Day 1: Yellowstone Highlights in One Day
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Start early at Old Faithful — the world's most famous geyser erupts roughly every 90 minutes and the visitor centre posts predicted times. After the eruption, walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk loop to see Morning Glory Pool, Grand Geyser, and dozens of steaming hot springs. The basin holds the densest concentration of geysers on the planet and the colours are otherworldly — deep blues, oranges, and greens from thermophilic bacteria.
Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Basin
Drive north to Midway Geyser Basin for Grand Prismatic Spring — the largest hot spring in the US and the most photographed feature in Yellowstone. The rainbow rings of colour are best seen from the overlook trail (1.6km round trip, moderate incline). Continue to Fountain Paint Pot for bubbling mud pots and fumaroles. Grab lunch at Old Faithful Lodge cafeteria ($10–18) or pack your own to eat at a scenic pullout.
Hayden Valley Wildlife & Sunset
Drive through Hayden Valley in the golden hour — this is prime territory for bison herds, elk, coyotes, and grizzly bears. Pull over at turnouts and scan with binoculars. The Yellowstone River meanders through the valley and the light at dusk is spectacular. End at Artist Point for a sunset view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Lower Falls — a 93-metre waterfall crashing through yellow canyon walls.
