By Hayley Babbitt
As long as you don't pet the "fluffy cows", you will surely have a once in a lifetime experience in America's first National Park.
The Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt
“There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country.” -Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
So, you want to visit America's first National Park; great choice! However, before you decide to take a trip to this super-volcano, you should do some research before heading off into one of America's greatest wilderness territories.
How Long Should I Plan to Visit Yellowstone?
If you enjoy longer trips, a trip to Yellowstone National Park might be right up your ally. With over 2.2 million acres of territory, it takes several days to see the most of its beauty. If you can, plan for at least 4-5 days, with a minimum of 3 days as a general rule of thumb. Even for the people who do little to no hiking, and just drive through the park, it will still take at least two days to see the park via the road. Considering the territory lies in three different states, being Wyoming (the vast majority), Montana and Idaho, there's plenty to do and see both inside and directly outside the borders of Yellowstone.
Me in Yellowstone National Park at the East Gate entrance, Wyoming, USA. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Where to go in Yellowstone National Park
In this guide, I will be focussing on 5 major points of interest: Fishing Bridge, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithful area which includes the Grand Prismatic Spring (moving counterclockwise on the loop from Fishing Bridge). Although these landmarks just scratch the surface of the park, these are the most popular (and for good reason) places to visit on a trip to Yellowstone.
Map of Yellowstone National Park, screenshot from the National Park Service website.
Point of Interest #1: Fishing Bridge
Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Credit: (unknown photographer), Expedia.
The Fishing Bridge area is the place to camp out for boat-owners and fishermen. With a marina, general store, gas station, and a few campgrounds to choose from, this part of the park mainly exhibits Yellowstone Lake and water recreation. For those who do not intend on boating or fishing can easily spend a day or more hiking and exploring the area on one of several trails, or spend time by the shore of Yellowstone Lake soaking up the sun and going for a swim. Click here for more information on camping and recreation in the Fishing Bridge area.
Within the Fishing Bridge area, I recommend hikers to check out Pelican Valley. However, I do caution that the Pelican Valley trail is recommended only for hikers in groups of 3 or more, due to the valley being a bear management area. For hikers that enjoy wildlife viewing and/or photography, this trail is for you. On the day that I went, I got reports from returning hikers that they had seen multiple wolves and one grizzly bear fighting over an elk carcass, and even a bald eagle not too far from the trail. As beautiful as seeing this may be (I got to the carcass too late to see any of the commotion), the up-close experience with these wild animals is what makes the Pelican Valley trail potentially dangerous. Make sure to always read signs posted at all Yellowstone NP trailheads before beginning your hike.
Signs at the Pelican Valley trailhead in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Pelican Valley trail in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Point of Interest #2: The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
As featured in the main photo of this guide, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone features waterfalls such as the Lower Falls, adding to the picturesque canyon. This is one of the must-see features in Yellowstone, as its beauty is hard to beat. Gazing up the great waterfalls and down the rugged walls of the canyon, it's hard not to feel surreal in the captivating landscape.
There are a handful of trail options for hikers, as well as viewing areas for those not wanting to hike but still wanting to gaze upon the beauty of the canyon. Trails vary in difficulty, with some of the waterfall viewing hikes being extremely steep in some sections. I recommend researching ahead of time which hikes you would like to do in the canyon area, as parking lots can be small and crammed and the traffic high. For more information on recreation in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area, you can find it here.
The Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Informational sign at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Lower Falls trailhead in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Point of Interest #3: Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
For the wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, Lamar Valley is your best bet for wildlife viewing. Grizzlies, wolves, bison, and elk can be seen roaming the valley, which is why you may see many people with binoculars looking out into the valley from the road and nearby hillsides. Half of my wildlife photos from Yellowstone were taken in Lamar Valley or nearby, to put things into perspective.
Besides wildlife viewing, hiking is the other recreational choice in the valley. There are trails in both the valley, and in the surrounding areas of the valley. To keep up to date on trail information and view trail maps, you can here.
A lone sandhill crane in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2020 by Scott Seigfreid and Hayley Babbitt.
Point of Interest #4: Mammoth Hot Springs
Visitors viewing Palette Spring at Mammoth Hot Springs from an elevated trail in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Credit: Jim Peaco, NPS.
Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the first places to come to mind when visitors think of Yellowstone. The biggest reason being, most obviously, that there doesn't seem to be anywhere quite like these springs. These specific springs have to be one of the most unique aspects of the supervolcano. In terms of recreation in this area, there are elevated, wooden walking trails for visitors to get up-close to the calcium carbonate deposits and springs.
Nearby, there is lodging (Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins), as well as a restaurant and gas station. This is one of the more developed areas of the park, as there are many different amenities.
Point of Interest #5: Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring
Old Faithful geyser in peak eruption, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Saving the best for last, Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring are the "face" of Yellowstone National Park. Starting with Old Faithful, the grand geyser erupts around 20 times per day on average, giving park visitors a great show rain-or-shine. The geyser shoots around 8,400 gallons of water up into the air every 60-100 minutes, at heights between 100-180 feet and temperatures as boiling as 244 degrees fahrenheit.
Near to Old Faithful is a cafeteria, art gallery, and general store. These amenities make the Old Faithful area one of the more developed in the park. Aside from the couple of trails in the area, there is perhaps the most gigantic of parking lots in Yellowstone at the Old Faithful landmark. Despite the annoyingly high volume of tourists in this part of the park, Old Faithful is big enough for everyone to get a good view, never mind the hundreds of visitors swarming the cautionary railing of the geyser.
Aerial view of the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Credit: Mitchell Rouse, iStock.
As for the Grand Prismatic Spring, this is the star of the show in Yellowstone NP and for good reason. Feel the hot air rising from the top of the spring (from the safety of the provided walkways, of course), and visually soak in the beauty of the various, deep colors. At over 300 feet long and 200 feet wide, reaching temperatures of nearly 190 degrees fahrenheit, Grand Prismatic is a natural marvel.
Safety Hazards in the Wild - Animals
Wild bison enjoying some sagebrush in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone Nat'l Park. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
As beautiful as it may be, Yellowstone Nat'l Park can be extremely dangerous. You may have seen video clips online of park-goers getting too close to wildlife, such as bison or moose, and provoking them into aggression... an d you can guess how that ends for the visitor. Many visitors are unfamiliar with such big game as Yellowstone is home to, and are even more so unknowledgeable about the power that some of these animals have. Don't let this be you. Some potentially dangerous animals in Yellowstone include:
- Bison: Yellowstone is home to the largest bison population in the entire country. In fact, there are so many that I can just about guarantee that if you visit the park, you will find yourself in at least one "bison jam", where herds of bison block traffic on the main roads. These bison jams can last anywhere from a few minutes, to a half an hour or even longer. These (not-so-gentle) giants can easily be mistaken as easy-going, "fluffy cows", but are not so friendly and have minds of their own. If agitated, a bison will grunt and charge, and can knock over vehicles and kill you fairly easily if it desired. Keep a comfortable distance of at least 30-40 feet away from these beautiful, yet tough creatures.
- Moose: The moose is often overlooked by people unfamiliar to them when it comes to strength and aggressiveness. Just like the bison, these guys can give a sense of "gentle giant", but do not be fooled; one good kick from a moose could end your life. You don't have to be as high alert when it comes to moose as you do with bison, but always remember the strength these creatures have and maintain a safe distance.
- Grizzly Bears: The kings of Yellowstone, without a doubt, are grizzlies. Weighing anywhere between 200-800 pounds, and as tall as 9 feet while standing, these giant bears are fearless; especially when it comes to ill-informed park visitors. Bear cans and bags, as well as bear spray, are essential when staying overnight in the park. Storing your food away properly can make all the difference in your Yellowstone experience; while these guys may not have the best eyesight, they definitely can smell (up to 20 miles away!). Maintain extra distance from grizzlies, about two or three times as far as you would a bison or moose. If a grizzly decides to approach you, do NOT attempt to run. Instead, play dead by dropping to the floor on your stomach. It is important to protect your insides the most, which is why you will also put your hands on the back of your neck. Dig your toes into the ground, and spread your legs apart to help prevent the bear from flipping you over. As a last resort, use your bear spray.
- Wolves: Although it can be rare to see wolves in Yellowstone, you might just be lucky enough to see one up close - maybe too close. The good thing, unlike the grizzly, is that wolves are rather timid of people than having a sense to charge them. If one seems threatening, however, stand tall and wave your arms while yelling and making noise at the wolf. This situation is uncommon, though. Just keep your distance like you would do with the other animals, and do not approach wild wolves.
Cautionary grizzly bear posting at the Pelican Valley trailhead in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Safety Hazards in the Wild - Wildfires
Harsh weather conditions are no stranger to this park, and disasters such as wildfires can be rather unforgiving. In fact, so unforgiving that the 1988 Yellowstone fire affected 36% of the entire park (793,880 acres), according to the National Park Service (NPS). Although the 1988 fire was started by natural causes, such as the extreme heat and dryness, mixed in with some wind (and natural fire starter such as pine needles among the forest floor), most wildfires today (roughly 85%) are started by people.
This is your sign to get familiar with our friend, Smokey Bear, and do your research on how YOU can prevent wildfires before entering Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
Crown fire at Grant Village in Yellowstone National Park, July 23, 1988. Credit: Jeff Henry National Park Service Wikimedia, Scientific American.
Lodging
If the buggy outhouses don't sound appealing to you in the end, Yellowstone offers lodging for the not-too-outdoorsy visitors. Although Yellowstone offers various camping and lodging options, staying anywhere inside the park overnight requires a lot of advancement in planning. Campsites, let alone lodging, fill up quickly and months in advance to when guests arrive. Below are all of the lodging options in Yellowstone, taken directly from the Lodging page on the NPS website:
Canyon Lodge and Cabins: 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations.
Grant Village Lodge: 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges.
Lake Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
Lake Lodge Cabins: 186 cabins.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
Old Faithful Inn: Rustic lodge with hotel room-style accommodations.
Old Faithful Lodge: Cabin accommodations.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
Roosevelt Lodge: Cabin accommodations.
Camping
If camping is what you came to do, Yellowstone offers one dozen campgrounds/camping areas. Although there's space for campers, you still need to book these sites way in advance. The limit for reservation time is anywhere between 14 and 30 days, depending on the time of year, with 14 being the usual limit. However, the Fishing Bridge RV Park has no limit. For all information regarding camping rules and specifics, check the NPS website page on this here. Here is the map (courtesy of the of the NPS) of all the campgrounds/camping areas in the park:
Screenshot of the Yellowstone campgrounds map provided on the NPS website.
I have spent much time camping in the outskirts of the park due to camping inside the park being full. If you're all out of luck when it comes to finding a spot inside the park, it might instead be your lucky day after all; some of the best camping is right outside of the park's gates. Below, I will list my top three places to camp outside of Yellowstone for when you can't snag a reservation:
Food
As remote as the park is, food is prevalent throughout; there's even gas stations stocked with your favorite gas station snacks. In places like Old Faithful, there's even a cafeteria with several meal options (vegetarian as well). When it comes to food in Yellowstone, your biggest concern won't be being short of supply but rather keeping your food safe from wildlife. The biggest threat to your food supply, as well as your safety, is the grizzly bear (along with raccoons and small rodents such as squirrels).
Always be sure to have a safe means to storing your food when in Yellowstone. Food storage such as bear canisters, which are scent-locking food storage containers designed to keep bears out of your stash, are necessary for campers.
Surrounding Yellowstone: The Lands Outside of the Park
In this guide, I want to emphasize the immediate areas outside of the park's limits. Due to high volumes of campers constantly maxing out Yellowstone's camping availability, you are most likely going to have to do some wanderin' outside of park borders to find a place to make camp if you do not book in-park camping some months in advance. It's one thing to prepare for your time inside of the park, but it's another when you realize you have to explore the surrounding areas to spend your nights.
This next part of the guide will explore North, South, East, and West of Yellowstone National Park territory, and even give you a few reasons why you should allocate some of your trip time to some of these places. Although you're making your trip to see Yellowstone at the end of the day, there is much to enjoy right outside the various entrances to the park.
Entering from the East: Buffalo Bill State Park, Wyoming
And, the award for America's most underrated State Park goes to..: Buffalo Bill State Park, Wyoming. Truth be told, I would love to gate-keep this beautiful, quiet gem, but such a place needs recognition. Whenever I tell people about my adventures in Yellowstone, I always mention Buffalo Bill SP. With breathtaking views of a aquamarine reservoir surrounded by bold mountains, I have always been amazed that no one seems to know about this place (besides some of the Westerners).
The state park lies between Yellowstone's East Gate entrance and the quaint town of Cody, Wyoming. Immediately after crossing Cody's border eastward, the park begins with the Buffalo Bill Dam. At the Dam is the Buffalo Bill Dam's Visitor Center, where you can learn all about the history and culture surrounding the Dam. For more information about the visitor center, click here.
"When completed in 1910, Buffalo Bill Dam was one of the first concrete arch dams built in the United States. At 325 feet high, it was also the highest dam in the world at the time." (Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center)
Buffalo Bill Dam, Buffalo Bill State Park, Wyoming. Credit: Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center.
Buffalo Bill State Park is, in my opinion, one of the best places to camp outside of Yellowstone National Park. About 40 miles east of the East Gate entrance, the drive is well worth the stunning views and seclusion you get when camping there. Almost all campsites have reservoir access immediate to sites, which is perfect for campers who like having camp next to a big water source.
Perhaps the only negative thing about this park is that the beaches are stone, which can be slippery and make the bottoms of your feet sore; but that's a small price to pay for the upsides. Recreation is endless in Buffalo Bill State Park such as swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking. For more information about recreation and camping in Buffalo Bill State Park, visit the Wyoming Parks website.
Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Buffalo Bill State Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
My van, Vinny, parked on a campsite on the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Buffalo Bill State Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Entering from the East: Cody, Wyoming
The rodeo announcer headquarters of the Cody Rodeo in Cody, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Roughly 50 miles east of Yellowstone's East Gate lies the old cowboy town of Cody, Wyoming. Named after the famous Buffalo Bill Cody, Cody, along with Theodore Roosevelt, called this 50 mile stretch of road between the town and Yellowstone “the most beautiful 50 miles in America”. Because of the stunning views of the reservoir and Buffalo Bill Dam, this underrated State Park will always be my way in and out of Yellowstone.
One of the best parts about camping on the eastern outskirts of the park is better accessibility for camping. In the worst event, you will have to camp all the way out in Cody, which isn't anything to complain about for being such a charming town. Being the rodeo capital of the world, there is a rodeo every single night in the summer season at the Cody Rodeo. The rodeos traditionally start off with prayer, followed by the national anthem, making Cody one of the few towns left in America to hold such traditional code.
A well-packed stadium at the Cody Rodeo in Cody, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
A young equestrian vaulter flying the American flag while the national anthem plays at the Cody Rodeo in Cody, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
A cattle-roping cowboy making his exit of his event at the Cody Rodeo in Cody, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Along with rodeos every night, there's also live reenactment wild west gunfights on the town streets everyday as well. When I last visited Cody in the summer of 2021, the reenactment show was about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, two real wild west outlaws. The shows are free to the public, and such a unique experience to have while walking around the town.
A cowboy actor playing dead in a gunfight performance, Cody, Wyoming. Credit: Jeff Vanuga, Yellowstone National Park Trips.
What I suggest to check out next in Cody may surprise you: the Chinatown Chinese Buffet. In downtown Cody, right down the street from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum, is one of the best Chinese restaurants I have ever eaten at. For $10 (as of 2021 prices), you have access to the all-you-can-eat buffet making for a great meal at a great price. You will find that many locals are regulars at this restaurant, and the place gives off a cozy and comforting/family feel. In the few times I have been through Cody in the last couple of years, I have eaten at this place at least once (if not multiple times) throughout my stay.
Chinatown Chinese Buffet in Cody, Wyoming. Credit: Bryan T., Yelp.
When it comes to Cody, I figured I would save the best for last: The Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This two-in-one museum features wild west themed exhibits, as well as the Cody Firearms Museum. With exhibits ranging from Native American heritage and culture to the Buffalo Bill Cody life story, I can honestly say that this is one of the most entertaining museums I have ever been to. If you get a kick out of anything wild west related, and especially firearms, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West will delight you. Perfect for families and solo travelers alike, this museum offers something for everyone, and makes learning the history of the American West fun and exciting.
The entrance to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. Credit: Larry Mayer, For the Star-Tribune, Casper Star Tribune.
Entering from the North: Gardiner, Montana
While the East Gate entrance of the park is my personal favorite way to enter Yellowstone, my second choice is to enter from the north, starting in the small mountain town of Gardiner, Montana. When it comes to staying in Gardiner on a Yellowstone trip, perhaps one of the most appealing factors is how close the town is to the park. Being less than a mile away from the North Entrance, there is essentially under a minute of travel time from the town's borders to Yellowstone. The closest landmark in Yellowstone to Gardiner is the Mammoth Hot Springs, which is one of the most popular places to visit inside the park.
Aerial view of the town of Gardiner, Montana. Credit: Jacob Boomsma, Shutterstock.
Besides the closeness to the North Entrance, Gardiner is best known for the stunning location of the town. Surrounded by bold mountains, with the Gardner River flowing through it, the views of this quaint town are unmatched. With the downtown area filled with several shops and restaurants, the local vibe is nothing short of charming and welcoming. The theme of huckleberry-everything is also a plus for any huckleberry lovers (such as myself), as you can find anything from huckleberry scented candles to huckleberry alcoholic beverages (my personal favorite).
Huckleberry Lemonade with vodka by Dry Fly Distilling, purchased at a gas station in Gardiner, Montana. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Although I've done some camping myself north of the park, I have yet to stay in the Gardiner limits. Due to high tourist volumes staying in Gardiner because of the relativity it has to Yellowstone, I once had to camp at a KOA (Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday) about 50 miles north in a town called Livingston, Montana (I highly recommend this campground). Despite the far drive to get to and from camp in Livingston, Gardiner was a perfect re-supply town and a great stop to stretch your legs and get a bite to eat on your way back to Yellowstone.
Entering from the West: West Yellowstone, Montana
One of the most popular areas directly outside of Yellowstone is the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. Like Gardiner, a big part of the tourist attraction is due to the relativity to the park, being just over a mile from the town limits to the west entrance. Other than how close West Yellowstone is, the several shops and dining options also is sure to bring crowds in. With a family-friendly vibe throughout the town, this is one of the top family destinations in the surrounding areas of Yellowstone NP.
Shopping district in West Yellowstone, Montana. Credit: Lorenzo Puliti, "West Yellowstone: What to Do, Where to Eat, and Where to Stay", Travel in USA.
With several outdoorsy activities available, for the adventurer and families alike, recreation is year-round in West Yellowstone despite the frigid winters. In fact, winter is one of the biggest seasons for West Yellowstone when it comes to outdoor activities. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular things to do here, considering how there are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails in the area. In the warmer seasons, pretty much any outdoor activities you can think of are plentiful in West Yellowstone, some being: rafting, fly fishing, bicycling, hiking, and more.
Recommended for family travelers is to check out the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Good for an hour to two hour visit on average, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery center is a small wildlife park and educational facility that is home to several animals, including the most obvious grizzlies and wolves, along with otters, birds of prey, and ground squirrels. Started to protect grizzlies that need to be removed from the wilderness, the sanctuary is now home to several bears and other animals in need of human care. Donations to the non-profit sanctuary can be made online here.
A grizzly having a snack in the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, Montana. Credit: photographer unknown, Visit Montana.
Entering from the South: Grand Teton National Park
The Teton Range in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
I know I had said previously that my favorite way to enter Yellowstone NP is from the East Gate entrance, but there's one last entrance that can compete: the South Entrance. With roughly a 45 mile stretch between Moose, Wyoming and the South Entrance (and only a 9 minute drive from the northern border of Grand Teton National Park to the entrance), the Teton Range is too close to Yellowstone to miss out on seeing it. If you want a more mountainous experience on your Yellowstone trip, the South Entrance is the way to enter. If possible, I would recommend starting in the valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming (specifically the major town of Jackson).
Map of the Teton-Yellowstone area in Wyoming, USA, screenshot on Google Maps.
In the February of 1929, Grand Teton National Park was established. Being home to Native Americans for at least 11,000 years, the Teton territory is some of America's most sacred land. With Native American culture still prevalent in the land today, much of the National Park's informational signs and postings explain the cultural significance of landmarks to the American Indians.
Jenny Lake is a perfect example of a Teton landmark, and one of the most popular due to its natural beauty as well as Native American significance. Jenny Leigh, who the lake was named after, was a Shoshone woman. After marrying to an English fur trapper in the mid to late 1800s, the couple and six children had called the Teton area home until Jenny and the children had met their death after falling ill of smallpox in the December of 1876. In ode to Jenny's heritage and her role in assisting the Hayden Survey, the beautiful alpine lake had been named "Jenny Lake" by the expedition. When visiting the Grand Tetons, it is essential to visit Jenny Lake and pay homage to the history of the landscape.
View of the Tetons from the shore of Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Jenny Lake is perfect destination for any and all travelers, providing many means of recreation in the area. By far the most popular options of recreation are taking a boat cruise around the lake and hiking the trail that goes around the lake. I personally opted for the hike, which has stunning views of the lake and Tetons throughout the whole duration of the hike as it follows the shoreline. The trail is a 7.9 mile loop, and the hike is considered moderate in difficulty. Parking for the trail is convenient, as there is a rather large parking lot(s) at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.
Jenny Lake loop trail map in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
My friend, Olivier Shantz, photographing Jenny Lake on the Jenny Lake loop trail in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Entering from the South: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The final destination on this Yellowstone guide is the valley of Jackson Hole, more specifically the town of Jackson, Wyoming. If you've heard of Yellowstone, you've more than likely heard about what is commonly referred to as "Jackson Hole", just under 5 miles south of Grand Teton National Park and roughly 57 miles south of Yellowstone's south entrance. There are several reasons why Jackson is gaining more and more attention, some including: celebrities buying vacation homes in the valley, famous ski resorts, and a lively downtown district. For a town in the middle of the mountains, Jackson is a lively town that is beginning to feel more like a small city.
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming. Credit: (unknown photographer), Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Blog.
One of the most famous spots in Jackson is the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, which is internationally recognized for its western dancing, cowboy theme and atmosphere, and the several famous people (including presidents and movie stars) making this bar iconic not only in Jackson, but the state of Wyoming. Located in the heart of the downtown district, it's hard to miss with the brightly lit signs and warm, inviting glow. Since it's an oasis of alcohol and dancing, the Cowboy Bar is a both an excellent cultural stop and an excuse to have a couple of drinks.
My personal favorite thing to do in the Jackson Hole area is to venture a bit outside of Jackson and into the village of Wilson, Wyoming. In the Wilson area, there's not much other than mountain and valley landscapes (and a few multi-million dollar mansions), but that makes this the perfect area for anglers. With peace and quiet, not to mention the beauty of the land, the Snake River is heaven-on-earth for fly fishing. Plentiful of trout, you can spend days fishing the holes of the Snake River and never want to leave.
Me, fly fishing a hole in the Snake River near Wilson, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
A small brown trout, caught from the Snake River near Wilson, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
A brown trout, caught from the Snake River near Wilson, Wyoming. 2021 by Hayley Babbitt.
Summary
As this region of the United States is only getting busier, I recommend visiting the Yellowstone area as soon as you can get the chance. The once quiet, open lands are gaining traffic and popularity steadily. As more celebrities build their vacation holes in the Jackson Hole valley, and more people get encouraged to get outside since COVID-19, the area is only increasing in human population. The growing attraction to the Yellowstone-Teton area is causing issues with in-park vehicle traffic (bumper-to-bumper in Yellowstone isn't the most charming experience, now is it?), and overcrowding on hiking trails and walkways (not to mention the campgrounds). To avoid crowds, I recommend visiting the Yellowstone-Teton area in spring or fall, rather than the peak summer season.
Whether you're a solo traveler, or traveling in a family-packed car, the Yellowstone region has something to offer for anyone wanting to visit the sacred land. From hiking one of several trails in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area to gazing upon the Grand Prismatic Spring, the mystery and captivating beauty of Yellowstone National Park is an experience worth having at any age. From the quaint, quiet town of Gardiner, Montana to the lively town of Jackson, Wyoming, there's much worth exploring north, south, east, and west of the limits of Yellowstone National Park.
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