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Exploring Yellowstone National Park in 5 Days

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day 1: Geysers Galore

West Yellowstone, Montana

8:00AM

Breakfast at Running Bear Pancake House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the famous Running Bear Pancake House in West Yellowstone.
Head to Old Faithful first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Old Faithful

Witness the iconic Old Faithful geyser erupt in a spectacular display of nature's power.
Follow the boardwalk around the Upper Geyser Basin to see other incredible geothermal features.
Free with park admission, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the geyser at the historic Old Faithful Inn Dining Room.
Take a break and relax in the comfortable surroundings after exploring the geysers.
$25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Marvel at the stunning colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States.
Take the short hike up to the viewpoint to get a bird's eye view of the spring.
Free with park admission, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at Bridge Bay Campground

Set up camp at Bridge Bay Campground to experience staying amidst the wilderness of Yellowstone.
Drive to the campground and pick a site for your tent or RV.
$30, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Lake Hotel Dining Room

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Lake Hotel Dining Room while overlooking the beautiful Yellowstone Lake.
After a day of exploring, unwind with a delicious meal and scenic views.
$35, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Canyons and Waterfalls

Canyon Village, Wyoming

8:00AM

Breakfast at Canyon Lodge Eatery

Start your day with a quick breakfast at Canyon Lodge Eatery before heading out to explore the canyons.
Drive towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for your first stop of the day.
$12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Discover Lower Falls

Hike down to the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River and witness the breathtaking cascade in person.
Follow the trail to Artist Point for the classic view of the falls.
Free with park admission, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Canyon Village Deli

Grab a quick and tasty sandwich at the Canyon Village Deli to fuel up for the rest of your day.
Savor your meal at a picnic spot near the Yellowstone River.
$10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to Upper Falls

Embark on a hike to the Upper Falls for a different perspective of the Yellowstone River's grandeur.
Follow the Uncle Tom's Trail for a closer look at the Upper Falls.
Free with park admission, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Lamar Valley

Drive towards Lamar Valley for a chance to spot diverse wildlife including bison, bears, and wolves in their natural habitat.
Keep a lookout as you traverse the Lamar Valley for wildlife sightings.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room

End your day with a hearty meal at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room amidst the rustic charm of the lodge.
Relax and reminisce about the day's adventures while enjoying a satisfying dinner.
$30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Wildlife Encounters

Tower-Roosevelt, Wyoming

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tower Falls General Store

Start your day with a quick bite at Tower Falls General Store before heading out for wildlife spotting.
Drive towards Lamar Valley for the best chances of observing wildlife.
$8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley

Spend the morning in Lamar Valley watching for animals such as bison, elk, and wolves roaming the expansive valley.
Bring your binoculars and camera for better viewing opportunities.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room

Head back to Roosevelt Lodge for a delicious lunch before continuing your wildlife adventures.
Enjoy a leisurely meal and plan your afternoon wildlife excursions.
$20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hike to Petrified Tree

Take a short hike to view the ancient Petrified Tree and learn about the geological history of the area.
Follow the marked trail to reach the Petrified Tree site.
Free with park admission, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Tower Fall

Visit the impressive Tower Fall and take in the scenic beauty of the waterfall cascading into the Yellowstone River.
Walk the short trail to the viewing platform for a closer look at Tower Fall.
Free with park admission, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

Enjoy dinner at Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room and relax in the historic setting of the area.
Savor a satisfying meal while soaking in the ambiance of Mammoth Hot Springs.
$35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Lake Views and Recreation

Lake Village, Wyoming

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lake Lodge Cafeteria

Start your day with a morning meal at Lake Lodge Cafeteria overlooking the picturesque Yellowstone Lake.
Enjoy the serene views of the lake before heading out for activities.
$10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Boat Tour on Yellowstone Lake

Embark on a scenic boat tour on Yellowstone Lake to experience the beauty of the lake from a different perspective.
Book a tour at the Lake Village Marina and explore the lake's wonders.
$50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Lake Butte Overlook

Pack a picnic lunch and drive to Lake Butte Overlook for a scenic spot to enjoy your meal with a view.
Take a short hike to the overlook and find a cozy spot for your picnic.
$15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Guided Hike along Yellowstone River

Join a guided hike along the Yellowstone River to learn about the geology and wildlife of the area.
Meet your guide at Lake Village Visitor Center for an enriching experience.
$75, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lake Hotel

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Lake Hotel and relax after a day of outdoor adventures.
Savor the evening with a delicious meal and lake views at the hotel.
$40, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Explorations

West Thumb, Wyoming

8:00AM

Breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Indulge in a cozy breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge to start your day.
Enjoy the lodge's warm atmosphere before heading out for your final day of exploration.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit West Thumb Geyser Basin

Explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin to see a unique combination of geysers and thermal pools near Yellowstone Lake.
Stroll along the boardwalk to view the colorful geothermal features up close.
Free with park admission, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grant Village Dining Room

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Grant Village Dining Room before continuing your explorations.
Relax and recharge with a delicious meal in the comfortable setting.
$30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boating at Lewis Lake

Rent a boat and spend the afternoon leisurely exploring the tranquil waters of Lewis Lake.
Head to the Lewis Lake Boat Ramp to begin your boating adventure.
$40, 2 hours

4:00PM

Scenic Drive along Continental Divide

Take a scenic drive along the Continental Divide to enjoy panoramic views of the park's diverse landscapes.
Drive along the designated route and make brief stops at viewpoints to admire the scenery.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Canyon Lodge Eatery

Conclude your Yellowstone adventure with a final dinner at Canyon Lodge Eatery.
Reflect on your journey as you enjoy a delicious meal before preparing for your departure.
$25, 1.5 hours
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