Yellowstone Colorado Nature Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Visit Old Faithful
    Estimated Distance from Denver: 630 miles
    Estimated Driving Time: 10 hours

    Witness the famous geyser, Old Faithful, erupt every 90 minutes. Explore the surrounding thermal features and hot springs, including Morning Glory Pool.

  2. Day 2: Hike at Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser
    Estimated Distance from Old Faithful: 10 miles
    Estimated Driving Time: 20 minutes

    Enjoy a moderately difficult hike to one of Yellowstone's most iconic and colorful thermal pools. Excelsior Geyser offers a stunning view of the adjacent Firehole River.

  3. Day 3: Drive through Lamar Valley
    Estimated Distance from Grand Prismatic Spring: 78 miles
    Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours

    Take a scenic drive through Lamar Valley, one of the best places in the park to spot wildlife. Look out for herds of bison and elk, bighorn sheep, and even gray wolves.

  4. Day 4: Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
    Estimated Distance from Lamar Valley: 50 miles
    Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour

    Mammoth Hot Springs offers a unique perspective on Yellowstone's geothermal features, with towering limestone terraces created by hot springs that flow from underground.

  5. Day 5: Hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
    Estimated Distance from Mammoth Hot Springs: 60 miles
    Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Hike the stunning Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and view its impressive falls, including Upper and Lower Falls. The area also provides unique views of Hayden Valley and its wildlife.

  6. Day 6: Boating and Fishing on Yellowstone Lake
    Estimated Distance from Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: 20 miles
    Estimated Driving Time: 30 minutes

    Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Yellowstone Lake and try your hand at fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout and lake trout.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Old Faithful (2 hours, Free)
  • Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser (3-4 hours, Free)
  • Lamar Valley drive (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Mammoth Hot Springs (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (4-5 hours, Free)
  • Boating and Fishing on Yellowstone Lake (2-3 hours, Boat rental starting from $27 per hour, fishing permit starting from $18 per day)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $45-90

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Norris Geyser Basin or a guided tour of Yellowstone's wildlife. If you're short on time, you can skip the boating and fishing excursion. Remember to bring plenty of water and food, as Yellowstone's facilities can be spread out and there are limited options for dining and supplies within the park.

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