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Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park

September 27, 2017

2 million acres, the world’s largest concentration of geysers and thermal features, majestic mountains, beautiful lodges and wildlife roaming everywhere. That’s just a few of the things you can expect at the world’s first national park. Yup, I’m talking about Yellowstone National Park — a place that has been on my own bucket list for years.

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, historic yellow bus tour

I finally had a chance to make my dream a reality and can say that every single minute spent in Yellowstone was truly special. Part of this was due to the fact that I was guided by a few very knowledgeable locals who know the park inside and out — such a privilege because the park is HUGE and can be overwhelming to navigate. I highly recommend doing a Historic Yellow Bus Tour if you can, but if you want to go at your own pace, I have a top 10 must-see list from Sarah Bierschwale (one of the amazing locals I travelled with who has explored the park for over 10 years). Here are her insider tips for visiting Yellowstone National Park:

1. The Northern Range: A Year-Round Wildlife Playground

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Norther Range, Wyoming

Photo c/o Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

The only part of the park open year round, the northern range from Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley provides some of the best hiking, wildlife watching and skiing. Each season offers something unique. Come in spring to experience adorable newborn bison and elk calves, summer for premiere hiking, fall to witness the elk and bison rut with males battling it out, or winter to hear the howl of a wolf or to cross country ski.

Tip: Head early in the morning or late in the evening for the best chance to view wildlife.

2. Fountain Paint Pots: A Multi-Sensory Experience

I love this boardwalk because it’s a full multi-sensory experience. Hear the gurgle of mud pots, the sulfuric smell of fumaroles, the mist of geyser on your cheek, and the beautiful colors of hot springs all within a short walk.

Tip: Go at sunset for a more intimate experience and beautiful light. Don’t forget to stay on the boardwalks while traveling in thermal areas. Venturing off can be dangerous and sometimes even deadly

3. Old Faithful Inn or Lake Hotel: Iconic Architecture

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Lake Hotel, Wyoming

Yellowstone is home to some historic buildings and iconic architecture. The two gems that stand out to me the most are the Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Designed by Robert Reamer, he set the standard for national park architecture.

Tip: I love to sit in the lobbies in the evening, grab a drink from the bar, and enjoy live music from local artists.

4. The Bechler Region: A Backcountry Experience

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Bechler, Wyoming

For a longer, backcountry camping experience, head to the southwest corner of the park known as the Bechler. Hiking in this remote corner of the park makes you feel like an early explorer. Discover waterfalls, hot springs (including one you can soak in called Mr. Bubbles!), and amazing wildlife.

Tip: Fall is one of the best times since the snow is melted and the mosquitos are gone.

5. Yellowstone Lake: A Serene Setting

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Lake Hotel, Wyoming

Yellowstone Lake is a region of the park that is beloved by so many locals. I think one of the best ways to experience the vastness of America’s highest alpine lake is to rent a boat or take a Scenicruise. For a grand adventure, take a backcountry shuttle and camp on a remote shore of the Lake in the Thorofare, which is the furthest you can get from a road in the lower 48.

Tip: Head out early in the morning for calm waters.

6. Old Faithful In Winter: A Snowy Wonderland

Everyone has Old Faithful on their bucket list for summer, but they should have it on their list for winter! Head to the heart of the park on a snowcoach (large vehicle with big tires) to experience the silence, solitude and beauty of the geysers and hot springs.

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful, Wyoming

Tip: Adventure out to the geyser basins on skis or snowshoes in winter and practically get it all to yourself! Skis and snowshoes can be rented from the lodges in Mammoth and Old Faithful.

7. Roosevelt Arch: A Grand Entrance

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Roosevelt Arch

Photo c/o Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

Yellowstone was the first National Park in the world set aside in 1872. It’s full of a rich history and places with a story. The Roosevelt Arch in the North Entrance town of Gardiner, Montana is a grand entrance to the park. The Arch was dedicated and named after President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. It’s my favourite way to enter the park.

Tip: Just past the arch is the entrance sign to Yellowstone National Park. So you can grab a photo of the Arch and sign in one stop. It’s also a great spot to see some wildlife: bison, elk, and pronghorn are known to hang around the area.

8. Roosevelt Lodge: A Wild West Adventure

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Roosevelt

Photo c/o Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

The park was open long before cars. In those days people would travel for weeks in the park on stagecoach or horse. You can get a small taste of that wild west adventure today at Roosevelt. Hop on a horse, stagecoach, or enjoy an Old West Cookout to transport yourself to the old frontier days in America.

Tip: Feast on the ribs at one of my favourite dining options in the park: the Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room.

9. Mount Washburn: A Bird’s Eye View

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Mount Washburn, Wyoming

Photo c/o Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

For a hike that takes you to soaring heights, hike up Mount Washburn. This is one of my favourite spots to get a bird’s eye view of the park. You can see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the geyser basins in the distance, and on clear days all the way down to the Grand Tetons.

Tip: Get an early start, this hike can get busy later in the day. Plus you’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife — big horn sheep are known to hang out on top. Keep in mind when encountering any wildlife that you need to keep a distance of at least 25 yards (100 yards for bears and wolves). Take the #YellowstonePledge on social media to help spread the word and lets all explore the park safely!

10. The Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone: Grand Inspiration

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park

For a grand view, I like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Head to Moran point, which was named after artist Thomas Moran. Moran painted a stunning rendition of the Canyon in April 1872. His art helped inspire congress to preserve and protect Yellowstone as a national park.

Tip: Visit in the morning to possibly get a shot of a rainbow at the base of the lower falls.

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Wyoming

Photo c/o Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

One last bit of advice from Sarah:

“The adventures in Yellowstone are nearly endless. There are 2.2 million acres and over 900 miles of trails. I’ve been traveling, living and working in this area for the past 10 years and feel like I’m always discovering something special. Take your time, hit the trails, and be prepared to be surprised by whatever Yellowstone throws your way.

Insider Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park,Yellowstone River, Sarah Bierschwale

The lovely Sarah guiding us through the park.

All of my transportation, meals and accommodations were covered as part of a press trip arranged by the Wyoming Office of Tourism. As always, reviews and opinions are my very own. A huge thanks to Sarah for taking the time to share her insider tips for visiting Yellowstone National Park! I missed some of her fave spots on my own journey and will def be back to experience them!!

18 Comments

  • Reply
    Lisa
    September 27, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    This is a part of the US I haven’t had an opportunity to visit yet. I would love to be able to photograph the scenery and wildlife in Yellowstone. It’s definitely on my list of places I still need to visit and more now seeing your amazing photos. Thanks for your tips!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 27, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      I hope you get a chance to do a road trip there — the best way to see the entire state in my opinion. Cowboys, stunning national parks and amazing people await! Lake Hotel in Yellowstone is dreamy if you’re thinking of staying in the park. I could spend weeks there.

  • Reply
    Paige
    September 27, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    I LOVE the layout of your post, easy to read and flows well. Yellowstone is on my bucket list to visit again, love that place!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 28, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Lucky gal that you’ve visited already! It was my first time and def not my last. What a park. Thanks for your kind words re: layout xoxo

  • Reply
    Emily Fata
    September 27, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    Wow, these photos of Yellowstone are absolutely magical! I’ve always thought about going there, but after seeing these photos and reading through your post, I’m trying to figure out getting over there ASAP!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 28, 2017 at 9:23 am

      I really hope you do Emily. It’s one of those places I hope everyone gets to see at least once. Stay at Lake Hotel if you can — it’s pure magic.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    September 27, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    Yellowstone has been on my husband’s bucket list for a while now. I had no idea that you could take a stagecoach through the park-how fun! I will be saving this post and planning a trip for him soon thanks to your tips.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 28, 2017 at 9:25 am

      I hope you do! I highly recommend checking into one of the lodges (Lake Hotel is my fave) and then taking the yellow historic bus to explore the park — they have so many amazing tours (like waking up to wildlife, photo tours etc. all here) — a great way to experience the park.

  • Reply
    Andrea Mujica
    September 27, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    wow this is beautiful! Cant wait for my USA road trip next year! Im def stopping here!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 28, 2017 at 9:26 am

      I hope you do Andrea! The canyon is breathtaking as are all the geysers and wildlife. A magical place indeed!

  • Reply
    ispyprettyplaces
    September 27, 2017 at 10:05 pm

    I had no idea there was so much to see in Yellowstone National Park. Especially geyser! That’s something I associate with Iceland. Great info!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 28, 2017 at 9:28 am

      That’s what many people said on instagram too — Iceland is def great at marketing their geysers!! These ones don’t really smell 🙂 Bonus! And they have some huge thermal features like Grand Prismatic (third largest hot spring in the world). Def check it out!!

  • Reply
    Jewels
    September 27, 2017 at 10:48 pm

    OMG Visiting Yellowstone Park is high on my bucket list! I adore your photos and thanks for the tips! I will definitely be putting them to use.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 28, 2017 at 9:29 am

      Aww thank you!! Sarah has the best advice — I love getting tips from locals. Hope it comes in handy when you visit.

  • Reply
    valerie
    September 28, 2017 at 10:59 am

    That wild west adventure looks amazing and what a cool video..this is a superb guide..I have never been so now I want to go no asap! Ha

    Valerie

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 28, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      Thank you for your kind words. Sarah really did give the best local tips. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the park soon!

  • Reply
    Amy Poulton - Page Traveller
    September 28, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    I’ve always wanted to visit Yellowstone! The geysers are so cool! Thanks for sharing.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 28, 2017 at 5:12 pm

      The entire park is interesting. We just came back from a mid-September trip and saw all 4 seasons in one go. Stunning.

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