Yellowstone National Park: Your Ultimate 2-Day Guide to Geysers, Bison & Big Adventure
Embark on an adventure like no other as you dive headfirst into the OG of U.S. national parks—Yellowstone! 🌋🦬
It’s where erupting geysers meet rainbow-colored hot springs, where bison roam like they own the place (because, honestly, they kind of do), and where every hike feels like you’re walking through a live-action nature doc.
Whether you’re here to tick Old Faithful off your bucket list, chase waterfalls, or simply soak in that fresh mountain air, Yellowstone is an absolute must.
This itinerary covers two jam-packed days exploring both the West and East sides of the park, plus tips, vegan snack inspo, and packing recs so you don’t end up hangry or soggy in the wild.
✨ Before You Go: What to Know About This Itinerary
Accommodation Location: We based ourselves in West Yellowstone, which made exploring both sides of the park super convenient. Cute town, walkable, and had enough food options to keep us fed after long days.
Food Situation: Dining inside the park is limited and not particularly vegan-friendly. We flew into Bozeman, then hit up a grocery store right away to stock up on road trip essentials, hiking snacks, and lunch supplies. Highly recommend!
Start and End Point: We did Yellowstone before heading north to Glacier National Park. If you’re doing the same route, you can check out our full Glacier itinerary [here]. However, we did still fly in and out of Bozeman
⚠️ Yellowstone Safety + Travel Tips
Bison Safety: Do not approach them. Avoid eye contact, give them tons of space, and if you see one on the trail or road, back away slowly. These guys are deceptively fast and not here for your selfie content.
Accessibility: Many geyser trails are wooden boardwalks and pretty flat, but there are some inclines. Overall, it’s one of the more accessible national parks.
Traffic Advisory: Traffic gets real—especially when bison block roads or tourists stop for pics (which they always do). One day we were stuck in a 2-hour backup. Early entry = less stress.
Trail Etiquette: Stick to the trails! Especially near geysers and hot springs—some of that steamy water is actually boiling. Yellowstone doesn’t mess around.
Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed in the park but not on most trails. Plan accordingly if you’re traveling with a furry friend.
Smells of Yellowstone: Sulfur = stink bombs from nature. Just mentally prepare yourself cause it can get a lil stinky at times 🦨
🌱 My Go-To Vegan Hiking Snacks:
Peanut Butter + Banana Sandwich
PB&J (tried and true)
Uncrustables are great for convenience!
Cuties / Oranges
Pistachios
Trail Mix
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
Lenny & Larry’s Cookies
Peanut Butter Stuffed Pretzels (my guilty pleasure)
🎒 Packing Guide
Rain jacket / packable poncho
Comfy hiking boots
Microspikes (if visiting in spring/late fall)
Hiking poles (and don’t leave them on the plane like one of our group members did😅)
Refillable water bottle or CamelBak
I used a CamelBak for the hikes, but kept a reusable water bottle in the car filled with water to drink in between stops)
Layers, layers, layers
We were here in June, so the mornings were kind of chilly, but once the sun came up and we were on the trails it heated up quickly
Now that we got all of that out of the way — let’s get into this trip!
Overview of Itinerary:
Day One: West Side of Yellowstone
Fountain Paint Pot Trail
Old Faithful
Grand Prismatic
Fairy Falls Trailhead
West Yellowstone
Day Two: East Side of Yellowstone
West Thumb Geyser / Yellowstone Lake
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Mud Volcano
Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone Hot Springs
Gardiner
DAY ONE: West Side
Fountain Paint Pot Trail: Take a short-but-epic stroll through Yellowstone’s bubbling, steaming, and splattering geothermal playground. The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is like nature’s lava lamp—with vibrant mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and hot springs showing off their wild side. Stay on the boardwalk (seriously!) and soak in the otherworldly vibes.
🕐 Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes
Old Faithful: Now this is the main event! This geyser isn’t just famous—it’s punctual. Catch it erupting approximately every 90 minutes as it blasts boiling water up to 180 feet in the air. But don’t stop there—walk the Upper Geyser Basin Loop to discover dozens of lesser-known (but just as cool) geysers and springs.
✍ Pro Tip: Check eruption times ahead of time on the NPS website or at the visitor center.
📝Personal Note: We got there right after Old Faithful had erupted, so we did the Upper Geyser Basin Loop and kept track of the time Old Faithful was set to erupt. We were able to walk through this whole loop and end it with seeing Old Faithul!
🕐 Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours (including Old Faithful + trail)
Grand Prismatic: Behold the literal rainbow of geothermal features. Grand Prismatic Spring is Yellowstone’s most colorful and Instagram-famous spot for a reason.
Pro Tip: For the best view, skip the crowded boardwalk and hike to the overlook via the Fairy Falls trailhead. On a sunny day, the vivid blues, oranges, and greens are chef’s kiss.
🕐 Estimated Time: 30–60 minutes round-trip to overlook
Fairy Falls Trailhead: Walk through enchanted pine forests and wildflower meadows on this 5-mile round-trip hike to Fairy Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls in Yellowstone. It’s a moderate, mostly flat trek with serious payoff at the end.
📝Personal Note: We missed the waterfall turnoff (whoopsie). We realized it pretty far down that we had missed the turn and by the time we made it back we were way too tired to see the keep walking to the waterfall, but saw bison AND a wolf. So…silver lining? But anyway don’t be like us—watch for trail markers so that you can make it to the waterfall!
🕐 Estimated Time: 2–3 hours (depending on how far you go and photo stops)
After a full day of geysers and hikes, wind down in West Yellowstone. Walk around the little shops, grab dinner, and relive your best bison moments over something delicious!
🌱 Vegan Options in West Yellowstone:
Chinatown
Ernie’s
Madison Crossing Lounge
Red Lotus Chinese Restaurant
Slippery Otter Pub
Yellowstone Beer Company
Yogi’s Waffles and Grill
Mountain Mama's Coffeehouse and Bakery
DAY TWO: East Side
West Thumb Geyser / Yellowstone Lake: The place where geysers meet lakefront views—literally. The West Thumb Geyser Basin sits right on the edge of Yellowstone Lake, giving you a dreamy combo of steaming pools, underwater geysers (!!), and mountain reflections. It feels like walking through a magical geothermal shoreline. The boardwalk loop is super easy and incredibly photogenic.
🕐 Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes
Mud Volcano: Experience the primal energy of Yellowstone's Mud Volcano, where boiling mud pots and churning thermal pools create a surreal landscape straight out of a sci-fi fantasy. As you walk the loop, you’ll hear the earth gurgling beneath your feet and see steam rising from deep, bubbling cauldrons
🕐 Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Definitely one of the park’s most iconic spots—and for good reason. Towering canyon walls in earthy reds and golds stretch for miles, carved over thousands of years by the powerful Yellowstone River. Don’t skip Artist Point—it’s basically the money shot.
Want to get closer? Brave the Uncle Tom’s Trail (or one of the other viewpoint hikes) to descend down seven switchbacks (yes, I said seven) and feel the spray from the Lower Falls. It’s steep and a leg burner, but totally worth it for those next-level waterfall views! You can take a breather in the car on the way to the next stop!
🕐 Estimated Time: 1–2 hours depending on how many viewpoints/hikes you do
Mammoth Hot Springs: Step into a realm of wonder at Mammoth Hot Springs, where terraces of travertine limestone cascade down the hillside in a breathtaking display of natural beauty. Wander amidst the intricate formations and vibrant pools, and feel as if you've stepped into a world of pure magic and enchantment.
📝Personal Note: Experience the best of both worlds with parking options at both the bottom and the top of the terraces. While many opt for the shortcut up top, our adventure-loving souls chose to park at the bottom and hike our way up (or maybe we just like to torture ourselves?). It made the experience more rewarding, and the panoramic views at the summit were chef’s kiss.
🕐 Estimated Time: 45–60 minutes
Yellowstone Hot Springs: Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience at Yellowstone Hot Springs, where soothing warm waters and stunning mountain vistas provide the perfect escape from the rigors of everyday life. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating soak amidst the natural splendor of Yellowstone, and feel your cares melt away in the embrace of pure bliss.
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 -2 hours
Unwind with a delightful meal in the charming town of Gardiner, where quaint streets and local eateries beckon you to explore and indulge in the culinary delights of the region before heading back to West Yellowstone for the night!
🌱 Vegan Options in Gardiner:
Tumbleweeds Bookstore and Cafe
Wonderland Cafe
The CORRAL
As your Yellowstone adventure comes to an end, it’s time to pack up your hiking boots, roll down the windows, and either head home with a heart full of memories—or gear up for your next epic stop.
If you’re continuing the journey north to Glacier National Park (like we did), you’re in for even more jaw-dropping views, alpine lakes, and unforgettable hikes. Be sure to check out my full Glacier itinerary here for all the tips, must-see spots, and vegan travel hacks you’ll need!
Wherever you're off to next—safe travels and may your snacks always be stocked! 🏕️🌿✌️