Only have one day to visit Yellowstone National Park? Read on to discover our top spots to visit in America’s first national park, established in 1872.
At over 2 million acres, Yellowstone is one of the largest national parks in the lower 48 states. If you only have a day to visit, planning ahead is essential. We’ll explore a few different options for visiting Yellowstone and provide a list of must-visit sights and stops in the park.
Driving The Scenic Loops
The Grand Loop (142 miles) comprises both the upper and lower loops. While you can technically drive the entire loop in a day, this may limit the number of places you can stop and explore due to the vast distance covered. Traffic and wildlife jams can also slow you down, so plan accordingly.
The Upper Loop (70 miles)
Accessible From: The Grand Loop, the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Park County, Montana.
Popular Features: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Tower-Roosevelt, and Mammoth Hot Springs
The Lower Loop (96 miles)
Accessible From: The Grand Loop, the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, the East Entrance in Cody, Wyoming, and the South Entrance from Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
Popular Features: the west side of the loop contains most of the hydrothermal features in the park, including the Upper Geyer Basin (where Old Faithful is located), Midway Geyer Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring), and Fountain Paint Pot. The east side of the Lower Loop is known for wildlife viewing, including bison and elk.
Yellowstone Visitor Centers
Yellowstone boasts 10 visitor centers and information stations, each staffed with rangers, exhibits, and helpful information to enhance your visit. Choose the one closest to your entry point, chat with a ranger about the best nearby attractions, enjoy the exhibits, and then go explore!
We entered the park from the South Entrance, coming up from Grand Teton National Park. Our first stop was the Grant Visitor Center at the south end of the park. It offers beautiful views of Yellowstone Lake, a small park store with stamp station, and exhibits centered around fire ecology.
Upper Geyser Basin- Yellowstone NP
Walk the boardwalk and marvel at the hot springs, pools, and geysers in all their diverse shapes, sizes, and colors! Popular features in the Upper Geyser Basin include Castle, Daisy, and Grand Geysers, Blue Star Spring, and many other hydrothermal wonders. And of course… Old Faithful!
Visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center to learn more about the unique ‘plumbing’ that makes Yellowstone so special. Rangers can provide rough estimates of when popular geysers are predicted to erupt, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Old Faithful Geyser
Located within the Upper Geyser Basin, the famous Old Faithful Geyser is a must-see for first-time visitors. Watching this iconic geyser erupt is truly a sight to behold.
The parking area fills up quickly as it gets closer to Old Faithful’s eruptions. To avoid the crowds, plan to park at least an hour before the estimated eruption time. There are plenty of attractions in this area to explore while you wait for the iconic geyser to put on a show!
Find more information about the current geyser activity in Yellowstone on the NPS website.
Biscuit Basin
Named after the biscuit-shaped geyserite formations that can still be seen around parts of the majestic Sapphire Pool.- NPS
Biscuit Basin is a fascinating area to explore. Popular features include Sapphire Pool, Avoca Spring, Mustard Spring, and Jewel Geyser.
Midway Geyser Basin- Yellowstone NP
Midway Geyser Basin is home to some of Yellowstone’s most impressive features, including Excelsior Geyser Crater and Grand Prismatic Spring, the park’s largest hot spring. Although we couldn’t visit Grand Prismatic Spring due to a full parking lot, it’s a definite must-stop if you can find parking!
Yellowstone National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and even with just one day, you can experience some of its most iconic features. From the informative visitor centers to the mesmerizing geysers and hot springs, each stop offers a unique glimpse into the park’s geothermal magic. Whether you’re marveling at Old Faithful’s eruption or exploring the vibrant pools of Biscuit Basin, your day at Yellowstone will be filled with unforgettable moments. Remember to plan your visit wisely, take in the breathtaking scenery, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of your adventure!
If you have more time in the area, consider visiting Grand Teton National Park, just next door! Read more about must-visit sights in our post: Grand Teton National Park: One Day Itinerary
Happy Travels!
