If all you have is a day at Yellowstone, consider taking a guided tour: You will be able to spend your time seeing the sights instead of dodging traffic and wildlife.
Day By Day
Though you could drive through the park in one day, that's about all you'd be doing—driving. We recommend three days, more if you plan to see other attractions in northwest Wyoming such as Grand Teton National Park, or visit any of the gateway communities and their attractions. This itinerary assumes you are visiting in warm weather, when all roads in the parks are open. Be sure to make reservations well in advance—hotels and campgrounds are full to capacity during the high season. Also be sure to check in advance for road closures and delays due to construction and weather (yes, it can snow in Yellowstone in the summer).
Day 1—Enter the park through the West Entrance, turn left at Madison Junction and head to Norris. Stop for a stroll along the boardwalk that winds through the geyser basin. Visit the Museum of the Park Ranger and learn about the history of the National Park Service and Yellowstone's rangers. Continue north to Mammoth Hot Springs, where the Albright Visitor Center provides a broad overview of the park and its history. A walkway around the hot-springs area provides an up-close look at the travertine terraces. Overnight in the Mammoth area.
Day 2—Head east on the Grand Loop road to Tower Fall, where a short hike takes you to the base of this dramatic waterfall. Continue south on the loop road to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, stopping to hike in the canyon or to take a horseback ride. When ready, continue south to Yellowstone Lake and overnight there.
Day 3—Spend some time in the Yellowstone Lake area before continuing south and then west to Old Faithful. See Old Faithful erupt and spend some time touring the Upper and Lower Geyser basins. Try to include an off-the-road hike to see less-visited trails. If you want a quieter overnight experience, return to the lake area or stay in Grant Village.
Day 4—Depart the area by road or air.
