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Travel Notes: Yellowstone National Park.

Michele Underwood

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Entrance Sign

What is Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone is a supervolcano that erupted years ago. The reason we have all the beautiful geothermal activity is that below the ground is hot liquid magma. Today, the Yellowstone caldera is a giant 640,000 thousand-year-old divet into the earth that measures 45 miles by 35 miles. This is the last time scientists believe there was an explosion. There have been three over time. This is neat when you visit because it is outlined, and you are in it at some point while there.

Today, the landscape is so untouched you get a feel of what the West was like before man-made things. You see what it may have been like to travel across the West via a horse and carriage and the terrain obstacles they encountered.

Yellowstone - West Thumb Geyser Basin

The History of Yellowstone National Park.

For over 10,000 years, Native Americans lived here. Before the white man inhabited the area, the Native Americans thrived here, hunting and fishing, and using the thermal features for religious and medicinal purposes. The land's first protectors were the Native Americans.

In the 1800s, trappers discovered this land with all its natural wonders but were dismissed until 1869. At that time, the government took an interest in grand illusions and stories and sent expeditions.

It wasn't until the Hayden Expedition did the government take the hearings more seriously. The tall tales ended with paintings from William Henry Jackson and photographs from Thomas Moron. From here, Yellowstone started moving toward becoming the world's first national park.

Yellowstone River

Why Visit Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park is one of the world's best geologic and hyperthermal features, with a diverse wildlife group inhabiting its 2.2 million acres. It is more significant than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. To help preserve this natural wonder, on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the world's first national park. Wyoming was not even a state at the time.

Map of Yellowstone National Park

How Much Does it Cost to Enter Yellowstone National Park?

The park is not free to enter. The fee helps maintain the park. 80% of the fee goes to fund projects, giving you more to experience.

East Entrance: I hope you get this Ranger.

We couldn't ask for a better Park Ranger to be at our entry point.

A seven-day pass for a car costs $35.00. From there, the fee goes up on the size of the vehicle. It's not bad for all that Yellowstone has to offer.

Pro Tip: Purchase your pass in advance.

You can also purchase the United States National Park Pass, officially known as the "America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass," which provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and more. This pass is cost-effective for individuals and families entering multiple parks yearly. We purchased this option and used it quite a lot. The cost is $80.00. Learn more about the National Park Pass and buy it here.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone is the most iconic national park, with many options for your stay. Here are a few to consider, from the historical to the outdoors.

Hotels, Lodges, Inns, and Cabins

Since Yellowstone is the first national park, it has some of the most historic and iconic places to stay. Expect these options to be on the upper price scale, and they will be booked out a year in advance.

  • Old Faithful Inn: A National Historic site built in 1904 with local stone and logs, offering a nostalgic return upon check-in. There are no modern amenities like a TV and air conditioning. Learn more.

  • Lake Yellowstone Hotel: This classic colonial-style hotel, renovated in 2014, was made a National Historical Marker in 2015 and features stunning interior architecture. To learn more about Lake Yellowstone Hotel, visit here.

  • Lake Lodge Cabins: Situated on Yellowstone Lake, these cabins offer a log cabin feel with a giant porch for viewing. To learn more about Lake Lodge Cabins, visit here.

  • Old Faithful Snow Lodge: This newest lodging option, built-in 1999, is ideal for Winter escapes. It has fireplaces and ski trails. To learn more about Old Faithful Snow Lodge, visit here.

  • Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Built in 1936 and recently renovated, offering both summer and winter accommodation. To learn more about Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, visit here.

  • Canyon Lodge & Cabins is the most extensive accommodation in the park, and with that comes people. Knowing that you will not be in the quietest part of the park. However, the location is fantastic. To learn more about this hotel, visit here.

  • Grant Village: Conveniently located between Yellowstone Park and Grand Teton. To learn more about Grant Village, visit here.

  • Old Faithful Lodge Cabins: This newest lodging option, built in 1999, is ideal for Winter escapes. It features fireplaces and ski trails. To learn more about the lodge, visit here.

  • Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins: Historic cabins in a picturesque valley provide a peaceful escape. To learn more about the Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins, visit here.

Campgrounds & RV Parks

Camping is an affordable option with first-class access to the Yellowstone experience. Below are all the great places to perch your tent or ground your RV.

  • Bridge Bay Campground: Located along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, offering stunning lake views and easy access to hiking trails. We stayed here, and it was great. Please read our article Review: Bridge Bay Campground to learn more.

  • Canyon Campground: Nestled among tall pines near Yellowstone's Grand Canyon, ideal for exploring the park's geological wonders. Please read our article Review of Canyon Campground to learn more about Canyon Campground.

To learn more about tent camping in Yellowstone National Park, read our article on the Ten Best Tent Campgrounds in Yellowstone.

Exploring Yellowstone National Park Safely: Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Visit.

Yellowstone is a wonderland of amazingness with wildlife and geothermal features brought to us by a supervolcano right below your feet. When exploring Yellowstone National Park, ensuring safety is paramount for an enjoyable visit. It is all about respect and understanding the Parks guidelines.

Why You Shouldn’t Touch Geothermal Features.

  • The Yellowstone supervolcano is a hotspot volcano where a mantle plume—a column of hot rock rising from deep within the Earth—reaches the Earth's crust. Magma generated by this plume rises towards the surface, occasionally leading to volcanic eruptions.

  • The park's geothermal activity is a visible manifestation of the intense heat from the subsurface magma. It's both excellent and scary.

  • Bottom line: It is super hot.

Safety signs and tips for visitors in Yellowstone National Park.

Protecting Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Features.

  • Direct human contact with geysers and pools in Yellowstone can harm the ecological structure of these geothermal features.

  • Stay on Designated Trails and Boardwalks: Protect yourself and the geothermal features by following established paths.

  • Wildlife Safety: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, carry bear spray, make noise in bear country, and follow guidelines for wildlife viewing.

  • Pro Tip: Make sure you test it away from other people and don’t test it in a campground.

  • Weather Awareness: Check weather conditions and be prepared for varying weather during your visit.

  • Stay Informed: Stay updated on park regulations, guidelines, and relevant park updates.

  • Respect Park Regulations: Adhere to park rules, dispose of trash properly, and contribute to preserving the park's natural beauty.

How to Get Around Yellowstone National Park.

There are so many natural and beautiful things to see in Yellowstone. Remember, Yellowstone sits on top of a supervolcano that created and continues to make all the features like Old Faithful, mud pots, hot springs, and more, not to mention the abundance of wildlife that wonders throughout the park, even the roads.

You will need a car in the park to get around. There are no taxis or Ubers.

It took us all day and then some to see the lower loop. We spent a whole day just seeing the east side of the lower loop and our second day on the left side of the lower loop. We recommend Guide Along to help you navigate and learn about the different sites. It also gives you a history lesson along the drive. We used the app and loved it.

It takes 2.5 hours to drive each loop without stopping. There is a light speed through the park to protect the wildlife. No speeding.

Once you pay your entrance pass fee, there is no fee to see the attractions.

Top Attractions in Yellowstone National Park Lower Loop.

Erupting Old Faithful geyser and surrounding geyser basin.

  • Old Faithful Geyser: It is one of the most famous geysers in the world, known for its regular eruptions.

    • Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the rest of Upper Geyser Basin with thirty-one more features.

Vibrant rainbow-colored waters of Grand Prismatic Spring in Midway Geyser Basin.

  • Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the United States, known for its vibrant, rainbow-colored waters.

    • Located in the Midway Geyser Basin.

    • Grand Prismatic Spring includes impressive geothermal features like an Excelsior Geyser and a Turquoise Pool.

    • Pro Tip: Check out our video on Overland Girl’s YouTube channel, Take a Walk With Us Through Yellowstone’s Midway Geyser Basin.

  • Lower Geyser Basin: Home to Fountain Paint Pot, a bubbling and colorful mud pot.

    • Features geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.

  • Biscuit Basin: It features geysers, hot springs, and the Sapphire Pool, which is strikingly blue.

    • Close to the Old Faithful area.

  • West Thumb Geyser Basin: It is located on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, offering a unique combination of geothermal features and lakeside views.

Bison in Hayden Valley.

  • Hayden Valley: It extends into the Lower Loop and is a prime location for wildlife viewing, especially bison, elk, and grizzly bears.

  • Mud Volcano Area: It is known for its churning mud pots and Dragon's Mouth Spring, which produces a constant roaring sound.

  • Sulphur Caldron: A striking, highly acidic hot spring with vivid, ever-changing colors.

    • Be prepared for an unpleasant smell.

  • Fishing Bridge Area: It offers access to the Yellowstone River and is known for its historic Fishing Bridge, famous for angling.

    • There is a great shop there too. This shop was my favorite of all of them.

    • Gas station.

Overlooking Fishing Bridge.

Top Attractions in Yellowstone National Park Upper Loop.

  • Mammoth Hot Springs: Terraces of travertine formations.

    • Unique geothermal features.

  • Norris Geyser Basin: Home to Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser.

    • A variety of geothermal features and hot springs.

  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Upper and Lower Falls. The Lower Falls is a dramatic 308-foot waterfall in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

    • The Upper Falls is another impressive waterfall upstream.

    • Spectacular viewpoints like Artist Point and Inspiration Point. Artist Point offers one of the most iconic views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, with the Lower Falls as the centerpiece.

  • Tower Fall: A 132-foot waterfall cascades into Tower Creek.

    • Accessible via a short hike from the parking area.

  • Roosevelt Arch: This iconic stone arch is at the park's north entrance.

    • Historical significance as the original entrance to Yellowstone.

  • Lamar Valley: Known as the "Serengeti of North America" for its rich wildlife population.

    • Famous for wolf-watching and spotting herds of elk and bison.

  • Calcite Springs Overlook: Offers stunning views of the Yellowstone River and its deep canyon.

    • Great for photography.

  • Mount Washburn: It is a popular hiking destination with panoramic park views.

    • Opportunities for wildlife sightings along the trail.

  • Tower-Roosevelt Area: Canyons, waterfalls, and a historic ranger station.

    • Access to the northern part of the park and the Lamar Valley.

  • Dunraven Pass: High mountain pass with scenic views.

    • Connects Canyon Village to Tower-Roosevelt.

  • Blacktail Plateau Drive: A one-way scenic drive with opportunities for wildlife viewing.

    • Closed in winter.

  • Specimen Ridge: Unique fossil beds and geological formations.

    • Offers a glimpse into Yellowstone's ancient past.

The Hidden Gems in Yellowstone National Park.

You might miss a few enjoyable things that you might enjoy if you are not in the know. Below are our favorites.

Huckleberry Ice Cream: A must-try. You can find it at most general stores like The Old Faithful Inn and Canyon Village.

The General Stores Throughout Yellowstone are great places to stop in. They sell local goods, great souvenirs, and a gas station.

Get a Passport Stamp Book: I didn't know about these until we saw them in one of the General Stores. But, they are fun even as an adult. Each visitor center has an individual stamp for that attraction with the date on it. Old Faithful has a unique stamp behind the counter. Ask them for it, and you can get a unique stamp from the old days. They are a lot of fun for adults and children. They do sell them at most National Parks. What most National Parks don’t have are the stickers. I recommend ordering those in advance so that you can stamp over them. You can purchase the book and stickers here.

Passport Stamp Book

How Not to Miss Things in Yellowstone.

Guide Along tours are a great tool to have. I can't tell you the small details our car tour guide told us along the way. It also breaks up the time between driving to attractions. The guide showed us off-the-beaten path things that we may not have seen had it not been for the Guide Along.

Conclusion: Yellowstone National Park is a Must-Visit.

Yellowstone was far beyond my expectations. It is indeed a unique place in our world. It is impossible to see it all in a week. And remember, look and enjoy the wildlife, but keep your distance. Some of the best sites we saw were not the typical ones.

Check Out Our Other Blogs and YouTube Videos on Yellowstone.