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USA · Wyoming

Yellowstone travel guide

Geysers, hot springs and bison in America's first national park

Grand Prismatic Spring. Photo: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9h 30mflight from London
JACnearest main airport
15° in Julwarmest month
-12° in Deccoolest month

Yellowstone was the world's first national park, and it sits on a supervolcano. Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes or so, and the Grand Prismatic Spring is a rainbow of colours.

Bison, elk, bears and wolves roam the valleys, and the Grand Teton mountains are next door.

Good forWildlifeNatureHikingRoad trips

What Yellowstone is known for

  • Geysers

    Old Faithful and hundreds more.

  • Wildlife

    Bison, elk, bears and wolves.

  • Hot springs

    Grand Prismatic's rainbow colours.

  • Grand Teton

    Jagged peaks just to the south.

Top things to do in Yellowstone

  1. 1

    Old Faithful

    Check eruption times at the visitor centre.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Grand Prismatic Spring

    The overlook trail gives the best view.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Lamar Valley

    The best place for wildlife, at dawn or dusk.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    Waterfalls and yellow cliffs.

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See all tours and tickets in Yellowstone

Where to stay in Yellowstone

Find a hotel in Yellowstone

Best time to visit Yellowstone

Best value: May, Sep. June to September, when all roads are open. May and October are quieter but colder.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-12 C-12°J-11.2 C-11°F-7 C-7°M-2.7 C-3°A4 C4°M9.5 C10°J15.1 C15°J14.1 C14°A8.8 C9°S0.7 C1°O-6.9 C-7°N-12.3 C-12°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Yellowstone, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 9h 30m from London to JAC, and flights from most UK airports.

You need a car. Distances in the park are long.

Find flights to Yellowstone (JAC)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Book park lodges up to a year ahead.
  • Stay on boardwalks: the ground near hot springs is dangerous.
  • Keep well away from wildlife.
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Yellowstone FAQ

How many days do you need?

Three or four days.

Which airport?

Jackson Hole, Bozeman or Salt Lake City.

More places in USA

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