Overlook
Artist Point (Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone)
Classic overlook of the Lower Falls and the yellow canyon walls from the south rim.
Best at midday
Map
Explore Yellowstone
Sightseeing in Yellowstone
Yellowstone's sights group by region, and the park is big enough that you plan around them rather than seeing them all in a day. Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, the colors at Midway and Grand Prismatic, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its falls, the travertine terraces at Mammoth — each is its own stop, often a long drive apart. Use this to decide which region anchors which day, so you're not crossing the park twice.
Sightseeing
Viewpoints in Yellowstone
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Overlook
Grand Prismatic Overlook
Elevated viewpoint giving the full colorful overhead view of Grand Prismatic via the Fairy Falls Trail.
Best at midday
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Trailside
Grand Prismatic Spring (Midway Geyser Basin)
Largest US hot spring with vivid rainbow bands, viewed from the boardwalk loop.
Best at midday
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Overlook
Lake Butte Overlook
Elevated view over Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Range from the East Entrance Road.
Best at sunset
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Overlook
Lower Falls (Lookout Point / Red Rock Point)
North-rim viewpoints of the 308-foot Lower Falls plunging into the canyon.
Best at midday
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Trailside
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Tiered travertine terraces explored via boardwalks at the park's north end.
Good all day
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Trailside
Old Faithful
Predictable geyser erupting roughly every 90 minutes, viewed from a surrounding boardwalk and benches.
Good all day
Just outside the park
Marquee stops just beyond the boundary that most Yellowstone trips pair with — separately managed, so book or check access directly.
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Just outside the park
Grand Teton National Park
The park directly south, sharing Yellowstone's South Entrance — you drive the length of it on US-89 to get between the two, which is why so many trips do both. The jagged Teton Range over Jackson Hole, Jenny Lake, and the valley's wildlife are a different landscape an hour from the geysers, and the America the Beautiful pass covers both parks.
Save on Entry
One pass covers Yellowstone — and every other US national park.
The America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself in two or three park visits. Free entry, free passenger fees, and no more fumbling for a credit card at the kiosk.
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