Yellowstone National Park is one of those bucket-list destinations that leaves you in awe of nature’s raw beauty. From geothermal wonders to vast canyons and wildlife encounters, this park offers something for everyone. Recently, I embarked on a two-day trip to Yellowstone, and though it was a short visit, I managed to experience some of the park’s most iconic spots. I would recommend at least two days for Yellowstone. I wished I had a little more time to explore some of the longer hikes in the park.

Day 1: Wildlife Encounters and The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

My first day began as I made my way from the West Entrance of Yellowstone in Montana to the Northern loop of the park. This area is famous for its abundant wildlife, and I spotted some of Yellowstone’s most iconic residents; elk, bison, and a bear cub!

🦬 It didn’t take long! As soon as I entered the valley, I saw bison grazing in herds, their massive forms calmly wandering through the golden grasses. If you’re a wildlife lover, this part of the park is not to be missed.

If you have more time, you can explore other nearby viewpoints or hike deeper into the canyon, but for me, this was the ideal spot to take it all in and capture those classic Yellowstone photos. 📸

I also stopped at Tower Falls to take in the view.

Day 2: Geothermal Wonders and Scenic Beauty

My first stop was the Grand Prismatic Spring, a must-see attraction that truly lived up to the hype. The area is stunning, with vibrant colors swirling in the hot spring and a small waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear stream nearby. The vivid hues and natural beauty made it one of the most memorable spots in the park for me.

I kicked off my adventure by heading straight to the park’s most famous landmark—Old Faithful. This geyser has been mesmerizing visitors for over a century with its timely eruptions, and watching it shoot water high into the sky was nothing short of magical. 🌋 I arrived right after the eruption, so had to wait about an hour. I explored the gift shop and grabbed some lunch. Sure enough, right on cue, Old Faithful did not disappoint!

I then stopped at Mammoth Hot Springs, pictured above which was another highlight!

After soaking in all the geothermal beauty, I took a relaxing drive down to Yellowstone Lake. This massive alpine lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America, was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

Final Thoughts

In just two days, I was able to experience the diversity and wonder of Yellowstone, (unfortunately missing the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone due to lack of time) but saw so much, from its geothermal features to its wildlife and dramatic landscapes.

While there’s so much more to explore in this vast park, I felt like I got a real taste of its magic in a short trip. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, Yellowstone will captivate you with its wild beauty, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure.

I can’t wait to return and discover even more of this incredible park. If you’re thinking about visiting, don’t hesitate—there’s truly no place like Yellowstone!