Exploring Yellowstone National Park: A Comprehensive 3-Day Itinerary
6/14/20253 min read
Day 1: Geyser Basins & Hot Springs
Base: West Yellowstone
Morning:
Enter via the West Entrance
UPPER GEYSER BASIN(Period Max 3 hours)
Old Faithful Area:
No trip to Yellowstone is complete without witnessing the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser in action. Known for its impressive height and remarkable predictability, Old Faithful has captivated visitors for generations.
Whether you’re standing in the crowd or watching from a boardwalk bench, this natural spectacle never disappoints.
To get more details on any of the geyser eruptions within Yellowstone National Park. Please visit the website below or install the app below on your devices:
-https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
-NPS App
Castle Geyser
Riverside Geyser
Afternoon:
BLACK SAND GEYSER BASIN(Period Max 30 min-1 hr)
Cliff Geyser
MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN(Period Max 30 min-1 hr)
Grand Parismatic Spring
LOWER GEYSER BASIN
Fountain Paint Pot- Bubbling mud pot
Day 2: Mammoth Hot Springs & Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone
Morning:
Enter via the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
Quick Photo:
As you head south from Gardiner, Montana, toward Yellowstone’s North Entrance, there’s one must-stop spot you shouldn’t pass by—the Yellowstone National Park Entrance Sign.
Why Stop?
This iconic wooden sign, set against a backdrop of rugged hills and open sky, makes for a perfect photo opportunity. It’s the ultimate way to kick off your Yellowstone adventure—or to capture a memory as you wrap up your visit.
Mammoth Hot Springs (Period Max 3 hours)
Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces
Afternoon:
Entrance of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone- Canyon Village(Period Max 3 hours)
Lower Falls
Take a short hike to the Brink of Lower Falls Trail:
Distance-0.7 mile(out & back)
Height-600 ft(180 m)
Time-0.5-1 hr
-Looking for a beginner-friendly trail in Yellowstone that delivers jaw-dropping scenery? The Brink of Lower Falls Trail is your perfect pick!
-This short but scenic hike leads you right to the edge of Yellowstone’s most powerful waterfall—the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. As you descend the trail, the roar of the water gets louder, and the views get better.
-At the end of the trail, you’ll stand just feet away from the thundering cascade, offering one of the closest views of the waterfall.
Time to take a picture!!!
Upper Falls
Take a short hike to the Brink of Upper Falls Overlook Trail:
Distance-0.3 mile(out & back)
Height: 39ft
Time:0.5 hr
-Want to witness the power of Yellowstone’s waterfalls without breaking a sweat? The Brink of Upper Falls Overlook Trail is the easiest and most convenient way to do just that.
-Just a short stroll from the parking area, this accessible trail leads you straight to a stunning panoramic viewpoint, right at the edge of the Upper Falls. It’s the closest and most dramatic vantage point of the falls without the need for a longer hike.
Day 3: Wildlife Viewing & Hayden Valley
Bear Watching:
If you're dreaming of a bear sighting during your Yellowstone adventure, you’re in luck—some of the best bear-watching areas lie between Norris Basin and Canyon Village, right near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
🕛 Midday Magic: Norris Basin to Canyon Village
This stretch is one of the most promising spots for bear sightings around noon. As temperatures rise, bears often emerge near the tree lines and meadows in search of food or a shady place to rest. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!
Hayden Valley
Sulphur Caldron
Mud Volcano
