Yellowstone is a national treasure and a must-visit. It's the first national park in the United States and has some of the most fascinating geological features and wildlife in the country all within the park. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see bison everywhere, but the other wildlife is a bit more rare to see, but we saw lots! In total we saw a black bear, a grizzly mama bear with three cubs, a moose, elks with one baby, a fox, pronghorns, prairie dogs, and loads of bison (including very up close views as they walked in front of our car). The land is incredibly diverse with geysers, colorful hot springs, waterfalls, rivers, canyons, and gorgeous valleys that are home to all the thriving wildlife, all sitting on top of a massive supervolcano. We couldn't believe the vast difference of landscape within an hour drive from one spot to the next. I've never seen anything like it.
For anyone looking to plan a trip, we went in spring (early June) and loved it for many reasons. The mornings were cold and crisp but warmed up by mid day without being too hot. Waterfalls are usually heaviest in the springtime due to the recent / ongoing snowmelt. And our favorite perk, there were a lot of baby animals. Crowds weren't too shabby either, they really pick up in the summer when kids are out of school.
Highlights: Old Faithful Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Castle Geyser, Biscuit Basin Geyser, Morning Glory Pool, Blue Star Spring, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lower Geyser Basin, Gibbon Falls, Artist Paintpots, Steamboat Geyser, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, Inspiration Point, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River, Artist Point, Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, West Thumb, Madison River
Where we stayed (and would stay again): Flat Creek Inn, Old Faithful Inn, Canyon Lodge
In honor of Grizzly 399's life, I'm adding the below in 2024. RIP mighty mother and Queen of the Tetons.
Please always be responsible when visiting national parks for the safety of wildlife and others. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles and drive slowly and vigilantly.
