Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and for good reason. The park is home to an incredible array of natural wonders, including geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone in May 2024, here are 9 things you won’t want to miss:
Yellowstone National Park is open year-round, but May is a particularly special time to visit. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the wildlife is active. Here are some of the best things to do in Yellowstone in May 2024:
1. See Old Faithful Geyser Erupt
Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the world, and for good reason. It erupts regularly, every 60-90 minutes, sending a column of water and steam hundreds of feet into the air. Watching Old Faithful erupt is a must-do experience for any visitor to Yellowstone.
To see Old Faithful erupt, you can either hike to the geyser or take a guided tour. The hike is about 1 mile round-trip and takes about 30 minutes. The guided tours are typically 1-2 hours long and provide more information about the geyser and the surrounding area.
2. Hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. The spring is surrounded by a colorful ring of bacteria, which gives the water a vibrant, rainbow-like appearance. Hiking to the Grand Prismatic Spring is a great way to see this amazing sight up close.
The hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring is about 1.5 miles round-trip and takes about 45 minutes. The trail is mostly flat, but there are a few short, steep sections. The trailhead is located at the Fairy Falls Trailhead, which is about 20 miles south of Old Faithful.
3. Visit the Norris Geyser Basin
The Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most active geyser basins in the world. It is home to hundreds of geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The Norris Geyser Basin is a great place to see a variety of geothermal features up close.
The Norris Geyser Basin is located about 25 miles north of Old Faithful. There are several hiking trails in the basin, ranging from short, easy trails to longer, more challenging trails. The most popular trail is the Back Basin Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop that takes about 1 hour to hike.
4. Take a Wildlife Tour
Yellowstone is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and moose. One of the best ways to see wildlife in Yellowstone is to take a guided tour. Guided tours are available from a variety of companies, and they typically last for 2-3 hours.
On a guided wildlife tour, you will have the opportunity to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. Your guide will also be able to provide you with information about the animals and their behavior.
5. Go Fishing
Yellowstone is home to a number of rivers and lakes that are stocked with trout. Fishing is a popular activity in Yellowstone, and it is a great way to enjoy the park’s natural beauty while also catching some fish for dinner.
To fish in Yellowstone, you will need to purchase a fishing license. Fishing licenses are available at the park’s visitor centers and at a number of businesses in the surrounding area.
6. Take a Scenic Drive
Yellowstone is home to a number of scenic drives that offer stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. One of the most popular scenic drives is the Grand Loop Road, which is a 142-mile loop that takes visitors past many of the park’s most popular attractions, including Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Norris Geyser Basin.
Another popular scenic drive is the Beartooth Highway, which is a 68-mile highway that connects Yellowstone National Park to Red Lodge, Montana. The Beartooth Highway is known for its stunning mountain scenery, and it is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the United States.
7. Visit the Lamar Valley
The Lamar Valley is one of the best places in Yellowstone to see wildlife. The valley is home to a large population of bison, elk, and wolves. The Lamar Valley is also a great place to see birds, and it is home to a variety of raptors, including bald eagles, golden eagles, and osprey.
The Lamar Valley is located about 20 miles northeast of Old Faithful. There are several hiking trails in the valley, ranging from short, easy trails to longer, more challenging trails.
8. Go Camping
Camping is a great way to experience Yellowstone National Park. There are a number of campgrounds located throughout the park, and they offer a variety of camping options, from primitive campsites to RV hookups.
To reserve a campsite in Yellowstone, you can visit the National Park Service website or call the park’s reservation center.
9. Visit the Mammoth Hot Springs
The Mammoth Hot Springs are a series of hot springs that are located on the north end of Yellowstone National Park. The hot springs are formed by water that is heated by the park’s geothermal activity. The water is rich in minerals, which have created a series of colorful terraces and travertine formations.
The Mammoth Hot Springs are a great place to hike, and there are a number of trails that lead to different parts of the hot springs. The most popular trail is the Upper Terraces Trail, which is a 1-mile loop that takes about 30 minutes to hike.
Yellowstone National Park is a vast and diverse park, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, or camping, you’re sure to find something to love in Yellowstone.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park today!
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park:
- Book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak season (June-August).
- Purchase a park pass before you arrive. Park passes are valid for 7 days and cost $35 per vehicle.
- Bring plenty of water and food with you. There are a limited number of restaurants and stores in the park, and they can be expensive.
- Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather in Yellowstone can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for sun, rain, snow, and wind.
- Follow the park’s rules and regulations. Yellowstone is a national park, and it’s important to follow the rules and regulations to protect the park’s natural resources.
I hope this article has given you some ideas for things to do in Yellowstone National Park. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of wildlife, Yellowstone is a truly unforgettable destination.
