Yellowstone 5 Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide

Yellowstone National Park is not only vast but full of diverse experiences that can overwhelm first-time visitors. A strategic Yellowstone 5 day itinerary is your best bet to cover major attractions, engage in memorable wildlife sightings, and hike some of the most scenic trails. With more than 2.2 million acres of land to explore, this itinerary ensures you can enjoy the park’s top sites while giving you plenty of time to take in the park’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

This itinerary will help guide you from entry points, where to stay, how to navigate, and which spots to prioritize each day for the perfect Yellowstone vacation.

Getting to Yellowstone

Flying to Yellowstone

Most visitors to Yellowstone fly into one of the following airports:

• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) – This is one of the most popular airports to fly into. From Bozeman, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
• Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – Located just 56 miles from the South Entrance, this is another excellent option if you’re coming from or heading toward Grand Teton National Park.
• Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) – This is about 2 hours away from the West Entrance.

Driving to Yellowstone

If you’re within driving distance, driving into the park offers flexibility and allows for scenic stops. The five main entrances to Yellowstone are:

• North Entrance – Near Gardiner, Montana, open year-round and offers quick access to Mammoth Hot Springs.
• West Entrance – Located in West Yellowstone, Montana, a popular summer gateway.
• South Entrance – The best option if you’re also visiting Grand Teton National Park.
• East Entrance – Closest to Cody, Wyoming, offering scenic mountain views.
• Northeast Entrance – Ideal for those wanting to explore Lamar Valley early.

Make sure to plan for some travel time between the entrance and your accommodation within the park.

Day 1: Enter Through the West Entrance and Explore Madison and Norris Geyser Basin

Your adventure begins the moment you enter the West Entrance, one of the most popular entrances to the park. After the journey, ease into your Yellowstone experience by visiting the stunning geothermal features close to the entrance.

Madison River and Picnic Area

After entering through the West Entrance, drive along the Madison River, where you’ll likely spot bison and elk. Stop at one of the many pull-offs and picnic areas to enjoy your first views of Yellowstone’s vast landscape.

Norris Geyser Basin

Next, head towards Norris Geyser Basin, one of the hottest and oldest thermal areas in the park. This basin is known for its acid geysers and vibrant hot springs. Don’t miss the Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. Explore the boardwalk loops around the basin and admire the colorful hot springs and steaming fumaroles.

Where to Stay

• Canyon Village Lodge – A good base for exploring Yellowstone’s thermal features.
• Madison Campground – Ideal for those who prefer a camping experience.

Make sure to grab dinner at Canyon Village Dining Room or pack a picnic to enjoy near the geyser basin before retiring for the night.

Day 2: Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, and West Thumb Geyser Basin

Day 2 is dedicated to one of Yellowstone’s most iconic landmarks and the surrounding geothermal wonders. This is a geothermal-focused day full of geysers and hot springs.

Old Faithful

Start your morning early by heading south to Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s most famous geyser. It erupts approximately every 90 minutes, so try to arrive in time to catch an eruption. While waiting, explore the Old Faithful Inn, a historic log structure with stunning architecture.

Upper Geyser Basin

Just a short walk from Old Faithful, the Upper Geyser Basin contains the largest concentration of geysers in the world. Take the time to walk the boardwalk loop that passes by several impressive geothermal features such as Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, and the colorful Morning Glory Pool.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

In the afternoon, make your way towards West Thumb Geyser Basin near Yellowstone Lake. The geysers and hot springs here sit right next to the lake, creating a striking contrast between water and thermal activity.

Where to Stay

For your second night, you can stay near Old Faithful Lodge or camp at Grant Village Campground near Yellowstone Lake. Enjoy dinner at the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, or pack a meal to eat while enjoying the peaceful view of the lake.

Day 3: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Hayden Valley

Day 3 will take you to some of the park’s most dramatic landscapes, with stunning waterfalls and scenic vistas at every turn.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Start your day by heading to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the Lower Falls and the rugged canyon walls. Stop at both the North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive for different vantage points of the canyon. Be sure to hike the short trail to Artist Point, offering one of the most breathtaking views of the Lower Falls.

Hayden Valley

In the afternoon, drive through Hayden Valley, one of the best spots for wildlife viewing. This wide-open valley is a haven for bison, elk, and sometimes even wolves. Make sure to bring your binoculars or stop at one of the pull-outs for prime wildlife viewing.

Where to Stay

For your third night, stay at Canyon Lodge or camp at the Canyon Campground, which keeps you centrally located for the remainder of your trip.

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Day 4: Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs

Today will be a mix of wildlife and geothermal wonders, starting with a morning wildlife safari and ending with an exploration of the park’s northern areas.

Lamar Valley: Yellowstone’s Serengeti

Start early and head to Lamar Valley for sunrise, known as Yellowstone’s prime wildlife-watching destination. Spotting bison, elk, and maybe even a grizzly bear or wolf is almost guaranteed. Lamar Valley’s vast rolling plains and distant mountain ranges are unforgettable. Make sure to stop at Slough Creek for a peaceful hike and a chance to see more wildlife.

Mammoth Hot Springs

After your wildlife adventure, head toward Mammoth Hot Springs, a unique thermal area with limestone terraces formed by geothermal activity. The stark white and orange terraces are stunning, and the walkways give you a close view of these natural wonders. Don’t forget to visit the Mammoth Hotel and the Albright Visitor Center to learn more about Yellowstone’s history.

Where to Stay

For the night, you can either stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or opt for a more rustic experience by camping in the nearby Mammoth Campground.

Day 5: Yellowstone Lake and South Exit

For your final day, head to the southern part of the park and take in the peaceful beauty of Yellowstone Lake before making your way out.

Yellowstone Lake

Spend the morning exploring Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America. The lake offers peaceful views, and you can enjoy activities like fishing or kayaking if time allows. There are also several hiking trails around the lake that provide scenic overlooks.

Leaving Through the South Entrance

After your relaxing morning at the lake, make your way out through the South Entrance, which connects you directly to Grand Teton National Park if you wish to extend your trip.

Conclusion

A Yellowstone 5 day itinerary offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, giving you ample time to explore geysers, hot springs, lakes, valleys, and wildlife. Whether you’re standing in awe at the eruption of Old Faithful, hiking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, or watching bison roam freely in Lamar Valley, each day offers unforgettable experiences. By following this guide, you can ensure that you make the most out of your trip, seeing all the park’s highlights while savoring the tranquility of America’s first national park.