10 Things to do in Yellowstone Park for First Time Visitors
The very idea of traveling to Yellowstone is an exciting one. What if you have never been there before? There’s so much there to see and do that you can get lost in it all. How do you know what the best attractions really are? If you want to see some of the best things that Yellowstone has to offer, read through the list below. There, you will find 10 interesting sites to see along with links to each one so you can learn more.
1. Old Faithful
Who wouldn’t love to have the opportunity to see this geyser? It’s easily the most well-known geyser in the entire country and it’s also one of the more spectacular geological events that you can witness with your own eyes. If you’re in the area, you have to take advantage of the opportunity to see it.
2. Yellowstone Caldera
You probably already know that Yellowstone is actually on a giant volcano. This caldera is not like most of the calderas you learned about in science, but instead, it has created a plain where all kinds of wildlife flourishes. In truth, it’s 34 miles long from its highest to lowest point and a whopping 45 miles wide. If first erupted approximately 640,000 years ago and it’s still active today.
3. Yellowstone Lake
Not only is this like breathtakingly beautiful, but you can also do some great fishing there. It doesn’t matter if you like to go out on a boat, catch some fish, or just lounge next to the shore, this is one of the most pristine lakes in the area and it’s a great way to relax after a long day of hiking and seeing everything else there is to see.
4. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The name pretty much says it all. Yellowstone does indeed have its very own Grand Canyon, only on a smaller scale. It’s also much prettier, at least as far as most people are concerned. This is because there is plenty of vegetation and wildlife to be seen at almost every turn.
5. Upper Yellowstone Falls
In addition to the natural beauty that automatically comes with these falls, you also have the opportunity to see a wide array of wildlife and even take advantage of the hiking trails that are in the area. It really doesn’t get any better than that.
6. Firehole River
Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to visit a river that has its own built-in geyser? There’s no doubt that the surroundings are beautiful, so if you’re looking for a relaxing place to go that has a little kick to it, this is perfect.
7. Tower Fall
This is one of the most prestigious waterfalls in the entire park, and it’s 132 feet high. You can enjoy it two different ways. You can take a hike that leads to the bottom of the waterfall and look up or you can visit a general store that actually sits above the waterfall and see everything from that vantage point.
8. Hayden Valley
This is one of the most beautiful plains that you’re ever likely to lay eyes on. It covers a vast amount of area and it’s well known as being one of the hot spots for seeing grizzly bears as well as other wildlife. A hike in this valley is the perfect way to spend your day. Just be sure to exercise some common sense when it comes to being cautious around wildlife.
9. Morning Glory Pool
This is one of the multicolored pools that Yellowstone is so famous for. When you look at it, it’s so crystal clear that you can see all the way down to the bottom. The vibrant colors play off of each other and it is truly one of the most amazing sites there. You’re not likely to see anything like it anywhere else, so you should take advantage of the opportunity to go there when you can.
10. Steamboat Geyser
Old Faithful might be the most famous geyser in the world, but it’s certainly not the only one in Yellowstone. As a matter of fact, the Steamboat Geyser is actually taller than Old Faithful. If you really want to see a geyser that’s capable of exercising its own power, this is the one to see.
