How many days needed to visit yellowstone national park

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Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park can be challenging. There’s so much to see, and the park is large and spread out. This Yellowstone itinerary includes everything you need to know about how to cover Yellowstone in 4 days. Four days in Yellowstone will allow enough time to see the park’s main attractions with additional time for some of the lesser-known wonders.

By following this 4-day Yellowstone itinerary, you’ll see everything from Old Faithful to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the highlights in between. Pack your binoculars, camera, and hiking boots – it’s time to visit the world’s first national park.

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• Entering Yellowstone National Park
• Things to Know Before You Go
• Yellowstone Itinerary Day 1: Geyser Basins
  • West Thumb Geyser Basins
  • Lone Star Geyser Hike
  • Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin
  • Black Sand Basin
  • Biscuit Basin
  • Grand Prismatic Spring and the Midway Geyser Basin
  • Lower Geyser Basin
• Yellowstone Itinerary Day 2: Norris and Mammoth
  • Norris Geyser Basin
  • Mammoth Hot Springs
  • Boiling River Hot Spring
  • Take a Hike: Bunsen Peak or Wraith Falls
  • Roosevelt Arch
• Yellowstone Itinerary Day 3: Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley
  • Tower-Roosevelt
  • Lamar Valley
  • Blacktail Plateau
• Yellowstone Itinerary Day 4: Canyon Village and Fishing Bridge
  • Dunraven Pass and Mount Washburn
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
  • Hayden Valley
  • Mud Volcano
  • Yellowstone Lake
• We want to hear from you!

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Our Yellowstone itinerary begins at the south entrance. You can access it from Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. National Memorial Parkway.

If you’ll be entering Yellowstone National Park from one of the many other entrances, you can easily rearrange this Yellowstone itinerary to suit your route. For example, if you’re entering through the north entrance in Gardiner, you could follow the itinerary in this order: day 2, day 1, day 4, day 3. This will allow you to make the most of your short 4 days in Yellowstone.

Things to Know Before You Go

Traffic: Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in America and it’s extremely busy. Prepare for traffic due to road construction, wildlife, and crowds. For real-time status updates on Yellowstone’s roads, click here.

Getting Around: Yellowstone has many roads and districts with a variety of attractions. A park map can be downloaded here. This link also includes a map of neighboring Grand Teton National Park.

Yellowstone Itinerary Day 1: Geyser Basins

Stops and Attractions: West Thumb, Lone Star Geyser, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pots

Estimated Driving Time: 90 minutes (not including stops)

Where to Stay: Camp at Madison Campground or double back and sleep at the Old Faithful Inn. Alternatively, you could drive to Mammoth and stay there or in nearby Gardiner, then follow the itinerary for day 2 in reverse.

West Thumb Geyser Basins

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Driving up from the south entrance, your first stop will be Grant Village. Stop at the visitor center here to speak to park rangers and gain a sense of the park. Ask about road conditions and construction or closures to be sure you can follow the rest of our Yellowstone itinerary smoothly.

Then, continue to the West Thumb Geyser Basin. You’ll see a lot of geyser basins today and West Thumb isn’t the most spectacular, but I do believe it’s the most unique. The geyser basin is barely separated from Yellowstone Lake by a wooden boardwalk. The juxtaposition of the calm, clear, blue, boiling hot water in the spring versus the cold, rough, blue water of the lake is outstanding.

Lone Star Geyser Hike

Once you depart the West Thumb Geyser Basin, our Yellowstone itinerary takes you west toward Old Faithful.

The first stop on our way to the park’s most famous geyser is the Lone Star Geyser Hike. If you have extra time and want to avoid crowds while stretching your legs, this hike is the answer.

The hike is 5.3 miles round-trip with only 121 feet in elevation gain. It’s an out-and-back trail, so you’ll return the same way you came. The trail is an old road, so the majority of it is paved.

Lone Star Geyser erupts every 2-3 hours, so try to plan your hike accordingly. Park rangers in Grant Village can help you with this. Sometimes, the geyser will also have a small eruption 10-15 minutes before a larger one. Be sure to stick around so that you don’t miss the main show.

Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin

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Old Faithful, located in the lower geyser basin, is easily the most well-known geyser in Yellowstone National Park. It isn’t the park’s largest or the most predictable, but the geyser will still leave you in awe.

Because it’s the most famous geyser in Yellowstone, you should expect large crowds here. If you’d prefer to avoid them, arrive earlier in the day.

Old Faithful erupts every 35 to 120 minutes, and eruptions can last anywhere from 60 seconds to five minutes. Park rangers inside the Old Faithful Visitor Center will have more detailed information and a schedule. They estimate this schedule based on previous eruptions, which you can do as well. Ask a park ranger for more details or pick up a junior ranger book to learn how to predict Old Faithful’s eruptions.

After you see Old Faithful, I highly recommend completing the rest of the Geyser Loop Trail. The boardwalks provide easy walking on this short, 0.7-mile loop through geysers, hot springs, and pools. Another famous Yellowstone attraction along the way is Morning Glory Pool, pictured above.

After your walk, consider having lunch at the Old Faithful Inn. The renowned hotel has been treating guests since the early 1900s. It’s also the largest log structure in the world.

Black Sand Basin

If you can’t get enough geysers, you’re in luck. On your way to the Midway Geyser Basin, there are two smaller stops I recommend for this Yellowstone itinerary.

First up is the Black Sand Basin. This trail is only 1/4-mile long and provides great overlooks. You’ll see natural wonders such as Cliff Geyser, Emerald Pool, Sunset Lake, and Rainbow Pool on this trail.

Biscuit Basin

Next is another short walk that includes springs and geysers. Here, you’ll see Sapphire Pool (pictured at the top of this post), Jewel Geyser, Shell Geyser, Avoca Spring, and Mustard Spring.

There’s also an option for a longer walk if you have the time. The short, 2.5-mile roundtrip trail leads to Mystic Falls. It’s a moderate hike with a steep finish to reach the falls. It’s a very rewarding trip if you have the time and need to stretch your legs. It can be done as an out-and-back or as a longer loop with the Fairy Creek-Little Firehole trails.

Grand Prismatic Spring and the Midway Geyser Basin

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A fan-favorite on any Yellowstone itinerary is Grand Prismatic Spring. This hot spring is the largest in the United States and third-largest in the world.

Other than size, another difference between Grand Prismatic and many other hot springs is the color. It has a blue center as many other hot springs do, but the rim of orange and red is quite unusual. The colors come from pigmented bacteria living in the spring. No Yellowstone itinerary is complete without stopping here to check it out.

As is the case with Old Faithful, this is one of Yellowstone’s most popular attractions. Expect large crowds and full parking lots. Arrive as early as you can to have a more pleasant experience.

While you can walk near the spring on a wooden boardwalk, the best views are granted from above. Follow the Fairy Falls Trail to reach Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. The easy, 5-mile walk to the falls is stunning in its entirety, but if you’re short on time, I recommend walking it just enough to reach the overlook and take in the magnitude of Grand Prismatic Spring.

Lower Geyser Basin

Last but not least, don’t miss the Fountain Paint Pot Trail in the Lower Geyser Basin. You’ll find several springs and geysers here in addition to a fumarole. These pools are some of the most vibrant I remember from my trip to Yellowstone in 2016.

Yellowstone Itinerary Day 2: Norris and Mammoth

Stops and Attractions: Norris Geyser Basin, Steamboat Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, Boiling River Hot Springs, Roosevelt Arch

Estimated Driving Time: 75 minutes (not including stops)

Where to Stay: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Mammoth Campground. There are also various hotel options outside of the park in Gardiner, Montana.

Norris Geyser Basin

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After departing Madison Campground or the Old Faithful Inn (depending on where you spent the night) head north toward Norris. I recommend making a quick stop at the Artists Paintpots, a short trail with amazing geologic features.

During my first visit to Yellowstone in 2016, I fell in love with the Norris Geyser Basin. It’s my favorite area of the park because of the amazing geysers and fewer crowds.

In fact, the Norris Geyser Basin is home to some of the oldest and hottest pools in the park. Some have temperatures exceeding 200 degrees!

One of the main attractions in Norris is the Steamboat Geyser, which should be included on every Yellowstone itinerary. This is the tallest active geyser on Earth, though eruptions are rare and unpredictable. When you visit, you may spot bubbling or hear gurgling. Or, perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to see an eruption. In recent years, eruptions have become more frequent leading many to theorize that the Yellowstone supervolcano is becoming more active and likely to erupt.

In total, the Norris Geyser Basin features two loops: the short Porcelain Basin and the longer Back Basin. If you have time, I recommend adding both to your Yellowstone itinerary. If you’re hoping for a short walk with impressive views, stick to the Porcelain Basin and make sure you include the Black Growler Steam Vent and Congress Pool as you go.

Finally, don’t miss the museum at Norris and the Museum of the National Park Ranger. These two museums tell different stories, one focusing on geology while the other tells the story of rangers who protect national parks like Yellowstone. Both should be included in your Yellowstone itinerary.

Mammoth Hot Springs

The Mammoth Hot Springs is another staple of any visit to this park, and no Yellowstone itinerary would be complete without it.

There are two boardwalks here featuring upper and lower terraces in order for you to safely view the springs. By completing both, you’ll see a whopping 50 springs in one short walk.

These hot springs are incredibly unique because they’re made of soft limestone unlike other hot springs in the park. Some have described them as an above-ground cave due to the strange limestone formations.

Be sure to stop by the visitor center here which also serves as Park Headquarters. If you’re visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter, this is the only section of the park that’s open. Furthermore, you may seek elk grazing in this area.

Boiling River Hot Spring

Also in the area is Boiling River Hot Spring. This is a great option if you’re hoping to swim in a hot spring. The other springs in the park are much too hot, so hot you’ll die immediately if you enter some of them. This is the only hot spring in the park where swimming is allowed.

Take a Hike: Bunsen Peak or Wraith Falls

If you’d rather take a hike than bake in a hot spring, consider Bunsen Peak Trail or Wraith Falls.

Bunsen Peak is a 4.4-mile strenuous hike to the summit for sweeping views of North Yellowstone.

For a shorter and easier walk consider Wraith Falls, a one-mile hike. This isn’t the park’s most impressive waterfall, but it’s a nice hike if you need to stretch your legs.

Roosevelt Arch

Roosevelt Arch at the north entrance to Yellowstone is another famous landmark in the park.

This large stone arch was completed in 1903 with its cornerstone laid by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was never intended to be named after the well-known conservationist president, but he happened to be vacationing in Yellowstone at the time and spoke at the dedication ceremony.

At the top of the arch is the quote, “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” This phrase is included in the legislation that created Yellowstone National Park in 1872.

As you enter or leave the park, you’ll do so by driving through the arch. There are parking areas on either side if you wish to stop and take photos.

Yellowstone Itinerary Day 3: Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley

Stops and Attractions: Petrified Tree, Tower Fall, Blacktail Plateau Road, Lamar Valley

Estimated Driving Time: It’s hard to estimate driving time on the third of our 4-day Yellowstone itinerary. From Gardiner to Lamar Valley is approximately 60 minutes without stopping. However, the actual drive time today is largely dependent on how much time you spend in Lamar Valley and where you choose to spend the night.

Where to Stay: Camp in Lamar Valley (Slough Creek, Pebble Creek) or stay at the Canyon Lodge.

Tower-Roosevelt

First, stop at the Petrified Tree to see something truly amazing.

Anyone who has visited Petrified Forest National Park or the petrified forest of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is probably very familiar with petrified trees. This is Yellowstone National Park’s prime specimen, blocked off by some fencing to prevent disruption.

While it’s not as spectacular as the petrified trees in the aforementioned parks, it’s still a wonderful sight, especially if you’ve never seen petrified wood up close. It’s certainly worth the quick stop.

Next, visit Tower Fall, the second most popular waterfall in the park. These falls plunge 132 feet to the creek below. The falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is on the itinerary for tomorrow, are much grander with the surrounding canyon. However, the quick stop here is essential while you’re in the area. No Yellowstone itinerary is complete without a peek at these majestic falls.

Lamar Valley

The next part of our Yellowstone itinerary allows for free-time to spend driving through Lamar Valley. This is one of the best places to see wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.

I highly recommend driving through Lamar Valley at dawn or at dusk for the best wildlife viewing. These times are when animals tend to be more active.

Some wildlife you have a chance of seeing here include, but are not limited to, wolves, bison, bears, coyotes, deer, pronghorn, and various bird species. The wide-open spaces make the viewing opportunities prime as there are hardly any landmarks to taint your view.

Blacktail Plateau

Another option for this 4-day Yellowstone itinerary is Blacktail Plateau. This 7-mile scenic drive will take you from Phantom Lake to the Petrified Tree. It’s a one-way unpaved road, so you won’t be able to start at the Petrified Tree.

Blacktail Plateau is another great option for trying to spot wildlife. Since it is unpaved, the road tends to be less crowded. If you have the time and want something extra to do on your third day in Yellowstone, I highly recommend it.

Yellowstone Itinerary Day 4: Canyon Village and Fishing Bridge

Stops and Attractions: Dunraven Pass, Mount Washburn, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake

Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours (not including stops)

Where to Stay: Camp at Grant Village or Fishing Bridge or leave the park and stay in Cody, Wyoming.

Dunraven Pass and Mount Washburn

Your first stop on the final of four days in Yellowstone is Dunraven Pass. The Grand Loop Road naturally passes through, but there are other attractions in the area worth stopping for.

One option is driving to the top of Mount Washburn. If you have even more time, it’s also one of the best trails in Yellowstone. You’ll find the Mount Washburn Trailhead on the road toward Canyon Village. This moderate 6.4-mile hike provides one of Yellowstone’s best dramatic vistas, which can also be seen if you drive to the summit.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

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Next, see one of the best attractions in Yellowstone National Park.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is actually where Yellowstone got its name. The canyon walls, as you can see in the photo above, are a bright yellow. This canyon with yellow stones eventually became the park’s namesake.

Upper Falls Point and Artist Point are two of the most popular places to view the falls. Upper Falls Point provides a glimpse of the Upper Falls while Artist Point showcases a brilliant view of Lower Falls.

If you’re interested in hiking, there is a short trail to an impressive view of Lower Falls. The trail is not easy, but worth it if you’re prepared. You’ll take Uncle Tom’s Trail down 328 steps to the viewpoint near the bottom of the canyon. Then, you’ll return the same way.

In all, there are seven overlooks you can stop at along the road to view this canyon. Most include a short and steep walk. If you choose to stop at each, you’ll end up walking about seven miles. Artist Point is the most famous view, and easily one of the best.

Hayden Valley

If you didn’t have any luck in Lamar Valley when it comes to spotting wildlife, Hayden Valley will provide a second chance. In 2016 when I visited Yellowstone, we were stuck in a bison jam here for almost a full hour. Once again, it’s best to search for wildlife in the early morning or just before sunset.

Mud Volcano

If you’re up for more unique geologic features, include this little stop on your Yellowstone itinerary.

The Mud Volcano area features a variety of thermal attractions. This includes fumaroles, springs, pools, and geysers. These are some of the most acidic features you’ll find in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone Lake

Last but not least, visit Yellowstone Lake on your way out of the park. I highly recommend taking a boat tour or hiking the Storm Point Trail if you have the time.

Storm Point Trail is an easy, 2.1-mile loop with negligible elevation gain. The trailhead is about 2 miles east of the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center. It’s the perfect trail for summer wildflowers before you discover the sweeping view of the lake. Furthermore, you’ll find a small beach and a beautiful forest of lodgepole pines along the trail.

Another option is the Lake Butte Overlook, a 1-mile scenic drive for panoramic aerial views of Yellowstone Lake. The paved road leads to a beautiful viewpoint, the perfect way to say goodbye and look back on the memories made in Yellowstone National Park.

We want to hear from you!

Have you been to Yellowstone? What did your Yellowstone itinerary include? Let us know in the comments!

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