Imagine a landscape where vibrant geothermal pools steam alongside thundering waterfalls, and where bison roam freely beneath dramatic canyon walls. Our guide provides an adventurous 3-day Yellowstone National Park vacation plan, ensuring you capture the essence of this national treasure, from the depths of its geothermal basins to the heights of its breathtaking overlooks, and see Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and the best wildlife viewing in Yellowstone. Learn how to maximize your Yellowstone visit with this easy-to-follow travel guide.

Day 1: Water Adventure and Geothermal Wonders 

Morning: Yellowstone Lake

This morning, you’re headed due south for an up-close-and-personal view of Yellowstone Lake. The largest high-elevation lake in North America and nearly 400 feet deep in places, it’s too cold for swimming but is wonderful to explore by kayak or canoe.

Because of the lake’s many hidden underwater geysers, submerged fumaroles and other geothermal features, we recommend a guided tour with one of the many outfitters in the area. After your paddle, enjoy a rewarding lunch in the charming Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room.

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Midday: Explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin

Had north to the West Thumb Geyser Basin, on the edge of Yellowstone Lake. Two short boardwalk loops will take you past the steaming Thumb Paint Pots, vibrant Abyss Pool and minuscule Fishing Cone. Before you leave, check-in at the nearby ranger station to find out when Old Faithful is likely to erupt next.

Evening: Old Faithful Geyser

If you’re aiming for the Yellowstone speed record, make a beeline for the park’s most famous feature: Old Faithful Geyser. With approximately 20 eruptions every day, this reliable geyser’s frequency can be predicted with 90 percent accuracy, within about 10 minutes. Avoid the crowds with an early morning visit, then tuck in for a hearty dinner at the Old Faithful Inn, a true icon of pioneer architecture.

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Day 2: Grand Canyon and Wildlife Encounters

Morning: Lamar Valley

Drive through Hayden Valley, keeping an eye out for bison elk and other wildlife. Consider a picnic lunch amidst the scenery. 

Midday: Artist Point

With an early start, you can tour the springs area and still score a site at Norris by 10 a.m. Break to make camp and lunch, then it’s off to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This 20-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep natural work of art is best explored on foot, with the canyon’s colorful walls rising around you. There are 10 official overlook spots in the canyon, and Artist Point is one of the most popular. After uttering your oohs and aahs at this spectacular view of Lower Falls crashing into the abyss, leave the paved trail and keep hiking along the canyon’s south rim to Point Sublime.

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Afternoon: Norris Geyser Basin 

Here you can find some amazing hiking trails or catch Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser which can reach heights of 380 feet. Eruptions are rare and unpredictable. Or step inside The Norris Geyser Basin Museum for some time out of the sun to learn more about the park.

Evening: Mammoth Hot Springs

With a fantastical landscape straight out of Middle Earth, it’s like a limestone cave turned inside out. Two boardwalks give you access to more than 50 geothermal features — including free-standing Liberty Cap, colorful Minerva and Palette springs, and Angel Terrace. History buffs will enjoy a quick side trip to Fort Yellowstone, just a stone’s throw from the springs.

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Day 3: Thermal Features and Farewell

Morning: Lower Geyser Basin

Here you will find geysers, hot springs and boardwalks. Discover the famous fountain paint pots or Great Fountain Geyser which has eruptions that can reach up to 200 feet. This is the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone, covering about 18 square miles with Firehole River running right down the middle.

Midday: Midway Geyser Basin

Your next stop is Midway Geyser Basin, also known as Hell’s Half Acre for the vaporous clouds clinging to its banks. The main attraction here is Grand Prismatic Spring — the third-largest hot spring in the world, this colorful pool is bigger than a football field and 10 stories deep. Its enchanting spectrum is caused by the different species of heat-loving bacteria that live in the spring.

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From here depending on departure times you can squeeze in a hike, try to catch one last glimpse of wildlife or depart taking stunning memories of the weekend.

Get started on your dream trip with our trip planning tool, accessible here.