When you think of Yellowstone, the first thing you'll probably think of is the grand geyser and the magnificent 'rainbow' pool. Those are the 2 things you can't miss: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful. Both are beautiful natural phenomena that will leave you staring and wanting to see them from all viewpoints. My favorite was definitely Grand Prismatic, cause I've learned a lot about her in High school.

I recommend going up to the viewpoint first, the Grand Prismatic Overlook. You'll get a wonderful view of all the colors and trees. You can also put the grandness into perspective, seeing the tiny people out in the distance. Your second stop here is the Midway Geyser Basin Boardwalk. Here you can see all the beautiful colors up close. You will be walking through smelly clouds of steam from the geyser, but the view is worth it.

Besides its geysers and basins, Yellowstone is home to some wonderful stretches of nature. On the east side of the park is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It is a dramatic, river-carved gorge, with loads of greenery and amazing viewpoints. It's about 35 km (22 miles) long and about 300 meters (100 feet)  deep on average.

First, visit the Upper Falls viewpoint to get the full picture and have a look at the other smaller falls from there. Drive to the Grand View to have a better look at the eroded gorge. Next, head over to Artist Point. It is one of those classic postcard views from Yellowstone, and one you definitely can't miss. End this drive at Inspiration Point; you'll again get a gorgeous view of the fall with its steam and, if you're lucky, a beautiful rainbow.

Other waterfalls to see are the Undine Falls (middle image below), a 3-tiered waterfall of about 18 meters (60feet). ABout 700.000 years ago, basalt spilled over and formed a lava creek. The falls are named after German water spirits, undines.

One of the things you can't miss on your trip to Yelowstone National Park is the Lamar Valley, it is home to about 4.000 bisons. It's called the American Serengeti, beacuse of it's wide-open views with free-roaming bison. I hope you can sees some bison calves, they are so cute. But remember to always stay alteast

There are so many more things to do and see in the park. I've already told you the ones you can't miss, but if you've still got time left on your trip, here are some less popular spots to see. Thumb geyser

Seeing as Yellowstone is a nature park, there's not a lot of architecture to be found. But one building you must check out is the Old Faithful Inn. This inn is a log hotel from 1904, designed by architect Robert Reamer, it is one of the largest log-style structures in the world. The lobby is home to a massive rhyolite stone fireplace and handcrafted details. 

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is from late May to early June or September to early October for a balance of mild crowds, good weather, and active wildlife. Every traveler has different preferences; some prefer wildlife, and others prefer the winter scenery. So I wrote a short list, with all the pros and cons of every season.

1. Best overall | (late) May & September to early October

You'll have great daytime weather, and the crowds are manageable, which makes more space for slow strolls along the highlights. And bigger chages at a good parking spot during the day. Also important, the wildlife is more active due to the mild temperatures. One of the downsides of visiting during these months is that there's a transition period where roads and facilities are one by one being closed or opened. Best is to check out the openings on their website; it may not interfere with the things you'll want to do in the park, or it could.

2. Best wildife| April trhough May & September through October

There are a few months through the year that are best for seeing wildlife. In April, the bears emerge from hibernation, and the bison and elk calves are being born. But also at the end of the year, in October, that's when the annual elk rut takes place. And wolves start getting more active.

3. Best for full access | June through August

During the summer, the crowds are big, but still manageable. When we visited at the beginning of August, there were still parking spots available throughout the day. We didn't get held up for longer than 20 minutes for each stop, and the boardwalks were still walkable.

4. Best for winter scenery | mid-December through February

A winter visit is an experience on its own. The bison in the snow, Grand Prismatic melting through the ice. I'd love to visit someday. There isn't much road access; only the road from Gardiner to Silver Gate is plowed throughout the entire winter. You can only access the park interior via snowcoaches or snowmobiles, booked with a tour guide.

I recommennd staying in Yellowstone village. If you can staying in the park would be even better but those hotels get booked out fairly quick and they ask a higher price, or camping that's always a great option.

On day 1, the first stop will be to see Grand Prismatic. The Grand Geyser tends to get busy, so try to be there before 10 AM. First, head up to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. Like I already mentioned in a previous paragraph. You'll get a wonderful view of all the colors and trees, and you can put the grandness into perspective. Your second stop here is the Midway Geyser Basin Boardwalk. Here you can see all the beautiful colors up close.

For lunch, head over to the Old Faithful General Store or the Old Faithful Snow Lodge Geyser Grill next door; both are over-the-counter quick-serve meals. But it's the most conveniently located, seeing as we're visiting Old Faithful next.

Head over to the other side of the parking lot to the Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center. You can get your stamps and check out the park store. Exit at the back and head over to Old Faithful, and wait for her to erupt every 90 minutes. After, head over to the Upper Geyser Basin trail, where you'll find Castle Geyser and Grand Geyser; walk the rest of the trail back to the parking lot.

Last stop of the day is the Paint Pot Trail. This trail is also along a boardwalk, and you'll see many amazing mud pools, small geysers, pools, and steam coming out of the ground.

1. Grand Prismatic

2. Lunch

3. Old Faithful

4. Upper Geyser Basin Trail

5. Paint Pot Trail

The last day is a bit of everything; the highlights have been seen, now it's time to get away from the crowds. The first stop will be a short hike on the Trout Lake Trail. The trail takes you through wildlife, alpine reflections, and meadows. Once done wth this trail, head over to the Storm Point Trail. On this hike, you'll see a whole different side of what Yellowstone has to offer. You'll see Yellowstone Lake, along with mountain peaks and gorgeous meadows.

Lastly, what I always like to do on a trip is to revisit my favorites. If you still have time, take another look at, for example, Grand Prismatic or Grand Geyser.

1. Trout Lake Trail

2. Storm Point Trail

3. Your favorite of the trip