Yellowstone National Park Trip Planner | The Ultimate Guide

Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Then, this Ultimate Yellowstone Trip Planning Guide is for you!
I’m talking you through everything you need to know to plan an amazing trip to Yellowstone National Park including the best way to get to Yellowstone, where to stay when you visit, the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park, and more!
Yellowstone National Park is very large and complex, so if you’re overwhelmed planning your trip, head to dirtinmyshoes.com for a Yellowstone Itinerary: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellows...
My Yellowstone Itinerary gives you an hour-by-hour guide that will help you navigate through Yellowstone National Park. You’ll also receive lodging suggestions, adjustments, and itinerary updates based on the current conditions in the park.
1:24 Yellowstone at a glance
5:05 How to get to Yellowstone - best airports
7:57 How to get to Yellowstone - best roads
10:30 Best time to visit Yellowstone
14:31 What to expect in Yellowstone
16:54 How many days to spend in Yellowstone
18:27 Where to stay when visiting Yellowstone
24:27 Best things to do in Yellowstone
32:31 A typical day in Yellowstone
38:09 Wildlife in Yellowstone
Get your fully planned, hour-by-hour trip itinerary here: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellows...
My goal is to make national park trip planning easy!
⭐️ Yellowstone Ultimate Trip Planning Guide: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellows...
⭐️ Yellowstone Can’t-Miss List: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/12-thin...
⭐️ Yellowstone National Park Itinerary: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellows...
⭐️ Bear Safety 101 - What To Do If You See a Bear: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/bear-sa...
⭐️ Bear Safety 101 - Preventing an Encounter: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/bear-sa...
Connect with Ash at Dirt In My Shoes
KZbin: @DirtInMyShoes
Podcast: anchor.fm/exploringthenationa...
Website: www.dirtinmyshoes.com
Instagram: / dirtinmyshoes
Facebook: / dirtinmyshoes
#dirtinmyshoes #nationalpark

[@furnitureworldpetal1436]

Thank you Ash! Your videos are super informative, fun & downright awesome! My wife and I are taking a road trip pulling an R-Pod camper from our home in Mississippi to West Yellowstone the week following Memorial Day. We're stopping for a couple days in The Black Hills region on the way, and are looking forward to that as well! We're hoping that we picked a good time of year to visit... we can't wait!! So glad we found your channel, thanks again!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're going to love it! Safe travels!

[@mariabush-zf9jn]

Currently making itinerary to visit Yellowstone and your blog helps a lot!!!! Thank you so much.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're welcome!

[@MrFuzzypixel]

Lots of great information, one thing to add to beat west entrance traffic and enhance trip go in early to West entrance. Lines start around 9:00 am or so.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes, that's true!

[@davem1564]

I am so glad to see your video on Yellowstone and looking forward to coming out next month. Your video provides the most accurate details what to expect. Thank you Ash.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Happy to help!

[@davewilliams9294]

Thank you. Going to Yellowstone in September

[@sherrihill2470]

great video! Thanks so much for helping us plan our trip!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's my pleasure!

[@lesliemae2486]

Great video and tons of information. Thank you!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're welcome!

[@larrydraper4451]

Great video with good advice. I've been there several times and will be there twice this year. One of my favorite things to do is lunch picnics around the park. There are picnic areas located all around. I like to pull into a pull out in Lamar or Hayden valley and watch for wildlife as I fix my lunch. Last time I spotted a lone wolf while doing this in Hayden. YNP is such a wonderful place to visit and relax. Now I always do 2 weeks in Yellowstone each trip. Keep up the videos, you do a great explanation.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Nice! Seeing wolves in Yellowstone is the best!

[@willienillie6337]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Of course!

[@Sn-tk8rq]

Excellent concise information! Thank you!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thanks for watching!

[@metarus208]

awesome ... thanks

[@Alohachett]

Thanks. Appreciate your videos. Planning on a trip in September for a 10 day trip.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

My favorite time to be there :) Have fun!

[@mariaarce9827]

Im so happy I found your channel, we are going in June, first time. Thank you for all the information 🤗

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Have a fantastic time!

[@bradykice8759]

Thank you so much for posting this video my woman and I are planning a trip to the Yellowstone in September for a good solid week in the park. And I'm definitely going to use this video to plan it out.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Have fun!

[@sarahgraziano1559]

You are adorably sweet and easy to follow. This trip is an overwhelming feat for me from the east coast and I feel much more hopeful and excited now. Well done with this video and thank you!!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you! I'm so happy to help, and I hope you have an amazing trip!

[@TraumaQueen939]

I’m glad I’m not alone feeling overwhelmed trying to plan a trip from the east coast too! It’s been exhausting 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@TraumaQueen939 reach out on dirtinmyshoes.com if you have any questions!

[@connorhudak290]

Hey thank you so much for making this it was helpful I am looking at going maybe next year in July

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll love it!

[@lindaotico7568]

we’re planning to visit yellowstone this summer! your video is beyond amazing, so glad we found your video while getting some ideas and guides since thia is our very first time there. thanks so much❤️

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@myfeliscatus]

Well done.

[@premadevarajan4101]

Thank you for a wonderful, very informative video. You are so thorough about that the various aspects of the park. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sewgreenshamrock]

This video was super helpful! Thank you

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're so welcome!

[@KaylaSellSC]

This is so very helpful!!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you!

[@siroverlord44]

Great video! Best wishes from Switzerland (3 times at Yellowstone)

[@robhamilton8993]

Your videos are terrific. We are traveling to Yellowstone this summer again for 3 days, last time was 2014. We are staying 3 days upper loop between north & northeast entrances. Then staying 2 days in Grand Tetons. On last trip we spent 3 days in Cody & loved it. Stayed at Robin’s Nest B&B with terrific hosts. The. Went into Yellowstone on a Xanterra tour for a week. They were great. Spent 2 more days on our own.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Very cool! Glad you get to go back!

[@zelligraf]

Thank you, we are returning to Yellowstone National Park for 4 weeks at the end of May, visited for 2 weeks in 2013, then 3 weeks in spring 2017 and now for 4 weeks 😍😍

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Have fun!

[@mikefarrell5996]

Excellent video and presentation. Thank you. So helpful. Can't wait to see advice on camping. We will be approaching from Custer State Park area and after Yellowstone on to Grand Teton. Will definitely explore your services.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

That's one of my favorite road trips! Enjoy!

[@AlexPerez-jb4nw]

Thanks fort he info, I'm going after May 20th

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Have fun!

[@karolinajanuszczyk4333]

great video!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thanks!

[@koloasurf2012]

Thank you so much for such an informative details. A bunch of us from our photography club will be there this winter. I do want to go to it this summer but may wait til the fall. Thanks Again

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Winter is amazing too! Enjoy!

[@LamLe-gp9lr]

Excellent info. I was there in mid-September of 2012 for 4 nights (spread out between cabins) and it was not crowded because kids return to school during that time. I flew into Denver, CO, and visited many other places before arriving in Yellowstone (Denver->Rocky Mt->Aspen->Arches National Park ->Antelope Island ->Grand Teton -> Yellowstone-> Denver). The scenery for the whole road trip was so beautiful. I have been to 13 most popular national parks and Yellowstone is the one that I really want to go back to. Yellowstone has just about everything including geysers, wildlife, mountains, lakes, Grand Canyon, rivers, and more.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yellowstone really does have it all! Such an amazing park!

[@amyboone8551]

Best video I have watched so far. I wish I watched this two days ago as I would have saved myself a lot of time.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you!

[@qsy171]

such a gem host!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thanks!

[@JingsWorld]

Lots of info…I subscribed.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thanks!

[@cpadurar]

Great material, thank you. Do you know how crowded is in mid September? We plan to be there for the first time around that time.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's definitely less busy than the summer, but you'll still hit crowds, especially if the weather is still nice!

[@VinodParyani]

Ash! Your video is amazing and informative. It shows the amount of efforts you have carefully taken to inform your viewers so beautifully well. I am visiting with my family on 4th May. We will fly to Bozeman and start from there. I know that early May is very dicey, but we have only that window to tour. Can you pls advise which guided tour company to take for one day or two day's tour. Do you think Grand Prismatic spring will be accessible that early May?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you! I don't have any tour recommendations....that's why I provide itineraries for people because I don't think a tour is necessary :) You can see what to expect in May here: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/best-time-to-visit-yellowstone-national-park/

[@modestyvows2391]

I love you ❤

[@user-uk7dv2hh5r]

Hi Ash! Great video & information!!! We plan to go to YNP & Grand Teton from mid-October for 2 weeks. We are thinking of allocating 7 days to YNP & 5 days to GT. We have reservations to stay at the Canyon Lodge & Mammoth Hot Springs in the park couple nights each, and also West Yellowstone as well. We haven't booked any lodging for GT yet. What would you recommend seeing & doing early on vs later, in case areas in the park begin to close??? Thank you Ash!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I would get to Grand Teton as early on during your trip as you can. You'll find a full post about the Best Time to Visit both of those parks on dirtinmyshoes.com

[@mohammedanwarullah1550]

Your videos are very informative and helpful for trip advice. Because the Park is so big, do you have any tour companies that you recommend so we can see the best places in the park?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

My national park itineraries on Dirt In My Shoes are self-guided tours through the park. I don't think you need a tour company, which is why I offer those itineraries.

[@wingorb]

Thanks so much for this great overview! Exactly what I was looking for to help plan our trip. We're planning to catch both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Do you have any similar overviews for Grand Teton? Or know someone who does? Thanks so much and will be checking out your website.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes! You can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXzCmpmrmKuIgs0

[@PilotPatriot]

What are your thoughts about the airport in Cody? Id like to also see a museum on Cody, but dont want to be too far from the good parts of Yellewstone

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You can fly into Cody, but I wouldn't stay there for exploring Yellowstone. If you want to spend some time in Cody, plan a night or two in addition to your time in Yellowstone!

[@kitzy521]

Your videos are great! I was trying to put together an 8 night trip Yellowstone and Tetons for the last week of June 2024. Would it be a big deal to push the trip a week sooner if I had to? I’m concerned about weather and things being fully open. I’d rather plan it for another year if it means being able to take full advantage of the parks.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Things in both parks are typically fully open in mid-June. But you will still encounter lots of snow in the backcountry of Grand Teton until well into July. If you're sticking to the main smaller trails, you'll be fine in June though!

[@ericlastname736]

hey ash... love your videos/info. headed to yellowstone in sept.. staying at old faithful inn. how long do you think it will take to get from the inn to avalanche peak? i just did angels landing in zion a few weeks ago , and im hooked

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Nice! I would plan on around 2 hours to get from Old Faithful to the Avalanche Peak Trailhead.

[@bryanross5419]

Great videos. We are planning on taking our travel trailer trailer to Yellowstone in 2024. Which video has the details about camping in Yellowstone ?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

That one is being released on Monday night!

[@bryanross5419]

@@DirtInMyShoes Looking forward to watching it!

[@bonniefinley3875]

Ash, your videos continue to be fabulous! I’m going to purchase your itinerary for a 2024 trip to Yellowstone, and was wondering…..if I buy now (I like to plan in advance), can I get updates to the itinerary as the trip gets closer (without added or with minimal cost)? Because the park service is constantly changing its rules and restrictions, I’m imagining that your itineraries are constantly evolving. And apologies if this question is already answered on your website! Thanks so much for all this great information!!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Hey Bonnie! It doesn't matter when you buy it. I keep things updated in real-time so you will still have the most up-to-date info when you go!

[@debbieabbott8617]

Love your videos! How do I get a copy of your itinerary for Yellowstone. We will be spending 5 nights in the town of West Yellowstone. 4 full days in the park. Thanks! Nevermind...i found it on your website. Just realized you have a website!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I'm so excited for you! Enjoy Yellowstone!

[@MaryLou-jv2zp]

Where did you take first two pictures in this video?

[@ritumalik1]

Thanks for wonderful description . how can we combine Yellowstone with Zion national park

[@DirtInMyShoes]

If you have enough time, sometimes people fly into Salt Lake City and then drive to each park separately. Yellowstone and Zion aren't very close to each other though, so you'll want to have a fair amount of time and be ok with the extra driving.

[@philadams4321]

A) super informative video, thank you B) you are gorgeous

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you!

[@jimstu5789]

Hey, good video and informative. My question is do you know of any local guides that help plan the itinerary. We are taking my daughter on her senior trip with friends and would like to se the best areas in 7 or 8 day trip? Any local contacts would be great. Thanks in advance

[@DirtInMyShoes]

My itineraries at dirtinmyshoes.com are designed to replace the need for an expensive guide -- they walk you through everything with an hour-by-hour schedule and driving directions. Because of that, I don't have any recommendations for guided tours. I hope you have an amazing time in Yellowstone!

[@user-zh8zq3fs5f]

Planner trip Summer 2024… looking to book separate lodges for the different loops. Any suggestions on how many days to spend in each loop.. first timer with an 8yr old.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

The Yellowstone Itinerary at dirtinmyshoes.com will cover the timing/lodging!

[@kanchanshukla1501]

Thanks Ash- So do we cover whole park walking or can take cars everywhere ?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll need a car!

[@partymaster5]

How is kayaking or boat renting on the lake or river there. Should I rent or if I can bring my own my own canoes on a trailer, do that. Also are there any great restaurants around there in the near by cities?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

The water is cold, but it is possible :) You'll find great food options in any of the nearby towns -- the first outside of the park is much better than the food in the park, IMO.

[@eloisaalvarez3414]

Hi thank you for all the information ,,this summer we will go there ,, can you please tell me where is a good place to stay are arriving in Jackson hole But l see it is a little bit expensive can you tell me if there’s is another place that is better to make a reservation for a hotel

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll find a full article about where to stay at dirtinmyshoes.com

[@dianabalto]

What about driving a motor home to campgrounds, what do you recommend ?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll want to watch my Camping in Yellowstone video for the info you need about that!

[@motodad1753]

My family and I are planning a road trip to Yellowstone the first week of August. Doesn’t sound bad until I inform all of you we live in Florida near Daytona Beach 😂. It’ll be a memorable trip that’s for sure 😅 Any tips? Where would be a good place to stay? Any good cabins?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll find a ton of trip planning help over at dirtinmyshoes.com. Enjoy Yellowstone!

[@cruisepaige]

I hope you booked early. Just drove all the way from Ft Myers to Quebec, then over through Michigan and today is my first day in Yellowstone.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@cruisepaige Have fun!

[@motodad1753]

@@cruisepaige yeah we secured a cabin in West Yellowstone earlier last month. Hope you have a fun and safe trip.

[@carlahill9607]

Any tips or tours for women traveling solo? Will fly in and rent a car. And best shoulder season?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I don't typically travel solo, but there are many other ladies who do that would probably be more helpful for you!

[@cynthiaspear-duncan7661]

We are planning to visit for the first time in 2025. We are coming from Southern Indiana. We have a pop up, but no generator for ac. my husband has never been up in this area. Our thoughts are to come from the East to see Mt Rushmore, come in through Cody and then....coming over to West Yellowstone and either camping in the park(no generator for ac) or outside in West Yellowstone area. Or...if in the park, Madison area. We are not opposed to moving to a different camp in the trip. Is this a good plan?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's a good plan :) If you want hookups in the park, Fishing Bridge has them.

[@bryantkelly5565]

I am in a wheelchair. 60 years old and would like to see Yellowstone. Are there accommodations? And what would you recommend for a person to do in a wheelchair? I would like to drive up in the mountains and touch the snow at high altitude. I would love to see the waterfalls. I will stay 4 nights according to your recommendation on your KZbin thank you for that. It sounds like I can stay in my Van and look at the wildlife. Being in a wheelchair sounds like the best time to come would be. In August, the middle To avoid the crowd?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll find a ton of info on accessibility and mobility here: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/wheelchairmobility.htm

[@SandraRodriguez-ry7ig]

someone can tell their exprience if you travel from florida in your RV

[@IndianBeauty02]

Being a Solo traveler from Miami I don't want to get lost on one of the hikes

[@DirtInMyShoes]

If you stick to the main trails and take a map, you should be ok. There are enough people around to help you out if you stick to the main areas :)

[@IndianBeauty02]

@@DirtInMyShoes thank u

[@jills2700]

If we go first week of October will we get to see most things or will roads be closed?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

They try to keep the roads open, but snow storms can definitely blow through that time of year and create temporary closures. You'll want to check out the post I have about the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone on dirtinmyshoes.com. I break it down by what to expect each month!

[@user-vl9sf6kb3k]

I do not have time to travel the entire beartooth drive, is it scenic from Tower Junction to Gardiner?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's beautiful but definitely doesn't have as much of a wow-factor as the actual Beartooth Highway.

[@user-vl9sf6kb3k]

thank you for your response and keep the videos coming!@@DirtInMyShoes

[@user-rz2hb2qm3r]

My husband and I are senior citizens we are 62 years old driving our RV from Arizona to stay at fishing bridge RV park in our class A RV will not have a car are you available to hire for a private tour?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I don't offer private tours, but thank you for asking!

[@planiversityllc6379]

Great information, and you're right, everyone wants to visit the park. Good in-depth tips. If you enjoy this kind of thing, would you be interested to review our travel planning software? It's good content for you, I'd be happy to cross-promote, and if it's even something that might interest you, we do have an affiliate program with top commission rates. But honestly, I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on the software. Please let me know if interested. Safe travels!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You can find more info about working with me here: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/work-with-dirt-in-my-shoes/

[@ToddM452]

Last week in May ok?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes!

[@cierakitty]

If you know where to go...when to go...what to do once you are there...have a plan...you will be fine. Rules are for a reason...common sense for most people...but you will still get to see some stupid people there as well. (walking out by geysers on thin crust...and those that really want that close up selfie with a bull bison, bear, or buck elk). I have been going for many, many years, and I often just fly to Bozeman, Mont. get my rental car and drive to Gardnier...and it's a nice scenic drive as well. Jackson Hole is for the elite...so if you are just a tourist...might want to just drive on through. Flights in cost more...so does a rental car...because they do not carry... shall we say economy cars. Staying in Jackson Hole is $$$$$$ WAIT...the drive from Cody to Yellowstone is really a good one....with the tunnels, rock formations, following the river etc. I hit Yellowstone late August...why ? Not so many rowdy kids and goofy tourists.

[@kparker1615]

your video says itineraries are free you should update this to say that you are now charging $50 for them...

[@DirtInMyShoes]

My itineraries have never been free, so that must be a misunderstanding. But I have a ton of free resources on dirtinmyshoes.com if you don't want to pay for an itinerary!

[@MaryLou-jv2zp]

Why the guided hikes are so expensive? like 185$ per person for 7 miles hike. I know they provide lunch, but it is probably a sandwitch and chips like 10-20$.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Some people feel more comfortable being with a group/leader who has more experience. I don't pay for those myself, but it's a good way to get on the trail if you don't have the experience to do it yourself!

[@MaryLou-jv2zp]

@@DirtInMyShoes I understand the reason of taking guided hike, but why would it cost so much.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@MaryLou-jv2zp I'm not sure....that why I offer self-guided tours on my site that are much cheaper :)

[@MaryLou-jv2zp]

@@DirtInMyShoes Do you happen to know. why there are only few particular hikes like Lamar River (Valley) and around Canyon are guided. Are this trails are more popular. Why only these hikes are choosen by park to be guided.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@MaryLou-jv2zp these hikes aren't chosen by the park, they are chosen by the guiding companies. You'd have to ask them!

[@patriceharper8597]

help me plan please!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll find a fully planned out itinerary here: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yellowstone-itinerary

[@patriceharper8597]

@@DirtInMyShoes If I'm going in July 2023 (I know bad time but it's when I'm off). Coming from Louisiana, and what to visit Grand Teton's first. How long should I plan to stay there and how long should I plan to stay in or around Yellowstone? Should I get several reservations in different areas of Yellowstone and move everyday day or two?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@patriceharper8597 you'll find answers to all of those questions at dirtinmyshoes.com!