Hot Spring in Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Top Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the US.

The park is home to various scenic attractions, including the geothermal features for which it is best known.

Yellowstone is home to more than 500 geysers, hot springs, and the world’s tallest active geyser.

The park also contains several large waterfalls, including the iconic Yellowstone Falls.

Yellowstone attracts more than four million visitors yearly, with so much to see and do.

If you are planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park, then read on for some of the best things to do there.

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Nestled in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the park’s most iconic and popular attractions.

It is over 370 feet wide and 160 feet deep, making it one of the largest hot springs in the world.

Grand Prismatic Spring
Aerial view of Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin

It’s also one of the most photogenic, thanks to its vibrant colors.

These colors are created by thermophilic bacteria that thrive in hot water.

You can best appreciate the beauty of the Grand Prismatic from one of the many overlooks surrounding it.

Get Wet in Yellowstone Falls

Yellowstone Falls is a series of waterfalls located in Yellowstone National Park.

The Falls are located on the Yellowstone River and consist of Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and a series of rapids.

upper falls yellowstone falls

The Upper Falls is the tallest, at 109 feet high. Combined, the Falls has a total drop of more than 500 feet.

The falls are a popular tourist destination, and several viewing platforms and trails offer views of the falls and the river below.

The falls are also a popular spot for photographers, as they provide an opportunity to capture the beauty of Yellowstone National Park in all its glory.

Spend a Day at Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is a beautiful natural wonder located in Yellowstone National Park.

The valley is home to abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorn, and grey wolves.

lamar valey Yellowstone national park

You can often see these animals in their natural habitat, creating a unique experience.

In addition to its rich wildlife, Lamar Valley also boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Pay a Visit to Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful Geyser is one of the most popular attractions at Yellowstone National Park.

On an average every 90 minutes, the geyser erupts, spraying boiling water as high as 184 feet into the air.

Although Old Faithful is not the largest or most regular geyser at Yellowstone, it is by far the most famous.

Faithful got its name from the early explorers and settlers amazed by its predictability.

In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Old Faithful is also an important scientific research site.

For years, scientists have studied the geyser to understand its inner workings better. Thanks to these studies, we now know that Old Faithful is powered by a heat source deep below ground.

Although we still have much to learn about Old Faithful, we can visit it to appreciate its unique beauty and power.

Explore Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone National Park’s hottest and most changeable thermal area.

It is also the site of the world’s tallest active geyser, Steamboat.

Norris is the busiest geyser basin in Yellowstone due to its proximity to the road and geysers that erupt frequently.

Hot Spring in Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park

From mid-June to early September, rangers give free talks and demonstrations at least once daily.

Norris is also a popular destination for night walks during the summer because several of its geysers light up with bioluminescent bacteria when they erupt at night.

Visit the Yellowstone Lake

Less than 10,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption formed what is now Yellowstone National Park.

The resulting caldera is more than 30 miles across and is one of the world’s largest.

Today, the caldera is filled with a large lake called Yellowstone Lake.

yellowstone lake
Image Source: Yinan Chen, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It is one of North America’s largest large lakes, more than 7,700 feet above sea level. The lake is also one of the deepest, with a maximum depth of more than 400 feet.

Its clear waters are home to a diverse array of fish, including cutthroat trout, lake trout, and whitefish. So if you are looking for fishing opportunities, you must give Yellowstone lake a go!

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs & Minerva Terrace

Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs and travertine terraces formed by geothermal activity.

The terraces are composed of travertine, a type of limestone deposited by mineral-rich spring water.

The spring water is heated by geothermal heat, and as it flows over the travertine terraces, it deposits minerals. Over time, these deposits build up and form terraces.

mammoth hot springs

The Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces are some of the largest and most well-known in the world.

Minerva Terrace is one of the smaller terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs. It is named for Minerva Hoyt, an early conservationist who was instrumental in establishing national monuments like Yellowstone.

Minerva Terrace is less crowded than some other terraces, making it a good spot to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the springs.

Interact with Animals at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is one of the best places to see grizzly bears and wolves in their natural habitat.

The center provides a safe and accessible way for people to view these amazing animals.

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

The center offers a variety of programs and activities, such as educational programs, hikes, and ranger-led tours.

In addition, the center has a research program that studies the behavior and ecology of grizzlies and wolves.

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is an important part of Yellowstone National Park and a great place to learn about these amazing animals.

Spend a Day at Hayden Valley

Visiting Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park is an incredible experience.

The valley is home to bison, elk, deer, and bears.

The views are stunning, with mountains and forests all around.

Hayden valley yellowstone

The geothermal activity is fascinating, with hot springs and geysers dotting the landscape.

There are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities in the area, so visitors can get away from it all and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re interested in wildlife watching, photography, or just returning to nature, Hayden Valley is worth visiting.

Top Things to do in Yellowstone National Park: Conclusion

With so many interesting things to do in Yellowstone National Park, we are sure you will have a fabulous time.

We hope this short list has helped you plan for your visit.

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