Weekend Road Trip Inspiration: Yellowstone National Park

If you have a weekend free this summer, plan a driving tour of Yellowstone National Park! 

Yellowstone National Park Driving Tours

Do you have an upcoming trip planned to the Wyoming/Utah area? If so, you should plan a few days to see Yellowstone National Park. 

Just a quick look at the Yellowstone National Park stats, and you’ll see why this needs to be on your list: 

• This was the world’s first National Park ever
• It has 2,219,789 acres (Larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined)
• Geology – The park is home to one of the world’s largest calderas with over 10,000 thermal features and more than 300 geysers
• It has one of the world’s largest petrified forests
• It has over 290 waterfalls with the 308′ Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River as it’s showpiece
• It is packed with wildlife – just check out what it has:
  • 7 species of ungulates (bison, moose, elk, pronghorn)
  • 2 species of bear
  • 67 other mammals
  • 322 species of birds
  • 16 species of fish
  • The gray wolf

What To See & Do In Yellowstone National Park

I visited Yellowstone National park with my grandfather when I was a kid. I have so many amazing memories I will cherish forever. If you want a comprehensive guide to driving and experiencing the park in 3-5 days, check out the Alamo Scenic Routes driving guide. I will share a few of my own tips, but their guide gives you even more ideas that will be super helpful on your trip! 

1. See the wildlife, but be respectful 
2. Hike to see waterfalls
3. Camp under the stars
4. Watch Old Faithful

Where To Stay & Eat In Yellowstone National Park 

The Alamo Scenic Routes driving guide has very helpful tips about where to sleep and eat when you are visiting the park. I definitely suggest you at least try camping one night – and this is coming from someone that hates camping! I wrote a post with camping tips if you need them. 

I love picnicking outside with my family, so try to pack your car with your favorite foods and find one of the many picnic tables outside. But if that isn’t your favorite, there are a bunch of restaurants including The Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room and the Canyon Lodge Eatery. 

My Favorite Memories of Yellowstone 

My visit to Yellowstone National Park when I was in middle school stuck with me forever, because it was so stunning. I found a few of my old pictures from my trip back in 1997 and am happy to share them with you. 

Old Faithful

I remember standing, breathless, watching the geyser shoot into the sky. It’s a natural phenomenon that showed off the earth’s power. I never had an interest in science, but watching Old Faithful made me ask questions and actually want to learn about why it works. 

The Hot Springs

I remember how impressive the hot springs were. The almost blinding white and blue colors against the green hills. And you could smell the sulfur (not a pleasant smell, but very memorable). 

I also remember that we drove through less than a year after a huge wildfire had ripped through the park. It was pretty sad to see all the charred trunks of what used to be forest. 

I want so badly to take my family there someday. This park has everything in one place – animals, waterfalls, geysers, mountains, forests. 

Have More Time? More Western National Parks

If you have more than just a weekend for a summer vacation, Alamo Scene Routes has a guide to more western national parks. Visiting national parks will give you and your family memories you can talk about for the rest of your lives. Truly unplug in nature and make the planning easier with their guide. 

I am already planning on a western USA vacation someday. Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and more – I can’t wait to experience them all with my family.