Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as America's first national park, spans over 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. This geological wonderland sits atop an active supervolcano and contains the world's largest collection of geothermal features, including more than 10,000 hot springs, geysers, fumaroles, and mud pots. The park is home to the famous Old Faithful geyser, the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, and the dramatic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its thundering waterfalls. Beyond its geothermal marvels, Yellowstone serves as one of the world's premier wildlife sanctuaries, protecting vast ecosystems where bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and hundreds of other species roam freely. The park offers over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, pristine lakes, and diverse landscapes ranging from alpine meadows to dense forests. Visitors can experience everything from boardwalk strolls around geysers to backcountry wilderness adventures, making it a destination that appeals to casual tourists and serious outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Dining options within Yellowstone are limited but improving, with restaurants and cafeterias located at major visitor areas including Old Faithful Inn Dining Room (upscale), Canyon Lodge Eatery (casual), and Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room (historic elegance). Most in-park dining is seasonal (May-October) and reservations are highly recommended for dinner service. Gateway towns offer more variety, with West Yellowstone featuring numerous restaurants, cafes, and breweries, while Jackson provides high-end dining options. Many visitors opt for picnic lunches and camp cooking due to limited restaurant availability and high prices ($15-35 per entree) within the park. Stock up on groceries and supplies in gateway towns before entering the park.

The best time to visit Yellowstone is late spring through early fall (May-September), with July and August being peak season offering warmest weather, full road access, and all facilities open. Late spring (May-June) features active wildlife, flowing waterfalls, and fewer crowds but possible snow at higher elevations. Early fall (September-early October) offers pleasant weather, elk bugling season, and beautiful autumn colors with moderate crowds. Winter (December-March) provides a magical snow-covered landscape accessible via snowcoach or snowmobile, but most roads and facilities are closed. Shoulder seasons require flexibility as weather can change rapidly and some attractions may be inaccessible.