8 of the Best Things to Do During Your First Time Visiting Yellowstone
Are you searching for a new place to explore with your family this year? Well, we compiled a list of our favorite things to do for your first time visiting Yellowstone! From watching the world’s largest geyser shoot into the air to soaking in the scenic views at Artist Point, there are so many incredible things to experience in our beautiful park!
If you want to discover more ways to make the most of your time in Northwest Wyoming, be sure to request access to our complimentary Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best things to do and places to see in our area!
Things You Need to See During Your First Time Visiting Yellowstone
1. Old Faithful
Old Faithful may seem like a cliché choice, but it’s an icon and a must-see during your first time visiting Yellowstone National Park. There’s nothing quite like seeing a natural geyser shooting water 150 feet in the air.
2. Artist Point
Talk about picturesque…this viewpoint overlooking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone gives you the best view of the Lower Falls. Trust us; you’ll want to bring a camera for this.
3. Mud Volcano Area
Head further north to experience truly one of the best things to see in the park, The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This enormous canyon was created over thousands of years due to water and wind erosion. Now, it’s one of the best hiking spots in the park and allows visitors to admire the beauty of its terra cotta cliffs and river snaking through the bottom. While the area is vast, you’ll still want to arrive either early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the mid-day rush to this popular site.
4. Pelican Creek Nature Trail
If you want to soak in the beautiful views of Yellowstone during your first visit, be sure to check out Pelican Creek Nature Trail. This easy, family-friendly hike takes you through a beautiful valley near the north end of Yellowstone Lake, boasting fantastic views of the mountains.
5. Grand Prismatic Spring
Next to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Springs is arguably the top thing to see during your first-time visiting Yellowstone. A vibrant showcase of reds and blues bubble in this magnificent thermal pool from the bacteria residing in the area.
6. Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs, on the north edge of the park, is home to a collection of over a half dozen cascading waterfalls. Over time, these falls shaped the rock into beautiful tiers of white and orange rock.
7. West Thumb Geyser Basin
The West Thumb Geyser Basin sits on the shore of Yellowstone Lake and has several unique hot springs and geysers to check out during your visit.
8. Norris Geyser Basin
This large network of hot springs is home to Steamboat Geyser, the world’s largest column of shooting water. It’s a beautiful place to stop and see, especially during your first visit to Yellowstone National Park.
Plan Your Yellowstone Adventure
Cody Lodging offers a wide variety of rental homes near the East Entrance to Yellowstone. Choose from secluded, wild-west-reminiscent cabins, or modern retreats with surrounding mountain vistas like you won’t believe. Browse our selection of Cody rental properties near Yellowstone to plan your Wyoming getaway today! We look forward to hosting your exploration through Yellowstone.