Hidden Gems of Yellowstone

I hope more than anything you are reading this because you are planning your trip and want to learn the hidden gems you cannot miss in Yellowstone.

There is no other place on earth like Yellowstone and I promise after your trip – you’ll already be planning your NEXT!

Yellowstone is HUGE over 2.2 million acres – that is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware > COMBINED!

5 Hidden Gems of Yellowstone

While I’m sure you already know the MUST SEE places such as Old Faithful, the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, and Mammoth Hot Springs. To truly experience Yellowstone, you have to visit the hidden gems that often get overlooked by millions of tourists.

Check out other helpful tips and resources in “5 Mistakes People Make When They Visit Yellowstone”

Grand Geyser

Who goes to Yellowstone and doesn’t see Old Faithful erupt? No one! But do you know only 4% of Yellowstone visitors witness Grand Geyser erupting?!!

Grand Geyser shoots almost 200 feet in the air and for the last two years has been going off every 7-8 hours. Grand Geyser is the tallest predicted Geyser in the world and only .5 mile walk from Old Faithful Geyser.

Witnessing Grand Geyser was absolutely breathtaking and I must have got something in my eye during its eruption. ;^)

The eruption last anywhere from 9 – 12 minutes(!!) and sometimes it even has a second eruption simultaneously!!! Unlike Old Faithful which only erupts for 1-5 minutes.

Grand Geyser definitely lives up to its name and cannot be missed during your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Prismatic Overlook

After visiting the Upper Geyser Basin you may head up to the Grand Prismatic Spring.

If this is your first time in Yellowstone (or you haven’t been in years) –

Let me inform you of a huge change to the Grand Prismatic area.

In 2018 they created an overlook that is absolutely breathtaking. I’ve never been a HUGE fan of the Grand Prismatic boardwalk area because I never felt like you could really see all the colors and take in this magnificent feature.

I always felt you really needed to be in a helicopter to be able to appreciate it’s beauty, or up on a hilltop – which is what they did!

The best and only way to experience Grand Prismatic’s true appeal, in my opinion, is seeing it from the overlook!

Know this:

The overlook is not marked! You have to have done your research and know that you use the Fairy Falls Trailhead to access the overlook. From the parking lot, the overlook is 0.6 miles and a very easy hike that is doable for the elderly and children!

Brink of the Lower Falls

If you’re spending a few days in Yellowstone, which I highly recommend at least 3 days to explore the area, you will have the Yellowstone Grand Canyon on your list of places to see.

Don’t feel overwhelmed in the Canyon area, there is a lot to do but I will make it simple!

First:

Make sure to hike the Brink of the Lower Falls trail!

Now, this is important:

This trail is challenging! It is steep but doable! Our 10-year-old did the trail fine, but we had our 4-year-old in the hiking carrier as I’m not sure she would have made it.

Going down is relatively simple but going back up is where it’s rather challenging – just know that the reward at the bottom of the trail is completely worth it!

You literally get to stand on a landing, feet from the brink of a 300-foot waterfall. It’s so powerful and breathtaking.

If you have little ones and don’t want to do the trail, the best views of the falls are the following:

Lookout Point – gives the best views of the lower falls.

Artist Point – gives the best view of the entire canyon (including the falls!)

Don’t skip either of those look outs – the views are stunning.

Boiling River

This beautiful area can be found just north of the Mammoth Hot Springs area.

The Gardner River merges with a hot spring (like scalding hot spring) which creates an extremely relaxing hot tub river. It’s such a unique experience.

The walk from the parking lot is a beautiful 1.2 mile walk. Make sure to take your swimsuits or just experience it by removing your shoes – either way, it is a must do area!

My little ones said it was one of their favorite things we did while in YNP.

Grand Tetons

Lastly, if you are in the planning phase of your Yellowstone trip – the most important piece of advice I have for you is this:

DO NOT SKIP THE TETONS!

This area is indescribable! There is so much to do in the Teton area as well, but the views are out of this world.

You can take in the beautiful mountain views just by driving by (not even having to enter the National Park).

Pictures do not do it justice – basically, just make sure it is on your list to drive through!

For more tips and resources check out my article “5 Mistakes People Make When They Visit Yellowstone”

Have a fantastic trip and please comment below your favorite hidden gem of 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.