Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is the world's first national park. It spans nearly 3,500 square miles across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, known for its unique geological features and diverse ecosystems. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living laboratory of geological processes.

Yellowstone National Park offers a wide array of outdoor activities including Hiking, Touring cycling, Mountain biking, Road cycling, and Jogging. The park features over 1,000 miles of trails and more than 300 miles of roadway for exploration. For more details, explore the Attractions in Yellowstone National Park guide.

Popular hiking trails include the Upper Geyser Basin Trail, the Steamboat Geyser and Norris Basin Loop Trail, and the Mammoth Terraces Trail. These routes offer opportunities to experience the park's geothermal features and diverse landscapes. Find more options in the Hiking in Yellowstone National Park guide.

Yes, Yellowstone National Park offers many easy hiking trails suitable for various abilities. Examples include the Mammoth Terraces Trail (3 miles / 4.8 km) and the Steamboat Geyser and Norris Basin Loop Trail (2.6 miles / 4.2 km). The Easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park guide provides further recommendations.

Yellowstone offers diverse cycling routes for touring, mountain, and road biking. Roadways cover over 300 miles, with designated bike paths like the Yellowstone Shortline Trail. Cyclists must follow vehicle rules, ride in single file, and wear helmets. Consult the Cycling in Yellowstone National Park guide for more information.

While specific mountain biking trails are limited within the main park areas, routes like the Bunsen Peak Loop offer a strenuous 10-mile (16.7 km) experience. The Yellowstone Shortline Trail, a paved 9-mile (14.5 km) path, is also suitable for mountain biking. More options are detailed in the MTB Trails in Yellowstone National Park guide.

Yellowstone National Park is home to more than 10,000 hydrothermal features. Notable locations include Old Faithful, known for its predictable eruptions, and Grand Prismatic Spring, famous for its vibrant colors. The Upper Geyser Basin area offers many opportunities to view these natural wonders.

Key natural attractions include geothermal features like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its Lower Falls, and Yellowstone Lake. The park also features diverse wildlife, including bison, grizzly bears, and wolves, often visible in areas like Lamar Valley. Explore more in the Natural Monuments in Yellowstone National Park guide.

Yellowstone National Park is a popular destination on komoot, with 78 routes available across various sports. These routes have an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 400 ratings. More than 5,800 visitors have explored routes in the park using komoot.

Hikers are advised to carry bear spray and adhere to wildlife safety guidelines. It is important to maintain a distance of 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) from other animals. Staying on marked trails and boardwalks is also crucial for safety.

For official information, visit the park's website at nps.gov/yell. You can also call the recorded park information line at 307-344-7381 for updates and details.