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Yellowstone in 3 Days: Geysers, Canyons & Wildlife

Itinerary by the TimeLine team

Old Faithful and the geyser basins, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and bison and wolves in the Lamar and Hayden valleys.

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Day 1 · 4 stops

  1. Old Faithful

    Upper Geyser Basin

    The geyser erupts roughly every 60–110 minutes; predictions are posted at the visitor center.

  2. Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks

    Upper Geyser Basin

    Walk to Morning Glory Pool past dozens of geysers and hot springs.

    Tip: Stay on the boardwalks — the ground is thin and the water scalding.

  3. Grand Prismatic Spring

    Midway Geyser Basin

    The largest hot spring in the US, in rainbow colors.

    Tip: For the view from above, take the Fairy Falls trail to the overlook.

  4. Fountain Paint Pot

    Lower Geyser Basin

    Bubbling mud pots, fumaroles and geysers on a short loop.

Day 2 · 4 stops

  1. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    Artist Point

    A yellow-walled canyon with the 308-foot Lower Falls; Artist Point is the classic view.

  2. Brink of the Lower Falls

    North Rim Drive

    A steep paved path to stand right at the top of the falls.

  3. Hayden Valley

    Wide meadows where bison herds cross the road; watch for grizzlies at dawn and dusk.

    Tip: Stay at least 25 yards from bison and 100 yards from bears and wolves.

  4. Yellowstone Lake

    West Thumb Geyser Basin

    Hot springs on the shore of North America's largest high-elevation lake.

Day 3 · 4 stops

  1. Lamar Valley

    "America's Serengeti" — the best place to see wolves, bison and pronghorn.

    Tip: Come at sunrise with binoculars.

  2. Tower Fall

    Tower Junction

    A waterfall between rock pinnacles near Roosevelt.

  3. Mammoth Hot Springs

    Travertine terraces like a frozen waterfall; elk often graze on the lawns.

  4. Roosevelt Arch, Gardiner

    Gardiner, MT

    The stone arch at the original north entrance, inscribed "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People".

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