Spanning across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, Yellowstone National Park features 2.2 million acres of vibrant geological wonders, hiking trails within dense forests, and a history that makes this park one-of-a-kind. With 1 day in Yellowstone, your day will be action packed with tons of world-class landscapes and viewpoints.
I had the opportunity explore Yellowstone National Park and visit enough spots to curate a guide listing all of my favorite spots to visit within 1 day. In this post, I will go cover an itinerary for an epic day getaway in Yellowstone, along with recommendations to try and capture the most beauty from the park!
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Is 1 Day in Yellowstone National Park Enough Time?
Yellowstone National Park, with over 2 million acres, is a park that would take much more than a day to explore everything there is to see. If you are wondering whether one day in Yellowstone National Park is enough time, here’s the verdict:
Most people don’t have the time to stay in Yellowstone National Park for more than 1 week. For some, even 3 days might be too long.
This 1 Day in Yellowstone Guide highlights some of the most awe-inspiring spots, such as the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs and the Old Faithful Geyser, and much more.
I consider these spots must-visits, and should be seen by everyone having the chance to visit Yellowstone for 1 day.
Campsites and Hotels – 1 Day in Yellowstone National Park
Lewis Lake on Yellowstone Map, Yellowstone NP
Yellowstone has a plethora of lodging options raging from primitive campsites to grand hotels such as the famous Old Faithful Inn. Because our trip was sort-of last minute, I was able to book 3 nights at Lewis Lake Campground, located near the south entrance of the park.
Morning – 1 Day in Yellowstone National Park
Our first morning in the park started with a drive to Old Faithful Geyser to catch an early eruption and beat the crowds.
We were lucky enough to arrive around 7:45 am with the next eruption around 8:10 am, so we didn’t have to wait around long. Our first buffalo was seen along the way!
To check geyser eruption times, visit the NPS website.
Bison seen along the road to Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone NP
We decided to fuel up on iced coffee and cereal, and walk over to the geyser around 8:00. After seeing what crowds were like in the afternoon, we were really happy that we decided to go early. This is something I definitely recommend! Keep in mind that Old Faithful Geyser erupts about every 2 hours, so you will have the chance to see it all throughout the day if you aren’t an early riser!
Getting ready to see Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park
After watching the eruption of the geyser, we decided to take a stroll along the boardwalks of Yellowstone which offer up-close-and-personal views of mini-geysers and hot springs.
I like to describe this trail as a museum exhibit, turning to stop and admire each little hot spring like a piece of artwork.
To cover the most distance as we could, we decided to take the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop trail. This allowed us to see a majority of the hot springs and geysers along the trail.
Find the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop Trail Alltrails
Afternoon: North Yellowstone – 1 Day in Yellowstone National Park
Mammoth Hot Springs
Next, we jumped in the car and headed north to tour different observation points such as the Fountain Paint Pot and Gibbon Falls.
After, we traveled to Mammoth Hot Springs, located in the upper-northwest corner of the park, taking us around 1.5 hours. This was a must-see, as the geometric formations of the hot springs was very cool to see!
Then we drove around the parks North Loops past the Tower-Rosevelt and off to a picnic site near Canyon Village where we cooked up delicious quesadillas and veggies!
After filling up, we drove down to admire Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls. I would fully recommend taking the short “Brink of the Lower Falls Trail” to gain the best view of the waterfall!
Evening: Hayden Valley – 1 Day in Yellowstone National Park
It was around 6 o’clock, and we were saving my favorite part for last. As the sun started to creep its way to the horizon, our car pulled into Hayden Valley to see spectacular glimpses of all the wildlife that Yellowstone had to offer.
Heards of Bison, a pack of Elk, a pair of Coyotes, a small black bear, and a plethora of birds were all in view! The beauty of the scenery combined with the ability to see the variety of animals definitely put Hayden Valley at the top of my experiences in Yellowstone.
Capturing the sunset in Hayden Valley, Yellowstone NP
Conclusion
I hope that this guide provided some insight on some of the best sights to see in Yellowstone! Please let me know if there was anything that I missed or that you would recommend seeing within your day at Yellowstone. Cheers!
🌍 Are you ready to make your next adventure unforgettable? The right gear makes all the difference. These are the same trusted tools I use on every trip, ensuring you’re equipped for any adventure.
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- Tested by a Pro: I’ve road-tested every product in real-world travel for reliability.
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🎒 Ready to gear up? Equip yourself with the tools that seasoned travelers swear by!
Hiking Backpack 🎒 I chose the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack that’s lightweight, durable, and spacious enough for all my gear during a hike.
Waterproof Hiking Boots 🥾 The Merell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Provides ankle support and grip for rough terrain, ensuring comfort and safety.
Moisture-Wicking Socks 🧦 The Women’s and Men’s Smartwool Classic Hike Crew Socks keep your feet dry and blister-free during long hikes.
Hydration Pack 💧 I recommend the Camelback Crux 2L Water Bladder for a hands-free way to stay hydrated with an easy-access hose.
Collapsible Trekking Poles 🦯 Grab the Trekology Collapsible Nordic Hiking Poles for additional stability on uneven trails.
All-Weather Jacket 🌧️ The Men’s and Women’s Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket protects against wind and rain while staying breathable for comfort.
Quick-Dry Pants or Shorts 👖 Go with the Women’s and Men’s Eddie Bauer Rainier Pants. Lightweight and water-resistant, perfect for changing weather conditions.
Base Layer Shirt 👕 For colder temperatures, the Men’s and Women’s Under Armor Base 4.0 Regulates body temperature by wicking sweat and insulating warmth.
Portable Water Filter 🛶 I travel with the Lifestraw Go Series Water Bottle to ensure safe drinking water from natural sources, no matter where I hike.
Compact First Aid Kit ⛑️ The J&J Travel Emergency Kit is a tiny, portable first aid kit that Includes bandages, antiseptic, and other essentials for minor injuries.
High-Energy Trail Snacks 🥜 My Favorite hiking snack are Chocolate Brownie Cliff Bars.
Headlamp with Extra Batteries 🔦 The Black Diamond Astro Headlamp is a great for starters and essential for early starts, late finishes, or overnight hikes.
Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife 🔧 I carry the Victorinox Skipper Blue Pocket Knife for repairs, food prep, and emergencies. I love its polished blue color with orange accent.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm 🧴 Octinoxate and Oxybenzone free, Sun Bum SPF 50 Spray Protects against harmful UV rays during long sun exposure.
Bug Spray or Repellent 🦟 Organic and Deet-Free, Victoria’s Lavender Insect Spray Keeps pesky insects away so I can focus on the trail.
Lightweight Sleeping Bag or Blanket 🛏️ The Big Agnes Torchlight Down 30°F Bag is my go-to for overnight hikes to stay warm and comfortable.
Compact Cooking Set 🍳 My Stanley Adventure Two Cup Cookset is great for boiling water or preparing a freeze-dried meal on longer hikes.