Exploring Yellowstone National Park Lower Loop in a Day

Day 1: Yellowstone Lower Loop Adventure

Yellowstone National Park, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at West Thumb Geyser Basin

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the picnic areas near West Thumb Geyser Basin, overlooking the stunning Yellowstone Lake.
Drive from the park entrance to West Thumb Geyser Basin. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
Free, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Wildlife Viewing at Hayden Valley

Head to Hayden Valley for some prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep an eye out for bison, elk, and maybe even a grizzly bear!
Drive from West Thumb Geyser Basin to Hayden Valley. It takes about 45 minutes to reach.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of the Yellowstone River flowing through the colorful canyon walls.
Drive from Hayden Valley to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.
Cost of packed lunch, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Old Faithful

Witness the iconic Old Faithful geyser erupt like clockwork, and explore the surrounding boardwalks to see other geothermal features.
Drive from Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to Old Faithful. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach.
Park entry fee, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Fountain Paint Pot

Stroll along the easy boardwalk trail at Fountain Paint Pot to see bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and geysers up close.
Drive from Old Faithful to Fountain Paint Pot. It takes about 20 minutes to reach.
Park entry fee, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Madison Junction

End your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the picnic areas at Madison Junction, surrounded by the serenity of the park.
Drive from Fountain Paint Pot to Madison Junction. It takes about 45 minutes to reach.
Cost of dinner, 1 hour
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