10 spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton experiences every visitor should have

It seems everyone has gotten the memo that national parks are the place to be this summer. But you know what's even better than sweating it out while jostling with hordes of tourists for that perfect photo? Going when it's less crowded and cooler but just as gorgeous in fall!

We hit Yellowstone last October and it was absolutely glorious. So what are the 10 most spectacular experiences that you simply must have at Yellowstone? Read on after the jump!

Plan an awe-inspiring trip to the stunning Yellowstone National Park

After 6 months largely stuck at home because of COVID19, I needed some space in a big way. So we decided to take advantage of the relative flexibility of digital learning and remote work and head westward for two weeks of work and play. 

We planned this very quickly and with all of the pandemic restrictions in mind, and it turned out absolutely perfect. Glorious scenery, amazing daily hikes, and a great home base for a week of remote working. I cannot recommend Yellowstone and Grand Teton enough. I am not exaggerating to say that in a very difficult time, it was good for the soul to be somewhere filled with so much natural beauty.

Yellowstone National Park in fall

When considering where to stay in the Yellowstone area, your choices are staying in the actual park, West Yellowstone (west of park) or Gardiner (north of the park). Alas, there appears to be no such thing as a nice hotel near Yellowstone, so no matter what you're stuck spending more than you expect for a 2-star kind of hotel experience. Staying on property has a major convenience factor but properties book up way in advance (as much as a year from what I read) and prices are very high for generally pretty mediocre accommodations. West Yellowstone is a more bustling town with more restaurant and hotel options, so we opted for 3 nights there and 2 in Gardiner. The park is huge, so you'll want to move around if you want to avoid super long driving times. 

We opted for the Best Western Dessert Inn on the West Yellowstone side and the Wyndham on the Gardiner side because they were reasonably priced, well located near the park, and most importantly had kitchenettes which let us eat more meals in our room. I'd describe the hotels as good enough. They're not as nice as what I'd book for myself in most cities (there isn't anything as nice as even your local Marriott) but the beds were comfortable and the rooms were clean. Both came with free breakfast, served in a COVID-safe way, which was a nice bonus.

Yellowstone Itinerary

Day 1: Bozeman, drive to West Yellowstone. Stay: Best Western Desert Inn, West Yellowstone, MT

Day 2: Yellowstone National Park, Stay: Best Western Desert Inn, West Yellowstone, MT

Day 3: Yellowstone National Park, Stay: Best Western Desert Inn. West Yellowstone, MT

Day 4: Yellowstone National Park, Stay: Wyndham Gardiner, Gardiner, MT

Day 5: Yellowstone National Park, Stay: Wyndham Gardiner, Gardiner, MT

Day 6: We continued on for another week in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton, and I'll cover that in another post!

Read after the jump for the day-by-day details including recommended hikes!

Planning made easy - FAQs about the spectacular Yellowstone National Park

How many days should I spend in Yellowstone?

3 full days at a minimum but we found more than enough to keep us busy for 4.5 days of park time, and of course if you add on overnight camping that might get even longer.

What should I see in Yellowstone?

There are so many amazing things to see. Check out my full list of suggestions and a recommended 6 day itinerary for what to see in Yellowstone.

How do I get around Yellowstone?

The park is big and we drove for hours each day. But the scenery throughout is gorgeous so you never mind. Worth noting that even non-hike viewing areas often require a mile of walking around flat boardwalks so dress in comfortable shoes regardless of your plans. Parking at the most popular sites, like Old Faithful, can get crowded even in off-season so plan accordingly. 

Where should I stay if I am visiting Yellowstone?

Ideally you'd spend part of your time in the more bustling West Yellowstone (western entrance) and part in Gardiner (northern entrance). This cuts down on travel time. If you have less time, choose whichever side puts you closer to your must-see sites.

What's the best time of year to visit Yellowstone?

Summer is high season but go during the shoulder of late spring or early fall if you want great weather and fewer traffic jams. I loved late September/early October.

Is Yellowstone safe during COVID?

We found it very safe. Bathrooms are clean and stocked with hand sanitizer. We wore our masks when around others and were never in a crowd. I was ultimately more worried about being eaten by a bear than of COVID, so don't forget your bear spray. Animal traffic jams are also a thing so be safe and drive slowly, especially around curves or in the dark.

What airport should I fly into for Yellowstone National Park?

Jackson Hole and Bozeman airports are both close to the park. We found that car rentals were notably cheaper near Bozeman so we chose to use that airport.

Does Yellowstone have internet access?

No, it's a service dead zone so except for a rare moment atop a mountain or near a lodge (and that was never guaranteed), you will have no service at all. Download your map in advance and don't forget to get your Gypsy Guide!

I don't have much time in Yellowstone, what can't I miss?

Depends on the person but for me it was all about photography and animals, so Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic Springs, Artist's Point, and Old Faithful (overrated but too famous to miss) are on my must-list. Hit all the highlights with a full or half day tour of the park.

Is it free to visit Yellowstone?

No, a one week pass will set you back $35. If you think you might visit anywhere else this year, I recommend the America the Beautiful Pass instead for $80.

View more about planning the perfect trip to Yellowstone!

10 spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton experiences every visitor should have

Plan an awe-inspiring trip to the stunning Yellowstone National Park

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