Yellowstone National Park is most famous for its geysers, but the park has much more to offer to visitors. A large variety of wildlife, 1,300 miles of hiking trails and plenty of water areas make this a great destination for the whole family. Because the park is so large, planning a vacation is essential to ensure that you’ll make the most of your visit.
Make a list of the activities you’re interested in pursuing in Yellowstone. This will help you decide the best time to visit. Summer and fall are great times for camping, hiking, bike riding, rafting and watching the geysers. Winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Make lodging reservations as early as possible. Cabins, hotels and campgrounds fill up quickly inside the park, especially during the summer. Some campgrounds accept same-day reservations, but there’s no guarantee you’ll find a space, especially at the smaller campsites. If you’re short on time, try the biggest campgrounds, such as Bridge Bay, which has 432 sites, and Grant, which has 425 spaces.
Make reservations for any ranger-led programs or organized tours you want to join. The park offers guided bike tours, day hikes for wildlife viewing and even junior programs. Yellowstone also offers horseback riding and llama packing adventures.
