Yellowstone National Park holidays

If you’re wondering where to start your Yellowstone adventure, Grand Prismatic Spring should be your first stop. Known for its vivid, rainbow colours, caused by bacteria in the water, this hot spring is an astonishing 121 feet deep. You can stroll along the walkway trail for an up-close look, or you can climb up to the nearby overlook for mind-blowing views that stretch for miles.

The park’s most famous attraction, Old Faithful is a must-see during your stay at Yellowstone. Whilst it's not the biggest geyser here, it’s size is still impressive, with thousands of gallons of steaming water being launched into the air at each eruption.
And lastly, if you fancy doing some hiking whilst you’re in the park, Upper Falls is the place to go. Take a wooded path up to the Brink, where you’ll come nose-to-nose with a towering, 110-foot waterfall.

As the first National Park in the United States, it’s no surprise that there’s lots of history to uncover in Yellowstone. Dating back to 1904, the Old Faithful Inn still functions as a hotel for park visitors. But, even if you’re not staying overnight, this place is worth a look around. Featuring asymmetric, wooden architecture and a ginormous, rhyolite-rock fireplace, it’s a truly quirky attraction.

For some really ancient history, Obsidian Cliff should be next on your itinerary. Thought to be formed by a volcanic eruption 180,000 years ago, Native tribes were quarrying obsidian here long before it became part of a National Park. Marvel at the gnarly cliff face, before taking a short drive over to the Mammoth Hot Springs to see the incredible collection of crystallized, calcium-carbonate pools.

It’s not just the landscape that attracts visitors to Yellowstone National Park. There’s some rather incredible wildlife here, too. Most notably, the park is home to a large population of both grizzly and black bears. Both species hibernate through the autumn and winter, so don’t expect to see any at that time of year. But, if you take a trip in spring or summer, it’s not uncommon to see 10 or 15 bears in a day, particularly if you’re driving along Hidden Valley, or Lamar Valley. You’ll also see bison in these areas, and across the park’s sprawling grasslands.

Yellowstone is somewhat of a bird-watching haven, too. Songbirds, hummingbirds and woodpeckers are frequently spotted soaring through the sky and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a great grey owl hiding in the treetops.

Yellowstone National Park boasts stunning scenery in every season. In particular, there’s lots to love about seeing Yellowstone in spring. As the forests and grasslands begin to turn a vivid shade of green, the frost lifts, revealing the pink heather that’s dotted along the mountaintops. The wildlife is out in full force at this time of year, too. Bird and bear spotting reaches its peak, and you’re likely to see newly-born bison calves scattered around the park, alongside their mothers.

Summer is equally beautiful. As it’s wildflower season, you’ll get to see the park at its brightest and most colourful. And, with plenty of warm, sunny days, the weather is perfect for exploring the great outdoors. However, it’s also Yellowstone’s busiest time of year. So, if you’re wanting to miss the crowds, this is a time to avoid.