A waterfall in the middle of a canyon surrounded by trees.

Your Ultimate Weekend Itinerary for Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park stands at the top of many adventure seekers’ lists—and for good reason. With its otherworldly geysers, expansive valleys, and world-class wildlife viewing, it offers a deep breath of wilderness that feels refreshingly untouched.



If you're short on time but eager to explore this natural wonder, a weekend trip can still pack in plenty of sights and unforgettable moments. Here's how to make the most of a Friday-to-Sunday getaway.

A bison is grazing near a river with mountains in the background

Friday Evening: Settle In and Get Ready

Kick things off by arriving at the park's doorstep in the late afternoon or early evening. West Yellowstone and Gardiner are two gateway towns that offer convenient access to park entrances. After checking into your accommodations, enjoy dinner at a local spot—maybe a bison burger or trout caught fresh from a nearby river.


Before calling it a night, swing by a visitor center to pick up maps, check wildlife reports, and ask the rangers about road conditions or geyser prediction times. With so much to see and a big day ahead, an early bedtime will serve you well.

Saturday: Steam, Stone, and Wildlife

6:00 AM – Wildlife in Lamar Valley

Set the alarm early and head straight for Lamar Valley, often called the best place in Yellowstone to view wildlife. Morning is prime time to spot bison herds, elk grazing in the open fields, and, with some luck, a pack of wolves moving across the hillside. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope and take your time—this is a quiet moment worth savoring.


9:00 AM – Canyon Views and Waterfalls

From Lamar Valley, make your way toward the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Stop at Artist Point for panoramic views of the Lower Falls, a thunderous 308-foot drop framed by golden rock walls. For a closer look, venture down the Uncle Tom’s Trail—a steep but short descent that rewards with a striking view of the waterfall's base.


12:00 PM – Midday Break at Canyon Village

Refuel with lunch at Canyon Village, where you’ll find options for a quick bite and a rest stop. Browse the visitor education center to learn more about the geology that shapes the park.


1:30 PM – Norris Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring

The afternoon is perfect for exploring Yellowstone’s geothermal heart. Start with Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most changeable area in the park. The walk through bubbling vents and steaming fumaroles is like stepping onto another planet.

Continue south to Midway Geyser Basin, home to the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring. Its kaleidoscope of colors is best appreciated from the overlook trail, a short hike that provides an elevated view of the entire thermal pool.


5:00 PM – Old Faithful and Geyser Country

Cap off the day with Yellowstone’s most iconic landmark—Old Faithful. Time it right, and you’ll catch one of its towering eruptions, which shoot boiling water up to 180 feet in the air every 60 to 90 minutes. Stick around to explore the Upper Geyser Basin, home to a dense concentration of active geysers, boiling pools, and scenic boardwalk trails.


7:00 PM – Dinner and Rest

Enjoy dinner at the historic Old Faithful Inn or return to your lodging for a well-deserved rest. Either way, your mind will be buzzing with the sights of the day.


A large colorful pool of water is surrounded by trees and mountains.

Sunday: Hot Springs and High Country Lakes

7:30 AM – Sunrise at Yellowstone Lake

Start your final day with a visit to Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Walk along the shoreline, listen to the calls of osprey overhead, and breathe in the cool morning air as sunlight dances across the water.



9:30 AM – Mammoth Hot Springs

From the lake, begin your northward drive to Mammoth Hot Springs. This area offers a completely different take on geothermal activity, with layered limestone terraces formed by hot spring runoff. The contrast between the mineral-rich formations and the surrounding evergreen hills makes for some striking photo ops.


Don’t miss the Albright Visitor Center, housed in a historic stone building, where you can learn about the park’s early history and ongoing conservation efforts.


12:00 PM – A Leisurely Lunch and Goodbye to Yellowstone

Pause for lunch in Mammoth or find a scenic picnic area to enjoy a packed meal before leaving the park. As you drive north, take a final look back—you’ll be leaving with memories that stretch far beyond the weekend.

Stay Nearby at Sheep Creek Ranch in Cameron, Montana

Looking for a peaceful place to unwind after a packed itinerary? Sheep Creek Ranch in Cameron, Montana, offers a relaxing retreat just a short drive from the park’s west entrance. Set against the wide-open beauty of Montana’s landscape, it's the perfect home base for travelers who value comfort, quiet, and a true Western setting.


After a full day of exploring geysers, canyons, and wildlife, there’s nothing better than kicking back in a place that lets the landscape speak for itself. Plan your stay at Sheep Creek Ranch and start your Yellowstone adventure today.