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Ultimate 15-Day Yellowstone National Park Adventure

Ultimate 15-Day Yellowstone National Park Adventure Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Park Introduction and Iconic Geysers

Morning

Begin your Yellowstone adventure with a hearty breakfast at Old Faithful General Store Grill. After fueling up, witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful Geyser and explore the surrounding Upper Geyser Basin with the self-guided audio tour.

Afternoon

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Grant Village Lake House Restaurant near the tranquil waters. Post-lunch, take the West Thumb Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour to discover the colorful hot springs and geysers along the shore of Yellowstone Lake.

Evening

Dine at Slippery Otter Pub and unwind with a drink after a day of exploration. As the sun sets, take a short drive to the Grand Loop Road for a scenic overview of the park's diverse landscapes.

Bedtime

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4.85
Old Faithful Geyser
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4.81
Upper Geyser Basin
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Wildlife and Waterfalls

Morning

Start with breakfast at Canyon Fountain and Grill before embarking on a wildlife spotting adventure in Hayden Valley. Keep an eye out for bison, elk, and maybe even a grizzly bear.

Afternoon

Refuel at Bullwinkles Saloon & Eatery in the historic Roosevelt Lodge area. Post-lunch, visit the majestic Upper Falls and then take a short hike to the brink of the powerful Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Evening

Experience the park's evening ambiance with dinner at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room. Afterward, join a ranger-led program or simply enjoy the starry skies before heading back to your accommodation.

Bedtime

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4.88
Hayden Valley
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4.81
Upper Falls
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Thermal Wonders and Mammoth Terraces

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room before heading to the otherworldly Norris Geyser Basin. Explore the geysers and hot springs with the self-guided audio tour.

Afternoon

Have a picnic lunch in the shade of the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. Then, take the Mammoth Hot Springs self-guided tour to witness the ever-changing travertine terraces.

Evening

Dine at Happy Hour Bar & Grill and relax with a drink. If you're up for it, take a short drive to the Gardiner Gateway to catch the sunset and maybe spot some wildlife near the park's northern entrance.

Bedtime

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4.86
Norris Geyser Basin
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4.87
Mammoth Hot Springs
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Lamar Valley Wildlife Safari

Morning

Grab breakfast at Hanks Chop Shop and then set out for an early morning wildlife drive in the renowned Lamar Valley. This is prime wolf and grizzly country, so keep your camera ready.

Afternoon

Return to the Tower-Roosevelt Area for lunch at Yellowstone Beer Company. Afterward, explore the nearby Calcite Springs and take a short hike to the overlook for a view of the Yellowstone River.

Evening

Dine at Bar N Ranch, a bit of a drive but worth it for the rustic atmosphere and excellent cuisine. Consider joining a stargazing program if available, as the park's night skies are some of the darkest in the U.S.

Bedtime

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4.87
Lamar Valley
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4.87
Tower-Roosevelt Area
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Hidden Gems and Evening Relaxation

Morning

Start with breakfast at Timberline Cafe and then head to the lesser-visited Black Sand Basin for a peaceful stroll among colorful hot springs and geysers.

Afternoon

Have a picnic lunch at the serene Black Sand Basin and then continue to the Grand Prismatic Spring. Explore the boardwalks and witness the vibrant microbial mats that give the spring its rainbow colors.

Evening

Dine at Old Town Cafe and enjoy the small-town atmosphere. After dinner, take a short walk to the Grand Prismatic Overlook for a different perspective of the famous spring in the evening light.

Bedtime

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5.00
Black Sand Basin
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5.00
Black Sand Basin
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Waterways and Watering Holes

Morning

Breakfast at Beartooth Barbecue sets the tone for a day of water-themed exploration. Start with a visit to the Hayden Valley to see the meandering Snake River and its resident wildlife.

Afternoon

For lunch, stop at Madison Crossing Lounge near the convergence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers. Post-lunch, take a dip in the Firehole River if the weather allows, or simply enjoy the thermal features of the Madison Area.

Evening

Dine at Gusher Pizza & Sandwich Shoppe and reminisce about the day's aquatic adventures. Consider an evening walk around the Old Faithful Area, as the geysers and pools take on a different character after the daytime crowds have dispersed.

Bedtime

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4.88
Hayden Valley
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4.91
Snake River
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Reflections and Relaxation

Morning

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon before taking a reflective morning walk around the Old Faithful Area. The early hours offer a different perspective on the geothermal features.

Afternoon

Pack a lunch from your favorite spot and head to the serene Lake Village. After eating, consider a boat rental or simply relax by the water's edge, taking in the surrounding mountains and forests.

Evening

Dine at Three Bear Restaurant and savor the flavors of the park. Cap off the day with a drive to Nez Perce Picnic Area for a peaceful evening with the possibility of elk or bison sightings.

Bedtime

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4.85
Old Faithful Area
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4.88
Lake Village
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Park Perimeter Drive and Picnic Delights

Morning

Grab breakfast to go from your favorite spot and head out for a scenic drive along the park's perimeter. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the changing landscapes.

Afternoon

Find a picturesque spot for a picnic lunch, perhaps near the Yellowstone River Picnic Area or the Grand Loop Road. After lunch, take a short hike to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty.

Evening

Return to your lodging for a relaxed evening. Consider ordering takeout from a different restaurant each night to sample a variety of park cuisine.

Bedtime

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4.88
Yellowstone River Picnic Area
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4.89
Grand Loop Road
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Cultural and Culinary Exploration

Morning

Start with breakfast at Book Peddler & Coffee Cafe @ Book Peddler and then visit the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center to gain a deeper understanding of the park's history and cultural significance.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to the Museum of the National Park Ranger and enjoy a meal at the Museum Cafe. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the museum's exhibits and learning about the role of park rangers in preserving Yellowstone.

Evening

Dine at The Buffalo Bar and reflect on the day's cultural discoveries. If you're interested in live music, check out the local listings for any evening performances in the area.

Bedtime

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4.88
Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center
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4.88
Museum of the National Park Ranger
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Park Reflections and Rejuvenation

Morning

Enjoy a reflective breakfast at Grant Village Lake House Restaurant and then take a morning walk around the Grant Village. The quiet hours allow for a more intimate connection with the park's natural beauty.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit Canyon Fountain and Grill and then spend the afternoon at the Grant Village Visitor Center. Explore the exhibits, chat with rangers, and perhaps join a short interpretive program.

Evening

Dine at Slippery Otter Pub and share stories of your favorite park moments. Consider taking an evening drive to a nearby overlook or meadow for a chance to spot wildlife in the fading light.

Bedtime

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4.88
Grant Village
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4.88
Grant Village Visitor Center
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Parkwide Reflections and Farewell

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room and then take a final morning drive through the park. Visit any favorite spots once more and take the time to reflect on your Yellowstone journey.

Afternoon

Have a leisurely lunch at Happy Hour Bar & Grill and then spend the afternoon at a favorite location, whether it's a geyser basin, a waterfall, or a quiet meadow. Absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the park one last time.

Evening

Dine at Old Faithful General Store Grill and raise a toast to Yellowstone. If the weather permits, consider a final evening stroll under the stars, reminiscing about the memories you've made in this unique and wondrous place.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Yellowstone National Park.

Parkwide Reflections and Farewell

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room and then take a final morning drive through the park. Visit any favorite spots once more and take the time to reflect on your Yellowstone journey.

Afternoon

Have a leisurely lunch at Happy Hour Bar & Grill and then spend the afternoon at a favorite location, whether it's a geyser basin, a waterfall, or a quiet meadow. Absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the park one last time.

Evening

Dine at Old Faithful General Store Grill and raise a toast to Yellowstone. If the weather permits, consider a final evening stroll under the stars, reminiscing about the memories you've made in this unique and wondrous place.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Yellowstone National Park.

Parkwide Reflections and Farewell

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room and then take a final morning drive through the park. Visit any favorite spots once more and take the time to reflect on your Yellowstone journey.

Afternoon

Have a leisurely lunch at Happy Hour Bar & Grill and then spend the afternoon at a favorite location, whether it's a geyser basin, a waterfall, or a quiet meadow. Absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the park one last time.

Evening

Dine at Old Faithful General Store Grill and raise a toast to Yellowstone. If the weather permits, consider a final evening stroll under the stars, reminiscing about the memories you've made in this unique and wondrous place.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Yellowstone National Park.

Parkwide Reflections and Farewell

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room and then take a final morning drive through the park. Visit any favorite spots once more and take the time to reflect on your Yellowstone journey.

Afternoon

Have a leisurely lunch at Happy Hour Bar & Grill and then spend the afternoon at a favorite location, whether it's a geyser basin, a waterfall, or a quiet meadow. Absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the park one last time.

Evening

Dine at Old Faithful General Store Grill and raise a toast to Yellowstone. If the weather permits, consider a final evening stroll under the stars, reminiscing about the memories you've made in this unique and wondrous place.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Yellowstone National Park.

Parkwide Reflections and Farewell

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room and then take a final morning drive through the park. Visit any favorite spots once more and take the time to reflect on your Yellowstone journey.

Afternoon

Have a leisurely lunch at Happy Hour Bar & Grill and then spend the afternoon at a favorite location, whether it's a geyser basin, a waterfall, or a quiet meadow. Absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the park one last time.

Evening

Dine at Old Faithful General Store Grill and raise a toast to Yellowstone. If the weather permits, consider a final evening stroll under the stars, reminiscing about the memories you've made in this unique and wondrous place.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Yellowstone National Park.

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