Top Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is a national treasure. Located primarily in Wyoming, the park also extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone has active geothermal features with geysers and boiling mud pots throughout the park. The most famous is Old Faithful, a geyser that has erupted on the clock for decades. Travelers be warned, July is the busiest month of the year, with almost a million visitors alone. The park has a tour bus system, nine visitor centers, and 2,000 campsites.
1. Lower Yellowstone River Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,417 reviews
A spectacular waterfall located in Canyon Country.
Reviewed By Tommy599 - Two Rivers, United States
We crossed Chittenden bridge across the Yellowstone river; stopping first at Uncle Toms to view the smaller upper Falls, then on to Artist Point to view the MAGNIFICENT lower falls and the unbelievable colors of the canyon. It is IMPOSSIBLE to describe the majesty of this waterfall and canyon colors, so we will not even try,
2. Shurr Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
Shurr Adventures Yellowstone offers the smallest group size tours kayaking, hiking, and photography. These tours are with the owners and guides Justin and Alli Shurr. Our kayaking Tour goes out daily. We also offer private tours. Reservations Required.
3. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,017 reviews
Reviewed By USN_Seabee_Wife - Chehalis, United States
#1 Rule: Don't forget your camera, make sure your batteries are charged and that you have plenty of SD cards for your digital camera. What is here: The dramatic, 1,000-foot-deep Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone rewards visitors with dazzling views of multi-hued rock walls and majestic waterfalls. With walking and hiking trails for all abilities, and learning opportunities for the whole family, it’s easy to spend an entire day in this unique area of the park. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is roughly 20 miles long and varies from 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. Geologists believe it was formed as the Yellowstone River eroded softer, less resistant rock that had been weakened by hydrothermal gases and hot water. The colorful canyon is a natural work of art: streaks of red, orange, gold, black, and even green decorate the canyon walls. Several miles of trails connect 10 primary overlooks that afford dramatic views from both sides of the canyon. When we went there had been snowfall and it made the most beautiful pictures since it was combined with all of the colors of the canyon. Whether it’s your first visit to Yellowstone, or you visit regularly, everyone loves a summer day in the park. Here’s how to get the most out of yours. The best way to experience all the different facets of the canyon’s charm is to pick a trail and go for a hike. There are many trails along both canyon rims, from short jaunts to all-day treks. Here are a few of our favorites: Brink of the Lower Falls Trail (moderate): Descend 600 feet on a steep trail to get an up-close and personal view of the Lower Falls in all its thundering power. 0.7 miles, round-trip Seven Mile Hole Trail (strenuous): You’ll want to commit a whole day to this trail – the only one that leads to the canyon bottom.10.2 miles, round-trip Point Sublime Trail (easy): After visiting the Artist Point overlook, follow the South Rim Trail beyond Artist Point to this less-traveled path, which meanders along the canyon rim to the aptly named Point Sublime. 1.3 miles from Artist Point to Point Sublime View the Canyon and Falls While some views of the canyon and falls are only accessible by trail, you can still get to the following overlooks by car and a short walk from the parking lots on paved, accessible walkways. From North Rim Drive: View the Lower Falls from Lookout Point, Red Rock Point, Grand View, and Inspiration Point. Both waterfalls are visible from Brink of the Lower Falls. From South Rim Drive: See the Upper Falls from two viewpoints at Uncle Tom’s Point. View the Lower Falls at Artist Point. Several of the canyon overlooks and trails, which were originally built in the 1930s, are being rehabilitated with support from Yellowstone Forever. Over the years, they have been hammered by unforgiving weather, compromised by soil erosion, and damaged by increased visitation. In recent years, these conditions have prompted some temporary or long-term closures.
4. Yellowstone Wilderness Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By Scubasmom - Denton, United States
A friend and I, who have ridden horses together for over 10 years, decided to take this trip through one of America's most beautiful parks on horseback last July. We felt prepared for long hours in the saddle and the inconveniences of camping with no facilities. The outfitters sent out detailed instructions on gear to bring, how to pack it, what to expect in camp and on the trail, and what they expected of us. They were very well organized and the horses were sturdy, matched to each rider, and acclimated to the demands of the trail. Mammoth mules were led the group with our tents and the kitchen gear. We could not have asked for a more compatible group of riders, and the wranglers produced some surprisingly good meals. I wish they had brought fly spray for the horses. The biting flies and insects were active later in the season than expected, due to warm weather, and my poor appaloosa was miserable. I used my insect spray on him to try to give him some respite from the bugs. Other than that, the trip was excellent and the scenery was gorgeous. We crossed several streams and passed through meadows of wildflowers. If you want to do this trip, make sure you get a lot of saddle time at home before you go.
5. The Wildland Trekking Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
We offer Yellowstone hiking tours, guided Yellowstone backpacking trips, and Yellowstone ski and snowshoe tours. Our tours are expert-led, all-inclusive, and have been mentioned in Backpacker, Sunset, Lonely Planet, and Mens Health Magazines, as well as on the Discovery Channel. Our hiking tours include day hikes as well as multi-day inn-based and basecamp tours. Our Backpacking trips range from moderate on-trail hikes to strenuous, off-trail adventures. And our ski and snowshoe tours are inn-based excursions utilizing Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs Lodges. Check out our reviews, and give us a call to learn more about our Yellowstone hiking, backpacking and winter tours!
6. Yellowstone National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,551 reviews
Reviewed By payelchakravorti - Melbourne, Australia
Yellowstone National Park should be in anyone’s bucket list who loves the bond between nature & wildlife.Dramatic landscape,Alpine Forest, Gushing Geyser,Fuming Hot Spring, Volcanic Caldera, Bubbling Basin,Colourful pool,Scenic Lake,Hiking trail what all what not. This topography is the perfect choice for photography & a traveler's stop.The whole area is atop of a volcano & the vesicles give a rough & porous texture on the earth’s outer crust.It exactly looks like a painful blister on earth’s skin. I was taken aback to see snow fudge & thermal spring dwelling together without losing their own identity.It’s magic, bounty of nature.Get out of the car & explore this beautiful piece of the planet by walk. Time plays a major role, if someone wants to enjoy the hot spring flow.It's once in a lifetime experience & want to go back again after some years.
7. Firehole River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
River located in Yellowstone National Park: perfect for fishing, canoeing or watching the geysers erupting.
Reviewed By ccrowe3 - Lakeside, United States
Yellowstone has a few little side roads, most of which are only able to be traveled in one direction. There is a small one way road along part of the Firehole River that is beautiful and includes a great waterfall.
8. Mount Washburn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
This 10,243-foot peak is located in Yellowstone National Park.
Reviewed By judyevwa2016 - Everson, United States
One of best views of Yellowstone! Large horned sheep meander at the top with no concern for the two legged invaders. Interesting lookout tower to warm up in, get some great shots of Yellowstone Lake.
9. Uncle Tom's Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Reviewed By T5277GNjonathanl
Disclaimer: if you have heart or lung disease or are in poor physical shape, do not take this trail. As much as it is a great workout that everyone should try, do not endanger yourself. With that being said, this is a spectacular trail and a great way to experience what Yellowstone Falls really has to offer. There are two ways to access this trail. #1. From Grand Loop Rd, turn onto S Rim Drive. After 0.6 miles or 1km, you will see a left turn lane. Taking this lane will take you to the busy lookout of the two, but no fear because you can quickly snap a picture and head down good ol' Uncle Tom's Trail without further delay. #2. If you continue another approximately 0.7 miles (a little over 1km) on S Rim Drive, you will get to another parking lot with a big sign saying 'Artist's Point'. I'm not sure as to whether or not that's where the trailhead for the Artist's Point trail is; you'll have to look at a different page for that. Parking here will give you the better view for the falls if you don't want to have crowds in your picture. However, you will need to take a 45 minute hike to even get to the trailhead for Uncle Tom's Trail. The hike (it's called S Rim Trail) starts near the outhouses. So, choose wisely. Uncle Tom's Trail itself is a blast. The stairs are on the side of a rock face. It's basically all stairs if you didn't know. While there are safety railings for the entirety of the trail, life harnesses are not included. So, be careful, take breaks (there are benches) and get ready to enjoy a significantly less crowded view of the Falls. Enjoy!
10. Boiling River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By katietessin - Plymouth, United States
The river is very shallow, so you can easily sit in it. There are mixed currents of hot and cold water, making it perfect for a midday break. This is not on park maps, but it is a great place to stop. It might be a little crowded though.
