Yellowstone National Park: Perfect 3 day trip
Yellowstone is the first National Park of USA and one of the most visited National Parks. Compared to other national Parks, Yellowstone is diverse with multiple geyser’s fumes up in the air seen along the side of road while driving , hot springs, falls, giant canyons and wildlife. It is friendly for those who love to hike and those who love to visit lookout points. Major points are accessible to children which makes it loved by everyone. 3 days is enough to visit major attractions in yellowstone. Here I have mentioned the itinerary we followed. Places visited depend on which gates we enter through. We entered through the south gate as we drove from Grand Teton National Park. Most popular season to visit is late May to early October, and most of the attractions are closed in Winter. We divided Geysers for every day so we don’t get bored by it on a single day.
Day 1: Today is about Geo-thermal activities: Geysers
1. Grand Prismatic Spring: It lies on Yellowstone Midway Geyser Basin. It is one of the most popular and photographed spots in Yellowstone and is always crowded. The beautiful colour of orange, yellow and green rings with blue deep water in between and whitish fumes above is breathtaking. There is a broadwalk which is just by the side of Spring itself. Nearby along the boardwalk are Excelsior Geyser, Opal Pool and Turquoise pool which are great for pictures.
Grand Prismatic
2. Old Faithful Geyser: It erupts every 50-110 +/- 10 mins and varies per day. It erupts about 17 times/day. The staff knows how frequently the geyser erupts for that day and information is available on the desk. Grocery store is also available inside the building.
Old Faithful
It is named old faithful due to its predictable and frequent eruptions which can reach upto height of 184 feet (56 meters)
3. Lower Geyser Basin: The fumes can be seen from the road which will drag up to the Lower Geyser Basin. It contains multiple geothermal activities scattered in small groups and includes Firehole Lake and Fountain Paint Pots
Lower Geyser Basin
Day 2: Today is about Lamar valley and Diverse Wildlife.
1. Lamar valley: Watch out while you drive along the way. Even if I combine all the wildlife I have seen through 5 other national parks, the wildlife I saw on the way to Lamar valley is the winner. I was able to see black and grizzly bears, wild goats, deers, wolf, coyote, bison and Moose.
Lamar Valley
Herd of Bison in Lamar Valley
Bison
Bear at the side of road on the way to Lamar Valley
Mama Bear and Two Cubs
2. Mammoth Hot Springs: It can also be seen by the side of the road. About 5 mins walk is the lower terrace and about 25-30 min walk will take to its upper terrace which provides a close up view of the spring.
Mammoth Hot Springs
3. Tower falls: Just a few mins walk from the parking lot, towel falls can be seen from the view point. Walking up to the bottom of the fall is closed.
Tower Falls
It is named for the large tower of rocks that is visible at the back of the falls.
4. Norris Geyser Basin: It is the hottest geyser in Yellowstone.There is a loop trail to follow which will lead us to Porcelain Basin, Ledge Geyser, Cistern Spring, Back Basin among multiple others.
Norris Geyser Basin
Day 3: Today is about Yellowstone Lake and Falls
1. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: It can be seen by driving and stopping at various lookout points which include Artist Point, red rock point, Uncle Tom’s Trail, rim of upper fall and sunset point. Both upper and lower yellowstone falls can be seen from the view points.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
This 20 mile canyon is accessible by several outlooks.
2. Brink of the Lower Falls: It is 10-15 mins easy walk from the parking lot and fall can be seen close by. It is magnificent and satisfying to hear the thunderous power of the flowing river and fall.
Lower Yellowstone Falls
Upper Yellowstone Falls
3. Yellowstone Lake: We drove along Lake Yellowstone and stopped on the way for pictures.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone lake is the largest high altitude lake in North America covering an are of more than 136 square miles (351 sq Km)
Frozen Yellowstone Lake
4. West Thumb Geyser Basin: It is about 20-30 mins loop boardwalk filled with Geysers along the shore line of Lake Yellowstone, dark blue water filled Abyss pool, Fishing cone and other pools.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Things to know:
- Always make sure to check the official website before you plan as there will be updates on closure and openings.
- Carry bear spray, especially if you are hiking.
- If you intend to stay inside the park, book in advance at least 4-5 months ahead
- If you are planning to camp, book the campground months ahead. We stayed at Madison campground and I recommend the campground.
- Expect some traffic and animal crossing. Bison crossing is mostly seen on the way to Lamar valley.
- You need a pass to enter the park. If you are planning to visit multiple national parks, it is recommended to buy an annual park for 80$. It is valid for a year and works for all National parks in the US.
- Make sure to wear shoes as walking to land around geysers are warm and could damage your feet.
