Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide: 48 Hours and 40+ Stops

Join us as we dive headfirst into the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, uncovering the hidden gems and must-see sights that will leave you breathless. With just 48 hours, we're squeezed in over 40 stops, each one seemingly more beautiful than the last. From the iconic Old Faithful geyser to the mesmerizing Grand Prismatic Spring, prepare to be captivated by the park's majestic landscapes and abundant wildlife. We'll guide you through winding trails, bubbling hot springs, and even share some of our best tips for making the most of your time in the park during a busy summer day. I hope this video inspires you to visit this unforgettable piece or nature as it is something that everyone should see at least one. Let us know what your favorite spots in the park are in the description.
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0:00 Intro
0:43 Roosevelt Arch
1:21 Mammoth Hot Springs Area
4:50 Undine Falls
5:20 Petrified Tree
5:54 Lamar Valley
7:50 Calcite Springs Overlook
8:26 Tower Fall
8:57 Driving Over Dunraven Pass
9:32 Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Area
14:05 Hayden Valley
14:49 Mud Volcano Trail
17:00 Yellowstone Lake
17:27 West Thumb Area
19:19 Old Faithful Inn
21:06 Old Faithful
22:20 Old Faithful Again
22:40 Old Faithful Inn and Breakfast
23:15 Hiking to Old Faithful Observation Area
24:34 Upper Geyser Basin Trail + Riverside and Grand Geyser Eruptions
29:55 Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
32:02 Grand Prismatic Boardwalk Trail
34:49 Fountain Paint Pot Trail
36:03 Gibbon Falls
36:30 Norris Geyser Basin Area & Trails
40:42 Outro
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[@ThroughMyLens]

Visited in August. Also, I noticed that I called the hotel we stayed at Yellowstone Inn a couple times, it was actually called Old Faithful Inn! Here is the video Pops made on his favorite trails in Yellowstone as well - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXyynYSbr8R-iqs

[@mixeddrinks8100]

yep that inn was beautiful, would even go as far as to say, it is perhaps as much of a stop as the old faithful itself. The way it looks both inside and outside is so amazing as a wooden structure. Gives off that Stave Church look too. Though for the price, the rooms wasn't that well equipped imo, our price was roughly 1500 for 2 nights I believe, and it wasn't even a weekend.

[@Sassyxboxgamergirl]

I went there in august missed old faithful go off by a couple minutes went on a walk on a trail stubbed my toe so bad my toe was so bruised but did get to buy a Yellowstone bag from the gift shop

[@brandonlemley269]

Dude, your videos are so"informative"and I hope you eventually cover every area or state in America.We love the all the information you that you present in videos.

[@mixeddrinks8100]

@@Sassyxboxgamergirlbummer, did you see those bear shaped soaps? haha still have one just sitting above the sink as a "decoration"

[@kasienkakaminska6915]

Yellowstone national park mood

[@TheWakatela]

Pops got me choked up how much he loves Mother Nature. Father and son and nature. Awesome guys!

[@ViktorKrum93]

This made me emotional. When I first went in July 2022 I knew I had found my happy place. We loved it so much that we went twice in 2023 and going again in May 2024. Truly spectacular place ❤

[@evanwexler6570]

Your dad getting emotional over Grand Prismatic is exactly how I feel about Yellowstone, too, especially the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. There's nothing quite like seeing our planet in all its glory.

[@popshiking]

I couldn't agree more! Yeah I surprised myself that time.

[@billbeverly2864]

Now that I am retired, I have been spending the past few summers working in Yellowstone. This summer I will be working at the Lake Hotel front desk.

[@rhondaz356]

You two, Josh and Pops, absolutely showcase so beautifully what there is to see. I am convinced I have to go there. This was so amazing, from beginning to end. 🔥👏🏻🎊

[@ThroughMyLens]

So glad you liked it and you should for sure visit!

[@XiongBearTravel]

The landscapes and wildlife of Yellowstone are so diverse 😊

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

I love seeing you do this with your dad! You will treasure these memories seriously forever. Yellowstone is the most incredible place I have ever seen. I cannot wait to go back! Enjoyed this as always :)

[@JP-dz7zu]

Best National Park in the world!

[@ThroughMyLens]

I wouldn't argue with that

[@rodfeher]

Also first

[@roulab8657]

My husband and I have been to Yellowstone three times and now four times through your lens; you are a great videographer and story teller and is a pleasure following you and Pops around. Thanks for posting

[@DyanK614]

What a spectacular place! This video definitely did it justice! Thoroughly enjoyable. Brought back great memories! Excellent vlog!!!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it and that it brought back great memories!

[@hikingmansteve]

Josh and Pops, I've watched all of your videos but I think this is the best one yet and that is saying something with all of the ones you have done before. I really enjoyed this one. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures. SR

[@ThroughMyLens]

Wow, thank you! Very kind of you to say that!

[@LogicWay]

over alaska ?

[@edwardschmidt6083]

My wife and I took our 3 kids to Yellowstone a couple years ago. We saw most of these places in 2 days as well. Remarkably, we never experienced any sort of traffic jams.

[@Completecaninenj]

I’m a Yellowstone geek and I loved your video. My first time in Yellowstone was with my dad 💛 an amazing unexplainable experience

[@rvcruising]

Awesome video. Yellowstone is probably my favorite NP, the sheer variety of its features is amazing. Most national parks protect one feature, but Yellowstone has so many. 😊

[@hedycohen9804]

Thank you for another fabulous video. You did an amazing job showcasing this incredible park. Love your enthusiasm.

[@johng5710]

I'm lucky enough to have visited Yellowstone twice so far, and I will be back there again!

[@May32461]

This is one of the best videos my wife and i have seen! We are planning our trip based on your video.

[@indrashispowali]

I like watching your vlogs... it's always a viewing pleasure

[@cathieperezreyes]

That was fantastic, Josh!!! Thanks for taking us along with you and Pops!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@at695mb]

Been the last 2 years and heading back this year in September. Staying in Gardiner 2 nights, Old Faithful 2 nights and then heading to Jackson 6 nights for GTNP. We can't wait to get back out there.

[@parr1338]

My favorite place in the whole world. You need to go back in the winter -- a whole new adventure Thanks for sharing

[@mikimertz8102]

Thank you for sharing. My husband and I are going in May and we are about your dad's age, so I know we can handle it. Your video was a great sampler platter to help us prepare. I appreciated your honest comments and genuine excitement.

[@skyeshwin]

I took my wife to Yellowstone last June and it was so amazing 👌👌 we stayed at the Roosevelt lodge which was more cozy and ideal for couples 😊

[@bradboustead1682]

Headed to Yellowstone this summer (Mid-July 2024). Have a room booked in that part of the hotel with the bathrooms down the hall. Thanks for the nice video.

[@Nannygoat]

Yellowstone is an amazing place.

[@joanouellette8888]

We are planning our trip in August. We have watched many videos in preparation. This was the best, most informative by far! Thank you.❤

[@cami_ille]

Coming here after seeing Pop's video! Looking forward to this one as well.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@Completecaninenj]

What is pops channel!?

[@cami_ille]

@@ThroughMyLensI'm currently working my way through the video, enjoying it for sure. I only did the lower loop when we did Yellowstone, so it's informative that you're showing areas we missed. :)

[@yarnia2912]

Love this longer video! Can’t wait to visit!

[@keidykim6793]

Thank you so much for the nicest video ever😊😊😊

[@timwolfers7880]

Hike up Bunsen peak has incredible views. Mud thermals often get thick and gooey later in the summer when rain is light and the thermals have less water. The absolute best time to visit is mid September-Cooler temperatures and lighter crowds. Whirlygig geyser is small but memorable. West Yellowstone is a great place to stay while visiting. When my grandmother visited 100+ years ago, visitors walked to the edge of the Old Faithful venthole!

[@brindahoward4527]

That was sooo cool! Thanks for sharing. Loved it!

[@emmalaine3585]

You’re probably my favorite travel vlogger. I love how well you describe everything and give all the extra info. I never leave your videos wondering anything. Thanks for all you do!

[@lindahoudek9855]

Enjoyed your video! I'm going in May, can't wait. Love this park. Thank You!

[@styersdale]

Yellowstone is absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for bringing us along on your tour of this magnificent National Park. Also, I thoroughly enjoy seeing you and your father training together. Keep it up, Pops!

[@popshiking]

Hahaha! Doing my best to keep the old body moving.

[@user-fc7pr5yc8c]

I absolutely love your videos and descriptions. You have such great insight and tips and it makes me want to go visit all the places.❤

[@lynnmacleod1879]

It's on my bucket list

[@andreajohnson1796]

Thanks for sharing, Josh & Pops ❤

[@mrv911]

Great video! Definitely planning to go to Yellowstone! Taking the Grand Loop to all the places you went to. Love the video! Thank you.....

[@ffc3476]

Thank you for sharing 👍

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem 👍

[@purplefishdesigns]

Awesome video - one of the best and most informative we’ve seen on Yellowstone. We’ve taken heaps of notes for our upcoming trip. Thanks so much!

[@anniemorrison1250]

I think those two deer were on a giant salt lick. This was great. Thanks for sharing! You do a wonderful job of filming Josh. Pops was a real trooper doing so much hiking. Really fun guys

[@christopherlands2706]

That was going to be my guess….salt!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@TK0O0O0O0]

I really enjoy your videos with Pops. My dad passed away a few years ago and there are a lot of things I had hoped we would get to do together, so these episodes make me a bit sentimental but they also make me happy in a slightly vicarious way :)

[@popshiking]

Sorry for your loss. Glad you can live through us a bit. But your words are so important about enjoying people while you have them!

[@lorrainearthur6585]

AWESOME TRIP!!!

[@noahcount7132]

Thanks Josh and Pops McNair for the awesome tour of YNP. 👍👍 It's especially noteworthy that you didn't get mauled by a grizzly, gored by a bison or an elk, or scalded by one of the geothermal features while enjoying and videoing this beautiful but deadly national treasure.

[@popshiking]

Hahaha We stay in the car when we see animals!

[@jyrkiaaltonen9298]

Big thank you to uploaders. Stunning scenery for me to enjoy, otherwise missed due to inability to be present there. Watching from 🇦🇺👍👏💯

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I’ve been to Yellowstone several times over the years. First time around 1987 and last time in 2015 I went with my sister and cousin and a friend and finally spent two days there which is still not enough time. I had been there in 1988 right before the crazy fire. And again in 1997. Never stayed in the park. First time we stayed in a cabin near grand Teton national park. Last time we stayed in west Yellowstone. The lower falls was a great view. Old faithful and the loop near there is fantastic. My sister and cousin and I ate at Yellowstone lodge cafeteria that wasn’t bad. Old faithful lodge is amazing. I don’t mind bathroom down the hall. Sunset old faithful is pretty cool. I’ve seen it a half dozen times snd it never gets old. It’s amazing how punctual it is. Cool show. Though the colored pools like grand prismatic spring is pretty stunning to me

[@pixelpeter3883]

Been lucky enough to have been able to included Yellowstone NP several times in my trips to the desert Southwest of the US from the Netherlands. I too was amazed by the natural variety the park has to offer. I loved seeing the Grand Prismatic Spring up close because of all the colors and bacterial mats and the mystic atmosphere you would get when the wind would sweep the steam over the boardwalk. One of the more 'predictable' geysers you missed: Great Fountain Geyser (Lower Geyser Basin); seen that one erupt at sunset :-)

[@ffc3476]

You and your Dad makes a great team we enjoy watching your videos thank you

[@ThroughMyLens]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@802HotDog]

Thanks for the video. We are going to be visiting for 3 days later this June.

[@chadjo5403]

Thank you so much Again for this Amazing yellow Stone National park Video !! I always Wanted to Go there but I am always busy !! 😢 !

[@sierraseb3311]

So excited to see this video posted! I’m going to visit Yellowstone this year. Jotted down lots of ideas to add to my itinerary. This will be my second visit. During my last visit, we watched them Land on The Moon from our hotel room! So you see it’s been awhile 🤣 Hoping to lunch on those Nachos at the Trapper Grill near Teton NP - pretty great to have a local cousin who’s a gourmet chef !🤩Another great job. Special thanks to your dad for his contributions and being a part of the video.

[@Frederic38360]

I really enjoyed this video 😊 thank you Josh and Pops for sharing. A fan from France.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chenchalee9178]

I used to work at one of the Disney World's hotels in Orlando, FL (Wilderness Lodge) and it resembles the Old Faithful Inn and it even has a replica of the Old Faithful geyser.

[@violetbf3773]

And I thought Yosemite was the best national park. Now, after seeing this video, I want to go to Yellowstone, and I will! Thank you both for making this video, it was fun, and informative.🙌🏽

[@popshiking]

They are surely a close pair! I still love Yosemite, but Yellowstone has so much variety coupled with beauty.

[@user-lm7rs4jv7g]

Great video about Yellowstone. I really enjoy all of your many videos traveling throughout the US. Our family is heading out to Yellowstone in mid-May. I think that one should stay in the Yellowstone Greater Ecosystem for at least one week to get a better appreciation of the uniqueness of the park.

[@452trucker]

You guys did a wonderful job making this video! Thank you so much!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hikingelevated]

I loved this video, like all the other ones but ones with Yellowstone is so special. I've visited countless times and I would say my fav areas are Lamar Valley and the Bechler River area in the southwest section known as "Cascade Corner" that's known for the long trails to large waterfalls.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I will have to go back so I can see that area!

[@GottaDance56]

I saw Grand Prismatic Spring from both the boardwalk and upper level, but my best view was from 30,000 feet as I flew to Alaska. Stunning from that height!

[@Search4Facts]

Wow beautiful scenery... Don't destroy it uncle bull

[@annette3488]

Great video! That’s what we said after we went to Yellowstone for the first time! It has no many different things too see and parts was like you are on a different planet!! Now I want to go back!

[@ThroughMyLens]

So glad you felt the same way. It really is a special place

[@MariaVargas-od1nu]

Amazing video! Great information!

[@MinutesWithMates]

Thanks again Josh and Pops. This was great! As with your video on the Tetons, we are so excited you’ve shared these. 11 weeks and we will be there. Your videos have been both visually and informatively helpful on these parks, so thank you so much. Our videos won’t be near as good as yours, but we will give it our bestest shot. God bless you both. P.S. we are staying in Old Faithful Inn, so it’s awesome you’re showing that. Thanks heaps.

[@andybird6539]

Great timing for these were heading to Yellowstone this year

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea, I was hoping it would help people with planning

[@MCEshleman]

Another great adventure with Pops and as usual seems like a great time had by all! Keep up these great adventures together and make those unforgettable memories!

[@ChauNguyen-rn9oj]

Another great video. Thank you Josh and Pops inspiring us to explore

[@mixeddrinks8100]

Just want to say really appreciate you including the elevation and distance and time i takes for each hike, not specifically this video but just overall all the video, really helps makes one decide if a trail is worth it or not. Did you guys see any wolves? We saw a lot of bison and elk as well but not a single wolf. Lady at the Inn said you got to be there in the colder month, we went in July and it was still quite cold in the morning.

[@davek4442]

Great video and very nice to have your mom along.

[@deisygonzales5980]

Beautiful 😍

[@mariedupuis7802]

A pleasure to watch all these fairy landscapes...And the gran prismatic a nature curiosity and beauty ! Thank you for sharing your beautiful videos wishing you many others good trips and to spend again many precious moments with your father. Hello from Paris, France ❤

[@ThroughMyLens]

Many thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@zmarko]

Awesome video! What stunning beauty Yellowstone (and that region) has. I'm definitely now making plans to try and get there soon, hopefully before the summer crowds start ramping up.

[@ThroughMyLens]

You should! It is incredible

[@TravelInAndAroundTheWorld]

I loved all your video. This one is exceptional. Yellowstone itself is exceptional with your narration it gets better

[@sybillenoonan17]

We are here!!! Thanks to you and pops!! Artist Point was unbelievable!!!

[@ThroughMyLens]

So glad you saw it! It was incredible!

[@bb-fe9ur]

Awesome video so glad you made this video. 👍👍 Thanks for sharing

[@miriammitchell9677]

Awesome and thank you for my "Through my Lens" Sunday ritual😂

[@ThroughMyLens]

You are so welcome. Thanks for spending time with us!

[@alfonsobetancur3989]

Excellent video!

[@riskassure]

Just got back from it snowmobiling. Totally different experience and totally worth it!!

[@kathyhepler382]

Thanks for this video. I use to work in Yellowstone. I miss the park!!!!

[@ashvarma2486]

Great video. Many thanks for sharing. Yellowstone is VERY special. Try and go back in winter if you can.....so different and stunning then.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you, I will. I would LOVE to see it in the winter

[@ashvarma2486]

@@ThroughMyLens There is a great BBC documentary available on DVD and that covers winter season. Well worth getting. Tetons amazing in winter as well so that would be an awesome trip and video.

[@MajorAddiction]

Love it. Was nostalgic watching, remembering my visit in September two years ago. Agee about the Grand Prismatic being cooler from the top view. That trail also has a path to a waterfall nearby. Fairy Falls is think it’s the name. Worthy detour if you have the time.

[@debbirbodner5358]

Always enjoyed watching these videos.😅😅❤❤

[@Kenny-rn2xc]

I have been to Yellowstone many times and I want to let you know you just hit the high spots. Great introduction to Yellowstone.

[@Alltheoutdoorthings]

Another great video!

[@duckiegirl58]

Love this place! We go at least once a year!

[@bobdog1953]

Thank you Josh and Pops. One of the best Yellowstone trip planners I have seen. On the list for 2025. With Grand Teton, should be national parks 34 and 35 for me since I retired eight years ago. Appreciate all of your California trips too, since my son lives on Ventura, I even have more reasons to "Go West". Great job. From western PA.

[@mickfowler701]

Going in early Sept 24 so this video is mega helpful

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad it was helpful! Have a great time!

[@Fcong_1960]

Hello from Santa Barbara Ca 🎉

[@WanderWiseTravel0]

so beautiful

[@kim-andresandnes5749]

Really amazing episode , Yellowstone 😁👌👌

[@karloanttila]

My home base is Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone comes across as a geothermal park with some wildlife. I have been there many times but find that my backyard is more enticing and manageable and less of a Disney World of a National Parks.

[@psychlover42]

You were probably there just after me. The week I was there it was hailing and raining. We waited through a thunderstorm for Old Faithful, only for it to erupt just as it stopped hailing. 🤣 Grand Prismatic was too steamy for us to really see it, but I thought it added a cool effect. Loved the video!

[@BeKindRewind77]

Great video as always, you guys. I took my family to Yellowstone last summer and every stop you made we made as well (except the petrified tree and the west thumb trail). We did it in three days but only the mornings (in by 7, out by 12-1) to beat the traffic.

[@ThroughMyLens]

That is a great way to do it! Then you can relax in the afternoon when it is hot

[@Godschildalmighy]

WoW

[@coastskyadventures2752]

Can't wait to be in Yellowstone at the beginning of July again. If I go to the west, I always visit Yellowstone no matter what.

[@aRVeesBlog]

nice content

[@CDRDDJ]

It's a beautiful place, we went last summer we saw grand prismatic but we didn't do the hike up so we will do that this summer. Tip: must go earlier in the day as the temperature drops it make more steam making it harder to see.

[@farmerhatfield9684]

Black tail deer, I think, hard to tell from the video. Most likely Going after mineral on the rock.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for the update!

[@charlesmetherd9136]

Those are Mule Deer. Black Tailed deer only inhabit the pacific northwest.

[@debrawaite7173]

I want to visit there. I love to travel

[@oldfarmshow]

Waiting

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for coming by to see it

[@777cayman]

Salt lick for deer

[@ThroughMyLens]

That makes sense!