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Old Faithful
Get there about 30 minutes before an eruption. You can catch the little geysers like Castle Geyser while you wait. It's a nice way to avoid the crowd right when Old Faithful blows!
Explore the trails around the geyser afterward. The boardwalks can get crowded, but walking a little further takes you to hidden gems and fewer people!
Yellowstone National Park
Don't forget your layers! The weather changes quickly. I was freezing one minute and sweating the next. A good jacket helped me enjoy more without feeling miserable.
Buy your entrance pass online ahead of time. It saved me a lot of time at the gates, and I felt good knowing I wasn't fumbling for cash or cards.
Yellowstone Caldera
Save money by buying an annual park pass if you plan to visit other national parks. I ended up paying more for a single entry when I could have saved!
Bring snacks and drinks. I thought I'd find a lot of food options, but some stops are quite limited. A stocked cooler saved my day.
If you're driving through the park, I suggest downloading the park map before you go. Cell service is spotty, and trust me, getting lost wastes time you could be exploring.
Upper Geyser Basin
Pack snacks and water because the lodge food options can be overpriced and crowded during peak hours. I wish I had brought my own picnic.
Don’t miss the timed eruptions like Old Faithful! Use the park's app to check eruption predictions for the best experience.
I suggest hitting the shorter walks first, then tackling the longer trails later. This way, you'll have energy for the stunning views without burning out early.
Lower Falls
If you plan to take photos, come prepared for the spray from the falls. I wish I had a waterproof case for my phone to capture the magic without the worry!
My advice is to bring a refillable water bottle and some snacks. You'll save money and have more energy to enjoy those beautiful views after the hike!
I recommend hitting the trails early, around 7 AM, to soak in the peace and quiet before the crowds arrive. Trust me, it's worth it to see the falls with less noise.
Thumb Geyser
Check the geyser's eruption schedule on the National Park Service website before you go. It saves you time waiting around, and you’re more likely to catch it in action!
Upper Falls
Norris Geyser Basin
Black Sand Basin
I suggest bringing a reusable water bottle. The prices at the visitor center can be super high, and you'll want to stay hydrated while walking around. Plus, the scenery is beautiful, so you'll want to spend as much time outside as possible