Yellowstone Vacation Ideas
Looking for Yellowstone National Park vacation ideas?
Use our Yellowstone National Park travel guide and the list below to learn more about the hiking trails, scenic drives, photography spots and other things to do at Yellowstone.
We share what to pack, where to stay, best time to visit and thing to do on your trip to Yellowstone.
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Yellowstone National Park Vacation Ideas
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone, keep reading for tips and resources: what to pack, where to stay, services available, things to do and more!
WHAT TO PACK FOR A YELLOWSTONE VACATION
→ DOWNLOAD THE US National Park packing list
Yellowstone Packing List for Summer
- Light hiking shoes or sandals – we recommend Merrell Moab hiking shoes or Oboz hiking shoes
- Darn Tough socks
- Water shoes and swimwear
- Hiking pants
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Sun hat or Buff headbands
- Fleece jacket
Yellowstone Packing List for Winter
- Insulated boots
- Heavy wool socks – again we LOVE Darn Tough Socks!
- Wicking and quick-drying base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Wool, down or heavy-weight insulated jacket
- Insulating hat
- Insulating winter gloves
- Fleece neck gaiter or buff
Other Yellowstone packing essentials:
- National Parks Pass – Before you visit Yellowstone National Park be sure to pack your The America the Beautiful Annual Pass. We think the National Parks Pass is a GOOD DEAL!
- Camelbak hydration packs or carry Hydroflask bottles in your day backpack
- Insect repellent – you’ll need it!
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Binoculars or spotting scope
- Yellowstone Map
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Bear spray – you can rent this at Grant or Canyon
- DOWNLOAD: Camera Gear Checklist
Places to Stay at Yellowstone
Hotels and Vacation Rentals in West Yellowstone that we recommend:
- Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone
- ClubHouse Inn, West Yellowstone
- Kelly Inn, West Yellowstone
- → CHECK OUT more West Yellowstone hotels!
Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Gardiner that we recommend:
- Yellowstone Gateway Inn, Gardiner – full kitchen and comfy bed, one of our favorite places to stay!
- Park Hotel Yellowstone, Gardiner – charming place to stay and loved by guests!
- Absaroka Lodge, Gardiner – beautiful location with river views!
- → CHECK OUT more Gardiner hotels!
Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Cooke City or Silver Gate that we recommend:
- Sunny Log Home on the Creek, Silver Gate (VRBO) – the most AMAZING location with an awesome fireplace and comfy bed!
- Mountain View Cabin, Cooke City – great views and we enjoyed having a washer and dryer!
- High Country Motel and Cabins – local owners who love what they do, and make you feel so welcome!
Yellowstone Vacation Ideas
