Yellowstone tips

[MrSquished]

any smaller stops in Yellowstone that made you go wow more so than others? We have our broad itinerary and routes down. We are going each day from West Yellowstone into the Park and will hit the main areas like Prismatic, then the geyser fields near Old Faithful, then. If we don't happen to get to old faithful close to before it erupts and it looks at all like a quick in and out, we will probably skip it, spend more time walking around the geyser fields in the area instead. Have two full days, a half day, then a few hours in a morning. Will also head to the Canyon area of course and to Hayden Valley, possibly to West Thumb.

Mammoth fields might be tough as I heard they are super duper crowded and we might not have time to go up that way.

Unfortunately can't do any real hikes because I'll be with family which means a nearly 80-year-old mother and two younger children. I'm going to try to do my own hike at Big sky but other than that I'll be with family throughout Montana.

Definitely looking for recommendations for some of the smaller pull-offs that have the biggest payoffs. Seen some YouTube videos of people who mention some, where some random pull-off that was not crowded at all ended up being quite impressive. I mean it's probably hard not to be impressive there but they pointed out some of the more impressive ones and it would be good to know of specific ones in advance.

Will be buying a cooler in Bozeman and stocking up on food and snacks at the co-op there before heading to our hotel, which will be for all our food while in the park those days.

 

[BoomerD]

Old Faithful is pretty damned impressive...worth a wait, IMO. We were there in 2016. Stayed in West Yellowstone. There USED to be a great restaurant a few miles north of town...but it looks like they're gone.

 

[Brainonska511]

There is a trail near Grand Prismatic that can give you a view from above. I believe it is the Fairy Falls trail (sadly, it was closed when I went in 2016 because they were building an observation platform to halt some of the erosion from people hiking up for the view). Just note that parking near the main part of Grand Prismatic is often on the road and can be kind of nuts.

Lots of little pullouts, so watch out for those to get some nice views in. Good way to squeeze in a lot of sites during the day.

Mount Washburn is a nice hike from Dunraven Pass, and compatible coming from West Yellowstone. Just get started early to avoid the frequent afternoon thunderstorms, since the peak is above treeline.

Gibbon Falls is also neat.

Same for the main falls on the Yellowstone River (I believe one of the spots is called Artist's Point). One of the falls has a metal stair you can go down to get a spectacular view.

Whatever you choose to do, aim to get into the park early - like sunrise early. You'll avoid a lot of the entrance traffic and get a jump on getting to the site you want to see.

Other tips: don't rely on cell service. It is likely to be really spotty. We downloaded offline Google Maps covering the park (and I guess you could do AllTrails Pro for hikes and offline navigation). Also, be sure to carry and drink water and snacks if you're hiking, and be prepared for crazy weather - pop up thunderstorms, cool mornings and evenings, but warm days. I had a tri-climate type jacket that worked well for the trip: the shell served as a rain coat, the fleece was good most of the time, and together, was great for the cold start at Mount Washburn.

Edit:
Also, there is a nice boardwalk and short hike around Old Faithful that takes you near other geysers. We hiked the short trail that takes you to a lookout above old faithful, and got to watch it erupt from above.

And more other tips: stay away from wildlife. Buffalo are dangerous, and so are bears. Watch animals from a distance. Carry bear spray - pick some up in a sporting goods store.

 

[MrSquished]

There is a trail near Grand Prismatic that can give you a view from above. I believe it is the Fairy Falls trail (sadly, it was closed when I went in 2016 because they were building an observation platform to halt some of the erosion from people hiking up for the view). Just note that parking near the main part of Grand Prismatic is often on the road and can be kind of nuts.

Lots of little pullouts, so watch out for those to get some nice views in. Good way to squeeze in a lot of sites during the day.

Mount Washburn is a nice hike from Dunraven Pass, and compatible coming from West Yellowstone. Just get started early to avoid the frequent afternoon thunderstorms, since the peak is above treeline.

Gibbon Falls is also neat.

Same for the main falls on the Yellowstone River (I believe one of the spots is called Artist's Point). One of the falls has a metal stair you can go down to get a spectacular view.

Whatever you choose to do, aim to get into the park early - like sunrise early. You'll avoid a lot of the entrance traffic and get a jump on getting to the site you want to see.

Other tips: don't rely on cell service. It is likely to be really spotty. We downloaded offline Google Maps covering the park (and I guess you could do AllTrails Pro for hikes and offline navigation). Also, be sure to carry and drink water and snacks if you're hiking, and be prepared for crazy weather - pop up thunderstorms, cool mornings and evenings, but warm days. I had a tri-climate type jacket that worked well for the trip: the shell served as a rain coat, the fleece was good most of the time, and together, was great for the cold start at Mount Washburn.

Edit:
Also, there is a nice boardwalk and short hike around Old Faithful that takes you near other geysers. We hiked the short trail that takes you to a lookout above old faithful, and got to watch it erupt from above.

And more other tips: stay away from wildlife. Buffalo are dangerous, and so are bears. Watch animals from a distance. Carry bear spray - pick some up in a sporting goods store.

Thanks. Yes definitely preparing for leaving very early morning and dressing with layers to deal with the changing weather.

Unfortunately can't do any real hikes because I'll be with family which means a nearly 80-year-old mother and two younger children. I'm going to try to do my own hike at Big sky but other than that I'll be with family throughout Montana.

Definitely looking for recommendations for some of the smaller pull-offs that have the biggest payoffs. Seen some YouTube videos of people who mention some, where some random pull-off That was not crowded at all ended up being quite impressive. I mean it's probably hard not to be impressive there but they pointed out some of the more impressive ones.

Will be buying a cooler in Bozeman and stocking up on food and snacks at the co-op there before heading to our hotel, which will be for all our food while in the park those days.

 

[Brainonska511]

Thanks. Yes definitely preparing for leaving very early morning and dressing with layers to deal with the changing weather.

Unfortunately can't do any real hikes because I'll be with family which means a nearly 80-year-old mother and two younger children. I'm going to try to do my own hike at Big sky but other than that I'll be with family throughout Montana.

Definitely looking for recommendations for some of the smaller pull-offs that have the biggest payoffs. Seen some YouTube videos of people who mention some, where some random pull-off That was not crowded at all ended up being quite impressive. I mean it's probably hard not to be impressive there but they pointed out some of the more impressive ones.

Will be buying a cooler in Bozeman and stocking up on food and snacks at the co-op there before heading to our hotel, which will be for all our food while in the park those days.

I see. One pull off I can think of is Firehole Canyon. But there are also tons of them as you drive along.

I think Gibbon Falls is a nice spot considering your group. A bit like a pull off, but all board walked, so accessible for those with more limited mobility. The boardwalks around Old Faithful are also good.

Lower falls of the Yellowstone are something you could probably do too. There is a big parking area, and most of it is a short walk from the lot.

 

[BoomerD]

Thanks. Yes definitely preparing for leaving very early morning and dressing with layers to deal with the changing weather.

Unfortunately can't do any real hikes because I'll be with family which means a nearly 80-year-old mother and two younger children. I'm going to try to do my own hike at Big sky but other than that I'll be with family throughout Montana.

Definitely looking for recommendations for some of the smaller pull-offs that have the biggest payoffs. Seen some YouTube videos of people who mention some, where some random pull-off That was not crowded at all ended up being quite impressive. I mean it's probably hard not to be impressive there but they pointed out some of the more impressive ones.

Will be buying a cooler in Bozeman and stocking up on food and snacks at the co-op there before heading to our hotel, which will be for all our food while in the park those days.

Keep in mind...there are bears there. Black bears...that only want your food...and grizzly bears that want your food...but will take you as well. Don't be a stupid tourist...stay on the designated walkways, stay out of the thermal features, give the wildlife plenty of room. (25 yards from bison, elk, etc. 100 yards from bears and wolves...and you'd be surprised how fast those animals can cover those distances if they want to.)
Mostly...enjoy yourself. Yellowstone is our favorite national park. When we lived in Wyoming, we'd make the roughly 3 hour each way drive a couple of times every year. It's a WONDERFUL place.

 

[SteveGrabowski]

My best advice for Yellowstone is to talk to as many people as you can to find out about animal sightings. When I was there a few years ago someone told me about a bison kill so went there and there were spotters with really incredible equipment just letting us all look through their scopes to see a grizzly going to town on the bison, and also get pissed off and chase a mother and her cubs away. If you're ever in the area again when you have more time to hike the Beartooths are incredible with way less crowds.

 

[SteveGrabowski]

Mount Washburn is a nice hike from Dunraven Pass, and compatible coming from West Yellowstone. Just get started early to avoid the frequent afternoon thunderstorms, since the peak is above treeline.

Didn't do Washburn but really enjoyed Avalanche Peak near the eastern boundary of the park, great views of Yellowstone Lake. Though my favorite thing I did in the area was backpacking to the Aero Lakes and Sky Top Lakes in the Beartooths. Ugh wish I would have had time to go do Mount Rearguard when I was in the area.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Don't dip in the hot tubs.

 

[stargazr]

What I noticed while driving through the park is if you see cars pulled over other than known attractions, there's probably wildlife worth checking out. I found some cool sightings that would have otherwise driven by.
Also, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a must see, don't know if they still call it that.

 

[NuclearNed]

Uncle Tom's Trail is usually a conga line of tourists - but the view at the bottom is incredible.

If you want to see moose, get up very early & go to Christian Creek - near Jackson Lake lodge. The road crosses a marshy area which frequently has moose early in the morning.

 

[BoomerD]

What I noticed while driving through the park is if you see cars pulled over other than known attractions, there's probably wildlife worth checking out. I found some cool sightings that would have otherwise driven by.
Also, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a must see, don't know if they still call it that.

 

[BoomerD]

Woman found dead after grizzly bear encounter near Yellowstone National Park

Last week, Montana wildlife authorities warned of confirmed grizzly sightings throughout the state and urged campers and visitors to exercise caution.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[MrSquished]

The Grand Canyon is in the top part of our list!

Yes we will be good with wildlife. I've been hiking in Alaska and we took precautions. Done plenty of camping and backpacking in black bear country in the Northeast and am always respectful of the wildlife and storing food, etc...Can't stand the idiots that fuck it up for the rest of us. Had a great chill backpacking shelter shut down one summer because too many idiots either tried to feed the bears for photos, or just left their food out like idiots, and that shelter was now a known food source for the black bears. Fucking jacknutfuckers.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

When are you planning to go? Miserable heat not but winter can set in quick.

PLEASE look up the Sand Creek Massacre and if there is any possible way you can manage it, I'd greatly appreciate if you could visit. I'll never be able to.

 

[MrSquished]

Wondering if I should bring my low-top Salomon gore-tex hikers or bring my mid boots from Oboz. While I will probably just do one big hike at Big Sky, I'll be doing some fast scrambles and short little scampers to get photos while we are at different stops all over Yellowstone and a couple other spots.

 

[SteveGrabowski]

Woman found dead after grizzly bear encounter near Yellowstone National Park

Last week, Montana wildlife authorities warned of confirmed grizzly sightings throughout the state and urged campers and visitors to exercise caution.

www.nbcnews.com

Freaking global warming is devastating the trees whose nuts made up so much of grizzlies' diets in the past. It's really sad to now see seemingly yearly stories about grizzly attacks when they used to be so exceedingly rare. I took bear spray last time I hiked in the area but next time I might bring my loudest revolver too.

 

[SteveGrabowski]

The Grand Canyon is in the top part of our list!

Yes we will be good with wildlife. I've been hiking in Alaska and we took precautions. Done plenty of camping and backpacking in black bear country in the Northeast and am always respectful of the wildlife and storing food, etc...Can't stand the idiots that fuck it up for the rest of us. Had a great chill backpacking shelter shut down one summer because too many idiots either tried to feed the bears for photos, or just left their food out like idiots, and that shelter was now a known food source for the black bears. Fucking jacknutfuckers.

Ugh I hate fucking tourons

 

[Brainonska511]

Wondering if I should bring my low-top Salomon gore-tex hikers or bring my mid boots from Oboz. While I will probably just do one big hike at Big Sky, I'll be doing some fast scrambles and short little scampers to get photos while we are at different stops all over Yellowstone and a couple other spots.

When I went, I just used some low-rise Columbia hiking shoes (basically, a hiking sneaker). Largely waterproof, but somewhat breathable and provided good traction on any number of surfaces. Plus, it was comfortable like a sneaker, letting me get away with packing light: those shoes for everyday use and sandals.

 

[stargazr]

Woman found dead after grizzly bear encounter near Yellowstone National Park

Last week, Montana wildlife authorities warned of confirmed grizzly sightings throughout the state and urged campers and visitors to exercise caution.

www.nbcnews.com

I saw that yesterday and thought of this thread as well. I went to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons by myself with a backpack in 1980. Didn't have a plan and first went to Yellowstone. I tried to get a permit and they said there had just been a fatal grizzly attack.

They can't really keep you from going out but strongly suggested to forget about it. I did; just drove through with my rental. Then I went back to the Tetons (had flown into Jackson Hole) and hiked all the way around Leigh Lake. Up there it's more black bears than grizzlies so it all worked out. Great trip.

 

[SteveGrabowski]

ROFL this fat touron putting her hand into a hot spring

 

[dainthomas]

ROFL this fat touron putting her hand into a hot spring

Tourons of Yellowstone instagram account is a gold mine of idiocy.

To OP's question, Artists Paint Pot trail is a little north of the larger Fountain Paint Pots but the parking is a little less crazy and it's still pretty cool.

Depending on how far north you're going the Hellroaring suspension bridge is also nice.

And as long as you're up that way, head to Gardiner and have dinner at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill. Their elk meatloaf is absolutely amazing.

 

[Brainonska511]

Tourons of Yellowstone instagram account is a gold mine of idiocy.

To OP's question, Artists Paint Pot trail is a little north of the larger Fountain Paint Pots but the parking is a little less crazy and it's still pretty cool.

Depending on how far north you're going the Hellroaring suspension bridge is also nice.

And as long as you're up that way, head to Gardiner and have dinner at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill. Their elk meatloaf is absolutely amazing.

Allegedly, it's only a 2 hour drive from West Yellowstone to Gardiner. I don't know if I'd drive out for the dinner, but Mammoth Hot Springs is certainly worth the trip - extremely cool place to see and good for mobility impaired). There is also the boiling river hot spring which you may or may not be able to swim in (depends on closures and whatnot). The historic entry arch at Gardiner is also neat.

The only thing I'd worry about is driving back from Gardiner to West Yellowstone: just because wildlife will be more active and it will be a dark drive.

In my own trip years ago, when we checked into our Gardiner hotel (we did a few days in West Yellowstone, then in Gardiner, then in Jackson) the neighboring car in the lot had been totalled in a vehicle vs elk.

 

[SteveGrabowski]

Tourons of Yellowstone instagram account is a gold mine of idiocy.

Who is dumber between Yellowstone tourons and Yosemite tourons? I still remember the church group that had a couple of people go in the river above Vernal Fall in Yosemite and the bodies weren't recovered for months.

 

[BoomerD]

Who is dumber between Yellowstone tourons and Yosemite tourons? I still remember the church group that had a couple of people go in the river above Vernal Fall in Yosemite and the bodies weren't recovered for months.

That happens in Yosemite every couple of years...never mind the warning signs...O think Yellowstone is...less forgiving of stupidity. More animals that will fuck you up, siper-heated water that will not only cook you alive, but will dissolve your bones.