A One Day Itinerary for Yellowstone National Park

A visit to Yellowstone National Park is not meant to be rushed. At 3,468.4 square miles filled with towering waterfalls, colorful hot springs, stunning mountain ranges, and free-roaming wildlife, this is the kind of place where taking your time is rewarded. In a perfect world, you’d have all the time you’d like to hike, stroll, and survey your way through Yellowstone, but sometimes, life is busy, and vacations are jam-packed. If you’ve only made time for one day of exploration in the world’s first national park as part of your Cody Yellowstone vacation, that’s okay! In fact, you’re about to embark on a unique and thrilling adventure. We have the perfect itinerary for you, an opportunity to experience the best of Yellowstone in just one day. Gear up for an exciting day full of sightseeing — here’s the best way to do Yellowstone in one day. 

Hit the (Beartooth) Highway 

Before we get started, remember: this is a full day, so it’s best to get an early start to take everything in. We recommend getting on the road at 6:30 a.m. (or even earlier!) to make the most of your time.

The beauty of making your way to Yellowstone from Cody is that the journey is just as spectacular as the destination, especially if you enter through the Northeast Gate after a drive along the Chief Joseph and Beartooth Highways. Each of these highways is part of some of our favorite Cody Yellowstone Scenic Byways, and it’s easy to see why. The views from Chief Joseph and the Beartooth are some of the most spectacular you’ll see all day. And if you time it right, you just might be in for some spectacular sunrises! You’ll start on Chief Joseph, which winds its way up into the mountains before revealing some stunning look-offs. At the end of this road, you’ll arrive at the Beartooth Highway, where you’re in for some fantastic views of Beartooth Mountain and Pilot Peak. Follow this route all the way through to Cooke City, Montana, and before you know it, you’ll see the iconic Yellowstone sign before heading in through the North East Gate. 

Pro Tip: Before you hit the road, download the TravelStoreys app and load up the Chief Joseph self-guided tour. It’s full of informative details that help uncover the fascinating history of this route and the man it’s named after.  

See Wildlife in the Lamar Valley 

Your first stop in Yellowstone National Park is the Lamar Valley, affectionately known as the American Serengeti. This unique nickname is a testament to the abundance of wildlife that call the valley home. This is a prime destination for wildlife watchers, and while it helps to have a sharp eye, there’s a good chance you won’t have to look very hard. Here, you’ll find bears, pronghorns, eagles, and bison roaming the open plains. This is also one of the most consistent environments on Earth in which to view wolves. In fact, Lamar Valley is home to three locations — Soda Butte, Crystal Creek, and Rose Creek — that were sites for the re-introduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park in 1995.

Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

Not far from Lamar Valley, you’ll arrive in a landscape that looks out of this world. And while it may feel like you’re on another planet, rest assured, Mammoth Hot Springs is very real and very much here in Cody Yellowstone! This sprawling complex of terraces was formed over thousands of years as hot water, rich in minerals, seeped to the surface. As the water cooled, it deposited calcium carbonate, creating the distinctive formations we see today. Take some time to walk the boardwalks here and marvel at this ever-evolving landscape. While you’re here, stroll through the Mammoth Historic District, and maybe even stop for lunch at the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room. 

Make Your Way South to the Grand Prismatic Spring

From Mammoth, it’s time for a drive south through the great wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. Along the way, you’ll see rivers and waterfalls, wildlife and wondrous terrain, but those will all be appetizers for one of the genuine main events of Yellowstone — the Grand Prismatic Spring. This colossal hot spring, boasting vibrant rings of deep blue, emerald green, shimmer gold, and fiery orange, is a result of Yellowstone’s unique ecosystem. The spring’s intense heat supports a variety of heat-loving bacteria whose pigments create a stunning spectrum of hues. And while you can walk the boardwalk around Grand Prismatic to get a closer look, we always suggest travelers hike the Fairy Falls Trail to get a bird’s eye view of this breathtaking natural wonder. 

Watch Old Faithful Erupt 

Not far from Grand Prismatic Spring, you’ll have a chance to see another famous attraction of Yellowstone, the Old Faithful geyser. Old Faithful is a Yellowstone icon for a reason. This geyser’s predictable eruptions, shooting towering water columns into the sky, have captivated visitors for generations. The magic behind Old Faithful lies beneath the surface. Deep underground, a complex system of chambers and tubes fills with heated water. As pressure builds, the water eventually erupts, creating the spectacular show we all come to see. It’s a natural phenomenon that never fails to amaze. And while this natural phenomenon is known for its consistency, it’s not perfectly punctual! Old Faithful typically erupts every 90 minutes, but the interval can range from 35 minutes to two hours. Luckily, there’s plenty to do while you wait for Old Faithful to start its show, including exploring the incredible historic Old Faithful Lodge.

Take in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Artist’s Point 

Of all the jaw-dropping sights in Yellowstone National Park, perhaps none is more spectacular than the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This dramatic gorge, carved by the Yellowstone River, is primarily made of volcanic rock, which has been sculpted by the relentless force of the river. The canyon’s vibrant colors, ranging from deep reds to golden yellows, result from mineral deposits and the unique volcanic composition of the area. The best spot to take this all in is Artist Point, where views have inspired creative people for countless years. This is also the best spot to take in the raw power of the Lower Falls, a towering waterfall that plummets over 300 feet into the canyon. Stunning doesn’t do this place justice — you have to see the falls, the canyon, and Artist Point with your own eyes.

Back to Cody After a Day You’ll Remember Forever 

Wow, what a day! Now that you’ve seen some of the best Yellowstone National Park has to offer, it’s time to return to your accommodations in Cody Yellowstone. You have two easy options to head back:

• Make your way North along the Grand Loop Road before returning to the North East Gate and the way you entered Yellowstone earlier in the day. 
• Make your way around Lake Yellowstone to Sylvan Pass and out the East Gate.

And the fun is only beginning once you get back to Cody Yellowstone. With everything from history and shows to outdoor activities, dining, shopping, and more, there’s plenty to see & do after your trip into the world’s first national park. 

Ready to explore Yellowstone (and beyond)? Get started by requesting your free vacation planning guide today. We can’t wait to see you out here in the Wild West!