OVERVIEW
The United States has 423 national parks, but by far one of the most well-known and visited is Yellowstone National Park. While it is mostly located in Wyoming, it also crosses the borders of Montana and Idaho. This is a great way to also check off some of the least-visited U.S. states off of your bucket list. Yellowstone is a vast park that has it all! From wildlife, to waterfalls, to hot springs, this national park is sure to take your breath away with its stunning natural beauty. If Yellowstone National Park is on your upcoming vacation list, but you aren’t sure where to begin, follow along here for recommendations on a sure-to-be memorable trip.
ATTRACTIONS
Mammoth Hot Springs
The Mammoth Hot Springs is one of many unique features in Yellowstone. This stunning feature was created as the hot water from the springs cooled over thousands of years, turning into calcium carbonate. This feature is located towards the North Entrance of the park, so depending on which gate you enter from, it will be the fist or last spot you see for the day. Entering from the West gate will put this attraction towards the end of your drive. Whichever way you get here, the orange and white salty rocks will certainly catch your eye. Don’t miss out on this attraction!
Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the largest attractions of Yellowstone, and the second most popular. Due to its high visitation rate, this site should be visited as early or as late as possible. Even arriving by 10 A.M. will be too late and there are crowds and traffic. Try to avoid busy times because the walking path is narrow and there is no railing, so it can very easily become dangerous. This attraction was number one on my list, and I stopped by around 6 P.M. and it was much less crowded than my first initial attempt earlier in the day. Make sure you hold on to your hats and sunglasses, as this area is windy and steamy, it may be the last place you see those items.
Old Faithful
The attraction that everyone thinks of when Yellowstone is mentioned. This geyser is known for shooting water as high as 184 feet at regular intervals. There is a gift shop, art works, and many other stores to shop around if you have an hour to kill before it goes again. This is another attraction that I recommend going as early or late as possible. There will be heavy traffic and the parking lot fills up quickly. If you go during the middle of the day, the best time to park is right after Old Faithful erupted, and then wait for the next one. Try to look away from your phone or camera and experience the moment while Old Faithful goes, because it only lasts a couple of minutes.
Upper Falls
The Upper Falls was an attraction I had never heard of before I was at Yellowstone, but it was one of my favorites. There is a hike down to the viewing ledge where you can see the beautiful and massive waterfall among the mountains. Once you have taken in the views, complete the more-challenging hike back up and take a short walk to the Lower Falls. While this spot may not have a waterfall as big as the Upper Falls, it is a quick and easy scenic hike.
The Continental Divide
Take a quick pit-stop at the area where the rivers of the United States split directions. The river will either go to the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. The Columbia and Colorado River make their way to the Pacific, and the Missouri, Mississippi, and Rio Grande Rivers flow to the Gulf and Atlantic. This location is accessible by car or by hike, but don’t miss the opportunity to visit a historic spot that, quite literally, helped shape the United States.
WHERE TO STAY
The lodging available books up incredibly far in advance, so this is a trip that will need planning. I stayed in an Airbnb in Idaho, about thirty minutes from the West Entrance of the park. The North Entrance seems to have less traffic, so if possible, it may be wise to book a hotel, lodge, or Airbnb at the North of the park. If camping is more your style, there are plenty of campsites located inside the park. This is great because you will not have to pay an entrance fee each day you visit. Whichever accommodation you prefer, make sure it is booked well in advanced.
FINAL TIPS
Yellowstone will capture you with its incredible natural beauty, make sure you take moments to take this once in a lifetime experience in without your phone. When you do utilize the time to take pictures, remember to remain respectful and leave no trace. Finally, the wildlife there is in abundance and you will likely have an encounter. The most commonly seen animal from my trip was a bison, sometimes they walked right up to my car! Remember that these are wild animals and to admire them from afar to keep yourself and the animals safe. All in all, this will be a trip with many firsts and unique experiences that you cannot find anywhere else. Have a great time!
SKYE SIGHTS 
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