What to See on a Yellowstone Day Trip
To make the most of a Yellowstone day trip, concentrate your efforts inside the caldera to see the most geothermal activity. The South Grand Loop will circle mostly within the caldera rim.
From West Yellowstone, drive the Madison River Valley toward National Park Mountain. This wildlife corridor harbors bison and elk. Look for them in the meadows, but be ready to brake as they can be in the road.
At Madison Junction, turn north to follow the Gibbon River, stopping at Gibbon Falls. You’ll climb out of the supervolcano caldera en route to Norris Junction, where a right turn continues following the Gibbon River. Within a mile, you’ll drop back into the caldera to continue toward Canyon Junction.
At Canyon Junction, stop at the Canyon Visitor Education Center to learn about the volcano’s workings. From there, drive Grand Loop Road south to South Rim Drive to reach Artist Point for views of Lower Yellowstone Falls. Then, if you’ve got gumption, stop at Uncle Tom’s Trail to hike the stairway down to stand level with the falls to hear its roaring thunder.
Continue south through Hayden Valley watching for wildlife as you follow the Yellowstone River upstream to Yellowstone Lake, the largest freshwater lake above 7,000 feet in North America. En route, you’ll see increasing geothermal activity with fumaroles and mud pots. Stop at the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel to dine for lunch.
After lunch, follow Yellowstone Lake south to Grant Junction to head west to Old Faithful by crossing the Continental Divide to drop into the Firehole River Valley. Tour the boardwalk loop around Geyser Hill, but check the signs first, so you can catch Old Faithful Geyser erupting. Stop in the Old Faithful Inn to tour the historic log lobby. Then, follow the Firehole River north to Midway Geyser Basin to walk the boardwalk to see Grand Prismatic Spring. Watch for wildlife as you descend the valley past steam vents to return to Madison Junction and back to West Yellowstone.
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- Easy itineraries for one to three days in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, from an afternoon sighting of Old Faithful, to a hike to Inspiration Point, to a weekend exploring both parks with mix-and-match itineraries
- The top hikes in Yellowstone and Grand Teton: Whether you're looking to stretch your legs for a couple hours or challenge yourself to an epic trek, you'll find trailheads, detailed trail descriptions, individual maps, mileage, and elevation gains
- Can't-miss experiences: Make it the perfect getaway with the best lakes, views, picnic spots, and more. Hike through alpine forests to rushing waterfalls and panoramic lakeside views, or catch a glimpse of wild bison, elk, wolves, or bears. Bask in the colorful radiance of Grand Prismatic Spring or stroll the boardwalks along Mammoth Hot Springs
- Stunning full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a full-color foldout map
- Essential planning tips: Find out when to go, where to stay, and what to pack, plus up-to-date information on entrance fees, reservations, and safety advice
- Know-how from outdoors expert and former park guide Becky Lomax
Planning a longer trip? Pick up Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton. Visiting more of North America's incredible national parks? Try Moon USA National Parks.
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