12 Amazingly Beautiful Places in Yellowstone to Visit

Let me tell you about my love affair with Yellowstone – it started with getting stuck behind a bison traffic jam and ended with me planning my third trip before the second one was even over. After three road trips crisscrossing America’s first national park, I’ve learned that those Instagram shots of Old Faithful barely scratch the surface of what this wild place offers.

Sure, I could tell you to just follow the crowds to Grand Prismatic Spring (though I’ll share the secret viewpoint that most people miss). But what about that hidden thermal pool that looks like a portal to another planet? Or the early morning spot where you can watch wolves hunt while sipping coffee from your thermos? After logging hundreds of miles on Yellowstone’s roads and trails, I’ve discovered the places that make even seasoned rangers stop and stare. Here are my 12 must-visit spots in Yellowstone for 2025!

• 👉 Pro tip: If you want to see Yellowstone’s greatest hits without wasting time zig-zagging the park on your own, this top-rated Yellowstone tour nails the route, the views, and the timing. I HIGHLY recommend this tour for first-timers who want to get the best photos of America’s first national park.

The Coolest Things to Visit in Yellowstone

After three trips through Yellowstone’s 3,500 square miles of wilderness, I’ve found the spots that make even park rangers stop and stare. Forget the basic tourist trail – I’m talking hidden thermal pools that glow like jewels at sunrise, secret wolf-watching perches in Lamar Valley, and waterfalls you might have all to yourself. Here are the 12 most spectacular corners of America’s first national park. Pack your bear spray – adventure awaits.

1. Grand Prismatic Spring

• 📍 Location: Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, about 25 minutes south of Madison Junction
• 🏆 Best For: Photography enthusiasts 📸, thermal feature lovers 🌡️, science buffs 🔬
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the boardwalk loop, viewing from Fairy Falls Trail overlook, capturing the vibrant colors
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Midday when sun is overhead for best colors, late spring through early fall for accessibility 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Old Faithful Inn – Historic lodging near other thermal features in the Upper Geyser Basin

Grand Prismatic Spring will blow your mind with its otherworldly rainbow colors that no photo can truly capture; it’s a mind-blowing kaleidoscope that will dominate your Instagram feed. This massive 370-foot pool shows off vibrant blue water surrounded by rings of yellow, orange, and red created by heat-loving bacteria.

The main boardwalk gets you up close to feel the steam on your face. For the money shot, I recommend the 1.2-mile round-trip hike to the overlook off Fairy Falls Trail. This elevated viewpoint reveals the spring’s true scale and psychedelic colors. Midday visits offer the clearest views when the sun burns off the morning steam.

Combine your visit with nearby features in the Midway Geyser Basin for a perfect half-day adventure. The otherworldly landscape feels like stepping onto an alien planet that happens to be just a short drive from your hotel.

2. Lamar Valley

• 📍 Location: Northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park, between Tower Junction and the Northeast Entrance
• 🏆 Best For: Wildlife watchers 🦬, photographers 📸, nature lovers 🌲
• 📸 Top Experiences: Dawn and dusk wildlife viewing, wolf watching, scenic drives along the Lamar River
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning and late evening for wildlife activity, year-round with winter offering unique wolf viewing 🐺
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins – Rustic accommodations closest to the valley

Lamar Valley has the ultimate wildlife safari without leaving the country – this wildlife paradise will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a National Geographic documentary. Vast grasslands stretch between mountain ranges, creating the perfect habitat for Yellowstone’s famous residents.

Massive bison herds roam freely across the valley floor. Wolves, grizzlies, and elk make regular appearances, especially during dawn and dusk. The meandering Lamar River adds scenic beauty while attracting diverse wildlife to its banks.

I’ve spent hours mesmerized by the drama unfolding across this landscape, sometimes without leaving my car. Several roadside pullouts offer excellent viewing spots. Bring binoculars and arrive early for the best experience. The valley’s wide-open spaces and abundant wildlife create unforgettable moments for nature lovers and photographers alike.

3. Mammoth Hot Springs

• 📍 Location: Northwestern region of Yellowstone National Park near the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana
• 🏆 Best For: Geology enthusiasts 🪨, history buffs 🏛️, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the terraced thermal features, touring historic Fort Yellowstone, spotting resident elk herds
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round accessibility, winter for fewer crowds and snow-dusted terraces ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel – Historic accommodation in the heart of the Mammoth area

Mammoth Hot Springs looks like Mother Nature’s attempt at building a wedding cake out of minerals – these otherworldly terraces look like a cave turned inside out. Hot water rising through limestone creates an ever-changing landscape of white, tan, and orange mineral deposits that feels like walking through nature’s sculpture garden.

The interconnected boardwalks lead you through the Upper and Lower Terraces. Palette Spring and Minerva Terrace offer the most dramatic photo ops. Unlike other thermal areas, Mammoth’s step-like formations resemble ornate fountains frozen in time.

I was fascinated by the adjacent historic district with its century-old buildings from when the U.S. Army ran Yellowstone. Wild elk often graze casually on manicured lawns among visitors. The area remains accessible year-round, making it perfect for winter travelers seeking snowy thermal landscapes without the summer crowds.

4. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

• 📍 Location: Central Yellowstone National Park, accessible from Canyon Village
• 🏆 Best For: Scenic viewpoints 🏞️, waterfall enthusiasts 💦, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing Lower Falls from Artist Point, hiking Uncle Tom’s Trail, exploring both rims via viewpoint drives
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for trail access, morning for photography and fewer crowds 🌄
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Canyon Lodge – Modern accommodations closest to the canyon viewpoints

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone will make your jaw drop faster than your camera shutter – this massive gorge will stop you in your tracks with its dramatically colored walls. Golden yellows, fiery oranges, and rusty reds paint the 1,200-foot-deep canyon carved by the Yellowstone River.

The main attractions are the powerful waterfalls. Lower Falls plunges 308 feet in a thundering display that sends mist billowing through the canyon. Artist Point offers the most iconic perspective, perfectly framing the falls between colorful canyon walls. The view here literally inspired the park’s name.

I recommend exploring viewpoints on both the North and South Rims. Each provides unique perspectives of this geological masterpiece. For the adventurous, Uncle Tom’s Trail descends 328 steps for a thrilling view from near the base of Lower Falls. Visit in early morning for the best light and smallest crowds.

5. Norris Geyser Basin

• 📍 Location: Central-western Yellowstone National Park, near the junction of the Grand Loop roads
• 🏆 Best For: Geyser enthusiasts 💦, geology buffs 🪨, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Witnessing Steamboat Geyser eruptions, exploring the boardwalks through Back Basin and Porcelain Basin
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for access, afternoon for best lighting on the colorful hot springs 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Canyon Lodge – Closest major accommodation area to Norris

Norris Geyser Basin feels like accidentally wandering onto the set of a sci-fi movie – this geothermal playground feels like walking on another planet. Steam hisses from countless vents across a stark landscape of bubbling pools and unpredictable geysers. This hottest and most dynamic area in Yellowstone constantly changes and evolves.

The basin divides into two distinct sections. Porcelain Basin presents an open, otherworldly expanse of milky blue pools and constant steam plumes. The more wooded Back Basin hides the mighty Steamboat Geyser, which erupts up to 300 feet high when active.

I spent hours mesmerized by the surprising variety of thermal features here. Extensive boardwalks lead past attractions with descriptive names like Whirligig Geyser and Echinus Geyser. Check at the museum for recent activity reports. This ever-changing thermal landscape guarantees a different experience with each visit.

6. Hayden Valley

• 📍 Location: Central Yellowstone National Park, between Canyon Village and Yellowstone Lake
• 🏆 Best For: Wildlife watching 🦬, photographers 📸, scenic drives 🚗
• 📸 Top Experiences: Dawn and dusk wildlife viewing, spotting grizzlies and wolf packs, photographing the Yellowstone River meandering through the valley
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning and evening for wildlife activity, summer and fall for best visibility 🌄
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Canyon Lodge – Closest accommodation to the northern section of the valley

Hayden Valley transforms average tourists into wildlife paparazzi within minutes – this wildlife hotspot will turn you into an amateur biologist reaching for binoculars every few minutes. Rolling hills and grassy plains stretch across this ancient lakebed, creating prime habitat for Yellowstone’s famous residents.

Massive bison herds dominate the landscape. They often cause traffic jams as they cross the road at their own leisurely pace. Grizzlies dig for roots while wolves hunt in the distance. The Yellowstone River winding through creates wetlands that attract numerous bird species.

I recommend visiting at dawn when the valley comes alive with activity. Morning fog often creates a mystical atmosphere as it lifts to reveal grazing animals. Several roadside pullouts provide excellent vantage points for wildlife watching. Bring a spotting scope and patience for the best experience with these wild residents.

7. Tower Fall

• 📍 Location: Northeast section of Yellowstone National Park, 19 miles south of Roosevelt Junction
• 🏆 Best For: Waterfall enthusiasts 💦, photographers 📸, wildlife watchers 🦌
• 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the 132-foot waterfall, hiking the Tower Fall trail, spotting wildlife in nearby meadows
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall (June-September), when the overlook trail is fully accessible 🌲
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Roosevelt Lodge Cabins – Rustic accommodations just a short drive from Tower Fall

Need a break from your office job? Tower Fall offers nature’s ultimate power display that’ll make your work stresses seem tiny. This 132-foot cascade plunges dramatically against a backdrop of volcanic pinnacles that have drawn visitors since the park’s earliest days. The viewing area sits just a short walk from the parking lot, perfect for a quick but rewarding stop on your Yellowstone adventure.

For the best experience, I recommend taking the moderate 1-mile round-trip trail that leads to the base where you can feel the refreshing mist on your face. The surrounding area offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities too. Keep your camera ready for black bears, elk, and maybe even wolves roaming through nearby meadows and forests. This peaceful corner of Yellowstone provides the perfect reset button for your busy life.

8. West Thumb Geyser Basin

• 📍 Location: Western shore of Yellowstone Lake, about 17 miles east of Old Faithful
• 🏆 Best For: Thermal feature enthusiasts ♨️, photographers 📸, geology buffs 🪨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the boardwalk trail, seeing colorful hot springs, viewing geysers on the lakeshore
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June-September) for best access and vibrant colors 🌈
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grant Village – Lakeside lodging just a short drive from West Thumb

Looking for Instagram gold that’ll make your followers genuinely jealous? West Thumb Geyser Basin serves up the most photogenic marriage of colorful hot springs and mountain-rimmed lakeshore you’ll ever see. This thermal area sits on a thumb-shaped section of Yellowstone Lake and showcases nature’s most vivid palette against stunning water views.

The interconnected boardwalks wind through about 70 geothermal features in a compact, easily walkable area. My favorite spot is the brilliantly blue Abyss Pool that seems to glow from within. Don’t miss the fascinating Fishing Cone, where early visitors actually cooked their fresh-caught fish directly in the hot spring. The entire loop spans only about half a mile and offers wheelchair accessibility, making this an ideal stop for visitors of all abilities while delivering those unforgettable vacation photos.

9. Mount Washburn

• 📍 Location: Northern section of Yellowstone, between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Village
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, wildlife watchers 🦌, panoramic view seekers 🏔️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Summit hike to the fire lookout, wildflower viewing, bighorn sheep spotting
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-September, when trails are snow-free and wildflowers bloom 🌼
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Canyon Lodge – Modern accommodations closest to the trailheads

Craving that summit selfie that’ll prove you’re still adventurous in your 30s? Mount Washburn has the ultimate hiking payoff with sweeping views that make every step worth it. This 10,243-foot peak rewards moderately fit hikers with panoramas that stretch across the entire park.

Two trails lead to the summit: the Dunraven Pass Trail (3.1 miles one-way) and the Chittenden Road Trail (2.5 miles one-way). Both routes climb through wildflower-filled meadows before reaching the fire lookout at the top. Standing at the summit feels like being on top of the world. I could spend hours watching distant thermal areas steam against the backdrop of surrounding mountain ranges. The mountain also hosts a resident bighorn sheep population that often grazes near the trails. Bring water, sunscreen, and your camera for this bucket-list hike that perfectly balances challenge with reward.

10. Yellowstone Lake

• 📍 Location: Central eastern portion of Yellowstone National Park
• 🏆 Best For: Boaters 🚣‍♀️, anglers 🎣, scenic drive enthusiasts 🚗
• 📸 Top Experiences: Fishing for native cutthroat trout, kayaking along the shoreline, driving the East Entrance road
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-August, when waters warm enough for boating and fishing 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Lake Yellowstone Hotel – Historic lodge with stunning lake views

Need a break from your busy work life? Yellowstone Lake offers the perfect wilderness escape with its vastness that makes everyday worries seem small. This alpine giant covers 132 square miles at 7,733 feet above sea level, creating a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

The historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel provides an elegant base with its colonial revival architecture and sweeping views. Rent a kayak to discover hidden thermal features and secluded beaches along the extensive shoreline. Anglers should bring their gear for the chance to catch native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (catch-and-release only). The lake’s eastern shore offers a spectacular drive with numerous pullouts showcasing the deep blue waters against mountain backdrops. I’ve spent entire mornings just watching the light change over the water. For a unique experience, visit West Thumb Geyser Basin, where colorful hot springs bubble right at the water’s edge.

11. Obsidian Cliff

• 📍 Location: Northwestern part of Yellowstone, between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin
• 🏆 Best For: Geology enthusiasts 🪨, history buffs 🏛️, archaeology fans 🔍
• 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the shiny black volcanic glass, learning about Native American tool-making, scenic roadside viewing
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though winter may limit access due to road closures ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel – Historic lodging close to the northern entrance

Ever held a piece of stone that connected you to people from millennia ago? Obsidian Cliff tells one of Yellowstone’s most fascinating human stories through its gleaming black volcanic glass. This massive formation created roughly 180,000 years ago became one of North America’s most important obsidian sources.

For thousands of years, Native Americans journeyed great distances to quarry this natural glass, prized for creating exceptionally sharp tools and weapons. The site’s archaeological significance earned it National Historic Landmark status in 1996. Today, visitors can view the impressive cliff from a roadside pullout on the Grand Loop Road. While collecting obsidian is prohibited, I love spotting the glossy black material reflecting sunlight among the rocks. Interpretive displays explain both its geological formation and cultural importance. This quick stop offers a perfect connection to human history within Yellowstone’s vast natural landscape.

12. Artist Point

• 📍 Location: South rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, near Canyon Village
• 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, waterfall lovers 💦, painters 🎨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the iconic Lower Falls, photographing the colorful canyon walls, sunrise viewing
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for best lighting and fewer crowds, accessible May-October 🌄
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Canyon Lodge – Modern accommodations just minutes from the viewpoint

Want the perfect backdrop for your new profile pic? Artist Point offers Yellowstone’s most jaw-dropping vista that’ll make your social media followers stop scrolling. This easily accessible viewpoint offers the quintessential view of 308-foot Lower Falls thundering down at the head of the dramatically colored canyon.

The name originated in 1883 when park photographer F. Jay Haynes believed this was where artist Thomas Moran sketched his famous canyon paintings. Though historians later determined Moran worked elsewhere, the name perfectly captures the artistic inspiration this view provides. For the best experience, arrive at sunrise when the canyon walls glow with radiant yellows and oranges in the morning light. I’ve never seen colors so vibrant in nature. The short, paved walkway from the parking area makes this accessible for visitors of all abilities. For more views, continue along the South Rim Trail or tackle Uncle Tom’s Trail with its steep stairs descending toward the base of Lower Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Yellowstone

Looking to expand your knowledge about the most scenic spots in Yellowstone? Here are some common questions I get a lot about the best Yellowstone attractions and activities.

What part of Yellowstone is the prettiest?

Yellowstone National Park is vast and filled with a myriad of stunning landscapes. It makes it challenging to pinpoint just one “prettiest” part. However, many visitors and locals alike often cite the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as one of the most visually striking areas. Its dramatic canyon walls, painted in hues of red, yellow, and pink, combined with the powerful cascades of the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, create a scene of unparalleled beauty. Additionally, areas like Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley offer serene beauty with their expansive meadows and abundant wildlife. Ultimately, the “prettiest” part is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences.

What is the most famous part of Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its geothermal features, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Among its many attractions, the most famous is undoubtedly Old Faithful, the iconic geyser that has become synonymous with Yellowstone itself.

Old Faithful:

• Eruptions: Old Faithful has relatively predictable eruptions, occurring approximately every 60 to 110 minutes. The eruptions can reach heights of 100 to 180 feet and last between 1.5 to 5 minutes.
• Visitor Experience: The Old Faithful area has a visitor center, educational exhibits, and seating for visitors to watch the eruptions. It’s one of the most visited and photographed features in the park.
• Symbol of Yellowstone: Old Faithful has become a symbol of Yellowstone National Park and represents the incredible geothermal activity found throughout the park.

While Old Faithful is the most famous, Yellowstone is home to many other remarkable features, including:

• Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the U.S., known for its vibrant colors.
• Yellowstone Lake: The largest high-elevation lake in North America, offering stunning views.
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: A dramatic canyon with two breathtaking waterfalls, the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls.
• Mammoth Hot Springs: A large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine, creating unique terraced formations.
• Wildlife: The park is famous for its wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves.

Yellowstone’s diverse and unique features make it a place of wonder and exploration, but Old Faithful stands out as the most iconic and well-known part of the park.

What is the most visited place in Yellowstone?

One of the most visited and iconic spots in Yellowstone is the Old Faithful Geyser. Known for its predictable eruptions, visitors flock to see this natural wonder in action. The nearby Old Faithful Inn and Visitor Center also attract large numbers of tourists. It makes the entire Old Faithful area a bustling hub of activity. Other popular spots include the Grand Prismatic Spring and Mammoth Hot Springs. Both offer unique geothermal features and vibrant colors.

What is the most beautiful entrance in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, has five main entrances, each offering unique and stunning views. Here’s a brief overview of each entrance:

1. North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana):
   • Often considered the most iconic entrance, the North Entrance is home to the Roosevelt Arch, a massive stone archway built in 1903.
   • President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone, and the arch’s inscription reads “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”
   • The entrance provides a dramatic gateway to the park and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
2. West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana):
   • This entrance is popular and provides access to the geothermal areas of the park, including Old Faithful.
   • The drive offers scenic views of the Madison River and surrounding forest.
3. South Entrance (near Jackson, Wyoming):
   • The South Entrance leads visitors through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, connecting Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park.
   • This route offers breathtaking views of the Tetons and the Snake River.
4. East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming):
   • The East Entrance takes visitors through the stunning Wapiti Valley, with beautiful vistas of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Range.
   • The drive is known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rugged mountain terrain.
5. Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana):
   • This entrance provides access to the scenic Beartooth Highway, considered one of the most beautiful drives in America.
   • The route offers dramatic views of the Beartooth Mountains and alpine plateaus.

What are the most beautiful places to visit in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone boasts a plethora of stunning landscapes and attractions. From the mesmerizing Grand Prismatic Spring to the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, there’s no shortage of beautiful places in Yellowstone. Many visitors also find the serene landscapes of Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley to be among the prettiest places in Yellowstone.

Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots in the park?

Absolutely! While Yellowstone’s famous landmarks like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs are a must-visit, there are several lesser-known spots that offer a unique experience. Exploring the best parts of Yellowstone might lead you to places like the Black Sand Basin or the secluded Pebble Creek Trail. It’s always a good idea to check with park rangers or at visitor centers for recommendations on places to visit in Yellowstone that might be off the beaten path.

I’ve heard about the geothermal features. Which ones should I prioritize?

Yellowstone is renowned for its geothermal wonders. Beyond the famous Old Faithful, the Norris Geyser Basin and West Thumb Geyser Basin are fascinating areas to explore. Each basin has its unique features and colors, making them some of the most beautiful places to visit in Yellowstone.

Are there any towns or cities inside the park?

While there aren’t any traditional “cities” within the park boundaries, there are several developed areas and historic sites that serve as hubs for visitors. Places like Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful have accommodations, dining options, and visitor centers. However, for those curious about the most beautiful cities in Yellowstone, it’s worth noting that the park’s beauty lies in its natural landscapes rather than urban developments.