Top Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
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Top 10 Things to do Adventurous 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. Upper Geyser Basin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,302 reviews
Most of the geysers in Yellowstone Park can be found here.
Reviewed By I5101IEjayd - Bloomsburg, United States
We were lucky enough to have the timing fall for us to see three eruptions during our walk on the trail, plus the morning Glory pool at the end is a mini grand prismatic that you can get within feet of, if you are lucky enough to time this trail, it will be one of the best trails you are on, but if the timing doesn't line up, 90% of the geysers on the path are nothing special to see.
2. 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,
3. 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.
4. Osprey Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By TractorDoc76 - Ashland, United States
The trail down into the canyon consists of many switchbacks -- some rather steep. Going down is not so bad. . . just remember you have to climb back up! I hiked down to Osprey Falls after making my way down the backside of Bunsen Peak. The Falls tickle all the senses. . . the sound of water crashing down the rock face, the feel of mist on your skin, the smell of wet earth and pine, the sight of the falls themselves, and the taste. . . of my trailside lunch as I sat with the falls to myself for about an hour. :) Osprey Falls is a stunning backcountry spectacle that you will likely have to yourself should you make the effort to reach it. While not as voluminous as the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone Osprey is much more intricate. . . and can be experienced on a much more personal level. Climbing back out of the canyon can get warm on sunny afternoons. Luckily several small trees provided some shade while catching a breather on the way up. The walk back to the trailhead followed an old roadway in mostly open terrain -- about halfway back a great view of the Canyon and Gardiner River are visible to the South.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Lamar Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,998 reviews
Reviewed By FancyFree55 - Florida, United States
This route is an amazing drive into the park, with large herds of buffalo grazing in vast fields on both sides of the northeast entrance road. It seemed that our visit coincided with birthing season, when lots of calves were just joining families. They're an unusual orange-brown color, compared with the very dark fur of their parents.' Tourists parked all over the sides of the highway to stop for close-up photos these incredible animals. When I say close-up, I mean with a good zoom. Park signage warns you not to get nearer than 75 yards because the animals are very fast and, if they feel like their babies are threatened, they will charge. We were very fortunate to also spot a small herd of pronghorn elk grazing not far from the road and got some great pix. The drive itself is beautiful, with mountains off in the distance, and a river winding through vast green along and around the roadway.
8. 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!
9. Yellowstone Hiking Guides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Yellowstone Hiking Guides is Yellowstone's Active Adventure Company! Our local naturalist guides lead tours for all ages and fitness levels. Three Day Hiking Tours Daily: •Lamar Valley Safari Hike (wildlife hike) •Grand Canyon Rim Hike (scenery hike) •Upper Geyser Basin Hike (geyser hike) Lower Loop Active Van Tours Daily: See Yellowstone's hot spots in a day! Featuring Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Sea Kayaking Yellowstone Lake Tours Daily: Paddle the shores of Yellowstone Lake with a local! Spot wildlife and hot springs along Yellowstone Lake's West Thumb. Three Backpacking Trips Annually: •Black Canyon of the Yellowstone (June) •Gallatin Sky Rim (July) •Bechler River (August) Let a local pack the lunch and spot wildlife on your next Yellowstone vacation!
10. Avalanche Peak Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By DQShaw - York, United States
Great hike with amazing views. It is moderate to strenuous and you need to be prepared with the right hiking boots. Bring water, food, give yourself enough time to enjoy the hike and bring bear bells. We didn't see any bears this time but just down the road closer to the East Entrance we saw three grizzly bears.
