2-Day Yellowstone Itinerary

Day 1: Geysers and Hot Springs

Morning: West Entrance to Old Faithful

  1. Enter Yellowstone via the West Entrance- Start early to maximize your day.

  2. Madison Junction- Head south toward Old Faithful.

  3. Lower Geyser Basin- Stop by explore the Fountain Paint Pot and Great Fountain Geyser.

  4. Midway Geyser Basin - Visit the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring. Walk the boardwalks for different views and consider hiking the Fairy Falls Trail for an overhead view.

Fountain Paint Pot Trail

Late Morning: Old Faithful Area

  1. Old Faithful - Check predicted eruption times at the visitor center and watch this iconic geyser erupt.

  2. Upper Geyser Basin - Explore the extensive network of trails and boardwalks around Old Faithful. Highlights include Castle Geyser, Beehive Geyser, and Morning Glory Pool.

Lunch: Old Faithful Lodge or Picnic - Enjoy a meal at the Old Faithful Lodge or bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas

Morning Glory pool

Afternoon: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

  1. Head East to West Thumb Geyser Basin - Take in the views along the shore of Yellowstone Lake.

  2. Continue North to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Explore the viewpoints such as Artist Point, Lookout Point, and Grand View for spectacular views of the canyon and waterfalls.

Yellowstone Lake

Evening: Return Toward West Entrance

  1. Hayden Valley - Drive through this area for potential wildlife viewing, especially during the evening when animals are more active.

  2. Continue North to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Explore the viewpoints such as Artist Point, Lookout Point, and Grand View for spectacular views of the canyon and waterfalls.

  3. Madison River - On your way back, stop along the Madison River for more wildlife viewing opportunities.

Bison in Hayden Valley

Day 2: Wildlife and Natural Wonders

Morning: Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Hot Springs

  1. Enter Yellowstone via the West Entrance - Start early again to maximize your day.

  2. Norris Geyser Basin - Visit one of the park’s hottest and most dynamic geyser basins. Highlights include Steamboat Geyser and Porcelain Basin.

Steamboat Geyser

Late Morning: Mammoth Hot Springs

  1. Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs - Explore the unique travertine terraces. Highlights include the Lower Terraces (Liberty Cap, Palette Spring) and the Upper Terraces (New Blue Spring).

Lunch: Mammoth Hot Springs Area - Enjoy a meal at the Mammoth Hot Springs dining facilities or picnic.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Afternoon: Lamar Valley

  1. Drive to Lamar Valley - Often called the "Serengeti of North America" for its abundant wildlife. Look for bison, elk, wolves, and bears.

Bison in the Lamar Valley

Late Afternoon: Tower-Roosevelt Area

  1. Tower Fall - Stop to see this beautiful 132-foot waterfall.

  2. Drive the Dunraven Pass- Offers stunning views and more opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Tower Fall

Evening: Return to West Yellowstone

  1. Scenic Drive Back - Enjoy the scenery as you drive back toward the West Entrance.

  2. Stop at Any Missed Spots - If time allows, revisit any favorite spots or new areas of interest you passed earlier.

Tips

Start Early: Wildlife is more active in the morning, and popular sites are less crowded.

  • Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions; bring layers.

  • Park Safety: Follow all park guidelines, especially regarding wildlife and geothermal areas.

  • Plan for Flexibility: Be flexible with your itinerary to account for wildlife sightings and spontaneous adventures.