Yellowstone Insider Your Complete Guide to America's First National Park
Day One
Geysers: The first day involves very little driving and quite a bit of walking – the only way most of the geysers and other hydrothermal features can be seen. The itinerary allows for the waits that are almost always necessary to see geyser eruptions.
| (Drive to Old Faithful) | Add time |
| Old Faithful (eruption + Visitor Center) | 90 min. |
| Old Faithful Inn | 15 min. |
| Firehole River Walk (several major geysers) | 90 min. |
| Lunch | 30 min. |
| (Drive — Black Sand Geyser Basin, 2 miles) | 5 min. |
| Black Sand Geyser Basin Walk | 20 min. |
| (Drive — Midway Geyser Basin, 5 miles) | 10 min. |
| Midway Geyser Basin Walk | 30 min. |
| (Drive — Lower Geyser Basin, 5 miles) | 10 min. |
| Lower Geyser Basin: Firehole Lake Drive | 20 min. |
| Lower Geyser Basin: Fountain Paint Pot | 45 min. |
|
Approximate Total Time |
6 hours |
| (Return Drive) | Add time |
Day Two
The Northern Loop itinerary includes many different kinds of hydrothermal features, as both Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Hot Springs are geologically unusual. From Mammoth the route travels the Northern Loop across the Blacktail Plateau and the lower Northern Range. This is rugged sagebrush country, home to many animals. During early season (May-June) a side trip of about thirty miles out and back on the Northeast Entrance Road to the Lamar Valley is highly recommended for those interested in seeing bison, elk, antelope, and possibly wolves. The route joins the Yellowstone River canyon at Sulphur Springs, then climbs steeply to Dunraven Pass on Mount Washburn (true alpine country). The day ends at Canyon Village and the new Canyon Visitor Center, which provides an excellent overview of the geology of Yellowstone.
| (Drive to Norris Geyser Basin) | Add time |
| Norris Geyser Basin: Porcelain Basin Walk | 45 min. |
| Norris Geyser Basin: Steamboat Geyser | 15 min. |
| (Drive — Mammoth Hot Springs, 20 miles) | 30 min. |
| Mammoth: Upper Terrace Drive | 30 min. |
| Mammoth: Lower Terrace Walk | 20 min. |
| Lunch | 30 min. |
| (Drive – -Tower/Roosevelt Junction, 18 miles) | 30 min. |
| Sulphur Springs Overlook | 30 min. |
| (Drive – Dunraven Pass, 10 miles) | 20 min. |
| (Drive – Canyon Village, 7 miles) | 15 min. |
| Canyon Village: Canyon Visitor Center | 30 min. |
|
Approximate Total Time |
5 hours |
| (Return drive) | Add time |
Day Three
-Day Three returns to the Canyon Area to see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone by morning light, and then continues through Hayden Valley, where bison and other animals can often be seen in the hills and along the river. Hayden Valley has two other stops: the unusual Mud Volcano Area, and a quick jaunt down the Le Hardy Rapids Walk. Just down the road, Fishing Bridge or Lake Village provide good locations for lunch with a view. Then it’s on to West Thumb Geyser Basin for a leisurely walk among geysers on the lake shore. This is a relatively short day, which leaves plenty of time for side trips or a nap on the beach.
| (Drive to Canyon Village) | Add time |
| Canyon: North Rim Drive, several points | 45 min. |
| Canyon: South Rim Drive, several points | 30 min. |
| (Drive — Hayden Valley, 4 miles) | 10 min. |
| Hayden Valley: Overlooks, bison herd | 15 min. |
| Mud Volcano Area: Mud Volcano Walk | 30 min. |
| Le Hardy Rapids: Le Hardy Rapids Walk | 15 min. |
| (Drive — Fishing Bridge or Lake Village, 3 mi.) | 10 min. |
| Lunch | 30 min. |
| (Drive — West Thumb Geyser Basin, 21 miles) | 30 min. |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk | 30 min. |
|
Approximate Total Time |
5 hours |
| (Return drive) | Add time |
