What are the must sees in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park is one of our national treasures. In fact, people from all over the globe come to see this place. Its ever-changing landscape is alive with wildlife, boiling geysers, and unpredictable weather. There are secrets about how to enter this magical place. When done right, Yellowstone becomes a once-in-a-lifetime excursion.

Old Faithful

Old Faithful is synonymous with Yellowstone National Park. There are 500 geysers in Yellowstone, but this one is the most faithful in its eruptions, hence, the name. They named it in 1870, which happened during the very expedition that established Yellowstone a mere two years later. Watching the geyser is magical. It erupts every 90 minutes, but that’s an estimate. Sometimes it will create some suspense and erupt a few minutes later than expected. However, if you’re patient, you can take plenty of pictures.

Upper Geyser Basin

This is the same area as Old Faithful. It has many other geysers, and the walking paths around the picturesque area are plentiful. It is about a 20-30 minutes walk. The best thing about it is, even in peak season, this area is slow with few people. The beauty is worth the walk.

Yellowstone Canyon

One of the most majestic and the best places to see next to the geysers. This is a bit out of the way but worth the travel. This is a 4,000 foot, 26-mile long canyon. Filled with breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, it’s a drive worth taking. The upper and lower falls are amazing, and if you can catch the angle at the right time, you may see beautiful prisms of color in the falls. Artist Point and Inspiration Point are also a must-see.

Old Faithful Inn

If you love old structures and history as much as wildlife and the great outdoors, why not pop into the Inn? This is the largest log structure in the world today. You can visit on your own or join a tour. As a bonus incentive, it’s free.

Yellowstone Lake

This is a high-elevation lake resting a 7,000 feet or more and is the largest one in the United States. If you love boating, then this is the best way to capture the beauty and see the secrets of this lake. If you’re not into renting your own boat, then tours are available. If you’re a hiker, then you’re in luck here too. Many scenic hiking pathways lead to the lake. There’s also Fishing Cone Geyser available to view there too.

The Yellowstone Secret

Apart from Lamar Valley, the main roads in Yellowstone will lead in a giant continuous loop to all the best points. The ones named here and many others. There’s too many to mention. If you look at a map of Yellowstone, you’ll see a little secret. It shapes the main roads like an infinity loop. The only thing we advise is to take a few days to do it all. It can exhaust you and is nearly impossible to do it all in a day.

Unusual Things to See and Do at Yellowstone

Thermal Bathing

Ah, the fountain of youth! Well, not really, but you may feel ten years younger after a thermal bath walk or swim. Now, you may be a bit confused if you’re a Yellowstone regular or know anything about geysers and thermal attractions. The first thing you’ll see are signs that strictly forbid swimming or polluting the water. However, there’s a little-known secret that lies ten minutes outside of Mammoth.

Bison Spa

Well, not officially a spa for Bison, but the lucky ducks get a free one anytime the geysers are in the mood. You can witness this special event, although not guaranteed, when you catch it, it’s a guarantee that most people you know won’t get a picture of this.

The Mysterious Lone Redwood

It seems that Yellowstone, much like Yosemite, had an abundance of towering Redwood trees. According to Wikipedia, the volcanic eruptions permeated the porous tree trunks. They became a rocky structure. Knowing the violent and destructive nature of pyroclastic lava flows, you would think that there would be nothing left. That’s the mystery of the one remaining Redwood Tree. There were two, but we would ask that you not take bits of the tree home with you. The second tree lost its existence to souvenir hunters. For those who love raw nature and all of its secrets, this is a little-known treat.

Noteworthy Events at Yellowstone

Another grand treat that you don’t always hear about are some of the events that Yellowstone offers.

Skijor Event

This is an event where you watch horses pulling cross country skiers in a timed obstacle course. This happens on the West end and in March.

Snowmobile Expo

If you’re looking to break up the nature trails and into something more exciting, the Snowmobile Powersport event could be your thing. This occurs on the west end in March.

Smoking Waters Mountain Man Rendezvous

Want to know what life was like before Yellowstone was established? If you think you’re up to the challenge, there is a week-long encampment you can join and live true to the 1800s.

Kids N Snow Weekends

This is an all-around-town event that puts on snow and winter activities for kids and other family-friendly activities.

To make your trip as seamless as possible, take clothing that’s all-weather appropriate and check in frequently for weather reports before and during your trip. If you will stay at the park in lodging, plan, and book a year in advance. If you go on the suggested best months of April to May, you’ll see much in the way of emerging wildlife, but the food and wine festival is the only thing going on. In September to October, the ski and beer, you can enjoy skiing and beer events.

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