The 100-Yard Rule
It is illegal to get closer than 100 yards to bears/wolves or 25 yards to bison/elk.
Description
Yellowstone is America’s first national park and a geothermal playground filled with geysers, hot springs, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and bison herds are iconic, but the backcountry is equally breathtaking. It feels wild and alive, with nature constantly shifting. A living natural wonder.
Highlights
- World’s first national park, full of geothermal wonders.
- Geysers, hot springs, and wildlife like bison and bears.
- Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful are icons.
Location
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1 Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190, United States
Know Before You Go
Limited Signal
Download offline maps; there is almost no cell service or GPS once you leave the main village areas.
Old Faithful
It erupts every 60 to 90 minutes; check the predicted time on the NPS app or at the Visitor Center.
Grand Prismatic
To see the famous rainbow colours, go mid-day when the sun is high; early morning steam often hides the colours.
Bison Jams
Bison often walk down the middle of the road; never honk or try to drive around them - just wait.
Example Itinerary
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11:00
Drive from Bozeman or Jackson Hole
Journey along the mountain parkways to enter through the historic log archways of the wilderness reserve. -
13:30
Watch Old Faithful Erupt
Head to the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk to witness the iconic, reliable plume of boiling water shoot into the sky. -
15:00
Visit Yellowstone National Park
Stroll around the Grand Prismatic Spring boardwalk, marvelling at the jaw-dropping rainbow colors of the massive thermal pool. -
18:30
Arrive in West Yellowstone
Head just outside the park boundaries to the cozy mountain gateway town by nightfall to check into a rustic lodge.
