I’ve been to a lot of national parks, but this one is truly on a whole different level. You don’t need to leave Earth to feel like you’re on another planet—just go to Yellowstone.

The park is huge… over 3,400 square miles across three states, with five entrances and more than 300 miles of road winding through geysers, waterfalls, canyons, and wide-open valleys full of wildlife. Getting from one side to the other can take hours, so having a game plan is key if you are short on time.

Personally, I start to go a little stir crazy after two full days in a national park, so I love a fast-paced trip that hits the best of the best. If you’re traveling with kids or want to explore the backcountry you’ll definitely want more time. But if you’re trying to experience the magic of Yellowstone in a weekend and still feel like you saw it all—this guide is for you.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

How to choose your entrance and plan your route
Where to stay and camp
When to explore to avoid crowds
What food to pack and prep
A full 48-hour itinerary with hikes, geysers, wildlife, and most importantly… where you can get coffee

A Brief History

Yellowstone was established in 1872 as the first national park in the world. It sits on top of a super volcano, which is why the landscape is so wild (think geysers, bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and technicolor hot springs). The Old Faithful Inn, one of the most iconic hotels in the park, was built in 1904 and is still running today. With its giant log lobby and creaky wooden floors, it’s like stepping back in time.... or into a Wes Anderson film.

How to Get In and Around the Park

There are five park entrances: North, South, East, West, and Northeast.

West Entrance: Best if you're coming from Idaho Falls, Boise, or Salt Lake City. You'll drive through Island Park, which is gorgeous.
South Entrance: Also an option if you're coming from Salt Lake City, or if you're starting in Jackson or the Tetons. Both the West and South Entrances work well from Salt Lake—it just depends on the route you want to take and which part of the park you want to see first. We entered through the West and exited through the South, which gave us two scenic drives and let us loop through the park.
North Entrance: Comes in through Montana near Gardiner. This is also where a lot of the rafting excursions start.
East Entrance: Best for those coming in from central Wyoming.
Northeast Entrance: Ideal if you’re coming from Cooke City or Red Lodge, Montana. It drops you right into Lamar Valley—one of the best places to spot wildlife.

The entrance fee is $35 per car for 7 days, or grab an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80—it covers all national parks.

Where to Stay

Yellowstone has 11 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites, most of which require advance reservations. The only exception is Mammoth Campground, which is first-come, first-served from Oct 15 to Apr 1. Reservations open on a rolling basis six months out and fill fast—book as early as possible. They average about $40 a night if you are tent camping. You can find more info here.

We stayed at Bridge Bay Campground (photos above) and absolutely loved it. It’s tucked away on the eastern side of the park near Lake Yellowstone. The campsite is directly across the street from the lake, so you’ve got walkable access to small beaches in addition to the bay. Even though the campground is large and was pretty packed, it was relatively quiet. It was easy to forget we were in a major national park.

There are showers just a short drive from the campground, but they were out of order during our visit so we embraced the moment and swam in the lake instead (which ended up being a lot of fun). Two unexpected highlights were that the bathrooms had heaters (huge win when temps dropped at night), and a bison strolled right through our campsite, completely unbothered. One of those surreal Yellowstone moments I won’t forget.

If you want a splurge or prefer not to camp, there’s the Yellowstone Lake Hotel or the Old Faithful Inn. Both book up months in advance and are expensive in the summer but less so in the off-season. The Yellowstone Lake Hotel feels like a classic lakeside retreat—it's quiet, elegant, and right on the edge of the water. The Old Faithful Inn has this historic charm you can’t fake. I stayed there years ago and still remember how cozy and unique it felt.

If you’re on a budget, camping is definitely the way to go. Or mix it up—camp one night and then treat yourself to a night at one of the iconic lodges.

Best Time of Day to Explore

Get up early. I don’t care if you’re “not a morning person” or if your travel buddies grumble the whole way, this is non-negotiable. Mornings are when the magic happens. Wildlife is active, the lighting is unreal, the crowds are still asleep, and the heat hasn’t kicked in yet. Midday? That’s your cue to relax, eat lunch, swim in the lake, take a nap, whatever. Then if you’ve got energy, head back out in the evening. You’ll thank me later.

Food Prep

I always spend a couple hours pre-prepping food for any road trip we go on. Not only does it save us a ton of money, but it also means we’re eating healthy, nutritious meals and have food with us at all times. That way we can pull over or stop and eat whenever we want without relying on overpriced snacks or weird gas station mystery meat.

Here’s what I pack for almost every national park/roadtrip:

Lärabars: Minimal ingredients, no added sugar, and made with real foods like dates, nuts, and spices. They’re a great source of clean energy and super packable.
Chomps beef sticks: High in protein, no weird fillers or additives, and perfect for post-hike refueling.
Electrolytes: I use LMNT because it has sodium, magnesium, and potassium without any sugar or junk. Staying hydrated—especially with all the geothermal heat in Yellowstone—is key to feeling good and avoiding fatigue. These are an absolute must for me when traveling.
Smoothies: I usually make one for each of us and store them in a cooler to drink on the road or after a hike. Here are 4 of my favorite smoothies.
Breakfasts: I always prep two ready-to-go breakfasts like overnight oats or chia seed pudding. Here’s my go-to chia seed recipe. If you want the overnight oat recipe (it’s iconic and I always make it), drop a comment and I’ll create a blog post with the details.
Pasta salad: I make a big batch of this Mediterranean pasta salad but skip the cheese and protein so it holds up better. It’s filling, easy to eat cold, and somehow magically stays fresh all weekend (as long as you keep it cold!).
Hummus + crackers: I always make my own hummus (let me know if you want the recipe!) and pack a box of Simple Mills almond flour crackers. They’re grain-free, gluten-free, and made with better ingredients than most store-bought options. If you go with store-bought hummus, check the label and avoid seed oils or additives like guar gum.

Whether we’re hiking, camping, or just driving, this setup keeps us feeling good, full, and ready for whatever the day brings.

Day 1 – Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, and Scenic Drive to Camp

Before entering the park, grab coffee in West Yellowstone. The coffee inside the park is so so and overpriced, but every general store sells it if you’re desperate. The Go‑Go Espresso Café in West Yellowstone opens at 6 a.m.

Depending on where you stay the night before, try to get on the road early if you can. If you want a full day in the park, it’s worth staying the night before in Island Park or West Yellowstone. That way you can be one of the first cars through the entrance in the morning. Or if you’re starting in Jackson, you can drive up through the Tetons and reverse the order of the stops for Day 1.

About 14 miles after entering through the West Entrance, you’ll reach a stop sign. Take a right. From there, it’s about 45 miles to Bridge Bay Campground with some of Yellowstone’s biggest hits along the way.

Here’s what we did (and loved):

Fountain Paint Pots: A great intro to Yellowstone’s geothermal magic. You’ll see bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and small geysers all in one compact loop. The boardwalk is short and easy, and it’s a good way to start wrapping your head around just how geologically active this place is. Gets crowded fast, so go early if you can.
Midway Geyser Basin + Grand Prismatic Spring: Grand Prismatic is the most photographed feature in Yellowstone for a reason—it’s massive, colorful, and looks otherworldy. Start by walking the boardwalk through Midway Geyser Basin to see it up close, then drive a little further to the overlook trailhead for the classic elevated photo. The hike to the overlook is a short 0.8-mile roundtrip with around 100 feet of elevation gain. If you’re up for more walking, add on Fairy Falls, which starts from the same trailhead and is a flat 4.8-mile out-and-back trail through the forest. Doing both together totals around 5.5 to 6 miles.
Mystic Falls via Biscuit Basin: This moderate 2.4-mile loop starts from one of the most colorful geothermal areas in the park and takes you up to a scenic waterfall tucked into the trees. There’s about 550 feet of elevation gain, but it’s steady and manageable, with forested switchbacks and occasional open views. Biscuit Basin itself is worth exploring even if you don’t do the full hike—bright pools, steam vents, and tons of geothermal activity right off the boardwalk.
Old Faithful + Optional Hike: Watch Old Faithful erupt—yes, it only lasts a few minutes and isn’t the tallest geyser in the park (it’s honestly pretty underwhelming), but it’s one of the most predictable and famous geothermal features in the world. It erupts roughly every 90 minutes and has become a symbol of Yellowstone itself. While you’re here, step into the Old Faithful Inn. It’s one of the largest log structures in the world and has this warm, rustic, early-1900s vibe that’s worth experiencing even if you’re not staying overnight. There’s food at the inn and surrounding area if needed (or refer to the recipes in the “food” section above). If you’ve got energy, walk the Upper Geyser Basin trail—up to 6 miles of boardwalks winding through steaming vents, colorful hot springs, and multiple other geysers that erupt less frequently but are just as cool to see. This is completely optional depending on your energy levels at this point in the day.
West Thumb Geyser Basin: It’s where geothermal activity meets open water—pools and geysers bubbling just feet from the edge of Yellowstone Lake. The contrast between the steaming vents and calm, glassy water is surreal. It’s also one of the less crowded basins, with wide boardwalks, striking colors, and space to slow down and take it all in. A great breather in the middle of a full day of sightseeing.
Drive to Bridge Bay Campground: The drive from West Thumb to Bridge Bay takes about 30–40 minutes and is absolutely stunning—winding along the edge of Yellowstone Lake with peaceful views the entire way. Once you arrive, set up camp, take a swim, grill dinner, and unwind. You can also drive over to the Yellowstone Lake Hotel to check it out and stroll along the shore. It's a great way to end a full day in the park.

This is a big day. You’ll cover a lot of ground—5 to 10 miles of walking depending on how many hikes you do, and several hours of driving with plenty of stops in between. Expect to feel tired by the end of it, but in the best way. Skip a stop if you need to or take extra breaks along the way. There’s no wrong way to do it—this route is here to help you make the most of your time.

Day 2: Grand Canyon, Wildlife, Mammoth

Get on the road by 6:30am. TRUST ME. Early morning is when the park feels most alive. The light is soft, the steam from the geysers is glowing, and you’ll have a much better shot at seeing wildlife before the crowds show up. There’s something about that quiet golden hour that just hits different.

Sulphur Caldron + Mud Volcano: This might be a bust for some people—it smells terrible and doesn’t look like much at first. But when we went, the early morning light and rising steam made it feel surprisingly cool. Bubbling mud, strange yellow pools, and thick mist gave the whole area this eerie, otherworldly vibe… almost like the Earth was exhaling. Definitely worth a quick stop if you hit it at the right time.
Hayden Valley: Drive slow, windows down. This stretch follows the Yellowstone River and opens into a wide, golden valley where you may spot wildlife (we didn’t have any luck in Hayden Valley, but we saw a ton of wildlife in Lamar Valley, listed below).
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: There’s a reason it’s called the Grand Canyon. This stretch of the park is massive and dramatic, with canyon walls glowing in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and waterfalls thundering into the valley below. Coming from the direction we did, you’ll hit Artist Point and the Upper Falls first—both are stunning and offer totally different angles of the canyon. Then make your way to the Lower Falls Viewpoint. The trail is short but steep (600 feet in just 3/8 of a mile) and worth the quad burn. We had it to ourselves first thing in the morning and it was magic. Each stop gives you a different view.
Canyon Village: Right next to the Grand Canyon. Stop here if you need gas, bathrooms, or coffee. It’s also a good reset before the second half of the day.
Tower Falls: Honestly… skippable. It’s a quick walk to a viewpoint, but after the Grand Canyon, it just doesn’t compare. Good for a bathroom break or leg stretch and has a cute general store.
Lamar Valley: This is the best place in the park for wildlife. Be ready for bison traffic jams—literally. We saw hundreds of bison, including a herd crossing the river, and even watched a wolf being chased by a deer (yes, really). Bring binoculars, take your time, and don’t rush this stretch. You can drive as far as you want, then just turn around when you’ve had your fill. Some people even post up in camp chairs along the road. If you brought your own food, this is a great spot to have lunch or your late breakfast (we had a very late breakfast here consisting of my overnight oat recipe).
Mammoth Hot Springs: Unfortunately, with this itinerary, you’ll likely get here around midday so expect heat and crowds. Still, it’s worth a stop. These travertine terraces are unlike anything else in the park. If you can time it earlier or later in the day the light adds an extra glow, but even at its busiest it’s a pretty wild landscape to take in.
Lunch in Mammoth or on the road: If you didn’t pack lunch, this is your best shot at finding something decent. Mammoth has a few café and grill options near the visitor center… nothing fancy, but solid enough for a sandwich, burger, or salad. Terrace Grill is the most convenient and there's also a small general store with snacks and drinks.
Optional Hike – Bunsen Peak (4.6 miles, moderate)
We skipped this because we were toast, but it’s a solid summit hike with amazing views. If you’ve still got energy, it’s a great way to cap off your time in the north part of the park.
Norris Geyser Basin, Artist Paint Pots, Gibbon Falls: These are your last recommended stops for the day. We skipped them this time because we were exhausted and the parking lots were slammed, but they’re beautiful if you’ve got anything left in the tank. Norris is one of the hottest and most active areas in the park.

After all of this, head back to camp and relax. Go for a swim in the lake if you’re up for it or just sit by the water and take it all in. Grill dinner, stretch your legs, and let your body recover.. it’s been a VERY full-on day of exploring. We had a lovely lake session, had dinner at the campsite, and then headed out to Fishing Bridge RV Park for ice cream (about 4 miles from camp).

Day 3: Exit Through the South Entrance (Scenic Drive to Jackson)

Wake up, pack up, and head south through Grand Teton National Park. This drive is majestic. Towering peaks, alpine lakes, endless views. It’s one of the most scenic stretches of road you’ll ever be on and we loved every second of it.

If you’ve never explored the Tetons, now’s a great time to add a day or two to your trip. The park is full of one-of-a-kind hikes—but that’s a whole other blog post. If you don’t want to spend time in the Tetons, then keep heading toward Jackson.

Jackson gets verrrrryy touristy and crowded in summer, but it’s cute and walkable. Stop at Cowboy Coffee in Jackson (they actually have great coffee), grab lunch, stretch your legs, and explore the shops before continuing on to Salt Lake or wherever you're headed.

If you started your trip in the Tetons, you can totally reverse this itinerary—enter Yellowstone through the South Entrance and exit through West Yellowstone. One of the great things about Yellowstone is that the park forms a big loop, so it’s pretty easy to flip the route depending on your starting point or travel direction.

If you have more time, I highly recommend spending 1–2 days in the Tetons. It’s heaven for hikers and outdoor lovers. Yellowstone is the most unique park I’ve been to…but the Tetons are my favorite for pure adventure.

I know this was a ton of info, but I hope it helps you feel more prepared and excited for your trip. Let me know if you have any questions or want help figuring out your own route—I'm always happy to share ideas. Yellowstone is 100% worth it, even if you only have a weekend. A little planning goes a long way in a park this massive, but I promise it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

48 Jam-Packed Hours in Yellowstone