Build Your Own Bucket List

Awe-inspiring landscapes, extraordinary hydrothermal phenomena, stunning waterfalls and lush forests make Yellowstone National Park a fantastic bucket list destination. From beautiful geysers and wildlife spotting opportunities to exciting ziplines and horseback riding tours, West Yellowstone is a gateway to unforgettable adventures.

Create an Unforgettable Yellowstone Bucket List

Fill your bucket list with the following things to do in Yellowstone National Park:

Marvel at Spectacular Geysers

Geysers are incredible natural phenomena, and Yellowstone features over 500 of them. Wait in awe and anticipation for a geyser to shoot steaming hot water toward the air. You can add some or all of the following geysers to your Yellowstone bucket list for an unforgettable trip:

• Old Faithful: Old Faithful is Yellowstone's most popular geyser, and it's located in the Upper Geyser Basin. Check forecasted eruption times at the Visitor Education Center before making your way to the main geyser viewing area or Observation Point Trail.
• Norris Geyser Basin: The Norris Geyser Basin is one of Yellowstone's oldest hydrothermal areas, which features two distinct basins. Porcelain Basin offers a captivating sensory experience with vibrant colors, sounds of bubbling water and the smell of sulfur. Back Basin features Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest geyser.
• West Thumb Geyser Basin: West Thumb Geyser Basin offers remarkable views overlooking Yellowstone Lake.

The road between Norris Geyser Basin and Old Faithful runs through a large concentration of geyser basins. If you take this road, you can stop at top spots such as Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin and Lower Geyser Basin.

Meander Around Gorgeous Hot Springs

Witness boiling hot water rising from the earth's crust at Yellowstone's serene hot springs. Add these hot springs to your list: 

• Mammoth Hot Springs: Mammoth Hot Springs features travertine terraces, which are hot springs that rise up through soft limestone rock. From colorful hot springs to ones resembling frozen waterfalls, this area has beauty around every corner.
• Grand Prismatic Spring: Grand Prismatic Spring is Yellowstone's largest hot spring, featuring vivid colors and unparalleled photo opportunities. Stroll along the boardwalk to see Turquois Pool, Opal Pool and Excelsior Geyser Crater and feel the warm steam rising from the ground. You can also walk approximately 15 minutes from the Fairy Falls Trail parking lot to reach the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook for a bird's eye view of the spring.

Chase Waterfalls

Yellowstone's forest is full of majestic waterfalls. Embark on an adventure to some of the park's best falls:

• Fairy Falls: Fairy Falls is one of Yellowstone's largest waterfalls, and its trail is easily accessible from the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. The 5.5-mile round-trip Fairy Falls Trail winds through a captivating forest and leads to a tall cascading waterfall.
• Tower Fall: Tower Fall is surrounded by towering rock columns formed by cracked lava flow. Visit Tower Fall overlook to marvel at the plunging falls and watch Tower Creek ripple into the Yellowstone River.
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River: Yellowstone's Grand Canyon showcases the park's fascinating geologic history with dramatic shapes, multicolored hues, hydrothermal altered volcanic rock and breathtaking waterfalls. Drive the North Rim Drive and stop at Brink of Lower Falls for incredible views of Lower Falls and Upper Falls. You can also admire the canyon from various lookouts along the north and south rims.

Spot Wildlife on a Scenic Drive

Yellowstone features stunning, wide-open landscapes and extraordinary wildlife spotting opportunities. Embark on an adventure through Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley to see various wildlife like:

• Bison
• Elk
• Grizzly bears
• Foxes
• Wolves
• Pronghorn

When you visit these valleys, you can pull over in designated areas along the road or view the picturesque landscape from several overlooks. Wildlife is typically more active during sunrise. Remember to pack binoculars and keep a safe distance from the animals.

Hike Yellowstone's Beautiful Trails

Yellowstone's lush forests are full of exciting trails for various skill and comfort levels. Hit the following trails to experience Yellowstone's spectacular mountains:

• Lamar River Valley to Cache Creek: Whether you walk a full trail or complete a small section of the area, the Soda Butte/Lamar River Trailhead provides access to various trails excellent for wildlife and wildflower spotting. Lamar Valley to Cache Creek is an easy day hike for beginner and experienced hikers. Look for the trailhead approximately 3 miles east of the Lamar Ranger Station.
• Fairy Falls Trail to Imperial and Spray Geysers: Fairy Falls Trail is a short, easy hike to Imperial and Spray Geysers. You can start this trail at the Fairy Falls parking lot or the trailhead at the end of Fountain Flat Drive.
• Bunsen Peak Trail: Bunsen Peak Trail is a moderate hike offering panoramic views of the Yellowstone River Valley. Drive 8 miles south of Mammoth along Grand Loop Road to reach the trailhead.
• Avalanche Peak Trail: Avalanche Peak Trail is a more strenuous hike with exciting terrain and breathtaking panoramic views of the park. The trailhead is 19 miles east of Fishing Bridge Junction and across from the Eleanor Lake pullout.

Hike safely by following park rules, carrying bear spray and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife.

Yellowstone's Entrances

Pick from one of the following entrances:

• West Entrance: Yellowstone's West Entrance is a fantastic starting or ending point because it brings you into a geyser paradise where you can experience the park's hydrothermal elements. It's also located in West Yellowstone, which features a lot of exciting things to do before and after exploring the park.
• North Entrance: The North Entrance is closest to Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Northeast Entrance: The Northeast Entrance is a great starting point for wildlife viewing. Start your morning here and make your way through the park to see various animals and stop at attractions such as Norris Geyser Basin.
• South Entrance: Enter via the South Entrance if you want to start your day around Yellowstone Lake and experience the West Thumb Geyser Basin. You can also enter through the West entrance and end your day at the West Thumb Geyser Basin, visiting spots like Old Faithful along the way.
• East Entrance: The East Entrance is another great starting or ending point if you want to spend a day around Yellowstone Lake. It's also close to Hayden Valley and Yellowstone River.

What to Do in West Yellowstone

The following West Yellowstone attractions provide plenty of fun and exciting adventures you can enjoy after exploring the park:

• Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center: Learn more about Yellowstone's wolves and grizzly bears at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
• The Playmill Theatre: Catch a dazzling live production at The Playmill Theatre. It presents different shows each season, so there's always something new to see.
• Museum of the Yellowstone: Dive into Yellowstone National Park's fascinating history at the Museum of the Yellowstone.
• Yellowstone Aerial Adventures: Zip through the air at West Yellowstone's European-style, self-guided zipline park. Yellowstone Aerial Adventures is open during the summer season.
• Yellowstone Giant Screen: Experience an IMAX movie on a six-story-tall screen at Yellowstone Giant Screen. 
• Diamond P Ranch: Visit Yellowstone's historic Diamond P Ranch to take a horseback ride through majestic landscapes and rugged mountain terrain.

Experience West Yellowstone Bucket List Adventures at Kampgrounds of America

Yellowstone National Park is a phenomenal bucket list destination full of exhilarating attractions and natural wonders. West Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday offers a fun and relaxing place to stay during your Yellowstone adventures, helping you make the most of your trip. With plenty of convenient amenities and fun campground recreational activities, KOA has everything you need just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park's West Entrance. 

Whether you prefer tent, RV or cabin camping, KOA is the perfect place to sleep under a starry sky surrounded by Montana's towering mountains. Reserve a stay at KOA to start your Yellowstone bucket list adventures.