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Seven Days of Yellowstone Wonders

From Geysers to Canyons in America's First National Park

Trip Overview

Experience the full majesty of Yellowstone National Park in this comprehensive week-long adventure. This itinerary takes you through all major regions of the park, from the iconic geothermal features of the Upper Geyser Basin to the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You'll witness erupting geysers, colorful hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The pace balances active exploration with time to absorb the park's natural beauty. Each day focuses on a different area, minimizing drive time while maximizing your experience of Yellowstone's geological wonders. You'll cover approximately 200 miles of scenic roads, hike accessible trails, and stay in strategic locations that put you close to sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities. This itinerary includes all must-see attractions while leaving room for spontaneous wildlife viewing and personal discovery.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$200-300 per day
Best Seasons
Late May through September (roads fully open); June for wildflowers; September for fewer crowds and wildlife activity
Ideal For
First-time visitors, Nature enthusiasts, Photography lovers, Wildlife watchers, Geology enthusiasts, Active families

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Mammoth Country

Mammoth Hot Springs area
Enter through the North Entrance and explore the park's historic headquarters and stunning travertine terraces.
Morning
Enter Yellowstone and visit Mammoth Hot Springs
Drive through the iconic Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance and head to Mammoth Hot Springs. Begin at the Lower Terraces boardwalk to see the cascading travertine formations, including Liberty Cap, a 37-foot dormant hot spring cone. The white and orange terraces are constantly changing as mineral-laden water reshapes the landscape. Walk the boardwalks at your own pace, capturing photos of these unique geological formations.
3-4 hours $35 (park entrance fee for 7 days)
Purchase your park pass online in advance to save time at the entrance station
Lunch
Dining room near park headquarters with views of historic fort buildings
American casual Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Upper Terraces and Canary Spring
Drive the Upper Terraces Loop Road for different perspectives of the thermal features. Stop at Canary Spring to see vibrant yellow and orange microbial mats. Visit the historic Fort Yellowstone area and learn about the park's early military administration. Keep your eyes open for elk that frequently graze on the lawns around the buildings. The afternoon light is excellent for photography of the terraces.
2-3 hours $0
Evening
Wildlife watching and dinner
Drive toward Tower Junction at dusk for potential wolf, bison, and pronghorn sightings in the Lamar Valley direction. Return for dinner at a casual restaurant in the Mammoth area.

Where to Stay Tonight

Mammoth Hot Springs area (Lodge or cabin near park headquarters)

Central location for exploring the northern section and easy access to early morning wildlife viewing

Visit the Albright Visitor Center to get oriented with park geology and pick up the latest wildlife sighting reports from rangers.
Day 1 Budget: $220-280
2

Waterfalls & Wildlife

Tower-Roosevelt area
Discover spectacular waterfalls and prime wildlife habitat in the park's northeast corner.
Morning
Tower Fall and surrounding area
Drive to Tower Fall, a stunning 132-foot waterfall that plunges into the Yellowstone River canyon. The short walk to the overlook provides spectacular views of the falls framed by volcanic pinnacles. The morning light illuminates the falls beautifully. After viewing the falls, explore the Tower Junction area, keeping watch for black bears that frequent the region. The surrounding forests and meadows offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
2-3 hours $0
Lunch
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic pullouts along the route
Packed lunch Budget
Afternoon
Drive to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Journey south to one of Yellowstone's most spectacular features. Stop at Lookout Point for your first breathtaking view of the canyon's golden walls and the Lower Falls. The canyon's yellow, orange, and red rock walls are stained by iron oxidation. Walk to Brink of the Upper Falls to stand at the edge where the Yellowstone River plunges 109 feet. The power and sound of the water is unforgettable from this vantage point.
3-4 hours $0
Evening
Sunset at canyon overlooks
Visit Inspiration Point for sunset views over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Dine at a restaurant in Canyon Village with hearty American fare.

Where to Stay Tonight

Canyon Village (Lodge in Canyon Village area)

Perfect base for exploring the canyon area and centrally located for the next day's journey south

The Brink of Lower Falls trail involves 328 steps down and back up, but the view of the 308-foot waterfall from the brink is worth every step.
Day 2 Budget: $180-240
3

Canyon Depths & Thermal Wonders

Canyon to Lake area
Complete your canyon exploration and journey south to Yellowstone Lake's thermal features.
Morning
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone exploration
Start early at Brink of Lower Falls for the strenuous but rewarding hike to the brink of the massive 308-foot waterfall. The trail descends into the canyon, offering unique perspectives of the falls' power. Return to your vehicle and drive to Upper Falls View for a different perspective. The morning light creates rainbows in the mist. Complete your canyon experience with stops at multiple overlooks along the North and South Rim drives.
3-4 hours $0
Lunch
Casual eatery in Canyon Village with grab-and-go options
American casual Budget
Afternoon
Mud Volcano area exploration
Drive south along Yellowstone Lake to the Mud Volcano area, where you'll experience some of the park's most dynamic thermal features. Walk the boardwalk past Dragon's Mouth Spring, where steam and water surge from a cave-like opening with roaring sounds. Visit Mud Volcano itself and the churning, acidic pools. The sulfurous smell is strong but the features are fascinating. Continue to the nearby Sulphur Caldron, one of the park's most acidic hot springs.
2-3 hours $0
Evening
Lakeside relaxation and dinner
Stroll along the shore of Yellowstone Lake, watching for waterfowl and enjoying the mountain views. Dinner at a lakeside dining room with views of North America's largest high-elevation lake.

Where to Stay Tonight

Lake Village or Fishing Bridge area (Historic lakeside lodge or cabin)

Positioned perfectly for exploring Yellowstone Lake and convenient for tomorrow's journey to the geyser basins

Visit Mud Volcano in early morning when steam is most dramatic in the cool air, and wildlife like bison often graze nearby.
Day 3 Budget: $190-250
4

Geothermal Spectacular

West Thumb to Old Faithful
Journey through lakeside geysers to the world's most famous thermal basin.
Morning
Thumb Geyser and West Thumb Geyser Basin
Explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin, where thermal features meet the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Walk the boardwalk loop past colorful hot springs, including the deep blue Abyss Pool and the lakeside Fishing Cone. The contrast of steaming geothermal features against the cold mountain lake is striking. The basin sits within a volcanic caldera that formed 150,000 years ago. Morning is ideal for photography as steam rises dramatically over the lake.
2 hours $0
Lunch
Pack a lunch to enjoy at a scenic pullout along the lake
Packed lunch Budget
Afternoon
Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
Arrive at the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the world's largest concentration of geysers. Check the prediction time for Old Faithful at the visitor center, then explore the boardwalks to see other features before the eruption. Watch Old Faithful shoot 106-184 feet into the air during its 1.5-4 minute eruption. Walk to Morning Glory Pool, a beautiful hot spring known for its rainbow colors. Explore the extensive boardwalk system past dozens of geysers and hot springs.
4-5 hours $0
Check eruption predictions at the visitor center or online for Old Faithful and other predictable geysers
Evening
Evening geyser watching and dinner
Stay in the Upper Geyser Basin for evening eruptions when crowds thin. Dine at the historic inn near Old Faithful, or choose casual options in the area.

Where to Stay Tonight

Old Faithful area (Historic lodge or modern cabin near Upper Geyser Basin)

Allows for sunrise and sunset geyser viewing when the basin is less crowded and steam is most dramatic

Wake up early and walk to Old Faithful before 7am for a crowd-free eruption experience with stunning morning light and steam.
Day 4 Budget: $210-280
5

Rainbow Springs & Hidden Gems

Midway and Lower Geyser Basins
Experience the park's most colorful thermal features and explore lesser-known geyser basins.
Morning
Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin
Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's largest hot spring and one of the most photographed features in the park. Walk the boardwalk around this 370-foot diameter pool to see its brilliant rainbow colors created by heat-loving bacteria. The vivid blues, greens, yellows, and oranges are most vibrant in summer. Visit Excelsior Geyser Crater, which discharges over 4,000 gallons of boiling water per minute into the Firehole River. Hike to the Grand Prismatic overlook trail for aerial views of the spring.
3-4 hours $0
Lunch
Riverside picnic area along the Firehole River
Packed lunch Budget
Afternoon
Black Sand Basin and Gibbon Falls
Explore Black Sand Basin, a smaller but beautiful thermal area with colorful pools and the emerald Emerald Pool. The obsidian sand gives the basin its name. Drive north along the Firehole River, stopping at Gibbon Falls, an 84-foot waterfall that drops over the edge of the Yellowstone Caldera. The falls are especially impressive in early summer when snowmelt increases water volume. The short walk from the parking area is easy and family-friendly.
2-3 hours $0
Evening
Return to Old Faithful area
Catch another Old Faithful eruption at sunset when the light is golden and crowds have dispersed. Dinner at a casual restaurant in the Old Faithful complex.

Where to Stay Tonight

Old Faithful area (Lodge or cabin near Upper Geyser Basin)

Second night allows for more geyser basin exploration and positions you for the next day's journey north

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring on a sunny, windless day for the best color visibility. Cloudy days make the colors appear muted, and wind can blow steam over the boardwalk.
Day 5 Budget: $180-240
6

Wildlife & Western Gateway

Madison to West Yellowstone
Explore wildlife-rich valleys and visit the gateway town for additional attractions.
Morning
Wildlife viewing along Madison and Gibbon Rivers
Drive slowly through the Madison Valley, one of the park's premier wildlife viewing areas. Bison herds frequently graze in the meadows, and elk are common along the rivers. Stop at pullouts to scan for wildlife with binoculars. The confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers forms the Madison River, a blue-ribbon trout stream. Continue through the scenic Gibbon Canyon, watching for elk and the occasional bear in the meadows.
3 hours $0
Lunch
Restaurant in West Yellowstone with classic American comfort food
American casual Mid-range
Afternoon
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Exit the park to visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, a nonprofit wildlife park and educational facility. See rescued grizzly bears and gray wolves that cannot survive in the wild. Watch bears forage and play in naturalistic habitats. Learn about wolf pack dynamics during keeper talks. This is an excellent opportunity to observe these animals up close and learn about conservation efforts. The center also features birds of prey and educational exhibits.
2-3 hours $16-18
Visit in late afternoon when animals are often most active; your ticket is valid for two consecutive days
Evening
Explore West Yellowstone town
Walk through this gateway town's shops and museums. Dinner at a local restaurant featuring Montana beef or wild game. Consider visiting the IMAX theater for a Yellowstone documentary.

Where to Stay Tonight

West Yellowstone (Hotel or motel in the gateway town)

Offers more dining variety, easier parking, and a change of pace from in-park lodging while remaining close to attractions

West Yellowstone sits at 6,666 feet elevation and can be chilly even in summer. Bring layers for evening walks around town.
Day 6 Budget: $200-270
7

Final Thermal Wonders & Departure

Norris area to departure
Explore the park's hottest and most dynamic thermal area before departing.
Morning
Norris Geyser Basin exploration
Visit Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most changeable thermal area in Yellowstone. Walk both the Porcelain Basin and Back Basin trails to see a diverse array of geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser, is located here, though eruptions are unpredictable. The acidic waters create unique colors and formations. Stop at the Norris Museum to learn about the area's extreme geothermal activity and the supervolcano beneath the park.
3 hours $0
Lunch
Final meal at a park dining room or packed lunch for the road
American casual Mid-range
Afternoon
Yellowstone National Park Gateway Garden and departure
On your way out through the North Entrance, stop at the Yellowstone National Park Gateway Garden near the Roosevelt Arch. This small garden commemorates the park's designation as America's first national park in 1872. Take final photos at the iconic Roosevelt Arch with its inscription 'For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.' Reflect on your week of natural wonders as you exit through this historic gateway.
1 hour $0
Evening
Departure
Depart via Gardiner, Montana, or return to West Yellowstone or Bozeman for flights. Consider staying an extra night in a gateway town if you have a late departure.

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (Departure day or overnight in gateway town)

End of itinerary

If you have extra time, the town of Gardiner just outside the North Entrance offers excellent restaurants and shops, plus views of wildlife in the Gardner River canyon.
Day 7 Budget: $120-180

Practical Information

Getting Around

A personal vehicle is essential for this itinerary. The park's Grand Loop Road connects all major attractions, covering approximately 142 miles, with additional spur roads to key sites. Roads are well-maintained but narrow and winding in places. Speed limits are low (45 mph maximum) to protect wildlife. Gas stations are limited and expensive inside the park; fill up in gateway towns. Wildlife jams are common—be patient and never approach animals. RVs are permitted but some roads have length restrictions. No public transportation exists within the park. Plan for 30-45 minutes between major attractions due to scenic driving speeds and potential wildlife stops.

Book Ahead

Park lodging books 12+ months in advance for summer dates—reserve as early as possible. Park entrance passes can be purchased online to save time. Guided tours and horseback riding require advance reservations. In-park dining rooms accept walk-ins but reservations are recommended for dinner during peak season. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center accepts walk-ins but buying tickets online saves time. No reservations needed for trails or thermal features, but arrive early at popular sites like Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful for parking.

Packing Essentials

Layered clothing for temperature swings (30s at night to 70s-80s during summer days), rain jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen at high elevation), bear spray for hiking, binoculars for wildlife viewing, refillable water bottles, day pack, camera with extra batteries, insect repellent, basic first aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, and snacks for long drives between facilities

Total Budget

$1,300-1,840 for 7 days (per person, excluding flights)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Camp at one of Yellowstone's 12 campgrounds ($15-32 per night) instead of lodging. Pack all meals and snacks from grocery stores in gateway towns. Skip the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and focus on free wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley. Purchase a National Parks Annual Pass ($80) if visiting other parks. Stay in budget motels in gateway towns rather than in-park lodges. Bring your own bear spray rather than renting. Focus on shorter, free trails and self-guided exploration rather than paid tours.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at the historic Old Faithful Inn or Lake Yellowstone Hotel in premium rooms with views. Book guided wildlife tours with professional naturalists in Lamar Valley at sunrise. Arrange private photography tours to capture the park's iconic features. Dine at the finest in-park restaurants with reservations. Hire a private guide for custom day trips. Stay at luxury resorts in Jackson Hole or Big Sky before and after your park visit. Book scenic flight tours over the park. Enjoy spa services at nearby resort towns. Consider a multi-day guided backpacking or horseback trip into the backcountry.

Family-Friendly

Focus on easy boardwalk trails at thermal features and short waterfall walks. Build in extra time for Junior Ranger programs at visitor centers—kids earn badges. Pack plenty of snacks and allow flexible timing for bathroom breaks and rest stops. Stay in cabin-style accommodations with more space. Bring wildlife spotting guides and binoculars for each child. Plan shorter driving days with more frequent stops. Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center when kids need a break from the car. Pack games and activities for drives between attractions. Choose picnic lunches where kids can run around. Consider a wagon ride or easy horseback ride for variety.

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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