Old Faithful Inn: book six months in advance as these hotels book up super quickly and this is by far the best hotel in the area. we had dinner here so it was fun to experience the ambiance, but i wish we wouldve stayed here our entire stay.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel IF you cannot get Old Faithful Inn; still a very beautiful option and a bit more quiet and remote if looking for low key vibes; we stayed at Canyon Hotel which was very central to everything so really helped us get around to everything we wanted to see, but there was nothing special about the hotel and it was still expensive.
Must Do Activities
Geothermal Day: Today will be all about the geothermal activity in Yellowstone! Head straight to Norris Geyser Basin to try and beat the crowds. Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser is on the Back Basin Boardwalk. It's extremely sporadic and unpredictable so you might not get the chance of seeing it. But there's a lot of geysers in this area to check out. From here, you'll start heading to the Old Faithful area. No need to be in a hurry because it is always crowded (aka you cannot beat the crowds). On your drive toward Old Faithful, make a side trip on Firehold Falls Drive. This two mile one way loop near Madison runs along a beautiful creek. Geysers near the creek heat the water, so it looks like steam is coming off the water, lending to the name given by early fur trappers in the area. There are a few pullouts along the road then a small parking area at the falls overlook. Another side road to consider taking is Firehold Geyser Loop. This short road passes several geysers and hot springs. Grand Prismatic Springs is the most amazing part of the day.. you will head there next! Last up is the Old Faithful Geyser at Old Faithful. Check out the times it is predicted to erupt so that you dont miss it (occurs every hour). Have dinner at Old Faithful Inn afterwards!
Grand Canyon in Yellowstone Day: full day of hikes! This area is beautiful with waterfalls and the river surrounded by the yellow colored cliffs of the canyon. The main sights here are the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, Artist Point, Inspiration Point, and Point Sublime. While everything in this area is pretty compact, you'll want the whole day to explore. This is the second most visited area in the park so try to get there early to beat crowds (or just expect some delays in parking lots). Start your moning on the South Rim at Uncle Tom's trail if its open. This iconic trail takes you down more than 300 steps to the base of the canyon, where you will be very near the base of the Lower Falls. If Uncle Tom's trail is closed, make your way to the South Rim Trail and Clear Lake Loop. Feel free to explore any other areas before making your way over to the North Rim. Once you're back on the north side of the canyon, you can spend some time checking out the Brink of the Upper Falls and the North Rim - Lookout Point, Grand View, and Inspiration Point. You can have lunch at a casual cafe at Canyon Lodge (dont recommend) or you can come with food for a picnic lunch at Wapiti Lake Trailhead nearby (recommend). For an easy afternoon away from the crowds, make your way toward the Norris area and stop at Ice Lake. This easy half mile walk will lead you from the car park to the quiet peaceful lake. A few back country campsites are located here, but you'll most likely have the place to yourself.
Wildlife Day: go to Lamar Valley to watch wildlife; go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to ensure some bear sightings; we brought cards to play in the car and just have a tranquil day out in the middle of nowhere.
If staying for a fourth day: Spend a half hour or so walking around the Mammoth Springs Overlook. The walkway has lots of options for unique viewpoints to the springs. For an easy hike, drive to Wriath Falls, located just about ten mins outside of Mammoth going toward Roosevelt. The easy walk takes you thru a meadow and to beautiful falls. When you're ready for lunch, stop at Lava Creek, just down the road, for a picnic (bring food/drinks with you). This spot is about as picturesque as it gets for a lunch spot - a creek and picnic tables surrounded by pine trees. Between the Norris Junction and Canyon Village, you will see a small side road for Virginia Cascades. We were advised to take this detour but we didnt really see what was special about it (maybe we missed it tho?). Then spend the afternoon at Lake Yellowstone. We grabbed wine and charcuterie at the General Store to have a picnic happy hour lakeside.
Favorite Restaurants and Happy Hours
Old Faithful Inn: an absolute must do, such a beautiful ambiance and great meal. Go to the Old Faithful Geyser right before a dinner here.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room: another must do restaurant, one of our very favorite meals we had!
Happy hour on Lake Yellowstone: go to the General Store in Lake Yellowstone for beer/wine/jerkey and hang by the lake for a scenic picnic happy hour.
Grant Village Dining Room: we stopped here for dinner on our drive to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole. Very scenic and beautiful lake side dining experience.
Other Travel Recs for Yellowstone
Book early! 6 months in advance if possible (ensures you get the best hotels etc)
Be prepared for bears! Bear spray, be loud, & no food -- general knowledge of what to do
No cell service! Take screen shots of google maps written directions each morning and can also follow along the signs
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