We asked our Yellowstone community for their best park travel tips – and boy did they come through! From favorite hikes to prime fly-fishing spots to practical advice on what clothes to bring, the tips submitted covered everything you’d want to know before traveling to the world’s first national park. Here are just some of our favorite responses. Be sure to see the bottom of this post for additional Yellowstone travel tips links.

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“Relax. Don’t try to race from place to place trying to check things off on your bucket list (Old Faithful, Grand Canyon, etc). You’re in one of the most remarkable places in the world. Enjoy it.” – Dave P.

 

“Come in winter and come prepared. We came in February and had to buy warmer gloves, hats, and hand warmers. It was -10 degrees and the best trip of our lives! But COLD.” – Sharon and Mike R.

 

“Walk down to the Brink of the Lower Falls. It has to be one of the most dramatic and impressive views on the planet!” – Stacy J.

 

“Spend some time at the Old Faithful Inn. Even if you are not staying there, you can sit by the grand fireplace, watch Old Faithful from the second deck, listen to the violinist in the evenings, or just sit back and admire the impressive wood structure. Not to be missed!” – Christopher C.

 

“Fly fish! What better backdrop to fish in than Yellowstone? I prefer early mornings on the Madison and Gibbon Rivers.” – Dan S.

 

“One of the best experiences we’ve had is taking our 7 and 9 year olds to get their Junior Ranger badges. They were so excited to complete each step and to learn about the park. And receiving their badges from an actual ranger is something they will never forget.” – Rick and Vicky K.

 

“Have a plan of action for the day. If you go out looking for one specific animal you may come out disappointed. We find that when we choose specific destinations or hikes, we always pleasantly surprised by unexpected wildlife sightings.“ – Dave and Karen P.

 

“Step outside at night away from the lights of your hotel and look up. If you’re from any city, you’ve likely never seen a night sky like this. Even better, watch and listen to a geyser eruption at night!” – Cesar D.

 

“I can’t think of anything cuter than baby bison, elk and black bears. What a delight to watch them play! Go May to mid-June and find them between Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.” – Jen P.

 

“Watching the sunrise at Yellowstone Lake is an experience I will never forget. I was completely alone at West Thumb Geyser Basin. The lake was still, colors amazing. Magic.” – Darren R.

 

“Don’t be afraid to talk to a ranger. They’re approachable, friendly, and have all the knowledge and tips you couldn’t get anywhere else. Everyone loves rangers, right?!” – Kelsey L.

 

“We camp in the park every summer. At least for us, there is no better way to enjoy the sights, sound, and smells of the park. We usually stay at Madison or Canyon, but all are sites fantastic. It is an annual tradition for our family.” – Megan and Kevin B.

 

Things To Do (From NPS Website)

Yellowstone Day Adventures (Wildlife tours through Yellowstone Forever)