Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park and not sure how to spend your time? You are not alone. This is one of the most asked questions in every Yellowstone travel group on Facebook and we totally get it. Yellowstone is huge. Like really, really huge. And figuring out what to see and when can feel overwhelming before you even leave home. We can help you with the perfect Yellowstone Itinerary!
The good news is we have put together a complete day by day guide for every trip length. Whether you have one day or a whole week we have got you covered. And we will be honest with you about what is realistic for each length so you know exactly what to expect.
Let us help plan your Yellowstone adventure! Whether you are looking for a Yellowstone 3 Day Itinerary or a Yellowstone 5 Day Itinerary or more, we are here to help!
Before You Go: A Few Things Every Visitor Needs to Know
No matter how many days your trip covers these tips apply to everyone:
Get up early every single day. Seriously. The best wildlife sightings happen at sunrise. Parking lots fill up by 9am at the popular spots. The visitors who get up early get the best of Yellowstone every time.
Group your activities by area. Yellowstone is about 60 miles wide. Driving from one end to the other takes a long time. Plan each day around one area of the park so you are not spending half your day in the car.
Entrance fees in 2026: US residents pay $35 per vehicle for a 7 day pass or you can get an America the Beautiful Pass for $80. If you have a fourth grader check out the Every Kid Outdoors program for a free annual pass. International visitors now pay $135 for the same 7 day vehicle pass. The international annual pass is $250.
Always carry bear spray. Every adult needs their own canister every time you leave your vehicle. Read our complete Bear Safety in Yellowstone Country guide before your trip.
Download the Yellowstone NPS app before you leave. It has offline maps and real time Old Faithful eruption times. Cell service is spotty inside the park so download everything before you head up the road.
Check our complete Yellowstone Packing List to make sure you have everything you need for your Yellowstone Itinerary before you go.
The Old Faithful cone geyser in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, United States.
How Many Days in Yellowstone Do You Really Need?
Here is the honest answer:
One day: You can hit the highlights but it will feel rushed. Best for people passing through.
Two days: A Yellowstone 2 Day Itinerary would be a solid trip that covers the main attractions comfortably.
Three days: A Yellowstone 3 Day Itinerary is really the sweet spot. Enough time to slow down and really enjoy the park.
Four days: A Yellowstone 4 Day Itinerary is when you get to go deeper. Longer hikes, less visited spots, and real wildlife watching patience.
Five days: A Yellowstone 5 Day Itinerary is truly the ideal first trip. Covers everything without feeling like you are rushing.
Seven days: A Yellowstone 7 Day Itinerary is the ultimate Yellowstone experience. Multiple basecamps, Grand Teton, the Beartooth Highway, and so much more.
Upper Falls of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park Wyoming
The Yellowstone 1 Day Itinerary
Best for: Day trippers with limited time
Honest truth: One day is not enough to see everything. But you will still have an amazing time.
Eat a big breakfast, pack a lunch, and bring lots of water. It is going to be a long day. Drive carefully inside the park, wildlife can step onto the road at any moment.
5:00am: Leave your basecamp. If you are staying at Old Faithful RV Park the East Gate is about 45 minutes away up the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway. Keep your eyes open for wildlife on the drive up.
6:00am: Through the East Gate. Grab a free paper map from the ranger. Drive west over Sylvan Pass toward Fishing Bridge — about an hour of beautiful mountain driving.
7:00am: Head north from Fishing Bridge. After about 15 minutes Hayden Valley opens up in front of you. Pull into a roadside pullout and turn off your engine. This is the best wildlife watching spot in the whole park. Bison herds, possible bears, coyotes, and eagles. Give yourself at least two hours. Be quiet and patient, the longer you stay the more you will see.
Stay in your vehicle near wildlife. At least 25 yards from bison and elk and 100 yards from bears and wolves at all times.
Tip: Watch for a pull off filled with lots of people, this is usually a sign that wildlife is nearby.
9:00am: Drive back south just a few minutes to the Mud Volcano Area. You will see the signed parking lot on the side of the road. Walk the short boardwalk through bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. Dragon’s Mouth Spring is a highlight, kids love it. The whole walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Stay on the boardwalk at all times.
10:00am: Drive north through Hayden Valley and continue to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, about 20 to 30 minutes. Follow the signs to Artist Point on the South Rim. The Lower Falls drop 308 feet into a canyon of red and gold rock. After Artist Point drive to Inspiration Point on the North Rim, about 10 minutes away, for a completely different view.
12:00pm: Lunch at the picnic tables at Canyon Village. Check the NPS app for the next Old Faithful eruption time so you can plan your arrival.
1:00pm: Drive west toward Madison Junction, about 30 minutes. Turn south and drive about 15 minutes to Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin. Grand Prismatic is about 7 miles north of Old Faithful so this is the perfect order, stop here first then continue south. Walk the boardwalk around the spring. The rings of orange, yellow, and green surrounding the deep blue center are unlike anything you have ever seen. Give yourself 30 to 45 minutes. If you have energy take the short overlook trail for the famous aerial view.
2:30pm: Continue south about 10 minutes to Old Faithful. Check the eruption board for the next eruption time and find a seat. Old Faithful shoots water up to 185 feet in the air approximately every 90 minutes. After the eruption walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk. Castle Geyser, Riverside Geyser, and Morning Glory Pool are all nearby. Give yourself about an hour.
4:00pm: Head east toward West Thumb, about 30 minutes. Then continue east along the Yellowstone Lake shoreline toward Fishing Bridge, about 45 minutes more.
5:15pm: Go just a little further beyond Fishing Bridge and pull back into Hayden Valley one more time for a quick stop. Evening is the second best wildlife window of the day.
5:45pm: Head back to the East Gate but be sure to stop at the Fishing Bridge General Store on your way out.
6:45pm: Through the East Gate and back down the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway to camp, about 45 minutes. When you get back step outside after dark and look up. The night sky above the North Fork of the Shoshone River is one of the darkest in the country. You earned it.
A closeup of the Yellowstone National Park
The Yellowstone 2 Day Itinerary
Best for: Weekend visitors and families
Honest truth: Two days covers the major highlights comfortably. You will leave happy.
DAY 1: Wildlife, Canyons, and the Lake
5:00am: Leave your basecamp. About 45 minutes to the East Gate.
6:00am: Through the East Gate. Grab your map. Drive west over Sylvan Pass toward Fishing Bridge, about an hour.
7:00am: Head north from Fishing Bridge. After about 15 minutes Hayden Valley opens up. Pull into a roadside pullout and spend two full hours here. Be quiet, be patient, and scan the valley with binoculars.
9:00am: Drive back south a few minutes to Mud Volcano. Walk the boardwalk, 30 to 45 minutes. Stay on the boardwalk at all times.
10:00am: Drive north through Hayden Valley and continue to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, about 20 to 30 minutes. Stop at Artist Point on the South Rim then Inspiration Point on the North Rim.
12:00pm: Drive south toward Fishing Bridge and then follow the signs to Yellowstone Lake, about 30 to 40 minutes from Canyon Village. Find a picnic table near the shore for lunch.
1:30pm: Walk the Storm Point Trail — a beautiful easy 2.3 mile loop along the lake shoreline. Takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Check our Hiking Near Yellowstone’s East Gate Guide for more easy trail ideas.
3:00pm: Head back east toward the East Gate, about an hour of driving. Be sure to stop at the Fishing Bridge General Store on your way out.
4:30pm: Through the East Gate and back to camp. Head to Cody for the Cody Nite Rodeo that evening. Running every night June through August.
DAY 2: Geysers and Hot Springs
Important note: The geyser basins are on the west side of the park, about 2 hours from the East Gate. You need an early start today.
4:30am: Leave your basecamp. This is early but worth it.
5:30am: Through the East Gate. Drive west over Sylvan Pass, through Hayden Valley, past Canyon Village, and north to Norris Geyser Basin, about 2 hours of driving total.
7:30am: Norris Geyser Basin. The hottest geyser basin in the park. Walk the boardwalks for about an hour. Steamboat Geyser — the world’s tallest active geyser — is right here.
8:30am: Drive south to Old Faithful, about 45 minutes. Check the NPS app for the next eruption time on the way.
9:00am: Watch Old Faithful erupt and walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk. Give yourself about 1.5 hours here.
11:00am: Drive north about 10 minutes to Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin. Walk the boardwalk, about 30 minutes.
12:00pm: Packed lunch near Old Faithful or along the road.
1:00pm: Drive east to West Thumb Geyser Basin on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, about 30 minutes. Hot springs sitting right at the edge of the lake. Walk the boardwalk for about 45 minutes.
2:30pm: Start heading back east along Yellowstone Lake toward Fishing Bridge then up to Hayden Valley for some wildlife watching.
4:30pm: Head back towards the East Gate and back to camp for the night. Don’t forget to set up a chair outside and do some stargazing after the sun sets.
The Yellowstone 3 Day Itinerary
Best for: First time visitors and families
Recommended basecamp: Old Faithful RV Park in Cody, Wyoming
Honest truth: Three days is the sweet spot. This is the trip most people wish they had planned.
A three day itinerary from the East Gate is our top recommendation for first time visitors. The drive from Old Faithful RV Park along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful in America and wildlife watching starts before you even reach the park gate.
Day 1: Follow the Day 1 plan from the Yellowstone 2 day itinerary above. End the evening at the Cody Nite Rodeo.
Day 2: Follow the Day 2 plan from the Yellowstone 2 day itinerary above.
DAY 3: Lamar Valley
Important note: Lamar Valley is about 2.5 hours from the East Gate. You need a very early start today.
4:30am: Leave your basecamp.
5:30am: Through the East Gate. Drive west to Fishing Bridge, north to Canyon Village, north again to Tower Junction, then east into Lamar Valley — about 2 hours total.
8:00am: Lamar Valley. People call this the American Serengeti and once you see it you will understand why. Wolf packs, grizzly bears, bison herds, elk, and pronghorn. Give yourself at least three hours. Bring binoculars. Sit still and let the valley come to life around you. Read our Yellowstone Wildlife Watching Guide for tips on getting the most out of your time here.
11:00am: Drive back west to Tower Fall, about 30 minutes from Lamar Valley. A beautiful 132 foot waterfall in a dramatic canyon. Easy walk to the viewpoint. Enjoy your lunch here!
1:00pm: Continue west to Mammoth Hot Springs, about 30 minutes from Tower Fall. The terraced formations look like they belong on another planet. The resident elk herd wanders freely around the visitor center.
1:30pm: Head back toward the East Gate. Drive south from Mammoth to Canyon Village, south through Hayden Valley to Fishing Bridge, then east to the East Gate, about 3 hours of driving. Stop at Hayden Valley one more time on the way.
4:30pm: Through the East Gate and back to camp.
That evening sit outside after dark and look up. You are under one of the darkest night skies in the country. Read our Dark Sky Stargazing Guide to make the most of it.
Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park, Biscuit Basin
area, Wyoming, USA
The Yellowstone 4 Day Itinerary
Best for: Visitors who want to go deeper than the highlights
Recommended basecamp: Old Faithful RV Park in Cody, Wyoming
Honest truth: Four days is where Yellowstone starts to feel like you are really living it.
Day 1: Follow Day 1 from the Yellowstone 2 day itinerary.
Day 2: Follow Day 2 from the Yellowstone 2 day itinerary.
DAY 3: Hiking Day
5:00am: Leave your basecamp.
6:00am: Through the East Gate. Drive west over Sylvan Pass to Fishing Bridge, north through Hayden Valley to Canyon Village — about 1.5 hours total.
7:30am: Drive north to Dunraven Pass and hike Mount Washburn, 6.2 miles round trip with about 1,400 feet of climbing. The summit is at 10,243 feet. On a clear day you can see the Grand Tetons to the south. Bighorn sheep are often spotted near the top. Allow about 4 hours for this hike.
11:30am: Packed lunch at Canyon Village.
12:30pm: Drive back south about 15 minutes to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Explore the North Rim trail and Point Sublime — viewpoints you did not have time for on Day 1.
2:00pm: Stop at Hayden Valley for a late afternoon wildlife session on the way back to camp.
4:00pm: Back through the East Gate and down to camp.
That evening the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody is open until 6pm. Five world class museums under one roof. Great dinner in Cody after.
DAY 4: Lamar Valley and Cody
4:30am: Leave your basecamp for Lamar Valley — about 2.5 hours from the East Gate.
8:00am: Lamar Valley wildlife watching. Wolves, bears, bison. Give yourself three hours minimum.
11:00am: Drive back west to Mammoth Hot Springs, about 1 hour from Lamar Valley. The terraced formations and free-roaming elk herd around the visitor center are both outstanding.
1:00pm: Start heading back toward the East Gate — about 3 hours of driving. Stop at Hayden Valley on the way.
4:00pm: Back through the East Gate and into Cody for the afternoon. Great restaurants, shopping, and the Cody Nite Rodeo in the evening.
Want to swap a day for fly fishing? The North Fork of the Shoshone River runs right alongside Old Faithful RV Park. Read our Fly Fishing Guide for everything you need to know.
Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Yellowstone 5 Day Itinerary
Best for: Visitors who want to see every part of the park
Recommended approach: Two basecamps — East Gate for days 1 to 3, West Gate for days 4 and 5
Honest truth: Five days with two basecamps is the best way to see all of Yellowstone without spending too much time driving every day.
Here is something most people do not think about when planning a five day Yellowstone trip. Yellowstone is huge. Driving from the East Gate to the Old Faithful area takes 45 to 60 minutes each way. Do that every day for five days and you lose a lot of time to driving that you could spend watching wildlife.
The solution is simple. Split your trip between two basecamps. Three nights on the East Gate side, two nights on the West Gate side. You get the best of both worlds without the long daily drives.
Days 1 to 3: Follow the Yellowstone 3 Day itinerary above from Old Faithful RV Park.
DAY 4: Drive Through the Park to a West Gate Basecamp
This is a travel day but it is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever take. Drive through the park from the East Gate to the West side. Stop at Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful on the way. Then settle into your West Yellowstone accommodation or an in-park lodge for the next two nights.
A heads up: in-park lodges like Old Faithful Inn and Canyon Village book up a year in advance for peak summer. Plan ahead if you want that experience.
DAY 5: West Gate Deep Dive
5:30am: Norris Geyser Basin at dawn. The best time to be there.
7:00am: Drive south to Old Faithful — about 45 minutes. One final eruption and a walk through the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk.
9:00am: Drive north about 10 minutes to Grand Prismatic Spring. Walk the boardwalk and take the overlook trail if you have energy.
11:00am: Head to the Firehole River swimming area. Yes you can actually swim in a geothermally heated river inside Yellowstone. One of the most fun and unexpected things you can do in any national park.
1:00pm: Madison Valley wildlife watching. Bison, elk, and trumpeter swans along the Madison River.
3:00pm: Start heading home. What an incredible trip.
Bison in meadow in Yellowstone National Park
The Yellowstone 7 Day Itinerary
Best for: Anyone lucky enough to have a full week
Recommended approach: Three basecamps, East Gate days 1 to 3, West Gate days 4 and 5, South Gate and Grand Teton days 6 and 7
Honest truth: A full week in Yellowstone country is genuinely life-changing.
Days 1 to 3: Old Faithful RV Park — follow the Yellowstone 3 day itinerary.
Days 4 and 5: West Gate basecamp — follow the West Gate days from the Yellowstone 5 day itinerary.
DAY 6: The Beartooth Highway
Take the whole day to drive the Beartooth Highway from Cooke City to Red Lodge, Montana. It climbs to 10,947 feet above sea level — the highest paved road in the northern Rockies. The views are breathtaking. Give yourself the whole day and enjoy every mile.
DAY 7: Grand Teton National Park
Drive south through the park to the South Entrance and spend your final day at Grand Teton National Park. The Teton peaks rise straight up from the valley floor and the views are jaw-dropping. Jenny Lake, Snake River Overlook, and outstanding wildlife watching make this a perfect final day.
Read our complete Yellowstone Road Trip Guide for everything you need to plan the full seven day experience.
Grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Tips That Work for Every Yellowstone Itinerary
When you are planning out your Yellowstone Itinerary make sure you plan to get to the popular spots before 9am or after 5pm. Parking fills fast during peak season. Going early or late means better parking, fewer people, and a much better experience.
Talk to the rangers. Stop at the nearest visitor center every morning. Rangers know exactly where wildlife has been spotted and will point you in the right direction. Five minutes with a ranger can change your whole day.
Pack your lunch every day. Food inside the park is expensive and limited. Stock up in Cody before heading up toward the gate each morning.
Do not try to do too much. Pick one or two things per day and give them the time they deserve. The best moments in Yellowstone happen to people who slow down and wait.
For families with kids read our complete Yellowstone with Kids Guide for tips on making every day of your Yellowstone Itinerary an adventure for the whole family.
Where to Stay for Your Yellowstone Itinerary
East Gate: Old Faithful RV Park
Just 32 miles from the East Gate on the North Fork of the Shoshone River in Cody, Wyoming. Full hookup RV sites for big rigs of all sizes. Rustic cabins sleeping up to 6 guests with a loft bedroom the kids absolutely love. Bortle Class 1 dark skies every clear night. And Cody’s world class attractions right down the road every evening. Book at OldFaithfulRVPark.com
West Gate
Base yourself in West Yellowstone, Montana for easy West Entrance access. For in-park lodging Canyon Village and Old Faithful Inn are the most central options, book a year ahead for peak summer.
South Gate and Grand Teton
Base yourself in Jackson, Wyoming for the Grand Teton portion of a longer trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellowstone Trip Itinerary
How many days do I need in Yellowstone? We recommend three days for a first visit and five days for the most complete experience. Two days covers the highlights comfortably. One day gives you a taste but leaves you wanting more.
What is the best Yellowstone 3 Day itinerary? Day 1 covers Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Day 2 tackles the geyser basins — Norris, Old Faithful, and Grand Prismatic Spring. Day 3 goes to Lamar Valley for world class wildlife watching. Base yourself at Old Faithful RV Park in Cody for the best East Gate access.
What is the best Yellowstone 5 day itinerary? Three nights at the East Gate covering the East Loop, geyser basins, and Lamar Valley, then two nights near the West Gate for a deeper dive into Norris and the Firehole River area. This cuts driving time and maximizes time in the park.
Is one day in Yellowstone worth it? Yes — but go in knowing you are just getting a taste. Focus on Hayden Valley at sunrise, Mud Volcano, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Old Faithful.
What is the best entrance for a Yellowstone itinerary? For most visitors the East Gate near Cody, Wyoming is the best starting point. Minimal wait times, a spectacular drive in, and direct access to the best wildlife watching in the park. Read our complete Best Yellowstone Entrance Guide for the full comparison of all five entrances.
What time of year is best? Every season has something special. May and June bring baby wildlife and lighter crowds. July and August mean full park access but bigger crowds. September is arguably the best month — fall colors, fewer people, and wildlife active all day. Read our Yellowstone Wildlife Watching Guide for the full seasonal breakdown.
Where is the best place to stay near the East Gate? Old Faithful RV Park in Cody, Wyoming. Full hookup RV sites and rustic cabins sleeping up to 6 guests just 32 miles from the East Gate. Open now for the 2026 season.
Should I use multiple basecamps? If you have five or more days yes. Splitting between the East Gate and West Gate saves significant daily driving and lets you experience every corner of the park from the closest possible position each day.
Book your RV site or cabin at OldFaithfulRVPark.com
Rest. Explore. Repeat.