Top Hiking Tours Across the U.S. You Should Book Early

Grace Mitchell

Top Hiking Tours Across the U.S. You Should Book Early

Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park, spans the U.S. states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, a breathtaking display of nature's unparalleled wonders. Home to over 10,000 geothermal wonders, it feels like the heartbeat of the Earth; the Grand Canyon is breathtaking, and wildlife roams freely.

Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park, spans the U.S. states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, a breathtaking display of nature's unparalleled wonders. Home to over 10,000 geothermal wonders, it feels like the heartbeat of the Earth; the Grand Canyon is breathtaking, and wildlife roams freely.

Best Time to Visit
  • May-June (Spring): Relatively fewer tourists, allowing for a quiet experience of nature. Animals emerge from hibernation and actively forage, making it a great time to observe wildlife. Temperatures gradually rise during this time, but mornings and evenings remain cool, so warm clothing is recommended.
  • July-August (Summer): Peak tourist season, with warm weather, perfect for families. The geothermal landscapes are vibrant, and the hot springs are vibrant. However, due to the large number of visitors, popular attractions can be crowded, and accommodation is limited and expensive, so be sure to book in advance.
  • September-October (Autumn): The weather is crisp and the park's vegetation changes color, creating a vibrant scene. Animals are busy preparing for winter, making it easy to observe. However, the weather turns cooler, with low night temperatures, so bring plenty of warm clothing.
Getting There
  • West Yellowstone Airport (WYS): Closest to the park's west gate, with few flights but convenient direct access.
  • Bozeman Airport (BZN): Frequent flights, approximately a two-hour drive from the park; rental cars are available.
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): A wide range of flights, approximately a five-hour drive from the park, suitable for travelers with ample time.

Travel Guide:
Upper Geyser Basin:
  • Old Faithful: Erupts approximately every 90 minutes, reaching heights of up to 56 meters, creating a punctual and spectacular experience. Check eruption times in advance; nearby trails offer access to smaller geysers.
Midway Geyser Basin:
  • Grand Prismatic Spring: Yellowstone's most beautiful hot spring, a vibrant rainbow of colors. In the morning or evening, enjoy the best light and take the boardwalk for a closer look. Alternatively, enjoy the panoramic views from the Fairy Falls Trail.
Norris Geyser Basin: Geothermal activity is at its peak, with steam billowing like the earth's breath. Wear non-slip shoes and be aware of the slippery boardwalks.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: The canyon and waterfalls are magnificent. Artist Point is a great viewpoint, and the canyon rocks are painted in vibrant colors. Bring a camera, as the evening light is soft.
Lamar Valley: A wildlife haven, you'll often see bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. Animals are active early in the morning and at dusk, so bring binoculars.
Food and Shopping
  1. Dining: Park restaurants are concentrated in areas like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs, offering American fast food and steaks. The bison burger in the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room is worth a try. Dining in the park is expensive, so bring your own water and snacks.
  2. Shopping: The park gift shop sells Yellowstone-themed T-shirts, postcards, and souvenirs. West Yellowstone Town offers many unique handicraft shops and offers unique souvenirs.
Notes
  • Safety First: Follow park regulations, stay at least 100 meters away from wild animals, and do not feed them. Geothermal areas are dangerous, so stick to designated trails and do not stray from them.
  • Equipment: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, non-slip hiking shoes, and a light raincoat (weather can be unpredictable). Bring bear spray when hiking; it's available for rent or purchase.
  • Environmental awareness: Avoid littering, protect the natural environment, and avoid damaging geothermal features.
  • Internet signal: The park's signal is weak, so download an offline map (such as Google Maps) in advance.