63 Best Sights in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Background Illustration for Sights

Along the park's main drive—the Grand Loop (also referred to as Yellowstone's Figure Eight)—are eight primary "communities," or developed areas. On the Western Yellowstone map are five of those communities—Grant Village, Old Faithful, Madison, Norris, and Mammoth Hot Springs—with their respective sights. The Eastern Yellowstone map shows the remaining three—Tower-Roosevelt, Canyon, and Lake (for Yellowstone Lake area)—with their respective sights.

Upper Terrace Drive

This popular 1½-mile drive at the top of the Mammoth Terraces will take you back into the woods, where you can see some impressive thermal features, among them White Elephant Back and Orange Spring Mound, that aren't visible from the main road. Park at the top of the Terraces for views of Fort Yellowstone, a short walk along the boardwalk to Canary Springs, or hike down into the Lower Terraces Area. RVs aren't permitted along this drive.
Scenic Drive
Grand Loop Rd., Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA
Sight Details
Closed Dec.–Apr.

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West Thumb Information Station

West Thumb

This 1925 log cabin houses a bookstore and doubles as a warming hut in winter. There are restrooms in the parking area. In summer, check for informal ranger-led discussions beneath the old sequoia tree.

Visitor Center
West Thumb Basin, Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA
307-344–2650
www.nps.gov/yell
Sight Details
Late May–late Sept., daily 9–5
Closed early Oct.–late May

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Yellowstone Forever

Learn about the park's ecology, geology, history, and wildlife from park experts, including well-known geologists, biologists, and photographers. Classes generally take place on the north side of the park, around Mammoth Hot Springs, and last from a few hours to a few days, and rates are reasonable. Some programs are designed specifically for young people and families.

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