Yellowstone's Must-See Sights

by Sophie Rosenblatt

With numerous RV campsites and more than 2 million acres of natural beauty, Yellowstone National Park is one of the country’s most popular destinations for an RV road trip. Because of Yellowstone’s massive size travelers won’t be able to see everything the park has to offer in just one visit. To help you nail down your Yellowstone itinerary, here are five of the very best sights in the park.

When planning an RV road trip to Yellowstone give yourself plenty of time to visit the park locations you're interested in, along with a few extra days to explore and find your own favorites spots. If your vacation plans include renting an RV, make sure you choose the right size vehicle for your family or group. It is easy to assume you need something far bigger than is truly necessary. For a park vacation in particular, it’s best to choose a smaller RV that will allow you to drive along the park’s more narrow trails.

If you own your RV, be sure everything is in good repair and fully stocked. You'll be far better off traversing rugged terrain on tires such as Goodyear tires instead of burning some balding second-hand rubber. Make sure your oil and fluids are topped off, windshield wipers are in good repair and head/tail lights are in good working order.

Old Faithful
Named for its clockwork-like eruptions, Old Faithful is one of the country’s most well-known natural landmarks. The geyser shoots out a powerful stream of boiling water approximately every 91 minutes. While you wait for the punctual geyser to erupt, stop into the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, where you can learn about the science behind geysers.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Approximately 20 miles long and about 1,000 feet deep, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is one of the most visually dramatic areas in the park. The canyon is just below the Lower Yellowstone River Falls, a majestic waterfall that’s nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls. With the panoramic views of the falls and canyon, you’ll want to spend plenty of time here with your camera.

Grand Prismatic Spring
There’s a good reason Lonely Planet calls the spring "the most surreal sight in Yellowstone." The stunning body of water, which is the largest spring in the U.S. and the third-largest in the world, contains a shockingly bright spectrum of colors that includes yellow, green, orange and red. The brightly colored water, which results from pigmented bacteria, makes for a truly unforgettable visit.

The Lamar Valley
Also recommended by Lonely Planet, The Lamar Valley is a treat for wild animal enthusiasts. Located in the Northeast section of the park between the Lamar Canyon and the Lamar River Trailhead, the valley is known as a great place to spot bison, elk and wolf packs.

Yellowstone Lake
The largest body of water in the park, Yellowstone Lake is a scenic location with miles of shoreline to explore. Trout fishing is a popular activity, but visitors can also hike around the lake, setup a picnic lunch or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the area.

Sophie Rosenblatt Sophie has a degree in English and a passion for travel. She decided to put both to use and write about adventures and traveling.