PARK HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL PARKS MAP YOUR YELLOWSTONE ADVENTURE Turn to p. 50 to see a map of Yellowstone National Park attractions. Look for this icon throughout the text to match locations on the map. If you have a weekend … While you can’t see all of Yellowstone in a weekend, it’s relatively easy to hop in your car and prioritize the fascinating geothermal features for which the park is best known. West Thumb Geyser Basin , on the edge of Yellowstone Lake , features two short boardwalk loops that will take you past the steaming Thumb Paint Pots, vibrant Abyss Pool and minuscule Fishing Cone. 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% accuracy, within about 10 minutes. Avoid the crowds with an early morning visit, then tuck in for a hearty breakfast at the Old Faithful Inn, a true icon of pioneer architecture. Another must-do is Midway Geyser Basin, a park destination known 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 pool is bigger than a football field. Its enchanting colors are caused by the different species of heat-loving bacteria that live in the spring. Don’t miss the Grand Loop . Take Firehole Lake Drive, a 3-mile scenic trip past at least a dozen geothermal features. With luck, you’ll catch one of Great Fountain Geyser’s breathtaking and highly unpredictable displays. Make time for Artist Point’s bucket-list overlook of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone ’s tumbling Lower Falls, then head over to Brink of the Upper Falls overlook for more cascading grandeur. Feeling hungry? Pause for lunch at Geyser Grill or for a hearty dinner at the historical Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room. GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING BEST THINGS TO DO … CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM/MICHAEL GORDON; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM; INSTAGRAM/ARIELWANG09. FOR SIGHTSEERS See the Old Faithful Geyser spout grandly. Find up-to-date ranger eruption predictions at travelwy.com/predictions. FOR FAMILIES Saddle up for a guided horseback ride, then listen for bugling elk at Madison Campground from the comfort of your tent. FOR ADVENTURERS Rent a bike at Old Faithful Snow Lodge — ask the staff for tips on the best places to pedal around the park. @arielwang09 TRAVELWYOMING.COM 47
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2025 Wyoming Official Travel Guide: Page 47
