What is the best way to see Yellowstone National Park?

One of the best ways to see Yellowstone is to hit the trails. Walking even a ½ mile on a boardwalk or trail offers you a more complete sense of Yellowstone's features and landscape. So dust off your hiking shoes, park the car, and see the wonders of Yellowstone that lie beyond your car window.



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You could easily take two weeks to explore Yellowstone (and you might want to after you spend a day here). To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days. But if you only have one day to spend in the park, you want to get the most out of your time here.

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Next to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Springs is arguably the top thing to see during your first-time visiting Yellowstone. A vibrant showcase of reds and blues bubble in this magnificent thermal pool from the bacteria residing in the area.

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Yellowstone National Park can get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August). The best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds.

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The Grand Loop takes between 4 to 7 hours to drive in full. During the summer season, cars are the best option for taking a trip around Yellowstone unless you are riding with a bus tour or concessionaire that provides transportation.

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Flights to the nearest major airport — that of Jackson Hole, Wyoming — are typically cheapest between November and March, which is the park's low season. Prices for lodging begin to drop after Labor Day, once the summer crowds have diminished and children are back in school.

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The reservation booking window accepts reservations for stays up to 13 months in advance*. Specifically, on the 5th of each month, we'll begin accepting reservations for the same entire month of the following year.

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If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park for at least three days, consider staying in two different locations. It can be a hassle packing and unpacking, but Yellowstone is so large that switching accommodations can minimize travel time in the park. The best location to stay within the park is Canyon Village.

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The Bottom Line While they are located adjacent to each other, they offer distinct experiences for visitors. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and hiking trails, while Grand Teton is famous for its high peaks, pristine lakes, and historical buildings.

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Yellowstone is a large and complex national park, with many different roads that travel to the most popular boardwalks and trails. I recommend staying inside of the park if you want to have more opportunities for sightseeing without the crowds.

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Protect yourself and the sights you plan to enjoy by following a few simple rules:
  • Never approach wildlife. The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. ...
  • Stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas. ...
  • Never feed wildlife. ...
  • Never park in the road or block traffic.


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Cody. Cody, Wyoming is the nearest town to Yellowstone National Park on the east side, about 50 miles from the entrance.

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When booking, weekdays, especially midweek, are usually less busy than weekends. The busiest months in Yellowstone are July and August. July 2021 was Yellowstone's single busiest month ever with over one million visitors.

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You can tour Yellowstone on your own, but if you download the GuideAlong (previously GyPSy Guide) app, you'll get an insider's perspective of the park without having to go on a tour. It's like having your own guide in the car with you.

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Our Locations. Yellowstone Park Service Stations has seven locations in the Park with over 80 seasonal employees. Yellowstone Park Service Stations, Inc. (YPSS) operates seven convenience store/fuel facilities, four automotive repair shops and a central office/warehouse in Yellowstone National Park.

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