Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Just east of Mammoth Hot Springs is the Undine Falls. This beautiful waterfall is a roadside stop. There is also an easy hike to view Undine Falls up close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          Boiling River<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          One of the highlights of our most recent trip was a swim in the Boiling River. It flows into the Gardner River near Mammoth Hot Springs. It was about a half-mile walk along the Gardner River leads to the soaking\/swimming area where the waters from these two rivers mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Fort Yellowstone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Because Yellowstone’s first superintendents struggled with poaching, vandalism, and other problem, the US Army soldiers marched into Mammoth Hot Springs in 1886 and took charge of Yellowstone. The soldiers oversaw the fort’s construction. Today the buildings are the Albright Visitor Center, offices, and employee housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Terraces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          There are both upper and lower terraces. Walk on boardwalks above the steaming hydrothermal features or take a drive around the vibrant travertine terraces. Upper Terrace Drive is a one-mile loop drive that leads you to views of the Main Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, views of Fort Yellowstone and the Gardner River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          Obsidian Cliff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Obsidian Cliff has a unique place in the history going back to prehistoric inhabitants and early Native Americans that lived in or traveled through the park. The obsidian volcanic glass cliff can intensely reflect the light. You can see large boulders by the road and at the bottom of the cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Extra time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          If you find yourself with more time, check out some more of the hikes such as Fairy Falls Trail or up Mount Washburn. Explore the variety of the different lodges and hotels. Tour some of the museums, search for wildlife or go out on a boat on the lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Enjoy your time and make memories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Whatever your choose to do or depending on how much time you have, Yellowstone is a must see National Park. Yellowstone offers truly unique experiences. Whatever you choose to do at the park\u2026 make memories.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          We love visiting National Parks. Often our road trips are planned around seeing the parks. We like to view the highlights, hike, and explore. But we are not hardcore, you won\u2019t see long day hikes or crazy adventures here. We also try to limit our spending, so you won\u2019t find too many guided tours or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"WB4WB4WP_MODE":"","WB4WP_PAGE_SCRIPTS":"","WB4WP_PAGE_STYLES":"","WB4WP_PAGE_FONTS":"","WB4WP_PAGE_HEADER":"","WB4WP_PAGE_FOOTER":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[38,54,55],"class_list":["post-709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-national-parks","tag-national-parks","tag-yellowstone","tag-yellowstone-itinerary"],"yoast_head":"\n