Popular Sites to See in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a vast expanse of 2.2 millions acres of undisturbed wilderness that can take years to fully explore. If you are just visiting for a couple days, then there are some must see attractions in the park.

Geysers

Perhaps one of the most recognizable attractions in the world, Old Faithful is at the top of most visitor's lists. Every 45-115 minutes this large geyser sprays more than 8,000 gallons of water 180 feet into the air. To see multiple geysers in one place visit the Midway Geyser Basin. Here you can witness hundreds of smaller geysers and the impressive Excelsior Geyser. Watch as it pours water from its opal blue depths into the Firehole River.

Hot springs

Due to the geothermal activity in the area there are multiple hot springs. The Morning Glory, Grand Prismatic and Abyss pools are among the most visually striking. Ancient species of bacteria populate these waters and are responsible for the brilliant colors, but these pools are far too hot for humans to inhabit. While it is not nearly as vivid, Mammoth Hot Springs are certainly the largest in the park. Make sure to stop by the impressive lodge for lodging and interpretive tours.

Canyons

While there are many large canyons in the park, none are as impressive as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Carved by water and wind, this large canyon offers spectacular sightseeing and photographic opportunities. Set your sights on hundreds of waterfalls in the area and search for wildlife. If you are lucky, then you might spot one of 600 grizzly bears that reside in the park, along with elk, moose, deer, black bears and magnificent bison.

Yellowstone National Park remains one of the largest in the country and many visitors return year after year to see new sights. If you are planning on a visit, then it is recommended that you set aside at least three days for a satisfying experience.