The 10 Best Things To Do in Yellowstone Year-Round

Yellowstone National Park is a year-round wonderland, offering visitors a mix of geological marvels, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable landscapes. Whether you’re visiting in the heart of winter or during the bustling summer months, there are certain places and activities in Yellowstone that simply can’t be missed. From the most iconic geysers to the best scenic drives and wildlife-watching opportunities, here’s a list of the 10 best things to do in Yellowstone year-round to make your trip unforgettable!

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1. Watch Old Faithful Geyser Erupt

Old Faithful is perhaps the most famous geyser in the world, and it’s an essential stop for any Yellowstone visitor.

Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water and steam a hundred-plus feet into the air. Old Faithful’s predictability makes it Yellowstone’s most popular geyser, and it’s one of the few thermal features in the park where you can almost guarantee seeing an eruption. This makes it our top can’t-miss destination in Yellowstone!

Even better, Old Faithful erupts year-round, making it one of the best things to see in Yellowstone, no matter when you visit. The only exception to this is visiting during Yellowstone’s “off-season” in April and November when interior roads are largely inaccessible. Old Faithful is still erupting, of course, but visitors can’t get there to see it.

The Old Faithful area also offers plenty of other activities, including nearby lodging, the Old Faithful Visitor Center (where you can get upcoming eruption predictions), dining, and nearby hiking trails. Watching Old Faithful erupt is one Yellowstone activity that’s great for all ages, and the nearby boardwalks make it accessible. Plan to spend some time in the area, as there are many other thermal features to explore in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin.

Bonus—The Upper Geyser Basin is not only home to the Old Faithful Geyser but also offers access to 150 geysers in one square mile, plus hundreds of hot springs! (Ask on-duty rangers about upcoming predictions for other geysers in the area.) Explore all of these thermal features by walking the Upper Geyser Basin Loop, and consider detouring to the nearby Black Sand Basin and Biscuit Basin.

2. Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Yellowstone’s most visually striking attractions. Its vibrant colors of blue, orange, red, and green are unlike anything else you’ll see in the park, caused by heat-loving microorganisms in the water.

The best time to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring is during the warmer months when the steam isn’t as thick—allowing you to clearly see its colors—but even in winter, the mist creates a magical atmosphere. You’ll likely have to snowshoe or cross-country ski along the Fairy Falls Trail to see the Grand Prismatic Spring during winter months, but the birds-eye view is incredible from an overlook along this trail year-round.

In fact, here’s a bonus, can’t-miss, best thing to do in Yellowstone year-round… (1) After seeing the Grand Prismatic Spring from its boardwalk trail at the Midway Geyser Basin then (2) Get a bird’s eye view from the Grand Prismatic Overlook along the short Fairy Falls Trail. (The full Fairy Falls Trail is close to 4.5 miles, but you can turn around at the overlook for the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is about a half-mile mile into the trail.) The view is incredible!

Grand Prismatic Spring from the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook © [Kamchatka] via Canva.com

3. Wander Artist Point & the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Artist Point Overlook is one of the most beautiful views in Yellowstone National Park and one of the most iconic spots in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It’s a must-see year-round, each season offering something different, whether frozen falls in the winter, snow-capped canyon walls in the spring, or morning fog in the fall.

The Artist Point Overlook is easy to reach year-round from a medium-sized parking lot and a short paved trail. It’s an ideal spot for photographers and anyone who wants to see Yellowstone’s canyon area, rich with geological features. (Heads up—You’ll have to take a snowcoach here in the winter… or ride a snowmobile!)

Bonus—Artist Point is in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and there are many nearby trails for further canyon exploration. The Seven Mile Hole Trail descends deep into the canyon, giving hikers a unique perspective of the volcanic landscape and geothermal features. Trails like the Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail lead through meadows, forested areas, and along the canyon rim, offering serene beauty and occasional wildlife sightings. And the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail is a short but steep hike that takes you right to the edge of Yellowstone’s most famous waterfall, offering an up-close view of the 308-foot cascade as it thunders into the canyon below.

4. Watch for Wildlife in Lamar and Hayden Valleys

Yellowstone is one of the best places in the world for wildlife watching, with opportunities to see bison, elk, wolves, bears, and much more. The park’s Northern Range, including Lamar Valley, is a prime location for spotting animals year-round.

In winter, wolves, red foxes, and coyotes can be easier to spot against the snow. In summer, you’ll see herds of elk and bison grazing and, with some luck, wolves or bears hunting. In spring, prepare for enchanting wildlife-watching experiences, as it's newborn wildlife season!

Wildlife viewing in Yellowstone is best early in the morning or late in the afternoon. (Think: dawn and dusk!) A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope can make a big difference in your experience, especially if you’re looking for wolves or bears.

Lamar Valley is often called "America's Serengeti" for its wide-open spaces and abundant wildlife, making it a must-see for nature lovers. Driving through Hayden Valley offers more chances to spot wildlife near rivers and open meadows. Both are must-dos when visiting Yellowstone year-round.

5. Drive Grand Loop Road

Grand Loop Road is the main driving route through Yellowstone, connecting the park’s most iconic sites over a 140-mile figure-eight loop.

Driving Grand Loop Roud is the best way to explore Yellowstone’s diverse landscapes, geothermal features, and most iconic attractions. The drive can be done in sections, allowing you to explore different areas of the park at your own pace.

For trips spanning at least two days, we highly recommend driving The Upper Loop and The Lower Loop on separate days. For longer trips, spend one day exploring the geyser basins, one day in Yellowstone Canyon, and another in the north and south. Get all of our Yellowstone itinerary recommendations here.

While portions of Grand Loop Road close throughout the year, it’s worth driving whatever sections are open during your visit. From Memorial Day weekend through October, all roads are open, weather permitting. In April and November, interior roads close to prepare for the change in season, but Yellowstone’s Northern Range stays open to allow access to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. In winter, Yellowstone’s Northern Range continues to be open, while snowcoach and snowmobile tours also begin and allow access to Yellowstone’s interior.

The Grand Loop Road is the perfect way to see many of Yellowstone’s highlights without extensive hiking—as many attractions are located just steps beyond parking lots along Grand Loop Road. This scenic drive is also a great way to take in the park’s vastness, from valleys to high plateaus. Wildlife is often spotted along the roads, so be prepared for sudden stops and photo opportunities. If you’re short on time, a day spent driving the Grand Loop will give you a great overview of the park.

And if you’re hoping to avoid crowds and traffic in Yellowstone? Detour from the Grand Loop to drive through Lamar Valley to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance or from Lake Village to Yellowstone’s East Entrance. These are quieter sections of the park that still offer an abundance of beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Keep Reading: Yellowstone Grand Loop Road: Map & Itinerary for the Park’s Most Scenic Drive

6. Walk the Mammoth Hot Springs Upper & Lower Terraces

Mammoth Hot Springs is one of Yellowstone's most unique geothermal features, located near the park's northern entrance. The area is known for its stunning terraced formations created by the deposition of calcium carbonate from hot water. The water flows over the terraces, creating vibrant colors ranging from white to shades of yellow and orange.

Visitors can explore the Mammoth Hot Springs via a series of boardwalks and trails that provide easy access to the various features, such as Minerva Terrace, Palette Spring, and Canary Spring.

Explore the Mammoth Hot Springs by walking the upper and lower boardwalk trails, which provide close-up views of the stunning terraces. You can park at the base of the hot springs (by the hotel) to access both or drive past Mammoth Hot Springs as if you’re headed to Norris Geyser Basin and park in the small parking lot located on the right-hand side of the road for quicker access to the upper boardwalks. You can also drive the short Upper Terrace One-Way Loop through thermal features to an even closer (but smaller) parking lot.

Bonus—In addition to its geothermal wonders, Mammoth is a great place for wildlife viewing, with elk often seen roaming the area. This is especially true during the elk rut in September and October!

Since you can drive Yellowstone’s Northern Range year-round, Mammoth is accessible every month of the year. (Winter offers a serene experience as steam rises from the snowy terraces.) Whether you’re interested in geology, photography, or a peaceful stroll, Mammoth Hot Springs is a can’t-miss stop in Yellowstone year-round.

7. Explore A Trail (Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Cross-Country Skiing in Yellowstone)

Exploring Yellowstone’s trails on foot is one of the best ways to experience the park’s wild beauty, whether you're hiking in the summer or fall or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. With more than 15 miles of boardwalk trails and 1000 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes, there's something for every skill level and season.

In the summer, hiking trails like Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn offer panoramic views of the park and the chance to see wildlife such as bighorn sheep, grizzlies, and wolves. Trails like the Fairy Falls hike take you to one of Yellowstone's tallest waterfalls (and the previously mentioned Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook). Avalanche Peak is a challenging 4.5-mile out-and-back trail to the summit of Avalanche Peak, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding Absaroka Range and Yellowstone Lake. And Storm Point is a moderate 2.5-mile loop a peninsula jutting into Yellowstone Lake for stunning lake views, wildflowers, and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as bison and waterfowl. (Just to name a few!)

Winter transforms many of Yellowstone’s trails into ideal routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Lamar Valley, known for its abundant wildlife, offers serene, snow-covered landscapes perfect for cross-country skiing while keeping an eye out for wolves, bison, and elk. For those staying near Mammoth Hot Springs, the Bunsen Peak trail provides a challenging yet rewarding year-round hike. (You’ll want snowshoes or cross-country skis during winter months!) Snowshoeing is an excellent way to explore the park’s quieter, more remote areas in winter, such as the Lone Star Geyser trail, which takes you to an erupting geyser without the summer crowds.

Whether you're strapping on hiking boots in summer or snowshoes in winter, the diverse terrain and wildlife make Yellowstone's trails a rewarding adventure year-round. Always remember to pack bear spray and know the weather conditions, as Yellowstone’s backcountry can be unpredictable, especially in the colder months.

Snowshoeing along Yellowstone’s Northern Range

8. Stroll the Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest and most dynamic geyser area in Yellowstone National Park, making it a must-visit for those interested in geothermal features. This basin is home to Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world, which (unpredictably) shoots water up to 300 feet into the air. Even when not erupting, Steamboat’s frequent steam vents are a reminder of the area’s intense thermal activity.

Walking through Norris Geyser Basin, visitors encounter a diverse array of geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles, all framed by stark, colorful mineral deposits. The area is divided into two sections: the Porcelain Basin, where a boardwalk takes you close to some of the most active geothermal features, and the Back Basin, a more forested area with geysers like Echinus and the historic Norris Museum. The boardwalks make it accessible year-round, although winter conditions may require snow coach transportation and snowshoes.

The basin’s ever-changing nature means no two visits are alike. New geysers can appear or disappear, and the colors of the thermal features can shift as mineral and microbial life adjusts to the extreme temperatures. Because of its extreme heat and acidic conditions, Norris is a vivid reminder of Yellowstone’s position atop a supervolcano.

9. See Yellowstone Lake (and the West Thumb Geyser Basin)

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Spanning approximately 136 square miles, it offers stunning views and a diverse ecosystem, making it a popular spot for fishing, boating, and kayaking. (Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-motorized boats are allowed on all lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon. And you can rent boats—or sign up for guided boat trips—at Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake.)

Bonus—West Thumb Geyser Basin is another of Yellowstone's unique geothermal areas and it’s located along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. What makes it special is how the thermal features here interact with the lake, creating an otherworldly landscape where geysers and hot springs bubble right along the water’s edge. The boardwalk trail at the West Thumb Geyser Basin takes visitors through the basin to see features like Abyss Pool, one of the park's deepest hot springs, and Fishing Cone, a geyser once used by early visitors to cook fish right after catching them.

The proximity to Yellowstone Lake makes the West Thumb Geyser Basin a picturesque spot, offering stunning views of the lake with steam rising from the hot springs in the foreground. Because of its location near the South Entrance, it’s a great stop for visitors coming from or heading toward Grand Teton National Park.

West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake

10. Enjoy Seasonal Recreation

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to engage in seasonal recreation during your trip to Yellowstone!

In the warmer months, boating, fishing, and kayaking on Yellowstone Lake offer a tranquil way to enjoy the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Rafting along the Yellowstone River provides a thrilling adventure, with opportunities to navigate rapids while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Summer also brings horseback riding opportunities, allowing visitors to explore trails that weave through meadows and forests, often leading to picturesque vistas.

As the seasons change, winter transforms the park into a wonderland for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, providing unique ways to experience the quiet beauty of the snow-covered landscape.

Each season brings distinct opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, showcasing Yellowstone’s remarkable biodiversity and stunning vistas. Engaging in seasonal recreation not only enhances your visit but also allows for memorable interactions with the park's natural environment.

While Yellowstone offers endless exploration opportunities, from geothermal wonders to wildlife watching and backcountry trails, these highlights provide the perfect introduction to the park’s unique beauty. No matter what time of year you're visiting, these iconic spots are must-see destinations for anyone experiencing Yellowstone for the first time!

Keep Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan your ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide!

With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries for each season, ensure you never miss out, whether vacationing in the summer or spotting wildlife in the spring. Crafted from personal experience over 9 years and a dozen trips, our Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park.

Take the stress out of planning a vacation to America’s first (and one of its largest) national parks and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide!

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Happy Travels!