Yellowstone National Park is home to the world’s largest active geyser, Old Faithful. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves.
But what makes Yellowstone truly unique is its geothermal features. The park is located on top of a giant caldera, or collapsed volcano, which is why it’s so hot and steamy. The heat from the magma below the surface causes the water to boil and rise to the surface, creating geysers, hot springs, and mud pots.
If you’re looking for an otherworldly and unforgettable travel experience, Yellowstone National Park is the perfect place for you. But it can be hard to know where to start if you only have one day to explore. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a one-day trip to Yellowstone!
Keep reading if you’re planning to visit Wyoming and save the pin below for your next trip!
Things to Know Before You Go
Climate: It’s a continental climate climate which means you can expect hot summers and cold winters. In the summer, temperatures range from 80°F to 65°F (18°C to 26°C), while they can drop to 26°F to 32°F (-3°C to 0°C) in the winter.
Best time to go: April, September, and October is the best time to visit because of the mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Language: English is the predominant language.
Money: US Dollar ($USD). Most businesses accept cash and all major credit cards.
Tips Before You Go
- Call in the morning for Geyser Predictions 307-344-2751 (option 2)
- Make sure to gas up your car
- Take out cash from an ATM for roadside stands
- Create a road trip playlist
- Wear SPF – yes, even in the car (here’s my favorite tinted SPF)
- Pack a cooler with lots of water and high-protein snacks
- Don’t forget your sunglasses/hat/visor
- Be prepared for all weather conditions & pack layers
- Bring motion sickness medication like Dramamine if you get carsick
How to Get to Yellowstone National Park
🚗 Car Rental: Easily rent a car here at the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP).
✈️ Airport: It depends on which section of the park you’re going to explore, so here are the closest airports to each entrance. West Entrance is the most popular as it’s closest to Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
North Entrance: Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (BZN) in Bozeman, Montana
West Entrance: Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, Montana or Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho Falls, Idaho
East Entrance: Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, Wyoming
South Entrance: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming
How to Spend a Day in Yellowstone National Park
Drive the lower loop and start your day with the Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail. This is a short and easy 1-mile trail that takes you past Old Faithful and several other geysers, including the Beehive Geyser. It’s a great way to pass the time while waiting for Old Faithful to erupt. There are multiple trails that connect here if you have a longer waiting time. Don’t forget to check for geyser predictions on the morning of your visit. There’s a Visitors Center near if you want to grab a souviner, a bite to eat, or need to use the restroom.
In the afternoon, head to the West Thumb Geyser Basin to walk on the boardwalk along this easy 1-mile trail. This is a smaller geyser basin than Old Faithful, but it’s home to some unique features, such as the Fishing Cone, a geyser that erupts when a fish swims over it.
Then make your way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. This is one of the deepest and most colorful canyons in the United States, and it’s a must-see for any visitor to Yellowstone. Take the South Rim Trail for stunning views of the canyon and the Upper and Lower Falls.
