10 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone & Around the National Park
Between the wildlife, geothermal activity, mountains, valleys, and canyons, there are endless things to discover.…
The perfect adventure destination for bikers, hikers, skiers, snowmobilers, horseback riders, and more, you’re sure to find everything you need to stay active, enjoy great company and explore the beautiful and bountiful Yellowstone National Park.
There’s no place like it, and no one knows it better.
Read about North America's National Parks, and learn from the experts!
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
It may sound cliche, but there is never a wrong time to visit Yellowstone National Park. The truth is, people are always visiting Yellowstone, whether it’s raining, snowing, or the sun is shining – there’s still something to see and do.
The best time to visit Yellowstone is genuinely dependent upon the types of activities you’re looking to participate in on your adventure vacation. From hiking and horseback riding to snowmobiling to snowshoeing, you can do it all in Yellowstone.
Being prepared is the first step to a great adventure vacation. Along with your trip itinerary, let the tips and tricks below help get you on your way to being prepared for your Yellowstone vacation.
Yellowstone experiences distinct seasons are snowy, white winters and warm, sunny summers. You’ll find that the weather can vary significantly, even in a day. It means that you always have to be equipped with a diverse set of clothing options. The best way to do this is to plan on layers: a base layer, insulating mid-layers, and an additional shell.
As expert travelers, we’re well aware that warm, dry feet usually result in a happy traveler! Pack insulated boots that both repel water and are roomy enough for thick, wool socks to fit underneath. In the summer, you’ll want lighter hiking boots or a reliable pair of athletic shoes along with river shoes.
Many pieces of clothing will make your vacation in Yellowstone comfortable. Including gloves (the layering approach applies here too, with an insulating layer underneath a wind/waterproof outer layer). So, A hat (in the summer, you’ll want one with a brim for sun protection), neck warmer, and gaiters (these go over your boots and run up to about the knee, keeping snow out of your boots).
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Attracting millions of visitors every year; Yellowstone National Park has become one of America’s most prized experiences – and we love to offer it to visitors alike. If you’re considering a trip through Yellowstone; be sure to keep these tips in mind to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife. It is a rich ecosystem home to all different kinds of species – this is part of what makes the trip. So, unique and exciting. Be on the lookout for animals (especially bison!) that roam freely.
With so much to see and do in Yellowstone National Park (believe it or not, the Park spans over 2.2 million acres!); it’s tough to know what the top sights and experiences are. Our expert guides have intimate knowledge of the Park and insider access to give you a national park experience, unlike any other. Choose guided travel and enjoy more education; a more straightforward trip-planning experience (show up!), and excellent use of time between top (and more secretive!) sights. Read more about Traveling with a Guide.
Yellowstone National Park provides unmatched photo opportunities for everyone, from the most novice to the most expert photographer. Trust us; you’ll want to take advantage. From the gorgeous Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the Mammoth Hot Springs and beyond, be sure to have a camera on hand to capture some of the Park’s most refined scenes. Keeping your camera ready is key to capturing those perfect wildlife and lighting moments.
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From magnificent sights and sounds – like the Boiling River, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs, to name just a few – to the fascinating wildlife and ecosystem that calls Yellowstone home, you’re guaranteed to have the trip of a lifetime on any of our Yellowstone vacations.
Explore the Yellowstone Caldera and bear witness to the greatest concentration of geothermal features on the planet. Experience the eruption of Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s icon, the most famous geyser in the world due to its “faithful” eruption times. Also, view the largest volume waterfall in the Rocky Mountains, Lower Yellowstone Falls, on every Yellowstone tour.
It is beautiful weather and relatively warm temperatures ranging between 40 – 70F. Springtime is a fantastic time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park (though, be aware that these are averages, and weather in Yellowstone can be quite unpredictable – so packing a few warm layers is a must!). Not classified as a peak travel time for Yellowstone; you’ll experience far fewer crowds as a result. While still being able to take advantage of many activities like hiking and biking.
With temperatures ranging between 58 – 80F at their height, it’s no wonder that the summer months (particularly July & August) are the most popular time to visit Yellowstone. Comfortable enough to sleep in the great outdoors and aligning correctly with school holidays, This park is often packed with visitors during the summer. During peak season time, all of the Park’s facilities are open to enjoy, and the weather is perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Another fantastic time of year to visit Yellowstone; fall is relatively mild and is the perfect time of year for outdoor adventures, including hiking, watching wildlife, and more. So, the surrounding nature is at its finest, and crowds are beginning to dwindle, leaving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this national park.
Winter in Yellowstone is a perfect time to explore without having to battle with buses filled with tourists. Expect a few inches of snowfall and temperatures often below freezing. Still, as long as you pack the right gear, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, snowmobiling, and more!
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As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”
