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Explore Yellowstone National Park in 7 Days

Viewed by 141 travelers

Day 1: Adventure Begins

West Yellowstone, Montana, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Running Bear Pancake House

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast of fluffy pancakes and fresh coffee before heading into the park.
Head to the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, about 5 minutes away.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore the Grand Prismatic Spring

Marvel at the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone's most iconic attractions.
Drive about 30 minutes to reach the Midway Geyser Basin area.
$0 (park entry fee), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the famous Old Faithful geyser erupting in the distance.
Drive for around 1 hour to get to Old Faithful area.
$25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Watch Old Faithful Erupt

Witness the natural spectacle of Old Faithful shooting steaming water high into the air, erupting around every 90 minutes.
Stay near Old Faithful for the eruption time.
$0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check-in at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Cabins

Settle into your cozy cabin for the night and enjoy the tranquility of the park after the day's adventures.
Head to the Snow Lodge area for check-in.
$200, Remaining day
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Day 2: Geothermal Wonders

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Snow Lodge Dining Room

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge's restaurant before exploring more of the geothermal wonders.
Have breakfast at the lodge.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook

Get a different perspective of the Grand Prismatic Spring from the overlook and take in its immense beauty from above.
Drive back to the Midway Geyser Basin area, then hike to the overlook.
$0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Visitor Education Center

Grab a quick lunch at the visitor center to refuel before continuing your exploration.
Head to the visitor center near Old Faithful.
$15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk the Geyser Basins Trail

Stroll along the boardwalks of the various geyser basins, observing geysers, hot springs, and colorful bacterial mats.
Start the trail near the visitor center.
$0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at the Old Faithful Inn Bar

Unwind with a drink at the historic Old Faithful Inn Bar and share your day's adventures with fellow travelers.
Head back to Old Faithful Inn.
$10, 1 hour
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Day 3: Wildlife and Scenic Views

Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park, USA

7:30AM

Early Morning Wildlife Viewing in Hayden Valley

Rise early to spot diverse wildlife such as bison, elk, and grizzly bears in the picturesque Hayden Valley.
Drive to Hayden Valley, about 1.5 hours from Old Faithful.
$0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Hike to Artist Point

Embark on a scenic hike to Artist Point for breathtaking views of the Yellowstone River and the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for the trailhead.
$0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at South Rim Picnic Area

Enjoy a packed lunch with stunning views of the canyon before continuing your exploration.
Head to the designated picnic area on the South Rim.
$15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Uncle Tom's Trail

Descend the steps of Uncle Tom's Trail for a closer look at the powerful Lower Falls and feel the mist on your face.
Drive to the Uncle Tom's Trail parking lot.
$0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive to Lamar Valley

Head towards Lamar Valley, known for its abundant wildlife sightings, and check into your accommodation for the night.
Drive for about 1.5 hours to reach Lamar Valley.
$150, Remaining day
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Day 4: Scenic Beauty and Natural Wonders

Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lamar Valley Cabins

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the cabins surrounded by the serenity of Lamar Valley.
Have breakfast at the cabins.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley

Embark on a wildlife viewing adventure in Lamar Valley, keeping an eye out for wolves, bison, and pronghorn.
Explore Lamar Valley with your binoculars and camera handy.
$0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy a rustic lunch at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room, immersing yourself in the park's history and charm.
Drive to Roosevelt Lodge for lunch.
$20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to Tower Fall

Embark on a scenic hike to Tower Fall, a majestic waterfall cascading into the Yellowstone River in a stunning natural setting.
Drive to the Tower Fall trailhead to start your hike.
$0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at the Roosevelt Lodge Porch

Unwind on the lodge's porch with a cup of tea and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before retiring for the night.
Head back to Roosevelt Lodge and find a spot on the porch.
$5, 1 hour
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Day 5: Majestic Waterfalls and Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy another delightful breakfast at the lodge before heading towards Mammoth Hot Springs.
Have breakfast at the lodge.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

Discover the intricate terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, created by mineral deposits, and take in the formations.
Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs area for exploration.
$0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mammoth Dining Room

Indulge in a relaxing lunch at the Mammoth Dining Room, boasting views of the thermal features in the area.
Head to the dining room for lunch.
$25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Soak in Boiling River Hot Spring

Relax in the natural hot springs of Boiling River, where the hot and cold waters mix for a unique soaking experience.
Drive to the Boiling River parking area and hike to the hot springs.
$0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

Settle into your accommodation at the historic hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Head to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel for check-in.
$180, Remaining day
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Day 6: Geological Marvels

Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mammoth Dining Room

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at the lodge before immersing yourself in the geological wonders of Norris Geyser Basin.
Have breakfast at the lodge.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Discover Steamboat Geyser

Witness the world's tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser, erupting with impressive displays of steam and water.
Explore the Norris Geyser Basin to see Steamboat Geyser.
$0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the General Store in Norris

Grab a quick and tasty lunch at the General Store in Norris before continuing your exploration.
Head to the General Store for lunch.
$15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk the Back Basin Trail

Stroll along the boardwalks of the Back Basin Trail, passing by colorful hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers in the area.
Begin your hike at the Back Basin Trailhead.
$0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Gardens

Unwind amidst the hotel's beautiful gardens, reflecting on the marvels of nature in Yellowstone National Park.
Find a peaceful spot in the hotel gardens to relax.
$0, 1 hour
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Day 7: Final Day of Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mammoth Dining Room

Savor your last breakfast in the park before embarking on the final day of exploration.
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Tower Fall and Calcite Springs Overlook

Take a short hike to Tower Fall for stunning views of the waterfall, then head to Calcite Springs Overlook for panoramic views of the Yellowstone River.
Drive to the trailhead for Tower Fall and Calcite Springs.
$0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Farewell Lunch at Yellowstone General Store

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Yellowstone General Store, reminiscing about your adventures in the park.
Drive to the General Store for lunch.
$20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Final Wildlife Spotting in Hayden Valley

Spend your final afternoon in Hayden Valley, hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife before bidding farewell to Yellowstone.
Drive back to Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing.
$0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Departure from West Yellowstone

Head back to West Yellowstone to return your rental car and begin your journey back home, filled with unforgettable memories of Yellowstone National Park.
Drive back to West Yellowstone for departure.
$0, Remaining day
Find Hotels in Yellowstone National Park
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