10 Best Things To Do At Yellowstone National Park (With Photos)

Yellowstone is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, and it’s known for its unique geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. But with over 2 million acres of park to explore, how can you be sure that you’re seeing it all?

These are Shaka Guide’s Top Ten favorite things to do and see at Yellowstone National Park!

1. Watch the Eruption at Old Faithful

old faithful eruption with rainbows Photo by Rachel Ennis

Watch the world-famous geyser erupt at Old Faithful, which spouts water up to 180 feet in the air. The eruptions happen approximately every 90 minutes (although it’s not always punctual) and draw large crowds, so it’s best to get to the viewing area early. While you’re waiting, you can also explore smaller geysers along the boardwalk. And, you can check out the visitor center, gift shop, museum, and ice cream shop!

2. Stroll the Boardwalks at Grand Prismatic Spring

spring emitting with white smoke while people are watching Photo by Rachel Ennis

Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the largest hot springs in the world. Its colorful layers of water are a sight to behold, and there are several boardwalks that allow visitors to get a closer look. Careful, though. The water in these hot springs is nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that swimming is strictly prohibited—because it could kill you.

3. Go Fishin’ at Yellowstone Lake

lake while cars are passing on the bridge from the side Photo by Rachel Ennis

Cast your line into Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America. The lake is over 7,000 feet above sea level, and it’s full of Brown, Rainbow, Brook, and Lake Trout! Just remember, the lake is also home to the endangered Cutthroat Trout, so while the park encourages keeping or killing the non-native Lake Trout, it has a strict catch-and-release policy for the red-slashed Cutthroat.

And even if fishing isn’t your thing, rent a boat and spend a lazy day on the lake! Yellowstone Lake is surrounded by serene, mountain scenery, so let your mind wander as you drift peacefully along.

4. Watch the Wildlife in Lamar Valley

bison in lamar valley grasslands Photo by Rachel Ennis

The Lamar Valley is unofficially known as the "Serengeti of North America" because of its high concentration of wildlife. See if you can spot bison, elk, wolves, and bears here! Just remember to keep a safe distance—you might even want to bring binoculars and a long camera lens.

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5. Take a Hike

trail path in the forest of yellowstone national park Photo by Rachel Ennis

Take a hike on one of Yellowstone's many trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. Some popular hikes include the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Mount Washburn, and the Fairy Falls Trail. Check out Shaka Guide’s Yellowstone Hiking Guide here (insert link) for a full list of our favorites!

6. Explore the Mammoth Hot Springs

mammoth hot spring with steam Photo by Rachel Ennis

Explore the terraces and formations of Mammoth Hot Springs, a unique geothermal area with hot springs that have created intricate and colorful formations over time.

7. Go For a Swim!

people swimming on a lake Yellowstone National Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Yes, there are places to swim at Yellowstone National Park! Enjoy swimming in the Firehole River in the Midway Geyser Basin area, or in the designated areas of the Boiling River, which is located near the north entrance of the park.

The Boiling River is a unique experience because the warm waters from a hot spring mix with the cold water from the Gardner River to create a perfect swimming temperature. It is important to note that swimming in other areas of the park is prohibited for safety reasons, due to the risk of thermal features and changing currents.

8. Fall for the Waterfalls

waterfalls surrounded by trees in yellowstone national park Virginia Cascades; photo by Rachel Ennis

Yellowstone National Park is home to nearly 300 stunning waterfalls, each with its own unique features. One of the most popular waterfalls is the Lower Falls, which plunges 308 feet into the Yellowstone River. The Upper Falls, located upstream, drops 109 feet over a series of smaller cascades.

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Another notable waterfall is the Tower Fall, which is surrounded by towering cliffs and is 132 feet tall. Other waterfalls in the park include Gibbon Falls, Kepler Cascades, and Mystic Falls, each offering its own mesmerizing views and experiences.

9. Explore the Other Grand Canyon

waterfall in yellowstone grand canyon on a sunny day Photo by Rachel Ennis

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a breathtaking natural wonder that you’ll definitely want to include in your itinerary. There are several things to do at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, including hiking along the South Rim Trail, which provides stunning views of the canyon and its waterfall.

Another popular activity is to visit the Artist Point overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the canyon and its colorful rock formations. Visitors can also take a guided tour or attend a ranger program to learn more about the history and geology of the area. Additionally, there are several picnic areas and restaurants nearby for those who want to enjoy a meal with a view.

10. Snap Some Pics of Roosevelt Arch

roosevelt arch with rainbows in the sky Yellowstone National Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.

Those are the words President Theodore Roosevelt used in 1903 when he dedicated Yellowstone as a National Park, and those words are etched on the top of the Roosevelt Arch. The Arch marks the gateway to the North entrance of the park and still stands as a symbol of the park's natural beauty and significance.

Best Things To Do In Yellowstone On A Map

Ready to Pack Your Bags? This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Yellowstone. The park has over 900 hikes, 500 geysers, swimming holes, scenic lookouts, historic sites, and more! Not sure where to begin?

Let Shaka Guide do the planning for you! Download the Yellowstone National Park Tour as your personal guide to this one-of-a-park.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our 7-Day Yellowstone Itinerary, 3-Day Yellowstone Itinerary, and Know Before You Go article.

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