Yellowstone National Park: 

EPIC DAYS START RIGHT HERE IN BIG SKY

Just 50 scenic minutes from the West Entrance, Big Sky is your perfect basecamp for a day or two in Yellowstone. Whether you’re checking off the iconic sights or chasing your own sense of wonder, we’ve mapped out two flexible itineraries to help you make the most of it.

Day Trip Itinerary: Yellowstone Lower Loop 

Only got a day? No problem. This Lower Loop itinerary hits the essentials—geyser basins, waterfalls, and a few wide-eyed moments you’ll carry home. 

Start your day early, aim for 7 am to avoid crowds. Before hitting the road, grab a quick breakfast in Big Sky (the Hungry Moose has a great selection plus coffee). Head south on Highway 191 along the Gallatin River. The drive alone is worth it. Once you hit the West Entrance, grab a 7-day park pass for $35 and roll in. 

Start with Firehole Canyon Drive and the Geyser Basins. The Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser are must-sees, showcasing colorful microbial mats that create a landscape like no other.

Make your way to Old Faithful for the main event. Eruptions happen every 60 minutes +/- 10 mins. Check eruption times on the app before you enter the park to time your morning just right. Grab lunch at the Old Faithful Lodge or bring your own picnic and stop along Yellowstone Lake for that classic roadside-cooler energy. 

Drive towards the West Thumb Geyser basin for bubbling pools with a lakeside backdrop. The smell might not invite you to linger, but the bubbling mud pots are a must-see among Yellowstone’s thermal wonders. Next stop: the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Upper Falls or Lower Falls—whichever you choose to explore, awe is guaranteed.

On your way out, swing through West Yellowstone to stretch your legs and grab an ice cream cone from the Yellowstone Candy Company.

Wrap up your day of adventure with a laid-back dinner (and a full belly) at The Corral or The Riverhouse BBQ, local go-tos that always hit the spot after a day out in the wild. 

Day 2 – Wildlife and Terraces 

Today, you'll explore Yellowstone further, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. This is a longer day, but it's worth it. 
 
Wake up early and point your wheels straight toward Hayden, the Lamar Valley via Dunraven Pass. This is where you’ll see bison, elk, and (if you’re lucky) wolves or bears, especially at sunrise. Head to Cooke City for a late breakfast and a stroll through this charming mountain town, famously known as the end of the road in winter. When the Beartooth Pass closes for the season, Cooke City becomes an isolated little village, cut off from the outside world for up to eight months each year.  

Next stop is Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can walk along boardwalks above steaming hydrothermal features. Make the scenic drive around the colorful travertine terraces and eat a picnic lunch alongside the Obsidian Cliff.  Afterwards, make one final stop at Norris Geyser Basin, one of the hottest and most acidic hydrothermal areas in the Park before heading back to Big Sky. 

Tips for Your Yellowstone Adventure 

 
-Buy your park pass ahead of time. Save time at the gate by purchasing online before you go. 
 
-Download before you disconnect. Cell service is spotty at best once you’re inside the park. Grab the Yellowstone NPS app for maps, geyser eruption times, and up-to-date alerts. 

-Pack for all four seasons. Weather can swing fast here, bring layers, rain gear, and sunscreen, no matter what the forecast says. Mornings start cold and can heat up to the 80s by lunch. 

-Fuel up (and snack up) in Big Sky. Gas and food stops are limited inside the park and can often be crowded with long waits. Come prepared. 

-Hydrate, always. Bring plenty of water for the day; you’ll need more than you think. 

-Give wildlife space. Pull over safely, stay in your vehicle, and never try to get closer for a better photo. 
 
-Stay on trails and boardwalks. Thermal features may look cool, but they’re extremely dangerous and fragile. 
 
-Leave no trace. Pack it in, pack it out. Let’s keep Yellowstone wild for everyone. 

-Start smart, stay safe, and let Big Sky be your home base for the trip of a lifetime.  Explore our Yellowstone page for more information.