4 days in Yellowstone

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Norris Porcelain Basin is one of the most unique and colorful thermal areas in Yellowstone. The basin contains a variety of hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The colors of the features are due to the presence of thermophilic (heat-loving) microorganisms that thrive in the extreme conditions.

The Porcelain Basin is easily accessible via a series of boardwalks, and visitors can get up close to the various features, including the world-renowned Steamboat Geyser. The geysers here are especially noteworthy, as they are some of the hottest and most acidic in the park. The basin can be quite smelly due to the sulfur gases released by the hydrothermal features.

Overall, Norris Porcelain Basin is a must-see destination for visitors to Yellowstone. Its unique features and colors make it a truly remarkable experience.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique thermal area located in the northwestern part of the park. It features a series of terraced hot springs and travertine formations that have been created by thousands of years of hot water flowing from the nearby geothermal vents. The travertine terraces are the main attraction, and they are constantly changing due to the water flow and the mineral deposits left behind.

The area is accessible via a boardwalk trail that takes you through the terraces, with stunning views of the colorful mineral deposits and the surrounding mountains. The Liberty Cap, a cone-shaped formation, is one of the most prominent features of Mammoth Hot Springs. Other noteworthy formations include the Minerva Terrace, the Canary Spring, and the Palette Spring.

Mammoth Hot Springs is also home to a historic district that includes several old buildings that were constructed in the late 1800s when the area was used as a military post. The Albright Visitor Center is located in the historic district and provides information about the area's geology, history, and wildlife.

By the way, wildlife is abundant in Mammoth Hot Springs, and you can often spot elk, bison, and other animals grazing in the nearby fields.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Boiling River is a unique natural attraction in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, where a hot spring and a cold river merge together, creating a perfect spot to relax in a natural hot tub.

The hot spring water flows out of the ground at temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but as it enters the Gardner River, it cools down, creating a comfortable and safe temperature to soak in.

Wade into the water and find the perfect spot where the hot spring and cold river water mix. The experience is truly unique, as you can feel the temperature change as you move closer to the source of the hot spring water.

Be advised that swimming or soaking in the Boiling River is only allowed in designated areas for safety reasons. The Boiling River may be closed during high water or extreme weather conditions, so it's always a good idea to check with park rangers before making the trip.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

The Roosevelt Arch is a historic landmark located at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It was constructed in 1903 and dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt as the ceremonial entrance to the park.

The arch is made of rough hewn stone and features two stone pillars with a large stone arch spanning between them. The arch is inscribed with the phrase "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People" which reflects the park's mission to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the area for the public to enjoy.

The Roosevelt Arch is not only a symbol of Yellowstone National Park, but also an iconic symbol of the American West. You can walk through the arch and take in the stunning mountain views and the wildlife that roam the area. You can learn more about the history of the arch and the park at the nearby Roosevelt Arch Visitor Center, which features exhibits and information about the park's natural and cultural history.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a spectacular natural wonder carved by the Yellowstone River. The canyon stretches for about 24 miles and is up to 1,200 feet deep with colors ranging from bright yellows and oranges to deep reds and browns, creating a breathtaking and otherworldly landscape.

We recommend driving around and stopping at the four major viewpoints starting with the Inspiration Point, then Grand View, then Lookout Point, then you can descend down the stairs on Uncle Tom's Trail to the bottom of the Lower Falls, then finally Artist Point which is also a start of the Point Sublime Trail.

Artist Point is the most scenic and our personal favorite, offering a panoramic view of the Lower Falls and the canyon walls. Lookout Point a bit closer look at the Lower Falls. Grand View is located exactly opposite from Artist Point and offers a wider perspective of the canyon, with the river winding its way through the steep cliffs.

What makes the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone unique is not just its stunning beauty but also its geological history. The canyon was formed by a combination of volcanic activity and erosion, making it a fascinating location for geologists and nature enthusiasts. The vibrant colors of the canyon walls are a result of the oxidation of iron compounds in the rock formations.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Hayden Valley is a large, open valley known for its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The valley floor is covered in lush grasses and wetlands, providing ample food and habitat for a variety of animals including bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes, and bald eagles.

We recommend starting your scenic drive early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the wildlife is the most active. Drive slowly down the road and stop at multiple designated parking locations to take in the views.

Be prepared for bison crossing the roads and significantly adding time to your driving estimate. On the other hand, it presents a unique opportunity to take a closer look at these magnificent creatures.

One of the major viewpoints in Hayden Valley is the Mary Mountain Trailhead, which provides a great vantage point for observing bison and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Another popular viewpoint is the Sulphur Caldron near the Mud Volcano.

Hayden Valley is a unique and important ecosystem in the park, providing critical habitat for a variety of species. Its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife make it a must visit destination.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Mud Volcano is a geothermal area that is well-known for its bubbling mud pits, hot springs, and steam vents. The area is named after the large mud pots which bubble and gurgle as gas and water escape from deep underground. The mud pots are particularly striking, as they are filled with grayish-brown mud that looks almost like boiling chocolate.

The Mud Volcano area is also home to several hot springs, including Dragon's Mouth Spring, which is named for the steam and water that pours out of a cavernous opening in the ground, creating a loud roaring noise that sounds like a dragon's breath.

You can also see the Sulphur Caldron, a massive hot spring that emits steam and has a distinct sulfur smell. The area also features several hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Mud Volcano Trail and the Sour Creek Dome Trail.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

The Point Sublime Trail is located in the remote north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and offers stunning views of the canyon, the Yellowstone River, and the surrounding mountains. The trail is approximately 3 miles roundtrip and is considered a moderately strenuous hike, with a 300-foot elevation gain.

The Point Sublime Trail features several unique viewpoints, including the breathtaking Point Sublime itself, which offers a panoramic view of the canyon and the surrounding wilderness. The trail also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.

While the trail starts at the very popular Artist Point, it is considered a hidden gem, offering a chance to escape the crowds and experience the park's natural beauty up close. The trail's unique viewpoints, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery make it a must-visit for anyone who loves hiking and the outdoors.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

West Thumb Geyser Basin is a small geyser basin that offers a diverse range of hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. You can explore it along a boardwalk trail that is approximately 1/4 mile long.

This basin is quite unique because many of the thermal features are located underwater in Yellowstone Lake and you can observe them through the clear water at the edge of the lake. The colors of the hot springs and geysers are particularly vivid and striking, ranging from brilliant blues to deep greens and oranges.

Some of the major features at the basin include Abyss Pool, Black Pool, Fishing Cone, and Thumb Paint Pots. Fishing Cone is particularly notable because it was once used by early visitors for cooking fish caught in the lake. While visitors are no longer permitted to use the cone for cooking, it remains a popular attraction at the geyser basin.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most iconic and stunning geothermal features in the world. It is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world, with a diameter of 370 feet and a depth of 121 feet.

The spring is known for its striking rainbow colors, which are created by the unique bacteria that live in the mineral-rich waters. The colors are particularly vibrant during the summer months when the water temperature is at its highest.

Take a boardwalk trail that leads around the edge of the spring for a closer view. One unique feature of the spring is its constantly changing colors, which shift based on the water temperature, time of day, and weather conditions. Despite its beauty, be careful to stay on designated paths and boardwalks, as the water can be dangerously hot and acidic.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Old Faithful is one of the most famous geysers in the world and is known for its predictability, erupting approximately every 91 minutes. Old Faithful was named by explorers in the 19th century for its consistent eruptions, which they found to be "faithful" in timing.

The eruptions of Old Faithful typically last between 1.5 and 5 minutes, with an average height of around 130 feet, although some eruptions can reach up to 185 feet high. The geyser's water temperature can exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the steam and spray from an eruption can be visible from miles away.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

The Upper Geyser Basin is home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. It covers an area of approximately 2 square miles and has over 500 geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.

You can explore the basin through a network of boardwalks that provide easy access to the various geysers and other hydrothermal features. The basin is also home to a visitor center, which provides information about the geysers and the geological processes that create them.

We recommend visiting this basin later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and catch perfect lighting that amplifies all the features of this geothermal field. Start your trip from the main Old Faithful parking lot and slowly make your way up to the last (and our favorite) Morning Glory Pool – a stunningly beautiful hot spring.

Another tip is to continue on foot for another 15 minutes beyond the Morning Glory Pool and reach the Biscuit Basin, cutting extra driving and parking time.

The Upper Geyser Basin is a fascinating natural wonder and a must-see attraction.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Firehole Lake Drive is a 3-mile one-way scenic drive that takes you past a series of geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. It winds through a forested area and offers stunning views of colorful hot springs, geysers, steam vents, and bubbling mud pots.

We recommend stopping at White Dome Geyser, then Great Fountain Geyser, and Firehole Lake.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is a unique and colorful boardwalk trail located in the Lower Geyser Basin area of the park. The trail features a variety of geothermal features for its short length, including bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and colorful hot springs.

One of the most notable features on the Fountain Paint Pot Trail is the namesake "paint pots," which are small pools of boiling mud that create colorful mud "paints" that bubble and gurgle. You can also see the beautiful Celestine Pool, which has an unusual blue coloration due to its high temperature and mineral content.

The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is a great option if you are looking for an easy and accessible walk through some of Yellowstone's most unique geothermal features. It's also a great place for photography, as the vibrant colors of the mud pots and hot springs create a stunning contrast against the surrounding landscape.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

This scenic hiking trail provides stunning panoramic views of the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring. The trail is a moderate 1.6-mile roundtrip hike that takes you through a beautiful forested area before ascending a steep hill to a viewing platform overlooking the Grand Prismatic Spring.

The viewing platform offers spectacular views of the multicolored spring from above, showcasing the vivid hues of blue, green, yellow, and orange created by the microorganisms living in the hot spring.

We like this trail because it gives a bird's eye view of the entire spring and its surroundings which is different from what most visitors see from ground level.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Norris Porcelain Basin is one of the most unique and colorful thermal areas in Yellowstone. The basin contains a variety of hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The colors of the features are due to the presence of thermophilic (heat-loving) microorganisms that thrive in the extreme conditions.

The Porcelain Basin is easily accessible via a series of boardwalks, and visitors can get up close to the various features, including the world-renowned Steamboat Geyser. The geysers here are especially noteworthy, as they are some of the hottest and most acidic in the park. The basin can be quite smelly due to the sulfur gases released by the hydrothermal features.

Overall, Norris Porcelain Basin is a must-see destination for visitors to Yellowstone. Its unique features and colors make it a truly remarkable experience.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique thermal area located in the northwestern part of the park. It features a series of terraced hot springs and travertine formations that have been created by thousands of years of hot water flowing from the nearby geothermal vents. The travertine terraces are the main attraction, and they are constantly changing due to the water flow and the mineral deposits left behind.

The area is accessible via a boardwalk trail that takes you through the terraces, with stunning views of the colorful mineral deposits and the surrounding mountains. The Liberty Cap, a cone-shaped formation, is one of the most prominent features of Mammoth Hot Springs. Other noteworthy formations include the Minerva Terrace, the Canary Spring, and the Palette Spring.

Mammoth Hot Springs is also home to a historic district that includes several old buildings that were constructed in the late 1800s when the area was used as a military post. The Albright Visitor Center is located in the historic district and provides information about the area's geology, history, and wildlife.

By the way, wildlife is abundant in Mammoth Hot Springs, and you can often spot elk, bison, and other animals grazing in the nearby fields.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

Boiling River is a unique natural attraction in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, where a hot spring and a cold river merge together, creating a perfect spot to relax in a natural hot tub.

The hot spring water flows out of the ground at temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but as it enters the Gardner River, it cools down, creating a comfortable and safe temperature to soak in.

Wade into the water and find the perfect spot where the hot spring and cold river water mix. The experience is truly unique, as you can feel the temperature change as you move closer to the source of the hot spring water.

Be advised that swimming or soaking in the Boiling River is only allowed in designated areas for safety reasons. The Boiling River may be closed during high water or extreme weather conditions, so it's always a good idea to check with park rangers before making the trip.

Word from curator

Roman, Yellowstone expert

The Roosevelt Arch is a historic landmark located at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It was constructed in 1903 and dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt as the ceremonial entrance to the park.

The arch is made of rough hewn stone and features two stone pillars with a large stone arch spanning between them. The arch is inscribed with the phrase "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People" which reflects the park's mission to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the area for the public to enjoy.

The Roosevelt Arch is not only a symbol of Yellowstone National Park, but also an iconic symbol of the American West. You can walk through the arch and take in the stunning mountain views and the wildlife that roam the area. You can learn more about the history of the arch and the park at the nearby Roosevelt Arch Visitor Center, which features exhibits and information about the park's natural and cultural history.