5 Day Yellowstone Itinerary
Living in Bozeman, MT, we get plenty of friends and family visiting us on their way to Yellowstone National Park. We are fortunate to live within 2 hours of both the West Entrance and North Entrance to Yellowstone. This is the information we share with them and it’s proven to be a great itinerary for all!
Visiting Yellowstone National Park should be on every person’s bucket list of places to see. And for good reason. It’s a national park that has it all: incredible scenery and topography, practically guaranteed wildlife viewing, a grand canyon, a wild river, a huge lake, gushing geysers and unique geothermal features.
Our kids loved the fact that we were essentially driving along the caldera of a once explosive volcano.
Because of the sheer size of Yellowstone National Park (it is the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined!), it requires a good travel plan to identify the “must see” sights, find the best lodging, and efficiently navigate from point to point.
Many visitors to Yellowstone spend just one day driving its Lower Loop before heading on to the next national park on their list, but I think this approach is not only exhausting with way too much time spent in your car but shortcuts too many of Yellowstone’s amazing highlights.
If you have the time, I’d recommend 4-6 days in Yellowstone. You’ll have a much less frantic pace, and you’ll really get to know this magnificent place.
This itinerary covers 5 days in Yellowstone starting and ending in Bozeman, MT. If you’re combining Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, we have a great 5 days With Kids In Grand Teton itinerary as well.
So here we go…
Best Entrance To Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park has 5 major entrances. Its West Entrance, adjacent to the aptly named gateway town of West Yellowstone, is the most popular entrance due to its abundance of lodging and proximity to Old Faithful Geyser.
The West Entrance is also the busiest entrance to Yellowstone and can require a significant wait in line to enter during the busy summer season.
For this reason, we recommend entering from the North Entrance just 5 miles from the gateway town of Gardiner and 1.5 hours from Bozeman/Yellowstone International Airport.
This itinerary assumes entering the park through the North Entrance, but if you want to learn all about each entrance we’ve got you covered. Which Entrance To Yellowstone Is Best?
Map of Yellowstone’s 5 entrances. Also shows EV charging stations. Map courtesy of NPS and annotated by Simply Awesome Trips.
Airport Near Yellowstone National Park
A major advantage of Bozeman/Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is its convenient location to both the North Entrance and the West Entrance of Yellowstone.
Driving from Bozeman Airport to Yellowstone’s North Entrance takes roughly 1.5 hours and it’s just shy of 2 hours to its West Entrance.
We love the easy and beautiful drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone’s North Entrance which takes you through Montana’s scenic Paradise Valley on Highway 89 to Gardiner, MT. You’ll have great views of the mountain ranges, the Yellowstone River, and a high probability of seeing wildlife. On our last trip in April, we saw elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and an eagle. And that was before we even entered Yellowstone!
Tip: Depending on your flight’s arrival time, you might want to spend the night before making your way from Bozeman’s airport to Yellowstone’s North Entrance. Bozeman, Livingston, and Gardiner, MT are all good towns for one night stops. See lodging recommendations below.
Bozeman, MT to Yellowstone’s North Entrance. Click to enlarge. Map courtesy of Google.com.
Best Hotels Between Bozeman And Yellowstone’s North Entrance
Closest to Bozeman Airport: Holiday Inn Express
Bozeman’s Historic Main St: The Lark Hotel (walk to restaurants and shops— See our Where To Stay in Bozeman for other great options)
Livingston: The historic Murray Hotel or Fairfield Inn & Suites
Gardiner: Antler Lodge (also has a good restaurant) and Absaroka Lodge
Inside the Park- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
Overview of Your Yellowstone Trip
This 5 day Yellowstone itinerary includes our “must see” areas to explore along with the best stops between each. We’ve also included a recommended number of nights at each area as well as travel times. You’ll find all the details you need to make this a really fun and enjoyable trip for the whole family.
The best time to visit Yellowstone using this itinerary will be in July, August, and September.
This itinerary assumes a night’s stay at either Bozeman, Livingston, or Gardiner, MT after arriving at Bozeman Airport. If you are fortunate enough to arrive on an early flight, you can set your eyes on a first night in Silver Gate, MT -about a 3 hour drive from the airport.
Day 1
Stock up on supplies and refuel the car in Gardiner, MT before entering Yellowstone National Park from its Northern Entrance. Stop at Mammoth Hot Springs area (spend about 2 hours) on the way to the Lamar Valley where short hikes and wildlife viewing awaits. (Lodging- stay in Silver Gate, MT/Cooke City, MT or inside the park at Roosevelt Lodge)
Day 2
Explore the Lamar Valley in the morning for the best wildlife viewing experience and later drive the Beartooth Highway. (Lodging- same as Day 1: stay in Silver Gate, MT/Cooke City, MT or inside the park at Roosevelt Lodge)
Day 3
Drive to Canyon Village with a stop at Tower Falls and Dunraven Pass. Explore the South and North Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. (Lodging at Canyon Village if possible or stay in previous night’s lodging)
Day 4
Drive to Old Faithful found in the Upper Geyser Basin along with stops at Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano, Yellowstone Lake, and West Thumb Geyser Basin. (1 night in Old Faithful Lodging if possible or stay in West Yellowstone)
Day 5
Drive from the Old Faithful area back to Bozeman, MT with a stop at Grand Prismatic Spring first thing in the morning. Optional stops at Artist Paint Pots and Norris Geyser Basin. (A wonderful stop if your kids are still excited about geysers but requires a bit of backtracking so not included in this itinerary). We’ve found that our kids enjoyed about 2 geyser basins before the novelty of it wore off and they began to look the same!
Map of Stops on 5 Day Yellowstone Itinerary. Click map to enlarge. Map courtesy of NPS. Annotated by Simply Awesome Trips.
Driving Times:
Note that these are driving times that assume no “wildlife jams” or construction. So add some time to these estimates.
Bozeman Airpot to North Entrance of Yellowstone (1.5 hours)
Gardiner, MT (the town just outside the north entrance) to Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and Albright Visitor Center (15 minutes)
Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley (1 hour)
Lamar Valley to Silver Gate, MT (20 minutes)
Lamar Valley to Tower Fall (30 minutes)
Tower Fall to Canyon Village (30 minutes)
Canyon Village to Hayden Valley (18 minutes)
Hayden Valley to Mud Volcano (12 minutes)
Mud Volcano to Fishing Bridge Visitor Center/Yellowstone Lake (12 minutes)
Fishing Bridge Visitor Center to West Thumb Basin (30 minutes)
West Thumb Basin to Old Faithful (35 minutes)
Canyon Village to Old Faithful (56 minutes)
Old Faithful to Bozeman Airport (2.5 hours)
Click here to view a full Yellowstone National Park Map.
Lodging In Yellowstone National Park
*Note: The lodging recommendations in this itinerary is our personal list of places that we have stayed in previously, that were recommended by friends we trust, or that we have marked as possibilities for future visits. We do not accept sponsored stays but some of these links are affiliate links, please see Disclosures for a full explanation.
The first thing you need to be thinking about when planning your trip to Yellowstone is lodging. Know that it is very expensive and reservations go quickly so you have to reserve well in advance. If you are fortunate to find reservations for lodging inside the park, I highly recommend it. Staying in the park is a unique experience and it will minimize travel time in your car.
Important: The reservation booking window for Yellowstone National Park Lodges accepts reservations for stays up to 13 months in advance. If you can’t get reservations inside the park, we have plenty of lodging recommendations outside the park for you as well.
*Tip: Best Place To Stay When Visiting Yellowstone. If you prefer to stay in one place for the duration of your visit, try to find lodging in Yellowstone’s Canyon Village. It has the most central location. Otherwise, we recommend staying in different areas of the park as you complete the itinerary.
Lodging Tip: Getting lodging inside Yellowstone National Park is notoriously difficult especially if planning a trip in the near future. If you can’t find lodging inside the park for this itinerary, split your time between Gardiner or Silver Gate (Days 1-3) and West Yellowstone (Days 4 evening). Specific lodging recommendations are listed throughout this itinerary for each day.
Keep in mind that if you’re not staying inside the park, only the West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT), North Entrance (Gardiner, MT), and Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate/Cooke City, MT) offer reasonably convenient gateway towns with lodging.
The East Entrance is too far away from most of Yellowstone’s attractions, and the South Entrance to Yellowstone is essentially located in Grand Teton National Park.
For more lodging info, see our Guide To Where To Stay When Visiting Yellowstone for specific lodging recommendations and tips.
Day 1- Gardiner, MT
Stock Up On Groceries. Gardiner is a small Western town (population 900) with a decent number of restaurants, a few shops, outfitters, and a variety of lodging options. It’s not unusual to see elk walking down the sidewalks along the store fronts. Our kids loved that!
Whether you are staying in the town of Gardiner, MT or not, Gardiner is a good place to stock up on groceries and supplies for your trip. Remember to buy or bring a cooler. (Consider packing a soft-side cooler in your luggage.)
Gardiner Market is located at 701 Scott Street and will have everything you need.
Tip: We found it convenient to pack snacks for the car and for picnics for each day’s outings. Keep in mind there are no full service grocery stores in the towns of Silver Gate and Cooke City near the Northeast Entrance. You’ll find food and basic provisions at each of the main Visitor Center areas inside the national park. Look for the “General Store” at Mammoth, Canyon Village, and Old Faithful areas.
Get Bear Spray. Along with grocery supplies, remember to purchase bear spray before continuing on to the Northern Entrance of Yellowstone to visit Mammoth Hot Springs. If you plan to skip hikes and stay on the boardwalks and road pullouts, you will not need bear spray. If you plan to hike, even just short hikes in the backcountry, you need bear spray.
Refuel Your Vehicle. This would be a good time to refuel your vehicle before entering the park. Nothing ruins a trip faster than staring at the gas gauge and not the scenery.
Where To Eat in Gardiner
If you’re hungry, these are good places to grab a bite to eat in Gardiner:
Tip: If driving from Bozeman or Livingston, stop at Follow Yer Nose BBQ in Emigrant, MT on the way to Gardiner for tasty BBQ and outdoor dining. The food is great and so is the vibe! They also have a food truck in Gardiner.
Lodging In Gardiner, MT
If you need hotel lodging in Gardiner, Antler Lodge (also has a good restaurant) and Absaroka Lodge are good bets here. You’ll also find plenty of vacation rentals that are located near the North Entrance and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
If you can’t find reservations inside the park or in Silver Gate for the first couple of nights of this itinerary, Gardiner is a good option to explore the northern part of Yellowstone (Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, and Canyon Village are all within about an hour’s drive). Here are some examples of Gardiner's vacation rentals:
Amazing Views of Yellowstone Park & River! A 1/2 mile from YNP’s North Entrance. VRBO: 1030684. 2 bedroom, 3 beds, sleeps 4 with views of the Yellowstone River.
Yellowstone Treasure Guest House #1. VRBO 9591909ha. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 6. Gorgeous river views and walking distance to restaurants, etc.
Day 1- Entering Yellowstone National Park
Roosevelt Arch at North Entrance to Yellowstone
With this itinerary, you will enter Yellowstone at its northern entrance just 5 miles south of Gardiner. After passing by the Roosevelt Arch and paying your entrance fee, you’ll receive a map of Yellowstone and a current newsletter of seasonal events taking place.
Entrance Fee to Yellowstone
Entrance fees for Yellowstone are $35 for a 7 day pass or $80 for an America the Beautiful Pass which allows entry to all national parks for one year.
Driving In Yellowstone
Before heading out, you can get current road conditions for Yellowstone National Park. FYI: Our cell service was spotty at best, so check before you go.
Tip: Although we haven’t used it, GuideAlong’s Yellowstone audio tour provides interesting facts and stories about what you see as you drive by various points in Yellowstone National Park. The app uses your location to automatically play commentary about history, geology, wildlife and more. It’s received great reviews, and I think it would be worth checking out. ($19.99)
Overall, remember to be patient, drive the speed limit, and expect delays. Bison will walk directly on the road causing traffic to come to a complete stop, and cars will slow to a crawl when wildlife can be seen from the road. It’s all part of the Yellowstone experience!
Day 1- Stops Between the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park and the Lamar Valley
Once you’ve entered the Northern Entrance to the park, you’ll be driving on the new road that was built after the historic 2022 flood. Take it slow as it is fairly narrow and curvy but the views are amazing.
Your first two stops will be at Albright Visitor Center and Mammoth Hot Springs. A couple of hours is sufficient for these stops.
Stop 1: Albright Visitor Center in Yellowstone’s Mammoth Hot Springs
Map of Mammoth Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Courtesy of NPS
Built in 1909 by the US Army as officer’s quarters for the cavalry troops who protected the park before the creation of the National Park Service, the Albright Visitor Center is now a great stop to gather information and learn about Yellowstone.
Here you’ll find various wildlife displays, park information, and scheduled educational ranger talks. It’s certainly worth a stop, and the kids will enjoy seeing all of the animal displays and learning about the wildlife they will see in the park.
Junior Ranger Program
While at the Visitor Center, make sure to get the Junior Ranger Booklet for the kiddos. The Junior Ranger Program is a fun way for kids to learn about the park and receive a Junior Ranger patch upon completion.
Requirements include attending a Ranger-led program, hiking on a park trail or boardwalk, and completing activities in the booklet. You can complete the activities throughout your visit and turn it in at any Visitor Center in Yellowstone upon completion to get your badge.
It was a lot of fun, and I think it added to their experience and knowledge of the park. It also served as a good activity when driving in the car or waiting to eat.
Stop 2: Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Liberty Cone at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park
After visiting the Visitor Center, walk the interpretive boardwalk trail to see the travertine terraces with over 50 hot springs. This will be your child’s first introduction to Yellowstone’s geothermal features (and the smell of sulfur which smells like rotten eggs!)
You’ll find multiple access points to the Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalk from the parking area and you can follow the boardwalk all the way to the Upper Terrace if desired. The entire boardwalk is 1.75 miles, and is mostly stroller-friendly, although there are some stairs to negotiate.
Note: If the weather is bad or the kiddos aren’t in the mood, you can skip the boardwalk and drive your car around the 1.5 mile, one-way Upper Terrace Loop.
We walked part of the Lower Terrace boardwalk and then drove the Upper Terrace Drive. The boardwalks in the park generally have full sun exposure, so if it’s a hot, sunny day it can be tough. Remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen!
Tip: Mammoth Springs area has a General Store with a variety of souvenirs as well as snack food and sandwiches. Look for the freezer cooler with Wilcoxon Chocolate-covered Ice Cream bars. It’s the best deal in the house (less than $2 each), and they are not only delicious but made in the good state of Montana! (I like the huckleberry flavor.)
Day 1 and Day 2- Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley
Bison Herd in Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park
Departing Mammoth Springs, enjoy the scenic 1 hour drive to Lamar Valley, which is our favorite part of Yellowstone. If you want to enjoy Yellowstone National Park with less crowds, spend at least a couple of days exploring Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley and the nearby Beartooth Highway which has amazing mountain views and alpine hiking trails.
Finding lodging close by (see lodging suggestions below) will allow you to enjoy early mornings watching wildlife in the Lamar Valley without waking up at a crazy early hour. You’ll also have the luxury of returning to the Lamar Valley at dusk to watch the wildlife.
Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley is known as the “Serengeti of the U.S.” If your kids are excited to see wildlife, you are practically guaranteed to see them here. Bears, wolves, elk, bison, pronghorn, eagles, and bighorn sheep make their home here, so be sure to have your binoculars ready at all times!
Best Time To See Wildlife In Yellowstone
If you want to see more than bison, head out early to the Lamar Valley. Early morning (between 6am-10am) and early evening hours at dusk are your best times to see wildlife but it’s also largely a matter of luck.
If you rise early, you’ll have a much better chance of spotting wolves or grizzlies. Pack snacks, grab your binoculars, and head out just after sunrise to hang out for an hour or so at one of the Lamar Valley turnouts. Look for one with cars already parked--it will indicate that the devoted wolf watchers are there and looking.
These avid wolf watchers are also fun to watch....Some of them will even share their spotting scope with you when they see something of interest.
Good viewing areas begin roughly a mile east of Soda Butte Cone to the last turnout (Fishermans) before the Lamar Canyon. The Slough Creek area is another good spot- from the Slough Creek Campground Road entrance to the Yellowstone Picnic area.
If inclined, head back out to the Lamar Valley at dusk for more wildlife viewing.
Tip: Enjoy a late breakfast at the Log Cabin Cafe in Silver Gate. So good! Make sure to check their website as hours are subject to change. They generally close after Labor Day.
Easy Hikes In Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley
Trout Lake Hike
Trout Lake in Yellowstone National Park
If you are looking for a good family hike in the Lamar Valley, we really enjoyed this short, easy hike to Trout Lake. It starts out steep but don’t let that deter you as it gradually flattens out. Round trip is only 1.2 miles, so it’s a good one for even the younger kiddos. Plan a couple of hours, so you can hang out for a while at the small 12 acre lake to enjoy the wildflowers and a picnic.
The trail starts from a small pullout about 1.5 miles south of Pebble Creek Campground on the Northeast Entrance Road.
Remember to pack your bear spray. There was plenty of bear scat on the ground when we were there!
If you want to fish, bring your rod but remember to purchase a permit (available at Visitor Centers).
Slough Creek Hike
Although you can hike this historic wagon trail for a longer distance, most make it a 4 mile roundtrip hike to a beautiful open meadow where you’ll find an old park service backcountry patrol cabin.
Slough Creek Trail is a less crowded trail with wildflowers during the summer, and it offers an excellent opportunity for wildlife watching. Be on the lookout for moose and bears. Like the Trout Lake Trail, it also has a steep start but levels out. Horses use this trail as well so watch your footing!
Bring binoculars, bear spray, and mosquito spray. It can be buggy!
To find the trailhead, take the dirt road toward Slough Creek Campground. Where the road bears left, park beside the vault toilet.
Yellowstone River Picnic Area Hike
View from Yellowstone River Picnic Area Hike near Lamar Valley. Photo courtesy of NPS.gov.
Note: This trail is currently closed due to construction at the picnic area! This moderate hike has been recommended to me by my neighbor who works in Yellowstone. The Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail follows the ridgeline with spectacular views of the Yellowstone River below you and views of the mountains of the Northern Range beyond. During the summer, you’ll see wildflowers and it’s a good place to spot bighorn sheep.
Note: Although this trail is typically listed as a 3.7 roundtrip loop hike, it’s recommended to hike it as an out and back turning around whenever you’re ready or at the intersection of the Specimen Ridge Trail at 1.9 miles. The out and back will avoid a return walk along the Northeast Entrance Road to the picnic area.
Where To Stay Near the Lamar Valley
Staying near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone in the tiny towns of Silver Gate or Cooke City, MT is the best place to stay when visiting Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley. Silver Gate is a 20 minute drive to Yellowstone’s scenic Lamar Valley and Cooke City is just five minutes further away.
You won’t find many amenities here, but the towns will have all you need. Inside the park, Roosevelt Lodge is the closest to the Lamar Valley- only 25 minutes away.
You’ll find plenty of cabin rentals in the Silver Gate and Cooke City area. Silver Willows Sarva Cabin on 4 Acres by the Creek (where we stayed-sleeps 9) or their sister cabin “Ursa “ on the same property is another good option and sleeps 5.
One Mile to Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone Park in Silver Gate, Montana is a 1 bedroom cabin with 2 baths and sleeps 6 on a private one acre lot.
Note: If you can’t find lodging in Silver Gate or Roosevelt Lodge for this part of the itinerary, Gardiner, MT or Canyon Village could work as well.
Day 2-Driving the Beartooth Highway
Beartooth Highway. Photo courtesy of the Federal Highway Administration.
If you are near Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley or staying in Silver Gate or Cooke City, you can’t miss the opportunity to drive along the 68 mile long Beartooth Highway (Highway 212), one of the most scenic, high elevation highways in the U.S.
There’s a good chance you’ll see remnants of winter’s snow at its highest point, which is always a thrill for those visiting from the flat land states!
Although not technically part of Yellowstone National Park, it sits right next to the park’s Northeast Entrance. The Beartooth Highway is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s not nearly as crowded as the loop roads in Yellowstone. Although not in the national park, it is certainly worthy of a visit and was one of the highlights of our trip.
You can stop at several pullouts to admire the views, drive over Beartooth Pass at an elevation of 10,947’, stop at the Top of the World Store for a commemorative souvenir or to grab a snack, and hike a multitude of trails if desired.
Note: Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance Road turns into the Beartooth Highway (212) at the park exit. The highway is closed in the off season and opens around Memorial Day. Due to its high elevation, it’s not unusual for a summer snowstorm to temporarily close the road. Be sure to check road conditions and Beartooth Pass weather forecast before heading out.
Clear here for a map of the Beartooth Highway.
Easy Hikes on the Beartooth Highway
We loved the easy, short hike to Night Lake where we fished and picnicked an afternoon away.
Night Lake Hike
This easy, flat trail at 9,500 feet elevation leads you to a series of alpine lakes including Island Lake and Night Lake. The scenery is absolutely outstanding. You will follow the western shoreline of Island Lake for about a mile and then you’ll find Night Lake about a quarter mile further. Hike as long as you feel inspired or make it an out and back hike from Night Lake for a total hike of roughly 2 miles.
We played at the lake for hours and brought a picnic and fly rod. Remember mosquito spray. They were swarming at the parking lot but settled down once we reached the lake and its breezes. Also remember to bring bear spray.
Tip: If you can hike this trail on a weekday, it will be less “people-y” than on the weekends. Early in the season or after a rain, you may need water shoes for creek crossings. Since we’ve been there, the lake has apparently changed with water levels about 1/3 of what they used to be. It would be worth checking on trail conditions before you go. Perhaps ask someone at your lodging or view the US Forest website for the area for more information.
A good book for hiking trails along the Beartooth Highway is:
Day 3- Drive From The Lamar Valley To Yellowstone’s Canyon Village
It will be hard to leave the Lamar Valley area. You’ve enjoyed this peaceful corner of Yellowstone and now it’s time to brave the crowds to see more of its amazing geothermal features and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
The crowds and tour buses can be somewhat of a shocking transition from the peaceful Lamar Valley, but it will be well worth it.
Get an early start as you’ll make a few stops on your way to Yellowstone’s Canyon Village. You’ll see Tower Fall and have the option of a hike in Dunraven Pass.
Stop 1- Tower Fall
Playing at the Yellowstone River at the end of the Tower Fall Trail in Yellowstone National Park
Your first stop (about 30 minutes from Lamar Valley) is a short walk to view Tower Fall, a 132 foot waterfall. Roundtrip is 1 mile. The trailhead begins next to the General Store (snacks and restrooms available) and the overlook point is roughly 100 yards from the large parking area.
Continue past the overlook for the best views. You’ll eventually reach the Yellowstone River where your kids will enjoy playing on its shore.
Stop 2- Dunraven Pass and Mount Washburn Trail
Wildflowers on Dunraven Pass
From Tower Fall, drive south through Dunraven Pass. This is such a beautiful drive. If you have the energy and want a fairly strenuous hike with a fantastic view, consider the popular Mount Washburn Trail.
Round trip from Dunraven Pass is 6.2 miles with a steady climb of about 1,400 feet. You can also access the summit from the trailhead at the end of Chittendon Road for a 5.2 out and back. This route is considered the “easier” one.
If you enjoy wildflowers, Mount Washburn can’t be beat. You don’t have to hike its entirety to enjoy it. Simply hike as long as you’d like and return when it suits you. Conditions at the summit are typically colder and windier than at the trailheads, so wear layers.
Tip: Arrive early if you can--it’s one of the park’s most popular hikes (and for good reason!)
Day 3- Yellowstone’s Canyon Village
5.5 miles south of Dunraven Pass, you’ll arrive at Canyon Village and hopefully your lodging for the night if you were able to get reservations.
Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center for maps and the Ranger Program schedule. The Canyon Visitor Center focuses on the geology and volcanic past of Yellowstone and is worthy of a stop.
The Ranger Programs here were really good, generally short, and packed with interesting information that makes what you see even more remarkable. Highly recommended!
Map of Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park. Map courtesy of NPS.
What To See In Yellowstone National Park's Canyon Area
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is an amazingly beautiful sight. The canyon is roughly 20 miles long, more than 1,000 feet deep, and 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. Viewing its Upper and Lower Waterfalls are the main attractions here, and there are a number of scenic viewpoints to do this.
For a quick (but crowded) viewpoint, Artist Point is the best place to view the canyon and Lower Falls. For a more close-up experience, be sure to visit the Brink of the Upper Falls located on the North Rim of the Canyon.
If you want more than just a “park and hop out” and wish to stretch your legs a bit, there are plenty of trail options in the Canyon area. Although we didn’t hike these, the South Rim Trail to Artist Point, and the trails to Point Sublime and Ribbon Lake are popular in this area. The Visitor Center will be a great place to get trail recommendations as well as trail conditions.
Artist Point
Artist Point Scenic Viewpoint of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Artist Point is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Drive to the very end of South Rim Drive and park in the large parking lot. Walk a very short distance to a wonderful view of the 308’ Lower Falls of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon.
The morning sun was way too bright for the family photo!
Tip: The view from Artist Point is one of the most popular photos taken in Yellowstone. It’s a great photo op, particularly in the morning when the falls sparkle with the morning sun.
I love this photo of the girls squinting into the early sun- definitely too bright for a family portrait. Stick with the landscape photo for the early morning shots! Ha!
Inspiration Point offers another scenic view but is located on the North Rim of the canyon and has a much smaller parking lot than Artist Point. If you only have time for one, go to Artist Point for the iconic view.
Brink of the Upper Falls
Along with Artist Point, Brink of the Upper Falls Trail is another experience not to be missed when visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The Brink of the Upper Falls is a short (.3 mile out and back), easy paved walk to three different overlooks of the Upper Falls.
Make sure to make it to the last overlook (the Lower Observation Point) to get an up-close view and experience the energy and power of the water. Totally worth it! There’s also a Brink of the Lower Falls Trail if you want to check it out as well, but know that it is a much steeper trail.
Where To Stay in Canyon Village
Canyon Village has a great central location in Yellowstone National Park. If you could only get lodging at one place in the park, Canyon Village would be my recommendation. From Canyon Village, you have good access to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake, and Mud Volcano.
Canyon Village has a campground, cabins, suites, and lodge rooms. It is a huge complex with numerous dining options. We stayed in a cabin which was quite basic but quiet and clean. Again, make reservations well in advance.
We’ve also camped in Canyon’s Campground. It’s a large campground with a variety of sites (warning some are on a slope!), and we enjoyed our stay there. You can reserve a campsite, but you can’t, however, reserve a particular campsite. It’s assigned upon arrival. You can make a request but it’s not guaranteed.The campground has good proximity to Canyon Village restaurants, and your camping stay includes a free shower. Yay!
Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park
Where to Eat in Yellowstone’s Canyon Village
There are plenty of dining options in Canyon Village. The park offers a dining room, cafeteria, sandwiches to go, and an ice cream shop. You will find something for everyone. We enjoyed a good meal at the Canyon Soda Fountain Shop in the General Store. They serve breakfast as well as burgers and milkshakes in a fun diner setting.
Day 4- Stops Between Canyon Village and Old Faithful
Check out of Canyon Village, pack a picnic lunch, and drive to your final destination in Yellowstone - Old Faithful. Drive time from Canyon Village to Old Faithful is roughly 56 minutes without stops or delays.
Along the way, the best stops include Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano, Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, and West Thumb Basin.
Stop 1- Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park. Photo taken from car!
Be sure to stop at one or two pullouts while driving through Hayden Valley on your way to Mud Volcano. Hayden Valley is another good opportunity to see wildlife. I like the pullouts on the left side of the road for longer views of the valley and the meandering Yellowstone River but choose one where it looks like the best viewing opportunity for wildlife.
You’ll know the best spot because people have stopped there with binoculars and/or spotting scopes. If I see a person looking through a spotting scope, I almost always stop. While we there, a grizzly had been spotted in the distance, an eagle was resting in a tree, and the bison herd along with their baby bison were roaming the valley. It was fantastic!
Stop 2- Mud Volcano Boardwalk
Mud Volcano Area
The Mud Volcano geothermal area was one of our favorites. It’s a manageable size, and you’ll see lots of gurgling mudpots and steam arising from hot springs. According to the NPS, the hydrothermal features here are some of the most acidic in the park, which translates to the most rotten egg smelling of the park!
Take a short walk (.8 mile loop) along the boardwalk trail to see it all. We walked the boardwalk in a clockwise direction ending at the Dragon’s Mouth Spring. If you are short on time, the weather is too hot or too cold, or the kids are cranky, you could go right (counter-clockwise) at the parking area to see just Mud Volcano and Dragon’s Mouth Spring rather than completing the loop. These were the highlights of the boardwalk for us, but the entire loop was terrific.
Stop 3- Yellowstone Lake and Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
View of Yellowstone Lake from the back of the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
I like the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center because of its beautiful setting on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Built in 1931 with stone and logs, it’s an excellent example of “parkitecture” which I love.
Upon entering, you can see Yellowstone Lake through the large back door. Exit and enjoy some time gazing at the lake or take a stroll along the short beach. We were surprised to see how large Yellowstone Lake is! Trivia time- it’s the largest high elevation lake in North America!
Tip: Restrooms are not located inside the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center. A separate restroom facility can be found adjacent to the parking lot.
Stop 4-West Thumb Geyser Basin
West Thumb Basin on the shore of Yellowstone Lake
West Thumb Geyser Basin is another one of my favorite places in Yellowstone because of its beautiful and unique setting on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Its pools and hot springs have bright bands of color similar to what you’ll see on a grander scale at Grand Prismatic Spring. The easy boardwalk trail here is a one mile long loop and worth a stroll.
Yellowstone Insider has a good overview of West Thumb Geyser Basin if you want more information on this unique stop.
From West Thumb Geyser Basin, it will be about a 35 minute drive to Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin .
Day 4- Old Faithful Geyser and the Upper Geyser Basin
Your time here is all about the famous geyser, Old Faithful. Brace yourself for the crowds because it’s a bit overwhelming. It really is a fun stop though.
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
Make sure to visit the Old Faithful Visitor Center with its informative and interactive exhibits. This is an excellent, modern Visitor Center. We really enjoyed the interactive exhibits about the world’s most active hydrothermal area.
The girls enjoyed the “Young Scientist Room” but the entire center was interesting and fun for all of us. In the main hall, you can also watch a short film in the auditorium or browse the gift shops. I’d plan at least 30 minutes here. During the summer, it is open from 8am-8pm.
Old Faithful Erupting
Old Faithful Geyser
Time to check off an item on your bucket list. Old Faithful is found in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone and erupts approximately every 60-90 minutes. The majority of the world’s active geysers are located here.
Only five major geysers are predicted regularly by the naturalist staff. They are Castle, Grand, Daisy, Riverside, and Old Faithful. You’ll also find many smaller geysers in this basin as well as numerous hot springs.
My girls really enjoyed the sights and sounds of Old Faithful’s magnificent eruption. It’s fun how the crowd gets into it.
How To See Old Faithful
Old Faithful Eruption Forecasts
Find the forecasted time of Old Faithful’s next eruption and be sure to give yourself a 15 minute window of time so you don’t miss it. You can find a digital listing of forecasted eruption times for all of the geysers behind the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. It’s also often listed on a placard outside. Or, check the Yellowstone's geyser prediction Twitter feed or download the Yellowstone App.
Old Faithful Boardwalk and the Upper Geyser Basin
Although Old Faithful is the star here, make sure to explore the additional thermal features found in the Upper Geyser Basin. From Old Faithful Geyser, you can walk all or part of the boardwalk.
This is a very large thermal basin, and you could easily walk several miles on its boardwalk depending on which loops you follow. I recommend getting a map at the Visitor Center and asking about a good route depending on your time and energy.
We walked the bike path to Castle Geyser and from there walked on the boardwalk to Grand Castle and beyond to Morning Glory Pool, returning the same way for about a 2.5 mile roundtrip walk. Morning Glory Pool, Grand Geyser (which also erupted), and Castle Geyser were favorites.
Tip: If you want to time your visit to experience the geyser basin without the hordes of tourists, the crowds typically leave after dinner time and you’ll get to enjoy the boardwalk with a bit more elbow room.
Map of Boardwalk of the large Upper Geyser Basin with Old Faithful
Biking to Geysers in the Old Faithful Area
If you want to add yet another fun family activity to your trip, you can rent bikes at the Snowbird Lodge Gift Shop for $10 hour or $40 a day. The paved trail in front of Old Faithful Lodge runs all the way to Morning Glory Pool.
Follow this relatively flat 2 mile (round-trip) paved-path and make three stops: one at Castle Geyser, possibly one of the oldest geysers in the basin; next at Daisy Geyser, one of the most predictable geysers in Yellowstone; and a third stop at Riverside Geyser, a cone geyser on the bank of the Firehole River.
A short trail from Daisy Geyser to Biscuit Basin is also open to bikes if you want to go further. Inquire at the bike rental.
Bikes are not allowed on the boardwalks, but there are several bike racks where you can park your bike while you explore. This route becomes busy with people walking so the best bicycling is early in the morning and in the evening.
Observation Point Trail
View of Old Faithful erupting from the Observation Point Trail. Photo courtesy of NPS.gov.
If you have time, you might enjoy a birds eye view of Old Faithful erupting. The Observation Point Trail and the Mystic Falls Trail in the Biscuit Basin Area give an elevated but distant view of the eruption.
Observation Point Trail is an easy 1.6 mile round trip hike to an overlook of Old Faithful in the near distance. Arrive early and you may beat the crowds. It’s a good photo op from here too, especially in the morning sun.
The Observation Point trailhead is located just across the Firehole River behind Old Faithful Geyser. Walk counterclockwise around the Old Faithful boardwalk and turn right at the sign to Geyser Hill. The trailhead is on the right after the Firehole River Bridge, approximately 0.3 miles from the Visitor Center. Switchbacks lead up the hill 0.5 miles to a view of the Upper Geyser Basin.
Return the same way or continue west to Solitary Geyser, which also erupts frequently.
Mystic Falls
The Mystic Falls Trail is another option to watch Old Faithful erupt although from an even further distance. The Biscuit Basin Trailhead is located 1.8 miles north of Old Faithful and the round trip hike is 4 miles. You get the bonus of a waterfall and views of the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful.
We didn’t try the Mystic Falls trail, as time didn’t allow it. Even with crowds of people, I liked the up close eruption from the Upper Geyser boardwalk the best, but the Observation Point Trail was a good way to stretch our legs.
Where To Stay Near Old Faithful
If at all possible, try to stay inside the park in the Old Faithful area. The downfall of not overnighting here is that the next closest lodging is in the tiny tourist town of West Yellowstone, about an hour away. You will then have to deal with traffic and wait times at this popular entrance to the park.
If you stay in the Old Faithful area, you also have the opportunity to enjoy the Old Faithful thermal basin in a quiet and less-crowded setting later in the day once everyone leaves to return to their lodging outside the park.
In the morning, you can get up early to watch Old Faithful erupt again or take advantage of the short drive to see Grand Prismatic before parking there gets too crowded.
Old Faithful Inn (an impressive historic landmark built in 1904- make sure to take a peak at its lobby), Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, and Old Faithful Snow Lodge are all well located and within walking distance to Old Faithful Geyser.
We stayed in the Snow Lodge, but all are great options if you can find a reservation that works for you. Remember to reserve well in advance (remember you can book 13 months in advance!)
Keep in mind that none of the national park lodgings in the Old Faithful area have air-conditioning. They do supply you with a fan, though I have to admit it was still a bit warm.
Evenings typically cool off rather quickly, but unusually high daytime temps can make the evening temps uncomfortable. If you have camping supplies, you’d be cooler in a tent and save a lot of money. Something to think about! FYI- Yellowstone’s Madison Campground is the closest campground to Old Faithful.
Where To Eat Near Old Faithful
There are plenty of dining options in the Old Faithful area ranging from the Dining Room in Old Faithful Inn to delis and a bake shop. Only Old Faithful Dining Room accepts reservations. Reserve well in advance.
No food to brag about here but it’s good enough and convenient. We ate at the Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria due to its proximity to Old Faithful Geyser and got ice cream at the General Store.
Lodging in West Yellowstone
If you weren’t fortunate to snag a night at the park’s Old Faithful lodges or if you prefer the luxury of air-conditioning, West Yellowstone has a large number of hotels to choose from including a Holiday Inn with indoor pool. They are still expensive for what you get though ($300 and up in July). Reserve all of these well in advance.
Holiday Inn- A solid and reliable hotel chain close to the park. Has an indoor pool.
Moose Creek Inn is a clean, well-reviewed basic hotel that offers a fairly affordable price, and Kelly Inn also look like a solid choice.
Bar N Ranch- Has cabins and lodge rooms and is located 6 miles from the West Entrance to the park.
Under Canvas Yellowstone- If you’d like to try “glamping” (luxury camping), this place gets great reviews and provides all you need including an onsite restaurant. I would love to stay here!
West Yellowstone has a good number of vacation rentals including both condos and cabins scattered throughout town. Here are some good examples of lodging found here:
Arrowhead Lodge #7 is a studio condo that sleeps 4. Similar to a hotel room but has all you need with a good price and location. VRBO 2147333.
Montana Cabin -Sleeps 4, Just 5 Blocks from Yellowstone A/C and WiFi. VRBO 1665283. 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Sleeps 4. Walk to town but not right in the middle of it. One of 4 cabins on the property, so could be good for a multi-family vacation rental.
Keep in mind it is a 55 minute drive (on a good day) from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful. Allow plenty of time as traffic is often slow due to wildlife near the road and delays can occur as cars line up to enter the park at the West Entrance.
Tip: You can check out the webcam at the West Entrance to get an idea of how long the wait is to enter the park.
Where To Eat In West Yellowstone
If you’re hungry, check out Female Foodie’s Top 9 West Yellowstone Restaurants. Some great options here! You’ll find plenty of coffee shops, ice cream stands, and restaurants if you stroll along either of the main streets in town.
Day 5- Grand Prismatic Spring
Before finally leaving Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is a must see stop. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, it is the largest hot spring in the United States, and the third largest in the world. Its vibrant bands of blues, greens, and yellows and its grand size at 300’ wide make it a sight to behold.
Located a few miles north of Old Faithful, you have two options to view Grand Prismatic.
Option 1: One option is to park at the Midway Geyser parking area (get there early!) and walk the .8 mile boardwalk. This is a super popular attraction in Yellowstone and parking is very limited. Avoid the chaos and arrive as early as you possibly can.
I like walking the boardwalk to see the entire thermal area up close. Grand Prismatic is the star here but there’s plenty more geysers and springs to see along the boardwalk.
Option 2: Another option is to park at the Fairy Falls parking area (also super busy) and walk to the Grand Prismatic Overlook for a view that looks down upon the vivid colors of Grand Prismatic Spring and the Midway Geyser Basin. The easy walk is 0.6 miles but can be super hot as the beginning is mostly open with no shade. You can continue another mile past the Observation Platform to reach Fairy Falls. Follow the signs.
We’ve done both the boardwalk and the Observation Platform and both are amazing. Your viewpoint will largely depend on your parking location, how long you are willing to wait for a parking space to open, and how far you want to walk.
Fairy Falls Trail To Grand Prismatic Overlook
View of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook from Fairy Falls Trail
The Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is an easy 1.5 mile round trip trail that gradually climbs 105 feet from the Fairy Falls Trailhead. The color of Grand Prismatic is remarkable from a distance, and some would say it’s much better than from ground level of the boardwalk which is the way most visitors experience it.
We have experienced Grand Prismatic both ways and enjoyed each equally. The colors are amazing from both vantage points, so you can’t go wrong here. It may come down to where you can find parking and how tired your kids are at that point. That being said, the boardwalk is shorter and seems to entertain the kids a bit more than the slow uphill walk to the observation platform which is sometimes very crowded with people.
The Fairy Falls parking has both upper and lower parking areas, and the trailhead is in the upper (northern) parking area. You’ll begin the hike by crossing the steel bridge over the Firehole River and proceed uphill 0.5 miles before turning left at the sign to the Observation Point. Go 1/4 mile through pines to the observation deck.
For the perfect photos of Grand Prismatic, the best lighting is in the afternoon or mid-day when the steam is less prevalent; however, parking will be even more difficult at this time.
We visited in the morning before it was too crowded and didn’t mind the steam in our photos! A good trade off for sure.
Tip: If you want a longer hike, the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is also the trailhead to Fairy Falls, an easy 5 mile round trip hike to the base of the waterfall. Note that this is a very popular hike. Say it with me, “Arrive early!”
Fairy Falls Trail to the Grand Prismatic Overlook with Midway Geyser in the distance
Day 5- Return To Bozeman, MT
Optional Stops at Artist Paint Pots and Norris Geyser Basin
From Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, you have two options for your return trip back to Bozeman, MT.
1) Exit the park at the West Entrance and drive roughly 3 hours back to Bozeman, MT for your return flight home. From the West Entrance, it’s less than a 2 hour drive to Bozeman with much of it following the beautiful Gallatin River, made famous from the movie A River Runs Through It.
This is a curvy road, so watch your speed and use pullouts to let others pass as needed.
Tip: Stop at Riverhouse BBQ near Big Sky for some affordable and delicious BBQ on their outside patio which overlooks the Gallatin River. You’ll pass the turnoff to Big Sky Resort which is also a super fun weekend! See our Summer Fun In Big Sky!
2. If you have time on your way out of Yellowstone, your second option is to exit through the North Entrance and stop at Artist Paint Pot and/or Norris Geyser Basin on your way.
Norris Geyser Basin located 40 min from Grand Prismatic. It’s a wonderful stop if your kids are still excited about geysers
Stop 1- Artist Paintpots
My girls loved the bubbling mud pots! They make a fantastic sound that all kids will love. Artist Paintpots Trail is a 1.1-mile loop trail. The trailhead is located 3.7 miles south of the Norris Geyser Basin. Parking is on the left. Allow an hour max for this activity.
Stop 2- Norris Geyser Basin
You will love this stop. Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone's thermal areas. It is also home to one of the world’s tallest geysers, although not consistently erupting like Old Faithful.
The basin consists of two areas: Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin.
Porcelain Basin is a 3/4 mile boardwalk trail while Back Basin is a 1.5 mile boardwalk trail. If you only have time for one, I would choose Porcelain Basin. You could likely do both in 2 hours.
From Norris Geyser Basin, you can exit the park and return to Bozeman thru the West Entrance (2.5 hours) or the North Entrance for a roughly 2 hour return drive.
Arriving In Bozeman
If you plan to spend some time in Bozeman, see our blog “Family Fun In Bozeman- Things To Do and Insider Tips” for lodging, dining, and fun things to do in this awesome mountain town.
P.S. Holiday Inn Express is the closest hotel to the Bozeman Airport if you have an early flight. Otherwise, I recommend staying in hotels near Bozeman’s historic downtown so you can experience its quaint Main St and stroll along the numerous shops and restaurants.
See our “Best Places To Stay In Bozeman- Hotels and Vacation Rentals” for more great lodging options in Bozeman.
Helpful Info
The National Park Website
The information found on the National Park Service website is a really helpful resource. You can find a lot of information here including the park newspaper, driving times between sites, maps, history of the park, weather conditions, and even video and audio recordings.
You can also download a free Yellowstone App from the website to help you enjoy your visit. It includes park stories to listen to as well as self-guided audio clips, predicted eruption times of the major geysers, a map, and much more.
Restrooms
You’ll find flush toilet restrooms at all of the Visitor Center areas. You’ll also find pit toilets at various pull outs throughout the park.
Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Each year a number of park visitors are injured by wildlife when approaching too closely. Approaching on foot within 100 yards of bears or wolves, or within 25 yards of other wildlife is prohibited.
A good general guide is the “thumb rule.” If the wildlife can be covered with your thumb when looking at them, you are usually far enough away. But also keep in mind the last time they likely sprinted 100 yards and the last time YOU sprinted a 100 yards. Ha!
Bear Safety
Fortunately for families with kids, hiking in groups and making noise are two major steps to avoid unwanted bear encounters.
Hike in groups of three or more people. 91% of the people injured by bears in Yellowstone since 1970 were hiking alone or with only one hiking partner. Only 9% of the people injured by bears were in groups of three or more people.
Don’t let the kiddos run ahead of you or fall behind. Stay together as a group.
Make noise. When hiking, periodically yell "Hey bear!" to alert bears to your presence, especially when walking through dense vegetation/blind spots, traveling upwind, near loud streams, or on windy days. Avoid thick brush whenever possible.
Do not run. If you encounter a bear, back away slowly. See NPS “Bear Safety” for more info.
Bear Spray: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you plan to stick to the boardwalks and pullouts only, you will not need bear spray. If you plan to hike, you should have it. You can find it at outfitters and grocery stores in the gateway towns (Bozeman, Gardiner, West Yellowstone) and in the General Stores in Yellowstone.
Bear spray is also available to rent from Bear Aware in Canyon Village, Old Faithful, and West Yellowstone. Know that you cannot bring bear spray on a plane—not even in your checked luggage.
Wildflowers
Enjoy the wildflowers, but don’t pick them. Remember to stay on the trail and admire the many delicate alpine flowers. The NPS website has great information on wildflowers in the park including blooming times and where to find them.
Geothermal Areas
Stay on boardwalks and designated trails. Thin crust can plunge you into boiling water.
Interesting Read
If you really want to get primed for all the hazards found in Yellowstone National Park, check out this read from Amazon. My daughter loved it! Amanda also read the first edition when she visited the park in high school and yelled at everybody who even thought about getting off the boardwalk in a hot springs area.
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