Itinerary Yellowstone

Seasonality: July is one of the best months to visit Yellowstone. Expect warm days, cool nights, vibrant wildlife, and most park roads, trails, and attractions fully accessible.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$1,500
🏨 Accommodations	$1,200
🧳 Gear	$200
🗺️ On-site	$500
Total	$3,400

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇺🇸 Yellowstone National Park - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🛕 Old Faithful Geyser & Upper Geyser Basin ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • The world’s most famous geyser; see eruptions up close and explore surrounding geothermal features. Wheelchair accessible boardwalks.

• [ ] 🏛️ Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Vibrant, rainbow-colored hot spring. Easy hike to overlook for the best view.

• [ ] 🌳 Lamar Valley ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h-4h)

  • The best spot for wildlife watching: bison, wolves, bears. Come early morning or dusk for most animal activity.

• [ ] 🛕 Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Steaming limestone terraces; boardwalks and short hiking loops.

• [ ] 🏙️ Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (North & South Rims, Artist Point) ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Iconic canyon views, huge waterfalls, and stunning photo ops. Short walks and moderate hikes available.

• [ ] 🎨 West Thumb Geyser Basin (on Yellowstone Lake) ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Geysers and fumaroles at lakeside; lovely for morning walks.

• [ ] 🌳 Hayden Valley ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Scenic drives and stop-offs for possible elk, bear, and bison spotting.

• [ ] 🛕 Fountain Paint Pot Trail ⭐ (~1h)

  • Boardwalk loop past mudpots, geysers, and fumaroles; quick, colorful stop.

• [ ] 🌳 Fairy Falls & Imperial Geyser Hike ⭐⭐ (~3h, moderate)

  • Gorgeous waterfall and geyser hike, passing by Grand Prismatic Spring overlook.

• [ ] 🏙️ Tower Fall ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Classic waterfall in a forested canyon, easy trail to viewpoint.

• [ ] 🌳 Norris Geyser Basin ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Unusual geysers, vibrant colors, and steamy features; the hottest area in the park.

• [ ] 🏛️ Yellowstone Lake Scenic Drive ⭐ (~1-2h)

  • Relaxing lakeside vistas, picnic spots, and waterfowl viewing.

• [ ] 🏙️ Obsidian Cliff ⭐ (~30min)

  • Geologically significant cliff made of volcanic glass.

• [ ] 🎨 Artists Paintpots ⭐ (~1h)

  • Bubbling mudpots and colorful hydrothermal features near Norris area.

• [ ] 🌳 Mount Washburn Hike ⭐⭐ (~3-4h, moderate/challenging)

  • Amazing panoramic views, frequent bighorn sheep sightings. Go early to avoid crowds.

• [ ] 🏛️ Historic Lake Hotel & Lake Village ⭐ (~1h)

  • Classic 1891 hotel, waterside location; great for a luxury afternoon tea or dinner.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Yellowstone Lake Hotel Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Elegant cocktails in historic setting, live piano some evenings. Dress smart casual.

• [ ] 🍸 Gardiner Town Local Brews/Bars ⭐ (~2h)

  • Explore lively local watering holes outside North gate (if staying nearby), mountain-town vibe.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room ⭐⭐⭐

  • Fine dining, local trout, bison steaks, elegant setting. Expect $40-70/person.

• [ ] 🍜 Old Faithful Inn Dining Room ⭐⭐

  • Classic lodge fare, hearty American classics in a rustic icon.

• [ ] 🍜 Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room ⭐

  • Western-style cookout fare, specialty: Roosevelt beans, wild game sausages.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center (~1-2h)

  • Explore park’s fascinating history, exhibits, and archives.

• [ ] 🏙️ Boiling River swimming area (~1-2h)

  • Hot-and-cold natural river soak just outside North Entrance (seasonal, may close depending on conditions).

• [ ] 🏙️ Horseback Riding, Roosevelt Corrals (~2h)

  • Guided rides into the backcountry; book ahead through park service.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇺🇸 Yellowstone National Park

• [ ] 🎬 Yellowstone: Battle for Life (2009) — ⭐ 8.2 — Stunning BBC documentary on park wildlife and seasons — YouTube
• [ ] 📺 Yellowstone (2018-) — ⭐ 8.7 — Modern Western drama, Montana ranching near the park — Paramount+
• [ ] 🎬 National Parks Adventure (2016) — ⭐ 7.4 — IMAX spectacle, features sweeping Yellowstone scenes — Netflix
• [ ] 📺 America’s National Parks S1 Ep1 (2015) — ⭐ 8.0 — Yellowstone episode, US National Geographic — Disney+

🍜 Local specialties

🇺🇸 Yellowstone National Park

• [ ] Bison filet and burgers
• [ ] Wyoming trout (pan-seared, smoked)
• [ ] Huckleberry desserts (ice cream, pies)
• [ ] Elk sausage
• [ ] Local craft beers

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇺🇸 Yellowstone National Park

1. 🌤️ Old Faithful Geyser & Upper Geyser Basin
2. 🌤️ Grand Prismatic Spring
3. 🌤️ Mammoth Hot Springs
4. 🌤️ Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone / Artist Point
5. 🌤️ Norris Geyser Basin
6. 🌤️ Tower Fall
7. 🌤️ Lamar Valley
8. 🌤️ Hayden Valley
9. 🌤️ West Thumb Geyser Basin
10. 🌙 Yellowstone Lake Hotel Bar
11. 🛍️ Gardiner Market (groceries/outdoor supplies)
12. 🏨 Airbnb (West Yellowstone/Gardiner/Canyon Village)
13. 🍽️ Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
14. 🍽️ Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
• [ ] 🚗 Rental car (Bozeman, round trip; essential for exploring park)
• [ ] ✈️ Bozeman → London

🏨 Accommodations

City/Region	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Yellowstone region	4	Luxury airbnb (West Yellowstone/Gardiner/Canyon)	$1,200
Total	4		$1,200