United States / Denver & the Rockies / Yellowstone National ParkYellowstone National Park
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic and Bison Herds
The world's first national park, on a volcanic plateau in Wyoming and Montana: Old Faithful and the geyser basins, the rainbow Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its falls, Mammoth's terraces, and bison, elk, wolves and bears in the Lamar and Hayden valleys. Its roads are open to cars from about late April or May to early November; in winter only the north road and snowcoach tours run. It is big: allow three days and stay inside or at West Yellowstone or Gardiner. Keep 25 yards from bison and elk and 100 from bears and wolves. Non-US residents pay the US$100 surcharge from 2026.
Highlights
- Old Faithful eruption
- Grand Prismatic Spring from the Fairy Falls overlook
- Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Artist Point
- Wildlife at dawn in Lamar or Hayden Valley
- Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
Things to do
- Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser BasinMorning · 4h
- Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser BasinAfternoon · 2h 30m
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Artist PointMorning · 3h
- Dawn wildlife drive in Hayden or Lamar ValleyMorning · 4h
- Mammoth Hot Springs terracesAfternoon · 2h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: June – September
Heads up
Fire Season in the West
Wildfires in the West peak in late summer; smoke can hide the views for days and fires can close roads and trails. Check the park's alerts page and the local fire restrictions (campfire bans are common).
Worth knowing
Shoulder Season: Roads Opening or Closing
Yellowstone's roads open in stages from mid-April to late May and close in early November, and spring and autumn snowstorms can shut passes for days. Some lodges and campgrounds open late May and close in October. Check the park's road status before you go.