Drive from Riverton, WY to Yellowstone South Entrance via US-26/US-287 (approx. 1 hr 45 min, 85 miles). Gas and park entry fees apply. Arrive at West Thumb to begin exploration.
10:00 AM: West Thumb Geyser Basin (Free with park pass, 1.5 hours)
Explore shoreline fumaroles and colorful pools along the boardwalk on Yellowstone Lake’s edge. Great views, wildlife sightings possible, easy walking loop.
Cost estimate: Park entrance $35 per vehicle (7-day), gas ~$15. Time spent: driving 1.75 hr + exploring 1.5 hr.
Short stops at Grant Village viewpoints and pullouts to photograph Yellowstone Lake and wetlands. Possibility to see waterfowl and osprey, short interpretive stops.
Cost estimate: included in park fee. Time spent: 1–1.5 hr.
Settle into campground or nearby lodging. Unpack, hike short nearby trails, watch for elk at dusk along lakeshore.
Cost estimate: Camping $20–30/night; lodge rooms vary $150–300. Time spent: evening relax 3+ hr.
Drive to the Old Faithful area and plan around eruption times posted at the visitor center. Park at Old Faithful or nearby lots and walk the boardwalk circuit.
9:00 AM: Old Faithful Geyser (Free with park pass, 1 hr)
Witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful and explore the adjacent Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks, including Castle, Grand, and Observation Point vistas.
Cost estimate: included in park fee. Time spent: 2–3 hr including eruption and boardwalk loop.
Short drive to Biscuit Basin (8–15 min) and Black Sand Basin to see sapphire pools, fumaroles, and short boardwalk loops. Excellent photo stops and geothermal variety.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 1.5–2 hr.
Take a moderate 2–3 mile hike around the Upper Geyser Basin area or short trails to Observation Point for sunset views over the basin.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 2–3 hr.
Drive the Firehole Canyon area; stop at Firehole Canyon swim area viewpoint (no swimming recommended due to conditions). Enjoy river canyon scenery and picnic sites.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 1 hr driving/stops.
Hike the short boardwalk and the overlook trail to view the Grand Prismatic Spring from above and up close. Iconic colors and steam vents are highlights.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 1.5–2 hr.
Explore mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs at Fountain Paint Pot and surrounding lower basins along the Fountain Flat Drive.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 1–1.5 hr.
Drive to Hayden Valley for prime elk, bison, and osprey viewing in the late afternoon; stop at overlooks and pullouts.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 2–3 hr including stops.
Begin at Canyon Village and hike to the Brink of the Lower Falls viewpoint or take Artist Point for classic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Lower Falls.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 2–3 hr.
Short hikes to Inspiration Point and optional Uncle Tom’s Trail (steep steps) for close canyon views; bring water and sturdy shoes.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 1.5–2 hr.
Drive toward Mary Mountain and picnic overlooks for panoramic vistas of Hayden Valley and the lake areas; watch for bison and birds.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: afternoon 2–3 hr.
Head north to Mammoth Hot Springs; explore travertine terraces and historic Fort Yellowstone structures on the boardwalks.
9:00 AM: Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces (Free with park pass, 1.5–2 hr)
Walk the Upper and Lower Terrace boardwalks to view the unique limestone formations and seasonal thermal flows at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 1.5–2 hr.
Optional drive east into Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing (prime for wolves, bears, bison) or relax around Mammoth historic sites and visitor center.
Cost estimate: included. Time spent: 2–3 hr for Lamar loop; add driving time.
Head back south via US-20/US-26 to Riverton (approx. 2.5–3.5 hr depending on route and stops). Arrive evening.
Cost estimate: gas ~$25–40 for return leg; overall park fee covered earlier. Time spent: driving 3–4 hr plus stops.
Visit the seldom-crowded Fishing Bridge area at dawn, drive the scenic Mary Mountain road for quiet overlooks, and spend sunrise in Lamar Valley for intimate wildlife encounters. Locals recommend early starts, binoculars for bird and wolf watching, and exploring backcountry pullouts off the main loops for solitude.