5 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Yellowstone

Many say “Once you visit Yellowstone it will forever call you back.” And that is the truth. I hope if you are reading this it is because you are planning a trip to Yellowstone because it will forever change you.

This is from my experience while exploring the area several times and I hope it helps make your trip absolutely incredible – in fact, I know it will.

1. Don’t Skip the Following Places

We all know it’s a must do that you see Old Faithful erupt, take in the beautiful colors of the Grand Prismatic and slow down for the abundant wildlife throughout the park but there are beautiful places in Yellowstone that are often overlooked such as:

The Boiling River: This river merges with the Gardner River just north of Mammoth Hot Springs as you are heading out the North gate. Since it’s a hot spring (like scalding hot spring) merging with a cold river, you get the making of an extremely relaxing hot tub river. It’s such a unique experience. My little ones said it was one of their favorite things we did while in YNP.

Uncle Toms Trail: This is not a trail for the faint of heart but the view it gives of the 300 foot Lower Falls is absolutely incredible. It is almost 350 stairs, 500 foot vertical descend, into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. And there is something to be felt afterward about completing such a challenging trail!

Grand Teton National Park: Last but not least, if you go to Yellowstone and do not take the hour or so drive down south to see the Tetons – you.have.missed.out! The Tetons hold such a special place in my heart. That view….uh it’s breathtaking!

2. Don’t Experience Yellowstone From Your Car

Another mistake so many people make when visiting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is they only experience the area from their car. I think a lot of this has to do with a lack of time. Let me tell you, you have to plan for AT LEAST 3 days in the park…at least. If not you’re just going to be driving in your car trying to hurry up and see everything and there is no possible way.

So get out of your car – take in nature, hike a trail, get away from all the people and get off the roads. Make a list of the things you don’t accomplish this trip…because I promise there will be a next time!

Also, a fantastic tool we used to plan the hikes we wanted to take was the All Trails App. It’s a fantastic tool that shows you all the trails, their difficulty level, and even pictures of the different scenery along the trail. Side note: This app is good for finding trails anywhere, not just at Yellowstone.

3. Pack for All Seasons

You may have heard this but I can’t reiterate enough – you have to pack for all temperatures! It can and has snowed in July! In fact, due to the different levels of elevation all throughout the park, you can easily experience a 15-degree temperature drop within just a few miles of driving.

I know packing for all seasons with kids is stressful but check and see if where you’re staying has a laundry facility. Anytime we travel I make sure there is a laundry facility onsite. That way everyone only packs a couple of outfits, then halfway through the trip, I throw it all in a quick wash load and we re-wear those outfits on the second part of the trip.

4. Don’t Forget the Binoculars

One mistake my husband and I made our first trip to the area was not taking binoculars. Our first day in the park we saw bears far off across the valley. Everyone around us had binoculars but us…amateurs.

That evening we went and bought some and the next day driving into the park we saw wolves! This time we had binoculars and it made the experience incredible!

When we went back with our kids we bought this scope. It is absolutely incredible and I highly suggest investing in it. It’s really inexpensive and attaches to your cell phone. Essentially making your cell phone into a huge binocular screen – easier for kids to see than trying to have them figure out binoculars. Really cool!

5. Invest in an Audio Tour Guide

The last piece of advice I would give someone heading into the park is to purchase the GyPSy App – an audio tour guide for the park. It’s $5 for just Yellowstone or $9 for Yellowstone and Tetons.

Let me just say – it was the best $9 we spent! The app narrates the park as you’re driving. The narrator gives tips on must-see areas, optional side roads, and historical facts of the park (my favorite part). It works offline since you most likely will not get service in the park.

Well there you have it, I could go on and on about Yellowstone but I will leave you with that for now.

I tell all my friends of our visits there, anyone who will listen, I show them pictures. But just know, it doesn’t do Yellowstone justice. Pictures and words cannot begin to describe this place. You have to see it, listen to it, put your hands on it and soak it all in. My life will forever revolve on how to get back to Yellowstone.

Meet Kaila:

Kaila writes about all things travel, lifestyle, and how to market your business. For more tips and free trainings on how to start a business online – you can follow Kaila on Instagram @kaila.ruan