Yellowstone - Classic 1-Day Lower Loop
Experience Yellowstone's most iconic sights in a single day. This itinerary covers Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone—the absolute must-sees for first-time visitors. Perfect for those with limited time who want to hit the highlights without feeling rushed. The route covers approximately 95 miles of driving within the park, with strategically timed stops to avoid the worst crowds. This itinerary starts early to catch Old Faithful with smaller crowds and ends with wildlife viewing in Hayden Valley during prime evening hours.
Unscheduled
West Yellowstone Entrance
Enter through West Yellowstone entrance. Purchase park pass or show Annual Pass.
Arrive early to avoid entrance station lines. Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (7 days) or use Annual Pass.
Old Faithful Geyser
Yellowstone's most famous geyser erupts every 60-110 minutes, shooting water 100-180 feet high. Check predicted eruption times at the visitor center. After watching the eruption, explore the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk to see smaller geysers and hot springs.
Arrive 20-30 minutes before predicted eruption for good viewing spot. Front-row benches fill up fast in summer. Visitor center has clean restrooms, exhibits, and eruption predictions.
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
Hike to the overlook (0.8 miles roundtrip, 100ft elevation gain) for the iconic aerial view of Grand Prismatic Spring's rainbow colors. The spring is the largest in the US and third-largest in the world at 370 feet in diameter.
Best photos mid-day when sun is directly overhead. Steam can obscure the view on cool mornings. The hike is short but steep at the end.
Fountain Paint Pots
Easy 0.5-mile boardwalk loop showcasing all four types of geothermal features: geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. The bubbling mud pots are especially fascinating to watch.
Quick stop, great for families. Active geothermal features change seasonally - mud pots are most active in spring.
Canyon Village - Lunch
Lunch break at Canyon Village. Canyon Lodge Eatery & Cantina offers hot meals, salads, sandwiches. Alternatively, bring picnic supplies and eat at one of the scenic picnic areas.
Canyon Lodge cafeteria gets crowded 12-1pm. Consider eating slightly earlier or later. General store available for snacks and supplies.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone - Artist Point
Stunning viewpoint overlooking the 308-foot Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. The canyon walls display brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds. Short paved walk from parking area.
Best light for photography in late afternoon. Also visit Uncle Tom's Trail (328 steps down) if you have time and energy.
Hayden Valley Wildlife Viewing
Prime wildlife habitat. Look for bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. Bring binoculars. Drive slowly through the valley, pull over at pullouts to scan the landscape.
Best wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk, but afternoon still offers good opportunities. Keep 25 yards from bison, 100 yards from bears. Never approach wildlife.
Mud Volcano Area
Active geothermal area with bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and the churning Mud Volcano. Short boardwalk loop with interpretive signs.
Quick stop on your way out. Smells of sulfur (rotten eggs) are strong here.