10 Breathtaking Things To Do Near Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a jaw-dropping destination in its own right—but just beyond its borders, the landscape continues to amaze. From soaring alpine highways and thundering waterfalls to colorful geothermal marvels and remote wildlife-rich valleys, the surrounding region offers unforgettable experiences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re in search of scenic drives, quiet lakeshores, or deep dives into park history, these handpicked adventures near Yellowstone blend nature, culture, and pure exploration into every turn of the trail.
1. Dawn in Lamar Valley
As the sun’s first rays spill across the grasslands, Lamar Valley transforms into one of North America’s premier wildlife stages. Here, elk graze alongside pronghorn, bison wander in loose herds, and wolves on the hunt reveal nature’s raw drama. Binoculars or a telephoto lens will bring distant creatures into view, while quiet observation respects their routines. The wide-open space and minimal development make Lamar Valley ideal for both morning and evening drives, ensuring visitors can witness Yellowstone’s most iconic residents in their natural realm.
2. Stepping Through Time at Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Walking amid the tiered travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs feels like exploring a living sculpture garden. Mineral-rich, heated water upwells and cascades over limestone, leaving behind intricate white and ochre formations that grow a few inches each year. Boardwalks thread between steaming pools and terraces, guiding you safely above fragile formations. Keep an eye out for elk grazing just beyond the hot water’s steam—these animals have made the surroundings their home, indifferent to the constant geological transformation underfoot.
3. Mystic Falls Trail
The Mystic Falls hike winds through the small geyser basin known as the Little Firehole, offering a contrast of thermal features and verdant forest. Along the gentle trail, you’ll pass bubbling mud pots and steaming vents before arriving at the two-tiered Mystic Falls, where the river plunges over sandstone ledges. The roar of the waterfall and the spray of mist create a refreshing respite. Benches at the viewpoint invite you to pause, listen, and soak in the harmony of water, steam, and greenery.
4. Old Faithful Eruption
Few natural performances rival the precision of Old Faithful’s eruptions. Predictable to within minutes, this famous geyser sends a towering column of boiling water and steam 100 to 180 feet into the air every 90 minutes or so. Gather on the upper viewing platform before the show—park rangers post daily eruption times. While waiting, explore the adjacent visitor center to learn about geothermal power and the underground plumbing that choreographs each eruption. When the geyser bursts, you’ll feel the ground tremble in celebration.
5. Canyon of the Yellowstone
Carved by millennia of erosion, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone cuts a dramatic swath through the park. From Artist’s Point, you’ll gaze at ochre walls streaked with mineral-laden runoff, framing the thundering Lower Falls below. A short drive takes you to Inspiration Point, where the canyon’s curves and colors unfold in layered depth. Well-maintained trails and overlooks allow close inspection of textured rock faces, while interpretive panels explain how volcanic eruptions and ancient floods sculpted this breathtaking gorge.
6. Grand Prismatic Spring
At the Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring astonishes with its concentric rings of color—deep blue at the center, bordered by rings of green, yellow, orange, and red. Microbial mats thrive in temperature gradients, coloring the edges of the hot spring. Boardwalks loop safely around the feature, offering close-up views of steam rising from the sapphire core. For the full rainbow effect, hike the short Fairy Falls Trail to the overlook, where an elevated perspective reveals the spring’s brilliant symmetry against the surrounding forest.
7. Serene Shores of Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is the park’s largest body of water, spanning 132 square miles at 7,733 feet elevation. Its crisp, clear waters reflect mountain vistas and puffy summer skies. Canoe or kayak along quiet bays to spot waterfowl, or cast a line for native cutthroat trout. Picnic areas dot the shoreline, and evening strolls along the dock reward you with fiery sunsets mirrored on the lake’s calm surface. In winter, the frozen expanse invites cross-country skiing and snowshoeing beneath stark, snow-dusted pines.
8. Beartooth Highway
Beginning near Cooke City, the Beartooth Highway ascends over 11,000 feet, winding through alpine plateaus dotted with wildflowers, tarns, and sweeping vistas. Each hairpin turn reveals new panoramas of rugged peaks and glacial cirques. Pullouts highlight geological formations and offer photo opportunities without disrupting traffic. In summer, snowdrifts linger on mountaintops; in autumn, larches glow gold against granite backdrops. This all-American byway bridges Yellowstone with Red Lodge, Montana, serving both as a thoroughfare and a destination in its own right.
9. Museum Mile
Just beyond the park’s thermal wonders and waterways lies a trio of interpretive museums. Norris offers insight into Yellowstone’s ever-changing hydrothermal landscape, Madison explains the park’s groundbreaking wildlife management, and Fishing Bridge highlights human relationships with the lake’s fish populations. Each museum features hands-on exhibits, period photographs, and ranger talks. These compact museums provide context for the sights you’ve seen, helping you appreciate the scientific research and conservation efforts that protect Yellowstone’s wonders.
10. Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway
Named for the famous showman, the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway traces U.S. Route 14/16/20 from Cody toward the park’s east entrance. The drive passes rolling sagebrush basins, river valleys, and jagged ridges of the Absaroka Mountains. Pull off to explore the historic town of Cody, with its Wild West attractions and nightly rodeo. Further along, Vista Point offers sweeping views of the Wapiti Valley below. This byway provides an immersive prelude to Yellowstone, blending frontier history with dramatic landscapes.
