Yellowstone
The park's highlights most within reach from Island Park and the West Entrance.
Highlights worth your time
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Canyon Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
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Photo: NPS / David Restivo
Hot Spring Grand Prismatic Spring
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Photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank
Valley Lamar Valley
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Photo: NPS / Jim Peaco
Geyser Basin Old Faithful & the Upper Geyser Basin
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Photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank
Park Entrance West Entrance
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Photo: NPS / Diane Renkin
Lake Yellowstone Lake
Planning a park day
Pick two major stops, start early, expect delays from wildlife and traffic, and take breaks. Yellowstone days are better when they are not rushed.
The West Entrance is your door into the park. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring and the geyser basins along the Firehole River make an easy first day; the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake are a longer, full-day trip. See Driving & Timing in Yellowstone for how to plan the day.
Guides for your park days
Driving in Yellowstone
Timing, traffic and crowd strategy.
Wildlife & Safety
Safe distances and where to look.
Weather & Roads
Forecasts and road status.
Yellowstone questions
What are the must-see attractions in Yellowstone?
Can you see Old Faithful every day?
Yes. Old Faithful erupts many times a day. The National Park Service puts the average interval at about 102 minutes, give or take 10 (as of 2025), with intervals from under an hour to almost two. Predicted times are posted at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and in the NPS App.
Where is Grand Prismatic Spring located?
What is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone?
Is Yellowstone open year-round?
Can you swim in Yellowstone?
Are Yellowstone geysers predictable?
Your base for Yellowstone
Stay close to the West Entrance and come home to quiet every night.
More guides
Seasons & What to Pack
Layers, spring snow and summer storms: what to expect each season, and what to bring.
Getting Here & Getting Around
Airports, driving directions, and what to expect from cell service and GPS.
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