Yellowstone in a day - Who knows Yellowstone? (college, living)

[Brad4JC]

Who knows Yellowstone well?
We are driving from California to Bozeman to visit the college. We are stopping in Idaho Falls for the night. From there I would like to see Yellowstone for the first time but only have one day for it. Can someone tell me what I can see, what I should see and what route I should take for just a one day trip??? I know it's a shame to only have one day to see such a great gift from God but that's all I have. Thank you so much in advance for your help with this!

[sunsprit]

Realistically, you'll be on I-15 West of Yellowstone Park at Idaho Falls, which will take some time to reach the West Entrance.

From there, you could swing by Old Faithful, then down to West Thumb and a glimpse of the lake and around the West end for awhile.

Then a loop around northward on US 16-14 20 to Hwy 89 and North out of the park towards Livingston.

On an average day, you won't have much time to do more than "see" the park from your car and the time to stop for only a little bit at some of the view points along the way. Traffic can be very frustratingly slow with all the other sightseers and RV'ers and folks with a lot more time who can enjoy a slower pace. One car breakdown can really snarl things up, too ... in both directions of travel on the road.

[Bill7719]

I agree with sunsprit. See Old Faithful. I'd also suggest looking at some of the mudpots and thermal areas (west side before you get to Old Faithful). They're spectacular. As one who lives in the Northeast, it's unbelievable to see this stuff. Hopefully you have a video camera.

[jdavid93225]

I'd agree with what the other posters have said. You'll be able to take in some spectacular scenery, but you won't have much time to take it in. You will want to come in the West Entrance, then turn south at Madison. Old Faithful is worth the stop, if only because it's the most famous landmark in the park. There is plenty more to see while you're there, so it's definitely worth the stop. From there, continue following the road to the southeast until you reach West Thumb (as Sunsprit said). At the junction, turn north, and follow the road up the "eastern" side of the park loop, turning left at Lake junction. Make sure you get out to see the "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone" as the view is quite spectacular. From there, head up towards Tower Falls, then up to Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can exit the park through the North Entrance.

That is, in a nutshell, the quick "see everything in a day" Yellowstone trip. Of course, you really won't see much of the park at all, but you will get to see some stuff that will make you want to take another trip there. According to the map I was just looking at, that route will be about 115 miles within the park, accounting for a few stops and turnarounds (at Old Faithful, for example).

I've taken two seperate trips that were similar to this, in that I saw as much as I could in a day on each of those trips. Of course, one day does not do the park justice, but I am also planning to take several return trips over the next several years. The Beartooth country out the Northeast Entrance is worth visiting also, and would also require more than a day to really take it in. Grand Teton National Park is another place that would be worth spending some time. In reality, a two week vacation to the Yellowstone area would allow you to see a lot, but still leave a lot left unseen.

For what it's worth, enjoy the day you will have to spend there. Don't make that your only Yellowstone experience, though, if you can help it. Once you get there, you'll understand why I say this. Even one day in the park is better than none at all, so enjoy it while you're there.

[Brad4JC]

Thank you all for your responses. I will definately take your advice on your great tips . If my son ends up going to MSU someday then I am sure I will be taking many more trips that way. I am really looking forward to our first visit through Yellowstone this summer. Not looking forward to the crowds though it is expected.