Why go
Yellowstone is not just a national park – it's a natural wonder. As the world's first national park, it has been attracting visitors for over 150 years with geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, canyons and one of North America's most impressive wildlife.
But that's exactly why many visitors make the same mistake: they try to see everything in one or two days, resulting in long driving times, crowded parking spaces and stress.
We recommend the opposite. Yellowstone unfolds its true beauty when you take your time. Start early, stay in the park until sunset and treat yourself to spontaneous stops. Exactly then the most beautiful memories emerge.
At a glance
Category | Information
Establishment | 1872
Area | ca. 8-983 km2
State | Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Ideal stay | 4–6 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Animal observations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Geothermal energy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Old Faithful
Probably the most famous geyser in the world breaks out about every 60 to 110 minutes and throws a water fountain up to 55 meters high into the sky.
Insider tip
Many visitors leave Old Faithful immediately after the eruption. The most beautiful part often only begins afterwards.
The 2.5 km long Upper Geyser Basin Loop leads to numerous other geysers, hot springs and colourful thermal pools. Just a few minutes from the main square it becomes much quieter. Also experienced Yellowstone visitors recommend this circular route time and again as one of the most beautiful ways to experience the area.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot source in the USA impresses with its intense blue, green, yellow and orange tones.
Photo Tip
The famous aerial photos are not made by the boardwalk, but by the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail.
The short walk takes only about 20 minutes and offers the most beautiful view over the entire source.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Yellowstone River has cut deep into the rock for thousands of years, creating a spectacular canyon.
Highlights:
Upper Falls
Lower Falls
Artist Point
Lookout Point
Inspiration Point
Especially in the morning fog is often over the canyon and provides an impressive atmosphere.
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley is considered one of the best areas in North America for wildlife observation.
With a little patience you can discover:
Wolves
Grizzly bears
Black bears
Coyotes
Bisons
Moose
Forklifts
Best time
Shortly after sunrise.
Many wildlife photographers are on their way before six o'clock in the morning.
Hayden Valley
A little more southerly than Lamar Valley, but also excellent for animal observations.
Here one meets especially often large bison herds.
Mammoth Hot Springs
The white limestone terraces are completely different from all the other landscapes in the park.
A walk over the wooden steps is especially worthwhile in the early morning.
Norris Geyser Basin
The most hot and dynamic thermal area of the park.
Here is also the Steamboat Geyser – the highest active geyser in the world.
Things to do
Walk to the Grand Prismatic Overlook
Upper Geyser Basin Loop
Artist Point
Fairy Falls Trail
Boat trip on Yellowstone Lake
Ranger programmes (summer)
Watching the Starry Sky
Shopping
The small general stores in the park offer:
Food
Beverages
souvenirs
Camping equipment
For larger purchases, however, you should already check in:
West Yellowstone
Gardiners
Cody
Jackson
The Commission's proposal is to be adopted by the Council.
Old Faithful Inn Dining Room
A classic with a unique atmosphere.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
A bit upscale and with stunning views of Yellowstone Lake.
Mammoth Terrace Grill
Ideal for a quick lunch break.
Canyon Lodge Eatery
Large selection and good quality.
Fishing Bridge RV Park
The only campsite in Yellowstone National Park with full hook-ups.
Perfect for Fifth Wheels.
Reservations should be made as many months in advance as possible.
Madison Campground
Central location.
Ideal as a starting point for:
Old Faithful
Grand Prismatic
Norris
RV travelers especially praise the convenient location within the park.
Grant Village Campground
Perfect for the southern park area.
Important: There are no power connections – a point that many RV travelers will only notice on site.
Baker's Hole Campground
Just a few minutes outside the west entrance.
A popular insider tip among campers with pitches on the Madison River.
RV tip
Most experienced RV travellers recommend not to spend the entire stay on a single campsite. Two different locations significantly reduce daily driving times and make your visit much more relaxed.
Insider tip
Start your day at 7:00 a.m. or stay in the park until evening. Between 10:00 and 16:00 there is the biggest crowd of visitors.
Photo Tip
Many of the most beautiful photos are made shortly after sunrise, when steam rises above the thermal pool and the light is particularly soft.
Avoid frequent errors
Don't underestimate driving times.
Never stop to feed or get too close to wildlife.
Plan enough time for spontaneous animal observation.
Reserve campgrounds as early as possible – many places are booked months in advance.
Our recommendation
Yellowstone is not a park that you simply -abhakt. Those who only visit the most famous sights often miss the best.
Sit at the edge of Lamar Valley early in the morning and watch how slowly fog moves over the meadows. Walk a little further after Old Faithful when most visitors are already sitting in their car again. Stop spontaneously at a small thermal area that does not appear on any brochure on the front page.
These quiet moments make Yellowstone a place that many travelers will never forget for a lifetime, and this is exactly why we recommend dedicating at least four to six days to this extraordinary national park.