Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park — Round Two. That’s the magic of this place: every trip feels like a whole new park. Last year we cruised the Scenic Byway and snapped a thousand photos, but this year I wanted to dig in; more hikes, more waterfalls, more hidden corners.
We booked cabins at Old Faithful Lodge and Roosevelt Lodge — both perfect for us (and our pup, Kodi). Rustic, cozy, and smack in the middle of the action. We also overnighted in Gardiner, a fun little gateway town just above Mammoth Hot Springs. Next time I’ve got my eye on Bozeman and Big Sky.
Waterfall chasing was my obsession:
Fairy Falls (after the Grand Prismatic Overlook) — wear water shoes, you can wade in the pool below!
Brink of the Lower Falls — stand where the Yellowstone River drops.
Red Rocks Point (South Rim) — close enough to feel the mist.
Artist Point — the postcard view you’ve seen a million times, but it still takes your breath away.
Of course, no trip is complete without a slow-mo reel of Old Faithful. Get there early, stake your spot, and wait for the tease of mini-eruptions before the big show. For Grand Prismatic, skip the crowded boardwalk — the overlook hike gives you that rainbow view from above.
Where to Stay
In the Park: Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, Roosevelt Lodge Cabins, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Canyon Lodge, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (all bookable at yellowstonenationalparklodges.com, 307-344-7311).
Camping: 7 small first-come campgrounds + 5 larger reservable campgrounds (nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm).
Nearby Towns: Gardiner (Antlers Lodge, cute motels), West Yellowstone (tons of hotels and Airbnbs), Cooke City-Silver Gate (rustic cabins right by the Lamar Valley).
Don’t Miss
Wildlife zones: Lamar Valley (wolves, bison), Hayden Valley (elk, bears).
Thermal wonders: Grand Prismatic, Norris Geyser Basin, Dragon’s Mouth Spring, West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Scenic icons: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Artist Point.
Lakes & basins: Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village, Mammoth Hot Springs terraces.
Yellowstone is endless. The trick is picking a corner, settling in, and letting it blow your mind — again and again.
