Best Places to See in Yellowstone in 2 Days

Wanna know the Best Places to See in Yellowstone in 2 Days? I will tell you where and how to do it.
But why visiting Yellowstone?
Yellowstone, the world first National park, is huge and jaw dropping ecosystem and landscape. It’s unique experience of wonderful trails, beautiful sceneries, Old Faithful and other geysers shooting steamy water into the air, lake, river, waterfalls and animals. You can spend days and weeks and still some places are not even touched yet.
We were able to see some of the most famous spots in Yellowstone in two days by entering the park early and staying late.

Check out these blogs for other National Parks in the USA and Canada;

Yosemite National Park
Glacier National Park
Banff National Park
Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Here is how we did: “Best Places to See in Yellowstone in 2-Days”.

We stayed at a hotel in West Yellowstone, MT, which is less than five minutes away from the west entrance of the park. Our day started pretty early in the morning and we were entering the park before sunrise. We divided the park to two sections, North loop and South loop.

Beginning your “Best places to see in Yellowstone in 2-Day” by visiting the world famous: Old Faithful geyserOld Faithful is the most famous spot in this Yellowstone National Park. The world’s most predictable geyser erupts within an average of 90 minutes between eruptions. The visitor center usually posts the approximate schedule for eruption times with possible less than 10 minutes error.

After enjoying the Old Faithful’s action, walk along the boardwalk trail and enjoy other active geysers, with some predictable ones. The last one which is Morning Glory Pool is my most favorite one.

Less than 20 miles drive away east of upper basin, you arrive at West thumb basin which is right at the edge of Lake Yellowstone.The loop is less than half a mile with a spectacular view of the mountains and the Yellowstone Lake. Abyss pool and Black pool are among the most famous ones.

The Yellowstone Lake is the largest high altitude lake in lower 48 states in US. As you follow the long shoreline, you will see snow-capped mountains across the lake. In August, we spent couple of hours, relaxing by the lake, enjoy the lunch and take a dip in the refreshing water. Boating is also allowed with permit.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was created by volcanic activities around 600000 years ago, which is now 20 miles long and its highest walls is about 1200 feet. Along the spectacular view and beautiful hikes, there are two famous waterfalls happening in Yellowstone river , upper and lower falls. Two must-go trails are: South Rim tail and North Rim Trail. South Rim ends in Artist Point with breathtaking view of Canyon and Lower fall.

Last part of your first day of “Best Places to see in Yellowstone in 2-Days” will be Hayden Valley. If you are looking to see wild animals, this is the location. This valley, centrally located in Yellowstone National Park, is the first place to see wildlife in Yellowstone.
As you drive along this beautiful valley you are likely to see herds of bison, scattered elk and the occasional grizzly bear. You will see waterfowl, including ducks, geese and pelicans in or by Yellowstone River.

For the second day of “Best places to ss in Yellowstone in 2-Days”, we will start with: Norris Basin.

Norris Basin is famous because it’s the hottest basin currently active in Yellowstone. You will see many impressive geysers in this basin along an one hour trail loop, The famous “Steamboat Geyser” which is the largest geyser in the world is also in this basin. When it erupts, the particles and hot water shoots up more than 400 feet. Although it is very unpredictable and unlikely to be observed (range of 5 days to 5 years!!!).

Mammoth Hot Springs are so different from other thermal areas and a must-see feature of Yellowstone National Park, that’s why some people call it : Inside-out cave!!!.
Stunning views of Canary Springs in Mammoth, simply takes your breath away.

This basin will be your highlight of “Best Places to see in Yellowstone in 2-Days”. Grand Prismatic pool, which is largest most colorful thermal pool in the park, mesmerizes everyone is located in Midway Basin. You will find it just about 7 miles north of Old Faithful geyser.

The nearby blue pool which is called: Excelsior pool, has many shades of blue and turquoise color which makes it a memorable visit forever. Parking lot will be very busy and packed from 10am to 5pm. You may like park at the nearby parking lot to take a 40 minutes trail to the overlook location in which you will see a phenomenal view of the pool.

Biscuit Basin is just less than three miles drive from Midway basin, which is another short walk basin with some beautiful geysers and pools. Sapphire pool is the most famous one. The boardwalk trail is less than half a miles and easy access.

If you travel with kids to the park, make sure to check out the Junior Ranger program that parks offer. It’s fun, educational activity for kids with a little souvenir included.
Here are some fun facts about this park from junior ranger book:
1.Yellowstone experiences 1,000 to 3,000 earthquakes a year
2. About 23 bisons remained in Yellowstone in the early 1900s.
3. Yellowstone is larger that Rhode Island and Delaware combined at 2.2 million acres (899,116 hectares).
4. Yellowstone has one JAIL!!!
5. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Yellowstone is -66 F (-54 C)!!

Just outside of the park from west entrance, there is one ice cream shop that offers amazing flavors unique for this area. Believe me! You don’t want to miss it.