Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Yellowstone National Park
Located in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, holds the distinction of being America’s first national park. Its name comes from the yellow-tinted rocks colored by sulfur-rich water. Beyond its majestic natural beauty, the park offers a wide range of activities, including camping, hiking, driving, fishing, and swimming. Spanning approximately 3,437 square miles (8,900 km²), Yellowstone is so vast that exploring it fully could take days. So, what are the most popular attractions in Yellowstone National Park? Let’s dive in!
1. Old Faithful
Old Faithful is an iconic must-see in Yellowstone. This famous geyser erupts with a towering column of water every 25 to 120 minutes, reaching heights of up to 184 feet (56 m). Each eruption lasts between 1.5 and 5 minutes. While its eruptions were once highly predictable, they’ve become less regular over time, so you might need to wait up to an hour and a half if luck isn’t on your side.
2. Geyser Basins
Yellowstone is home to two major geyser basins: the Upper Geyser Basin and the Lower Geyser Basin. The Upper Geyser Basin, known for its high concentration of geysers, includes Old Faithful, as well as Giantess Geyser, Beehive Geyser, Castle Geyser, and Grand Geyser, making it the most densely packed geyser area in the world. The Lower Geyser Basin, meanwhile, is notable for its abundant hot springs, where you can witness the striking phenomenon of boiling red mud.
3. Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is perhaps the most iconic image associated with Yellowstone, a must-visit for any park guest. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, between the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, it’s the park’s largest geothermal feature, discharging 55 gallons of hot water every second. Its vibrant colors—blue, green, orange, and gold—earn it the nickname “Rainbow Spring.” Due to its immense size, it’s often more stunning when viewed from a distance.
4. Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s oldest, hottest, and most active hydrothermal area. It’s home to Steamboat Geyser, which boasts the world’s tallest water column, reaching up to 300 feet (91 m). Unlike Old Faithful, Steamboat’s eruptions are less frequent, so patience is key to witnessing this spectacle.
5. Mammoth Hot Springs
Located on Terrace Mountain, Mammoth Hot Springs features unique, staircase-like formations created by the interaction of limestone and calcium carbonate. This ever-changing hot spring area is known for its approximately 60 terraces, with water temperatures ranging from 64°F to 163°F (18°C to 73°C).
6. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Formed by powerful erosion, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a breathtaking sight. This rugged, deep canyon showcases vibrant colors—red, yellow, white, and pink—and is home to the Upper and Lower Falls. Despite the name similarity, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon feels even more dramatic than its more famous counterpart!
7. Mud Volcano
Situated below Fishing Bridge, the Mud Volcano area features one of Yellowstone’s most acidic hot springs. Its striking appearance might make you think it could summon something otherworldly!
8. Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley is the prime spot for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone. In this expansive valley, you can observe bison, elk, coyotes, and grizzly bears living freely. However, bears and wolves can pose risks to visitors, so maintaining a safe distance is essential.
9. Yellowstone Lake
We previously explored the world’s largest lakes, and while Yellowstone Lake may not rival their size, it sits at an impressive elevation of 7,000 feet (2,133 m), possibly making it one of the highest major lakes in the world. Visitors can fish for trout here, and the lake is home to various mammals like bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. While the idea of camping for fishing sounds appealing, the presence of wild animals might make you think twice.
10. Mount Washburn
The final attraction to highlight in Yellowstone National Park is Mount Washburn. Standing at an impressive 10,243 feet (3,122 m), Mount Washburn is a popular day-hiking destination. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Yellowstone National Park, a sight described as truly spectacular. Additionally, the high-altitude environment offers a chance to see wildflowers rarely found at lower elevations. Notable wildflowers include pink monkeyflower, yellow violet, red Indian paintbrush, and blue lupine.
As someone who only associated Yellowstone with the Grand Prismatic Spring, I was amazed to learn about the variety of attractions here. The geyser basins alone are divided into multiple areas, with dozens of smaller sites to explore. If I ever get the chance to visit the U.S., Yellowstone National Park is a must, though I’ll need to plan for plenty of time and budget.