Yellowstone Nationwide Park was the world’s first nationwide park, and it continues to be some of the common. Annually, thousands and thousands of individuals flock to go to the park with its geothermal options, towering mountain peaks, and broad number of wildlife.
This many guests additionally means plenty of individuals with recommendation to share on seeing the park. When you take a look at Yellowstone Reddit threads, you’ll discover a treasure trove of recommendation and suggestions from individuals who have visited the park earlier than.
We’ve compiled among the most helpful recommendation from these threads right here in a single place. From recommendations on RVing at Yellowstone to what to see and the place to go, right here’s among the most helpful Reddit recommendation on a visit to Yellowstone.
Recommendation From Reddit on RVing to Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Redditors have plenty of recommendation for Yellowstone Nationwide Park guests! You’ll discover recommendation on Reddit threads about each visiting the park generally and visiting the park in an RV.
Driving and Parking an RV
A number of writers suggested that driving and parking an RV in Yellowstone may be difficult – particularly over the summer season. However it may be accomplished! AverniteAdventurer wrote, “A big rv can deal with the principle roads in Yellowstone in the summertime completely advantageous, however will probably be a problem. That is completely doable in order for you, simply drive somewhat slower and pull off on pull outs to let vehicles behind you go!”
Responders additionally famous the significance of visiting common websites early within the morning, particularly if you happen to want parking for a bigger automobile.
hanz333 even posted a complete recommended itinerary to keep away from crowds and get an excellent parking spot for common areas of the park. It begins early (be on the gate by 6 am!) however summer season crowds at Yellowstone are not any joke.
As for driving an RV via the park, most individuals agree that RVs can deal with the principle roads simply advantageous. AverniteAdventurer warned towards utilizing the northern entrance highway with a giant rig. Different commenters stated that there are some areas of the park which can be arduous to entry with a bigger RV.
Folks suggested that you simply’ll have a better time if you happen to don’t go through the summer season peak season.
Tenting With an RV
A number of Redditors wrote that you’ll seemingly have a better time within the park and be capable of discover extra of it by driving a van or tow automobile and leaving your RV arrange for camp. This may be very true if you happen to’re in a campsite with out reservations – the place another person may come by through the day and swipe your spot.
Driving a smaller automobile through the day will even provide you with extra parking choices at numerous websites round Yellowstone. Nevertheless, in the summertime months, you’ll nonetheless wish to get to these spots early within the morning earlier than they get crowded!
Just one campground at Yellowstone has full RV hookups – Fishing Bridge RV Park. Different campgrounds permit RVs however don’t have hookups. And all campgrounds replenish rapidly!
Get the GuideAlong App
Multiple particular person giving recommendation additionally really helpful downloading an app to make use of contained in the park. Though they referred to it because the GyPSy app, it’s now referred to as GuideAlong.
GuideAlong provides audio excursions of many common landmarks and locations, together with Yellowstone. Merely buy your tour, or a bundle of excursions if you happen to’ll be visiting a number of locations. You then obtain the app and audio tour whilst you have WiFi or a mobile phone sign. As soon as these items are downloaded, you should use them with no need a sign.
Many customers stated this was a useful choice since cell service all through the park is unreliable.
Carry Your Personal Meals
One commenter identified that you could spend lots of time ready in line at park concessions. In terms of breakfast and lunch, that’s daylight time you might be spending exploring the park! You additionally should cease what you’re doing, drive to the restaurant or cafe, and park earlier than ready in line. It’s even trickier whenever you’re exploring Yellowstone with youngsters.
Their recommendation? Pack meals to eat whilst you’re exploring through the day. You may eat in a car parking zone, at a picnic desk you discover whereas driving round, or just about wherever else you select. In case your rig has a fridge and kitchen, you’ll be better off right here. You may top off on meals at a grocery retailer farther out from the park, the place costs could also be cheaper. Even if you happen to drive a tow automobile through the day, you possibly can hold your meals chilly at camp till you could pack it up for that day’s actions.
Together with saving you time, bringing your individual meals will prevent cash! Park concessions are usually costlier than meals you purchase on the retailer.
Construct In Some Buffer Time
You may have an formidable schedule to see the park, however judging from lots of recommendation, you might not get to every thing! Folks stated to permit time to attend for geysers to erupt or to observe wildlife if you happen to occur upon it. A lot of spontaneous issues can occur whilst you’re on the park. So whereas it’s good to have a plan, even be prepared if issues don’t go precisely as you scheduled.
Take into account Your Airport
When you’re flying to the area after which renting an RV to go to the park, you have got a number of airport choices. You may fly into Idaho Falls, which is a two-hour drive from West Yellowstone. You possibly can additionally fly to the Bozeman Yellowstone Worldwide Airport, after which drive 90 minutes to Mammoth Springs, or an hour and 45-minutes to West Yellowstone.
You can too fly into Jackson Gap, Wyoming. Through the summer season, that’s a couple of two-hour drive. Within the winter, many roads are closed, making this nearer to a six-hour drive. Jackson is a lovely space to discover in your strategy to the park, though many commenters level out that it’s additionally very costly.
When you’re flying to the world, there are many choices for renting an RV to drive into Yellowstone!
Staying in One Place vs. Shifting Round
Yellowstone is 3,471 sq. miles, which is lots of space to cowl. Relying on how a lot of the park you wish to see, and the way a lot you wish to drive again to your camp every day, you might wish to camp in a number of spots throughout your keep.
One Redditor recommended dividing the park into two sections – the southern and the northern half. Camp in West Yellowstone to discover the south, and camp in Gardiner to discover the north.
If you wish to keep in only one place, West Yellowstone has extra facilities. It’s additionally extra centrally positioned and nearer to lots of the park’s prime sights.
Prime Locations to Go to at Yellowstone Nationwide Park from Reddit Vacationers
Reddit vacationers had plenty of recommendation on the sights to see at Yellowstone as nicely! Some are unsurprising and are the principle sights on the park. Others are hidden gems or handy aspect journeys to take whilst you’re within the space. Cease by some – or all – of the next locations really helpful by fellow vacationers.
Outdated Trustworthy
Outdated Trustworthy is, in fact, an iconic Yellowstone spot! Whereas some posters stated the geyser was overrated, everybody together with them agreed that guests ought to see it anyway. Additionally they had ideas for seeing it:
- frenchpressfan recommends, “There’s a 1.5 mi paved strolling path that begins proper subsequent to it, it’s a loop. Do this for certain. The morning glory pool is superior. You’ll additionally hopefully see extra eruptions, extra up shut on this loop. There’s one fork off this path that’s a steep climb, you possibly can skip that in order for you.”
- Additionally they suggested that you simply discover a spot the place the wind blows away from you as you view the geyser. This offers you a greater view of Outdated Trustworthy.
- Different writers suggested mountaineering the Remark Level Loop Path to get nice views of the geyser from above. The path is steep however is a brief climb.
- Folks additionally really helpful mountaineering the Higher Geyser Basin Loop. You’ll see the most important focus of geysers on the planet alongside this path which is a mix of paved paths and boardwalks. These geysers embody Outdated Trustworthy, the Fortress Geyser, the Daisy Geyser, the Grand Geyser, and the Riverside Geyser. Most of those geysers don’t erupt as usually as Outdated Trustworthy, however you might be fortunate sufficient to witness them.
- Don’t miss Outdated Trustworthy Inn, the most important log construction on the planet. You may keep there, however it’s also possible to go to the inn’s huge stone hearth and the hand-crafted copper clock. There are a number of locations to eat on the inn, plus a present store.
Grand Prismatic Spring
A number of Redditors suggested that the perfect time to see Grand Prismatic Spring is within the afternoon. There are many vapors that settle within the space within the morning and night. Though they provide the world a cool, atmospheric vibe, you gained’t see the good colours of the Grand Prismatic Spring as simply. Afternoon is the perfect time to see the world unimpeded.
You can too park within the Fairy Falls car parking zone and take the Fairy Falls Path to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. It’s a couple of one-mile hike, which is somewhat steep, however the views are price it.
Artists Paintpots
The Artists Paintpots Path is one other spotlight talked about by a number of Reddit contributors. There’s a 1.1-mile lollipop loop path that takes hikers by colourful sizzling springs, mudpots, and little geysers. There are some stairs and steeper grades to get to the higher mudpots. You may go to early within the morning for fewer crowds, and the path will get busier because the day progresses.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Commenters additionally inspired guests to go to the West Thumb Geyser Basin. A number of Redditors stated to see West Thumb at dawn or sundown, noting that the solar rising or setting over Yellowstone Lake was a surprising sight.
The basin has a mile-long boardwalk loop that offers you nice views of the lake and a few thermal options. There are additionally sizzling springs, small geysers, mud pots, and paint pots within the space. West Thumb additionally tends to be less-crowded than many different areas of the park.
Hayden Valley
The Hayden Valley at Yellowstone is well-known, and really helpful by Redditors, as a superb wildlife-viewing spot. Commenters advise that you simply’ll have the perfect probability of seeing wildlife if you happen to’re on the market at daybreak or sundown, when animals are inclined to enterprise out.
You’ll wish to permit a minimum of an hour to drive via the valley. Nevertheless, your plans might be derailed by bison site visitors jams. In that case, you’ll spend … nicely, that’s as much as the bison. You gained’t be capable of hurry them alongside.
Carry binoculars to view wildlife. Many commenters additionally stated individuals with recognizing scopes are usually pleasant and let others take a peak. Look ahead to different vehicles pulled over forward of you – usually they’ve noticed animals and stopped for a glance.
Lamar Valley
The Lamar Valley can be a widely known wildlife-spotting space. Once more, your greatest probability of recognizing wildlife is at daybreak or nightfall. Some individuals will even get to the valley at 4 am so that they’re prepared for the animals. Carry binoculars or recognizing scopes so you possibly can spot far-away animals. A number of the greatest spots to observe for wildlife embody Slough Creek close to Dave’s Hill, the Little America plains, and the world between Little America and the Lamar River Path. A number of Redditors advocate the Slough Creek Path, with a cease on the ranger cabin within the first meadow for lunch or a snack.
Commenters additionally advocate Trout Lake, saying that it’s an ideal hike though it may be arduous to search out parking.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Don’t fear – you might be visiting the Grand Canyon, however you’re nonetheless at Yellowstone Nationwide Park! There may be an space often known as Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with superb hikes and views of a formidable canyon.
Redditors say there are many good hikes within the space. Widespread ones embody the South Rim Path to Level Elegant, the hike from the Canyon Lodge to the North Rim and Inspiration Level, and Uncle Tom’s Path. It may be arduous to search out the trailhead for among the hikes, however the Canyon Lodge entrance desk employees is useful and can provide you instructions.
Commenters additionally like Cascade Lake close to the Grand Canyon.
Mammoth Scorching Springs
Mammoth Scorching Springs was one other extremely really helpful spot within the park. You’ll discover geothermal options and historic websites on this space. As a result of this can be a common spot, with doable wildlife-viewing, you’ll wish to arrive early within the morning, or later within the night to keep away from crowds and see animals.
The Decrease Terraces Path is a 1.75-mile-long boardwalk that takes you by Liberty Cap, Palette Spring, and Minerva Terrace.
Higher Terrace Loop Drive is a 2.3-mile drive that may take you previous Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Canary Spring. Nevertheless, RVs, trailers, and buses are prohibited on Higher Terrace Drive.
The close by Albright Customer Heart is an effective spot to go to for info and historical past within the space. You can too take a look at Fort Yellowstone, Golden Gate Canyon, and Undine Falls.
Mt. Washburn
Mt. Washburn is a well-liked space for day hikers in Yellowstone. You may hike to the summit from the Dunraven Go Trailhead or from the Chittenden Highway parking space. Many hikers see bighorn sheep alongside the path, and the mountain has a lovely show of wildflowers every July. On the prime, there are interpretive reveals on the base of the fireplace lookout.
The truth is, Mt. Washburn is certainly one of three hearth lookout stations at Yellowstone. It’s staffed from mid-June till the top of fireside season.
Outdated West Dinner Cookout
You may both trip on horseback or in a coated wagon to the Outdated West Dinner Cookout in Nice Valley. You’ll get some tasty vittles and a night of songs and tales. Dinner consists of steak, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, cornbread muffins, and fruit crisp, plus espresso across the campfire.
Grand Tetons
Many commenters inspired guests to spend time at Grand Teton Nationwide Park on the identical journey. The parks are shut collectively, and whereas Yellowstone is understood for its geothermal options and wonder, Grand Teton is understood for sweeping mountain vistas. Listed here are just a few locations Redditors really helpful at Grand Teton:
- Jenny Lake – in all probability one of many best-known spots at Grand Teton. You may see crystal-clear reflections of the Teton Mountains within the lake, and there are boat excursions, laying, and mountaineering.
- Hidden Falls and Inspiration Level – this can be a common mountaineering spot that offers you nice views of Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon, and Jackson Gap.
- Mormon Row Historic District – this space has historic barns and homesteads from 1890.
Beartooth Freeway
The Beartooth Freeway is likely one of the most lovely roads in America. It connects Crimson Lodge, Montana to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. When you’re on the freeway, plan to take 5-6 hours to drive the freeway with leisurely scenic stops. It can take 3-4 hours to drive it with out stops. The highway is normally open from Memorial Day till about Columbus Day, however climate dictates precisely when it opens and closes. RVs are allowed on the freeway, and it’s paved and well-maintained.
You’ll see towering mountains, Bear’s Tooth – a pyramid-like rock carved by glaciers, and beautiful views on all sides. You may also spot moose, bears, elk, marmots, and different wildlife.
Gardiner
If you need a while exterior the park, Gardiner is in Montana, simply exterior the North Entrance to Yellowstone. It’s a quaint city alongside the Yellowstone River. Whereas on the town, you possibly can go whitewater rafting, horseback driving, or hire e-bikes. There are historic strolling excursions and you may go to the Yellowstone Gateway Museum.
One commenter additionally really helpful a cease at Yellowstone Scorching Springs in Gardiner. The recent springs have naturally heated swimming pools, plus a chilly plunge pool. You may carry your individual meals and drinks (however no alcohol). The recent springs resort additionally has on-site RV tenting.
West Yellowstone
The city of West Yellowstone can be in Montana, only a mile and a half from the Wyoming border. You may discover the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Heart or go mountaineering and rafting within the space. Each summer season, there’s additionally a Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo on the town.
Virginia Metropolis, Montana
There’s a better-known Virginia Metropolis in Nevada, however this Montana ghost city is a enjoyable day journey close to Yellowstone. Take a stagecoach tour, wander the city’s boardwalk, or go to native historic websites. The city additionally has vaudeville and melodrama exhibits, and youngsters can pan for gold close by.
Bozeman
One Redditor additionally recommended stopping within the school city of Bozeman about ninety minutes away. You may see the world-class Museum of the Rockies which has a seasonal out of doors dwelling historical past farm and a youngsters’s discovery heart. The town has a number of different museums, plus out of doors actions like mountaineering, mountain biking, and mountain climbing.
Hopefully, this text has armed you with tons of strategies for what to do in Yellowstone! Be sure you take a look at our 2-Day Itinerary for Yellowstone Nationwide Park for much more strategies.