Yellowstone National Park was the world’s first national park, and it continues to be one of the most popular. Each year, millions of people flock to visit the park with its geothermal features, towering mountain peaks, and wide variety of wildlife.
This many visitors also means lots of people with advice to share on seeing the park. If you check out Yellowstone Reddit threads, you’ll find a treasure trove of advice and recommendations from people who have visited the park before.
We’ve compiled some of the most useful advice from those threads here in one place. From tips on RVing at Yellowstone to what to see and where to go, here’s some of the most useful Reddit advice on a trip to Yellowstone.
- Advice From Reddit on RVing to Yellowstone National Park
- Top Places to Visit at Yellowstone National Park from Reddit Travelers
Advice From Reddit on RVing to Yellowstone National Park
Redditors have lots of advice for Yellowstone National Park visitors! You’ll find advice on Reddit threads about both visiting the park in general and visiting the park in an RV.
Driving and Parking an RV
Several writers advised that driving and parking an RV in Yellowstone can be tricky – especially over the summer. But it can be done! AverniteAdventurer wrote, “A large rv can handle the main roads in Yellowstone in the summer absolutely fine, but will be a hassle. This is totally doable if you want, just drive a little slower and pull off on pull outs to let cars behind you pass!”
Responders also noted the importance of visiting popular sites early in the morning, especially if you need parking for a larger vehicle.
hanz333 even posted an entire suggested itinerary to avoid crowds and get a good parking spot for popular areas of the park. It begins early (be at the gate by 6 am!) but summer crowds at Yellowstone are no joke.
As for driving an RV through the park, most people agree that RVs can handle the main roads just fine. AverniteAdventurer warned against using the northern entrance road with a big rig. Other commenters said that there are some areas of the park that are hard to access with a larger RV.
People advised that you’ll have an easier time if you don’t go during the summer peak season.
Camping With an RV
Several Redditors wrote that you’ll likely have an easier time in the park and be able to explore more of it by driving a van or tow vehicle and leaving your RV set up for camp. This can be especially true if you’re in a campsite without reservations – where someone else could come by during the day and swipe your spot.
Driving a smaller vehicle during the day will also give you more parking options at various sites around Yellowstone. However, in the summer months, you’ll still want to get to those spots early in the morning before they get crowded!
Only one campground at Yellowstone has full RV hookups – Fishing Bridge RV Park. Other campgrounds allow RVs but don’t have hookups. And all campgrounds fill up quickly!
Get the GuideAlong App
More than one person giving advice also recommended downloading an app to use inside the park. Although they referred to it as the GyPSy app, it’s now called GuideAlong.
GuideAlong offers audio tours of many popular landmarks and places, including Yellowstone. Simply purchase your tour, or a bundle of tours if you’ll be visiting several places. You then download the app and audio tour while you have WiFi or a cell phone signal. Once these things are downloaded, you can use them without needing a signal.
Many users said this was a helpful option since cell service throughout the park is unreliable.
Bring Your Own Food
One commenter pointed out that you can spend a lot of time waiting in line at park concessions. When it comes to breakfast and lunch, that’s daylight time you could be spending exploring the park! You also have to stop what you’re doing, drive to the restaurant or cafe, and park before waiting in line. It’s even trickier when you’re exploring Yellowstone with kids.
Their advice? Pack food to eat while you’re exploring during the day. You can eat in a parking lot, at a picnic table you find while driving around, or pretty much anywhere else you choose. If your rig has a fridge and kitchen, you’ll be at an advantage here. You can stock up on food at a grocery store farther out from the park, where prices may be cheaper. Even if you drive a tow vehicle during the day, you can keep your food cold at camp until you need to pack it up for that day’s activities.
Along with saving you time, bringing your own food will save you money! Park concessions tend to be more expensive than food you buy at the store.
Build In Some Buffer Time
You can have an ambitious schedule to see the park, but judging from a lot of advice, you may not get to everything! People said to allow time to wait for geysers to erupt or to watch wildlife if you happen upon it. Lots of spontaneous things can happen while you’re at the park. So while it’s good to have a plan, also be ready if things don’t go exactly as you scheduled.
Consider Your Airport
If you’re flying to the region and then renting an RV to go to the park, you have several airport options. You can fly into Idaho Falls, which is a two-hour drive from West Yellowstone. You could also fly to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, and then drive 90 minutes to Mammoth Springs, or an hour and 45-minutes to West Yellowstone.
You can also fly into Jackson Hole, Wyoming. During the summer, that’s about a two-hour drive. In the winter, many roads are closed, making this closer to a six-hour drive. Jackson is a beautiful area to explore on your way to the park, although many commenters point out that it’s also very expensive.
If you’re flying to the area, there are plenty of options for renting an RV to drive into Yellowstone!
Staying in One Place vs. Moving Around
Yellowstone is 3,471 square miles, which is a lot of area to cover. Depending on how much of the park you want to see, and how much you want to drive back to your camp each day, you may want to camp in several spots during your stay.
One Redditor suggested dividing the park into two sections – the southern and the northern half. Camp in West Yellowstone to explore the south, and camp in Gardiner to explore the north.
If you want to stay in just one place, West Yellowstone has more amenities. It’s also more centrally located and closer to many of the park’s top attractions.
Top Places to Visit at Yellowstone National Park from Reddit Travelers
Reddit travelers had lots of advice on the sights to see at Yellowstone as well! Some are unsurprising and are the main attractions at the park. Others are hidden gems or convenient side trips to take while you’re in the area. Stop by some – or all – of the following places recommended by fellow travelers.
Old Faithful
Old Faithful is, of course, an iconic Yellowstone spot! While some posters said the geyser was overrated, everyone including them agreed that visitors should see it anyway. They also had tips for seeing it:
- frenchpressfan recommends, “There’s a 1.5 mi paved walking trail that starts right next to it, it’s a loop. Do that for sure. The morning glory pool is awesome. You’ll also hopefully see more eruptions, more up close on this loop. There’s one fork off this trail that’s a steep climb, you can skip that if you want.”
- They also advised that you find a spot where the wind blows away from you as you view the geyser. This gives you a better view of Old Faithful.
- Other writers advised hiking the Observation Point Loop Trail to get great views of the geyser from above. The trail is steep but is a short climb.
- People also recommended hiking the Upper Geyser Basin Loop. You’ll see the largest concentration of geysers in the world along this trail which is a combination of paved paths and boardwalks. Those geysers include Old Faithful, the Castle Geyser, the Daisy Geyser, the Grand Geyser, and the Riverside Geyser. Most of these geysers don’t erupt as often as Old Faithful, but you may be lucky enough to witness them.
- Don’t miss Old Faithful Inn, the largest log structure in the world. You can stay there, but you can also visit the inn’s massive stone fireplace and the hand-crafted copper clock. There are several places to eat at the inn, plus a gift shop.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Several Redditors advised that the best time to see Grand Prismatic Spring is in the afternoon. There are lots of vapors that settle in the area in the morning and evening. Although they give the area a cool, atmospheric vibe, you won’t see the brilliant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring as easily. Afternoon is the best time to see the area unimpeded.
You can also park in the Fairy Falls parking lot and take the Fairy Falls Trail to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. It’s about a one-mile hike, which is a little steep, but the views are worth it.
Artists Paintpots
The Artists Paintpots Trail is another highlight mentioned by several Reddit contributors. There’s a 1.1-mile lollipop loop trail that takes hikers by colorful hot springs, mudpots, and little geysers. There are some stairs and steeper grades to get to the upper mudpots. You can visit early in the morning for fewer crowds, and the trail will get busier as the day progresses.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Commenters also encouraged visitors to visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Several Redditors said to see West Thumb at sunrise or sunset, noting that the sun rising or setting over Yellowstone Lake was a stunning sight.
The basin has a mile-long boardwalk loop that gives you great views of the lake and some thermal features. There are also hot springs, small geysers, mud pots, and paint pots in the area. West Thumb also tends to be less-crowded than many other areas of the park.
Hayden Valley
The Hayden Valley at Yellowstone is well-known, and recommended by Redditors, as an excellent wildlife-viewing spot. Commenters advise that you’ll have the best chance of seeing wildlife if you’re out there at dawn or sunset, when animals tend to venture out.
You’ll want to allow at least an hour to drive through the valley. However, your plans could be derailed by bison traffic jams. In that case, you’ll spend … well, that’s up to the bison. You won’t be able to hurry them along.
Bring binoculars to view wildlife. Many commenters also said people with spotting scopes tend to be friendly and let others take a peak. Watch for other cars pulled over ahead of you – often they’ve spotted animals and stopped for a look.
Lamar Valley
The Lamar Valley is also a well-known wildlife-spotting area. Again, your best chance of spotting wildlife is at dawn or dusk. Some people will even get to the valley at 4 am so they’re ready for the animals. Bring binoculars or spotting scopes so you can spot far-away animals. Some of the best spots to watch for wildlife include Slough Creek near Dave’s Hill, the Little America plains, and the area between Little America and the Lamar River Trail. Several Redditors recommend the Slough Creek Trail, with a stop at the ranger cabin in the first meadow for lunch or a snack.
Commenters also recommend Trout Lake, saying that it’s a great hike although it can be hard to find parking.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Don’t worry – you may be visiting the Grand Canyon, but you’re still at Yellowstone National Park! There is an area known as Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with amazing hikes and views of an impressive canyon.
Redditors say there are lots of good hikes in the area. Popular ones include the South Rim Trail to Point Sublime, the hike from the Canyon Lodge to the North Rim and Inspiration Point, and Uncle Tom’s Trail. It can be hard to find the trailhead for some of the hikes, but the Canyon Lodge front desk staff is helpful and can give you directions.
Commenters also like Cascade Lake near the Grand Canyon.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs was another highly recommended spot in the park. You’ll find geothermal features and historic sites in this area. Because this is a popular spot, with possible wildlife-viewing, you’ll want to arrive early in the morning, or later in the evening to avoid crowds and see animals.
The Lower Terraces Trail is a 1.75-mile-long boardwalk that takes you by Liberty Cap, Palette Spring, and Minerva Terrace.
Upper Terrace Loop Drive is a 2.3-mile drive that will take you past Orange Spring Mound, Angel Terrace, and Canary Spring. However, RVs, trailers, and buses are prohibited on Upper Terrace Drive.
The nearby Albright Visitor Center is a good spot to visit for information and history in the area. You can also check out Fort Yellowstone, Golden Gate Canyon, and Undine Falls.
Mt. Washburn
Mt. Washburn is a popular area for day hikers in Yellowstone. You can hike to the summit from the Dunraven Pass Trailhead or from the Chittenden Road parking area. Many hikers see bighorn sheep along the trail, and the mountain has a beautiful display of wildflowers each July. At the top, there are interpretive exhibits at the base of the fire lookout.
In fact, Mt. Washburn is one of three fire lookout stations at Yellowstone. It’s staffed from mid-June until the end of fire season.
Old West Dinner Cookout
You can either ride on horseback or in a covered wagon to the Old West Dinner Cookout in Pleasant Valley. You’ll get some tasty vittles and an evening of songs and stories. Dinner includes steak, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, cornbread muffins, and fruit crisp, plus coffee around the campfire.
Grand Tetons
Many commenters encouraged visitors to spend time at Grand Teton National Park on the same trip. The parks are close together, and while Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features and beauty, Grand Teton is known for sweeping mountain vistas. Here are a few places Redditors recommended at Grand Teton:
- Jenny Lake – probably one of the best-known spots at Grand Teton. You can see crystal-clear reflections of the Teton Mountains in the lake, and there are boat tours, laying, and hiking.
- Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point – this is a popular hiking spot that gives you great views of Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon, and Jackson Hole.
- Mormon Row Historic District – this area has historic barns and homesteads from 1890.
Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in America. It connects Red Lodge, Montana to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. Once you’re at the highway, plan to take 5-6 hours to drive the highway with leisurely scenic stops. It will take 3-4 hours to drive it without stops. The road is usually open from Memorial Day until about Columbus Day, but weather dictates exactly when it opens and closes. RVs are allowed on the highway, and it is paved and well-maintained.
You’ll see towering mountains, Bear’s Tooth – a pyramid-like rock carved by glaciers, and gorgeous views on all sides. You might also spot moose, bears, elk, marmots, and other wildlife.
Gardiner
If you want some time outside the park, Gardiner is in Montana, just outside the North Entrance to Yellowstone. It’s a quaint town along the Yellowstone River. While in town, you can go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or rent e-bikes. There are historic walking tours and you can visit the Yellowstone Gateway Museum.
One commenter also recommended a stop at Yellowstone Hot Springs in Gardiner. The hot springs have naturally heated pools, plus a cold plunge pool. You can bring your own food and drinks (but no alcohol). The hot springs resort also has on-site RV camping.
West Yellowstone
The town of West Yellowstone is also in Montana, just a mile and a half from the Wyoming border. You can explore the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center or go hiking and rafting in the area. Every summer, there’s also a Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo in town.
Virginia City, Montana
There’s a better-known Virginia City in Nevada, but this Montana ghost town is a fun day trip near Yellowstone. Take a stagecoach tour, wander the town’s boardwalk, or visit local historic sites. The town also has vaudeville and melodrama shows, and kids can pan for gold nearby.
Bozeman
One Redditor also suggested stopping in the college town of Bozeman about ninety minutes away. You can see the world-class Museum of the Rockies which has a seasonal outdoor living history farm and a children’s discovery center. The city has several other museums, plus outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and ice climbing.
Hopefully, this article has armed you with tons of suggestions for what to do in Yellowstone! Be sure to check out our 2-Day Itinerary for Yellowstone National Park for even more suggestions.
