Planning a Yellowstone vacation is exciting… and stressful.
Yellowstone is a large park with so many things to see and do!
We find it’s helpful to hear from others who have visited the park to learn from their successes, and what they’d do differently the next time they go.
If you’re looking for Yellowstone vacation ideas, keep reading!
Below is a terrific list of Yellowstone vacation tips to help you as you plan your trip:
- Yellowstone Packing List
- Where to Stay Near Yellowstone
- Yellowstone Travel Guides
- When to Visit Yellowstone
- Things to Do at Yellowstone
- Yellowstone Itineraries
…. and more!
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WHAT TO PACK FOR A YELLOWSTONE VACATION
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.
→ National Parks Pass is a GOOD DEAL
- US National Park packing list
- 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
- Camera gear
→ DOWNLOAD: Camera Gear Checklist
Hotels and Vacation Rentals Near Yellowstone
Places to stay in West Yellowstone that we recommend:
ClubHouse Inn, West Yellowstone
→ CHECK OUT more West Yellowstone hotels!
Places to stay 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!
Places to stay 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!

20 Yellowstone Vacation Tips
Yellowstone Vacation Planner
Plan the perfect trip to Yellowstone! Create your daily itinerary with ease knowing all the best things to do in each area of Yellowstone! Grab our vacation planner that has all the attractions, hiking trails, services and accommodations by region!
Yellowstone Vacation Ideas
Use our Yellowstone National Park resources with tips, attractions, recommended activities and a packing checklist to help you plan your next trip.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone (+ Tips for Each Season)
Complete guide to the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park. Best time to go, what to expect in every season, and tips for your visit.
Plan a Fun Yellowstone Summer Vacation
A Yellowstone summer vacation will always be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We have visited Yellowstone many times so let us help you with the basics if you’re planning a summer trip.
Must-Read Tips for Visiting Yellowstone in the Fall
One of our favorite times to plan a Yellowstone vacation is to visit in the fall, and Yellowstone in October is one of the best months in our opinion. This guide has seasonal information about weather and services; and tips on what to see and do at Yellowstone in the autumn.
Visit Yellowstone in the Winter for an Unforgettable Experience
When you visit Yellowstone in the winter, you’re in for a treat! It’s surreal to see the park covered in a blanket of snow with billowing steam and mist from the geysers. And that snow, frost and mist that cover the landscape and wildlife result in amazing Yellowstone winter photography.
Beautiful Yellowstone Scenic Drives to Experience
If you enjoy a leisurely Sunday road trip through the back roads of your state and anticipate scenic drives, then you’ll love this post about Yellowstone Scenic Drives.
Free Camping in Yellowstone National Park - Boondocking near Yellowstone
Finding places to camp in and around Yellowstone can be a challenge as there are limited camp sites. This guide highlights the best free camp spots that offer amazing views and help your road trip through Yellowstone National Park.
Best Things to Do in Yellowstone With Kids
If you are planning a family visit to Yellowstone, you might be wondering how to keep the kids entertained and happy. This comprehensive list of things to do with kids in Yellowstone including hikes, exploring nature and even dinner with cowboys will have something for every kid, even the big ones.
13 Places You Don’t Want To Miss In Yellowstone National Park
Spanning a total of three states and nearly 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone National Park is filled with incredible attractions in every corner. Here are the 13 places in Yellowstone you don't want to miss when you visit Yellowstone, especially if it is your first visit!
Easy Yellowstone Waterfalls to See and Photograph
Photographing the amazing Yellowstone waterfalls is always at the top of our list of things to do in the park.
As you start to plan your Yellowstone vacation, be sure to add waterfalls to your itinerary each day.
14 Of The Best Things To Do In Yellowstone That Aren’t Hiking
We all know there’s tons of hiking in Yellowstone, but today I’m going to be sharing with you the best things to do in Yellowstone that AREN’T hiking.
Native Americans And Yellowstone National Park: Hot Springs, Legends And Sacred Places
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geysers and hot springs. I went in search of Native American legends associated with this remarkable landscape.
Things to Do with Kids in Yellowstone in the Rain
While summer in Yellowstone is often pleasant, there are days when the weather turns less favourable. If the heavens open it doesn't mean you need to head back to your hotel. This list of things to do while it's raining in Yellowstone means you can continue enjoying this amazing National Park even in the rain.
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail: THE BEST VIEW OF GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY
The largest and most spectacular of the colored springs in Yellowstone is Grand Prismatic Spring. The best views are from the overlook, which can be reached by this easy hike.
Backpacking in Yellowstone National Park
This is a comprehensive guide on how to go backpacking in Yellowstone National Park. It includes all the information you will need to have a safe, fun and environmentally responsible time in Yellowstone.
How to Spend One Day in Yellowstone National Park
Can you visit Yellowstone in a day? While you could, and we recommend, spend weeks in the park, the short answer is yes. Even if you only have one day in Yellowstone, it’s worth visiting.
Perfect Yellowstone 2 Day Itinerary
This road trip itinerary covers some of the best stops on both the upper and lower sections of the Grand Loop all of which can be done in 2 days!
3 Days in Yellowstone National Park: The Ultimate Itinerary for Your First Visit – MY Travel BF
Visiting Yellowstone National Park can be overwhelming as there's so much to do, but this 3 Day Itinerary for Yellowstone National Park is the ultimate guide for your first time visiting the park!
Yellowstone Itinerary 4 Days: The Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide
How to plan the perfect 4 day trip to Yellowstone National Park - a comprehensive first time visitor guide featuring the best things to do, hiking, wildlife spotting, waterfalls and geysers within each of Yellowstone’s 6 regions.
YELLOWSTONE VACATION TIPS & RESOURCES
- Yellowstone Vacation Planner & 4 Day Itinerary
- Yellowstone Vacation Ideas
- Plan a Yellowstone Vacation
- Easy Yellowstone Waterfalls to See and Photograph
- Yellowstone Summer Tours
- Yellowstone in the Spring
- Yellowstone in the Summer
- Yellowstone in the Fall
- Yellowstone in the Winter
- US National Park Pass – it’s a good deal!
- Yellowstone Maps & Guidebooks
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