Yellowstone National Park · United States · Mistakes to avoid
5 mistakes that ruin a Yellowstone trip
The five mistakes that ruin a Yellowstone trip are staying only one day, booking lodging late, seeing only Old Faithful, getting close to bison, and skipping Lamar Valley. Allow at least three days, book rooms about a year ahead, add Grand Prismatic Spring, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and go in June or September instead of July.
The mistakes, and what to do instead
- 1
Staying only one day
Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined, and the main roads form a figure-eight called the Grand Loop, about 140 miles long. Speed limits are low, traffic stops for wildlife, and each geyser basin takes an hour or two. One day means a blur of car windows. Give the park at least three days and spend each in a different area: Old Faithful and the geyser basins, the canyon and falls, and the northern wildlife valleys.
- 2
Booking lodging late
Lodging inside the park is limited, and the most popular rooms are often taken a year ahead. Campgrounds also fill early, and some campsites are first come, first served and full by morning. If you miss out, stay in the gateway towns, such as West Yellowstone, Gardiner or Cody, which add driving time. Book as soon as booking opens for your dates. Check cancellations in the weeks before travel, since rooms occasionally reappear.
- 3
Only seeing Old Faithful
Old Faithful is worth seeing, since it erupts roughly every ninety minutes and the park posts predicted times. But it is crowded, and the better photo is Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin, the largest hot spring in the United States. Its colours are clearest from above, so walk the short trail to the overlook near Fairy Falls instead of staying on the boardwalk. Stay on the boardwalks everywhere, since the ground in thermal areas can be thin and very hot.
- 4
Getting close to bison
Bison look calm but injure more visitors in the park than any other animal. They can run much faster than people and charge without warning. Park rules require staying at least 25 yards from bison and elk, and 100 yards from bears and wolves. Stay in your car if animals are on the road, use a zoom lens instead of walking closer, and do not stop in the road. Keep children close and never feed or approach any wildlife.
- 5
Skipping Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley, in the north-east of the park, is the best place to see wildlife, with bison herds, pronghorn and, with luck, wolves and bears. It is quieter than the geyser basins. Go at dawn or dusk, when animals are most active, and bring binoculars. Pull completely off the road when you stop, and keep voices low. The valley is a long drive from the geyser areas, so stay in the north or plan a full day for it.
- 6
Go in June or September
July is the busiest month, with traffic jams at the main sights and car parks full by mid-morning. June and September are quieter, with similar weather and good wildlife viewing. Early June can have snow on the high passes and more mosquitoes, and September mornings are cold. Most park roads close to regular vehicles in late autumn and open again in spring, so check the opening dates before booking. Elk are active in September.
- 7
Camp or stay in Gardiner to cut the cost
Yellowstone is not cheap for families, with in-park rooms costing far more than motels outside the gates. The way to cut the cost is to camp in the park or to stay in a gateway town such as Gardiner, which also puts you close to Lamar Valley. Self-catering saves on food, since meals in the park are limited and pricey. Buy groceries in a larger town before you arrive, and pack a cooler and a picnic.
Plan it
- Best time
- June and September are the best balance of open roads, good weather and smaller crowds. July and August are the busiest. Many roads close to regular vehicles from late autumn to spring.
- How long
- Three to five days lets you see the geyser basins, the canyon and Lamar Valley without rushing. Add a day or two if you want to include Grand Teton National Park.
- Getting around
- You need a car, and the Grand Loop connects the main areas. Distances look short but speeds are slow, and wildlife jams are common. Fill the fuel tank when you can, as stations inside the park are few.
Good to know
- Download maps before you go. Mobile coverage is patchy across most of the park.
- Carry layers and rain gear. Weather changes quickly at altitude, and summer mornings can be cold.
- Stay on boardwalks in thermal areas and keep children by the hand. Falling into a hot spring can be fatal.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Yellowstone? +
Three days is the minimum for a first visit, and five is comfortable. The park is large and slow to drive, so plan a different area each day: geysers, the canyon and falls, and Lamar Valley.
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone? +
June and September are best for smaller crowds and good weather. July is the busiest month, with traffic and full car parks. Late autumn to spring brings road closures and snow.
How close can you get to bison in Yellowstone? +
Park rules say stay at least 25 yards from bison and elk, and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves. Bison can charge without warning, so use a zoom lens and stay in your car if animals are on the road.
Do you need to book lodging far ahead for Yellowstone? +
Yes. In-park lodges and many campgrounds are usually booked a year ahead for summer. If you miss out, try the gateway towns of West Yellowstone, Gardiner and Cody, and check for cancellations.
