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Yellowstone's Ultimate Week of Wonder

From Geysers to Grizzlies in America's First National Park

Trip Overview

This complete seven-day itinerary immerses you in the geothermal wonders, abundant wildlife, and impressive landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. Travelers will experience the iconic geyser basins, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, and the serene shores of Yellowstone Lake. The pace is moderate, blending scenic drives with manageable hikes and ample wildlife viewing. Highlights include witnessing Old Faithful's eruption, hiking the boardwalks of Norris Geyser Basin, marveling at the Lower Falls, and searching for wolves and bison in the park's vast wilderness. This plan is designed to showcase the park's incredible diversity while allowing time for spontaneous discovery.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$150-250 per day
Best Seasons
Late May to early October (Summer and Fall)
Ideal For
First-time visitors, Nature lovers, Wildlife ensoiasts, Photographers, Active couples or friends

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Geothermal Grandeur

West Entrance / Old Faithful Area
Enter the park and be immediately awed by the iconic geysers and hot springs of the Upper Geyser Basin.
Morning
Enter via West Yellowstone & Drive to Old Faithful
Enter the park at the West Entrance and drive the scenic route past the Madison River to the Old Faithful area. Stop at the Madison Information Station to pick up maps and check eruption predictions.
1.5-2 hours $35 (Park Entrance Fee)
Purchase the America the Beautiful Annual Pass online ahead of time if planning to visit other national parks.
Lunch
Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
American Deli (Sandwiches, Salads) Mid-range
Afternoon
Upper Geyser Basin & Old Faithful
Watch an eruption of Old Faithful from the viewing area. Then, explore the boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin to see Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, and the impressive colors of the Morning Glory Pool. Visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.
3-4 hours $0
Check the posted eruption times for Old Faithful at the visitor center; it erupts roughly every 90 minutes.
Evening
Dinner & Historic Ambiance
Dine in the historic Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, followed by stargazing from the geyser basin boardwalks.

Where to Stay Tonight

Old Faithful Village (Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins)

Well situated to experience multiple geyser eruptions at dawn and dusk without long drives.

For a less crowded Old Faithful view, walk a short distance down the boardwalk towards Geyser Hill instead of staying in the main bleacher area.
Day 1 Budget: $210
2

Norris & Mammoth's Thermal Treasures

Norris Geyser Basin & Mammoth Hot Springs
Explore the park's hottest and most dynamic thermal area before witnessing the travertine terraces of Mammoth.
Morning
Norris Geyser Basin
Drive north to the Norris Geyser Basin. Hike both the Back Basin and Porcelain Basin loops. This is the park's hottest and most acidic thermal area, home to Steamboat Geyser (world's tallest) and the energetic, bubbling pools of the Porcelain Basin.
2.5-3 hours $0
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Lunch
Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room (en route)
Western/American (Bison burgers, chili) Mid-range
Afternoon
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Continue north to Mammoth Hot Springs. Walk the boardwalks around the Lower and Upper Terraces to see the impressive, ever-changing travertine formations like Minerva Terrace and Canary Spring. Visit the historic Fort Yellowstone buildings.
2 hours $0
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Evening
Dinner in Gardiner
Enjoy dinner at The Corral Drive-In in Gardiner, Montana, just outside the park's iconic North Entrance Arch.

Where to Stay Tonight

Mammoth Hot Springs (Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins)

Central location for exploring the northern range and a historic hub with elk often grazing on the lawns.

Visit the Mammoth Terraces in the late afternoon for beautiful golden light on the white travertine, and watch for elk that frequently congregate in the village.
Day 2 Budget: $195
3

Wildlife Safari in Lamar Valley

The Northern Range & Lamar Valley
A full day dedicated to spotting Yellowstone's iconic wildlife in America's Serengeti.
Morning
Dawn Wildlife Drive to Lamar Valley
Depart Mammoth before sunrise and drive east along the Northern Range road. Stop at pullouts like Blacktail Ponds and Hellroaring to scan for wildlife. Your destination is the expansive Lamar Valley, prime habitat for wolves, bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears.
3-4 hours $0 (Gas)
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Lunch
Picnic Lunch in Lamar Valley
Pack your own picnic supplies Budget
Afternoon
Hiking & Continued Wildlife Viewing
Take a moderate hike, such as the Trout Lake Trail (1.2-mile loop) to potentially see river otters, or continue wildlife viewing from pullouts like the Lamar River Bridge. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe distant wolf packs or bear activity.
3 hours $0
For expert guidance, consider booking a wolf-watching tour with a park-approved guide service months in advance.
Evening
Return & Relax
Grab a casual dinner at the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room and relax, recounting the day's wildlife sightings.

Where to Stay Tonight

Mammoth Hot Springs (Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins)

Allows for an early start into the Lamar Valley and a comfortable return after a long day.

Join a group of wildlife watchers at a popular pullout in Lamar Valley at dawn. They often share spotting scopes and knowledge about recent wolf pack movements.
Day 3 Budget: $165
4

The Grand Canyon & Hayden Valley

Canyon Village & Hayden Valley
Behold the power of the Yellowstone River at the Grand Canyon and watch for wildlife in the Hayden Valley.
Morning
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - South Rim
Drive south from Mammoth to Canyon Village. Hike the South Rim Trail to Artist Point for the iconic, unobstructed views of the Lower Falls and the multicolored canyon walls. Continue to Uncle Tom's Trail for a strenuous descent closer to the falls.
2.5-3 hours $0
Parking at Artist Point fills quickly; arrive early or use the Canyon Village shuttle.
Lunch
Canyon Lodge Eatery
Cafeteria-style American Budget
Afternoon
Hayden Valley Wildlife Drive
Drive slowly south through the Hayden Valley, a major wildlife corridor. Stop at pullouts to scan for bison herds, grizzlies on the distant hills, and waterfowl in the Yellowstone River. The Mud Volcano area is a short, smelly, and fascinating boardwalk loop through bubbling mud pots.
2-3 hours $0 (Gas)
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Evening
Dinner & Evening at Lake
Have dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room, famous for its sunroom views, and watch the sunset over the lake.

Where to Stay Tonight

Lake Yellowstone (Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins)

A classic, elegant hotel with impressive lakefront views, well positioned for tomorrow's adventures.

For a different perspective of the Lower Falls, drive to the North Rim and take the short, paved trail to Brink of the Lower Falls, where you can feel the thunderous power of the water.
Day 4 Budget: $220
5

Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb

West Thumb Geyser Basin & Lake Area
Experience the vastness of Yellowstone Lake and explore unique lakeside geothermal features.
Morning
Yellowstone Lake Scenic Cruise or Kayak
Take a one-hour scenic cruise on the Lake Queen II from Bridge Bay Marina to learn about the lake's history and geology. Alternatively, rent a kayak for a peaceful paddle along the shoreline (weather permitting).
1.5-2 hours $18 (Cruise) / $40 (Kayak Rental)
Book the scenic cruise online in advance, for morning time slots.
Lunch
Lake Hotel Deli
Deli Sandwiches & Salads Mid-range
Afternoon
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Drive south to the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Walk the boardwalk where geothermal pools like the Abyss Pool and Black Pool sit right on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. See the famous Fishing Cone, where anglers once cooked their catch in the hot spring.
1-1.5 hours $0
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Evening
Leisurely Evening & Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the Wylie's Canteen at Lake Lodge, then take a stroll along the lakefront near the hotel.

Where to Stay Tonight

Lake Yellowstone (Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins)

Second night allows for a more relaxed pace to enjoy the lake activities and amenities.

After visiting West Thumb, take the short drive to the nearby Lake Overlook on the Grant Village road for a panoramic, elevated view of the entire lake.
Day 5 Budget: $195
6

Fountain Paint Pot & Geyser Gazing

Lower Geyser Basin & Midway Geyser Basin
Return to the geyser country to explore more diverse and colorful thermal areas.
Morning
Fountain Paint Pot & Firehole Lake Drive
Drive west from Lake to the Lower Geyser Basin. Walk the Fountain Paint Pot trail to see all four types of thermal features: geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Then, take the one-way Firehole Lake Drive to see Great Fountain Geyser and White Dome Geyser.
2.5 hours $0
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Lunch
Old Faithful Lodge Bake Shop
Pizza, Sandwiches, Pastries Budget
Afternoon
Midway Geyser Basin
Visit the compact but spectacular Midway Geyser Basin. Walk the boardwalk over the Firehole River to see the enormous Grand Prismatic Spring, with its impressive rainbow colors, and the deep blue Excelsior Geyser Crater.
1 hour $0
For the best view of Grand Prismatic's colors, hike the nearby Grand Prismatic Overlook trail (separate Fairy Falls trailhead).
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Splurge on a final dinner at the Obsidian Dining Room at the Snow Lodge, celebrating a week of wonders.

Where to Stay Tonight

Old Faithful Village (Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins)

Returns you to the park's most iconic area for a final night, convenient for departure or last-minute geyser viewing.

Visit Midway Geyser Basin on a cool, sunny morning or late afternoon to see Grand Prismatic's steam minimize and its intense colors shine through most vividly.
Day 6 Budget: $205
7

Final Eruptions & Departure

Old Faithful Area / West Exit
Catch a final geyser show and browse for souvenirs before saying goodbye to Yellowstone.
Morning
One Last Geyser & Visitor Center
Watch a final eruption of Old Faithful. Then, spend time at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center's excellent interactive exhibits to deepen your understanding of the park's geology and ecology. Browse the historic photographs.
2 hours $0
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Lunch
Geyser Grill at Old Faithful
Fast Food (Burgers, Chicken) Budget
Afternoon
Souvenir Shopping & Departure
Pick up last-minute souvenirs, books, or gifts at the Hamilton General Store or the Obsidian Gallery. Then, begin your drive out of the park via the West Entrance towards West Yellowstone, Idaho.
1-2 hours Varies
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Evening
Departure / Travel On
Have a farewell dinner in the town of West Yellowstone before continuing your journey home or to your next destination.

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (Departure) (N/A)

Itinerary concludes with departure from the park.

Fill up your gas tank in West Yellowstone (outside the park) before or after your trip, as fuel is significantly more expensive inside Yellowstone.
Day 7 Budget: $80

Practical Information

Getting Around

A personal vehicle is essential for this itinerary. Distances are significant, and having your own car allows for flexibility with wildlife stops, hiking trailheads, and managing time. The park's Grand Loop Road connects all major areas. Be prepared for frequent 'wildlife jams' and slow travel. Gas is available at Mammoth, Old Faithful, Canyon, Grant Village, and Tower Junction, but it's expensive.

Book Ahead

Lodging inside the park (Old Faithful Inn, Lake Hotel, etc.) must be booked 12-6 months in advance, for summer. Reserve rental cars and flights to nearby airports (Bozeman, Jackson Hole) early. Book any guided tours (wolf watching, lake cruise) several weeks ahead.

Packing Essentials

Layered clothing (temperatures vary widely), waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, binoculars, sunscreen, bear spray (can be rented), reusable water bottles, camera, power bank, and a cooler for picnic supplies.

Total Budget

$1270 (Estimated total for 7 days, excluding flights to/from the region)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in campgrounds (reserve sites 6 months in advance) or lodging in gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Gardiner. Cook most meals using campground facilities or a camp stove. Focus on free activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and visiting geyser basins. Skip paid tours and cruises.

Luxury Upgrade

Upgrade to premium rooms or suites in the historic Old Faithful Inn or Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Book private guided wildlife tours with expert naturalists. Enjoy fine dining every night in the park's best restaurants. Add a scenic flight or helicopter tour over the park for a impressive aerial perspective.

Family-Friendly

Focus on shorter, boardwalk-based hikes (Norris, Mammoth, West Thumb). Prioritize wildlife viewing from the car. Stay at lodges with swimming pools (like the Snow Lodge). Participate in the Junior Ranger program available at all visitor centers. Plan frequent picnic lunches at scenic spots to let kids run around.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Yellowstone National Park

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Yellowstone National Park

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Yellowstone National Park

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Yellowstone National Park

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