West Yellowstone: Geysers, Hikes, and Springs

The American West is known for its landscapes and national parks. Yellowstone is the second-largest national park in the contiguous United States. Because of this, there are lots of picturesque landscapes that nature lovers will want to experience. Only a short drive away is the Grand Teton National Park. The mountainous terrain and numerous lakes are complimentary to Yellowstone. The following is the first post in a three-part Wyoming National Parks – Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary starting with an exploration of West Yellowstone which includes geysers, hikes, and springs.

1. West Yellowstone: Geysers, Hikes, and Springs (this post)
2. East & South Yellowstone: Canyons and Wildlife
3. Grand Teton National Park: Placid Lakes and Towering Mountains

Day 1 – Arrival

Step one of any trip is getting there. For those who are originating close to the Western United States, driving will be an option. However, for the vast majority of Americans, flights will be the best option.

For those who are flying in, there are four airports for consideration. Because of Yellowstone’s location, there aren’t any major airports really close. The smaller, closer airports tend to have higher airfare prices. For that reason, I would shop the rates at all of the following airports to get the best combination of flight schedule and price.

• Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
• Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
• Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)
• Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

As the number of the flights to these airports can be limited, visitors might not be able to pick their schedule. However, if you do have options try to arrive at one of these airports by 2:00 PM or earlier.

The other consideration when booking a flight is if you will be booking round-trip or open-jaw. For those who are following this entire itinerary, the end of the trip is at Grand Teton National Park. This is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the south. Because of this, you may want to fly out of a more southerly airport than retracing your steps completely.

Rental Car

For everyone visiting Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, a rental car is a must. With the exception of booking a very expensive completely guided tour, there is no way to explore the parks without a rental car. Visitors can get away with a standard intermediate or full-size rental car. However, if you are traveling with a lot of people or luggage, you may want to reserve a larger vehicle. Something else to consider is the one-way costs of the car if you are doing open-jaw flights.

Finally, there will be the opportunity to do kayaking and canoeing in some of these national parks. Unless you choose the more expensive guided trip options, you will need a way to transport a kayak or canoe. Depending on your vehicle, there may be a roof rack that is appropriate. The other option is to ensure that you have a trailer hitch as many of the rental locations will rent a trailer for a small fee along with the kayak or canoe.

West Yellowstone

Due to the large size of Yellowstone National Park, I recommend changing where you stay halfway through your exploration of Yellowstone to make the best use of your time. If you want to stay outside the park, West Yellowstone is the best option in my opinion. It is the closest to the major sights, and it has a fair number of rental options and a small downtown area for restaurants and activities.

Alternatively, visitors could stay in West Yellowstone for the total time that they are exploring Yellowstone. The downside is the two 1.5-hour drives each day to activities on the Northeast and South sides of the park. If this 3-hours of driving each day to West Yellowstone doesn’t bother you too much, consider West Yellowstone for the first two segments of the trip. You are likely to find more houses for rent or places that would accommodate a family in West Yellowstone. West Yellowstone is also likely to be much cheaper than the lodging inside the park due to the premium that is charged by the lodges that contract with the Park Service.

With West Yellowstone serving as the first stop along the itinerary, drive from your selected airport to West Yellowstone. Once you arrive, spend some time checking into your lodging, getting settled, and exploring the small town. If you have a place with a kitchen, you may want to do some grocery shopping this afternoon to have food for meals and snacks.

Day 2 – Yellowstone’s Famous Geysers

Biscuit Basin

The first introduction to Yellowstone National Park will be Biscuit Basin. The best introductory hike is the Mystic Falls Trail. This trail is a popular hiking trail situated in the Upper Geyser Basin area. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore a fascinating geothermal area known for its colorful hot springs and geysers. The trail is approximately 2.5 miles long and is considered moderately easy, making it accessible to hikers of various skill levels. As hikers traverse the Mystic Falls Trail, they will encounter several notable thermal features. The main attraction is the Jewel Geyser, which erupts every 7-10 minutes, sending a column of water up to 20 feet into the air. Additionally, the trail provides access to stunning hot springs like the Sapphire Pool, the Mustard Pool, and the Shell Geyser. At the furthest extent of the trail is the Mystic Falls.

The Biscuit Basin itself gets its name from biscuit-like deposits that form around the hot springs. The basin was once a site of active hydrothermal activity but has since experienced a decrease in thermal activity. Nonetheless, it remains a visually captivating area with vibrant hues created by thermophilic bacteria and mineral deposits.

Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most iconic attractions in Yellowstone National Park. It is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest in the world. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, the Grand Prismatic Spring showcases vibrant and mesmerizing colors, ranging from deep blues to vivid oranges and yellows. The spring is created by the heat-loving microorganisms that thrive in the mineral-rich waters.

The spring has a diameter of approximately 370 feet and reaches depths of around 160 feet. Its brilliant colors are a result of different types of bacteria that thrive in the varying temperatures of the water, creating a vibrant display that is truly awe-inspiring. The outer rings of the spring feature the hottest water, which gradually cool towards the center. Surrounded by a boardwalk, visitors can observe the Grand Prismatic Spring from different angles, providing stunning panoramic views of the colorful microbial mats and the steaming waters. The combination of its sheer size and vibrant colors make the Grand Prismatic Spring a must-see attraction in Yellowstone, offering a remarkable display of the park’s unique geothermal wonders.

If visitors have the time, I recommend observing the spring from ground level and from above/a distance. To see the spring at ground level, take the Midway Geyser Basin Trail. This 0.7-mile trail is very easy and has boardwalks along the edge of the spring and some other basins in the area. To see the spring from above, the Fairy Falls Trail or the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Trail are your best options. The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that stops at the viewpoint for the spring. The Fairy Falls Trail is quite a bit longer at almost 5 miles and ends at Fairy Falls.

Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful

The final visit of the day is Yellowstone’s most famous attractions: The Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful. The Upper Geyser Basin is a geothermal wonderland. It is home to an extraordinary concentration of geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and other geothermal features. Often referred to as the “Heart of Yellowstone,” the Upper Geyser Basin covers an expansive area and offers visitors an unparalleled experience of the park’s geothermal activity. The Upper Geyser Basin’s collection of geysers includes the world-famous Old Faithful. This iconic geyser erupts regularly, shooting water and steam up to 180 feet into the air.

In addition to Old Faithful, the basin is also home to numerous other geysers. These include the Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, Riverside Geyser, and many more. These geysers vary in eruption patterns, with some erupting at regular intervals and others being more unpredictable. The basin also features colorful hot springs, such as the Morning Glory Pool, which showcase vivid hues created by thermophilic bacteria. Visitors to the Upper Geyser Basin can explore the area through a network of boardwalks that allow for close-up views of the geysers and hot springs while ensuring visitor safety. The basin offers a unique opportunity to witness the dynamic nature of Yellowstone’s geothermal features, providing an unforgettable experience and a glimpse into the incredible geological forces at work within the park.

The best way to experience all that the Upper Geyser Basin has to offer is the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop Trail. This 5-mile loop trail includes about two hours of hiking to some of the most famous locations in the area. In addition, the trail goes by Observation Point which is an elevated viewing area for Old Faithful that is much less crowded than the viewing areas outside the lodge. While in the area, make sure to stop by the Yellowstone National Park Visitor’s Center to get any souvenirs or stamps for the national park.

Day 2 completes with a drive back to your lodging in West Yellowstone.