Yellowstone National Park 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Upper Loop

  • Morning: Arrive at Yellowstone’s north entrance, just off Highway 89 near Gardiner, Montana.
  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room. Try their signature bison chili or eggs benedict.
  • 10:00 AM: Drive to the Mammoth Hot Springs area and explore the travertine formations and hot springs. Take a short walk around the boardwalks and take in the stunning views.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at the Mammoth Hot Springs Café, which serves up burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
  • 1:30 PM: Drive to the Tower Fall area and hike the easy 0.2-mile trail down to the fall. Take in the breathtaking views of this 132-foot waterfall.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, one of the park’s most iconic attractions. Walk along the rim or take a shuttle bus tour to get a closer look.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, located in the heart of the park.

Day 2: Exploring the Lower Loop

  • Morning: Start your day with a sunrise visit to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. Take in the stunning views of the largest hot spring in the United States.
  • 9:00 AM: Drive to the Old Faithful area and watch the iconic geyser erupt (check the schedule for predicted eruption times).
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the surrounding geothermal features, including the Grand Geyser, Riverside Geyser, and the aptly named “Castle Geyser.”
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at the Old Faithful Inn Food Court or the nearby general store.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Upper Yellowstone River for some fishing or simply take in the views of this stunning river valley.
  • 5:00 PM: Drive to the Lake Hotel area and enjoy a scenic drive along the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
  • 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at the Lake Hotel Dining Room, which serves up American classics with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 3: Exploring the Northeast Corner

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Lamar Valley, known as America’s “Serengeti” for its abundant wildlife. Take a guided tour or drive through the valley in search of bison, elk, and wolves.
  • 10:00 AM: Drive to the Tower-Roosevelt area and explore the historic Roosevelt Lodge, which features stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at the Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room or take a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Petrified Tree, a natural wonder that’s been transformed into a beautiful piece of art through millions of years of geological activity.
  • 5:00 PM: Drive back to the Lamar Valley for a sunset viewing and wildlife watching experience.

Day 4: Exploring the West Side

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Grand Teton National Park, just outside Yellowstone’s west entrance. Take in the stunning views of the Teton Range or hike one of the many trails.
  • 10:00 AM: Drive back into Yellowstone and explore the Mystic Falls area. Hike the easy 0.5-mile trail to the falls and take in the stunning views.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at the Canyon Lodge Food Court or take a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, two of the park’s most iconic attractions. Take a shuttle bus tour to get up close and personal with these stunning waterfalls.
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy a relaxing evening at the Grant Village Lodge, complete with a campfire and s’mores.

Day 5: Exploring the South Side

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Mammoth Hot Springs area. Explore the travertine formations and hot springs, or take a short hike around the boardwalks.
  • 10:00 AM: Drive to the Norris Geyser Basin and explore this unique geothermal feature. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and watch for wildlife like bison and elk.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at the Norris Campground General Store or take a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Little America Geyser, which erupts regularly throughout the day. Take a short hike around the area to explore the geothermal features and surrounding mountains.
  • 5:00 PM: End your day with a visit to the Madison General Store for some souvenirs or a snack.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive look at Yellowstone’s Upper, Lower, Northeast, West, and South loops. With a mix of driving, hiking, and wildlife watching, you’ll get a true sense of this incredible national park.