With steamy hydrothermal features, towering waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is a photographer’s dream! Make the most of your visit to America’s first national park and up your Instagram game with a visit to some of the most photo-worthy places in Yellowstone.
#1 Mammoth Hot Springs
Solidified bubbles, dripping stalactites, and colorful terraces give Mammoth Hot Springs the appearance of an inside-out cave. Walk the boardwalks of the Upper and Lower Terraces to explore the many springs, pools, and peculiar formations to find the perfect backdrop. Palette Spring and Minerva Terrace are two popular photo spots. It takes approximately two hours to explore this unique area of the park.
#2 Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
The massive canyon is more than 20-miles long and more than 1,000-feet deep and offers breathtaking views of the wild landscape. It’s home to two of the most spectacular waterfalls in the park, the Upper and Lower Falls. Drive along the North and South Rims to experience its grandeur from several overlooks. There are plenty of pull-outs, trails, and walkways where you can admire nature’s power and majesty.
#3 Norris Geyser Basin
The Norris Geyser Basin is one of the oldest and most active thermal areas in Yellowstone. One of the main attractions is Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. This geyser can erupt up to 300-feet in the air, making it an impressive and dramatic sight to behold. Wind your way past an array of hydrothermal features on the boardwalk that runs through the basin.
#4 Lamar Valley
Known as America’s Serengeti, Lamar Valley is a world-class wildlife viewing area. It’s home to Yellowstone’s “Big Five” most iconic animals: moose, elk, wolves, bison, and bears. It’s common to spot hundreds of bison grazing the grassy slopes or crossing the road (a.k.a. a “bison jam”) while driving the 29-mile stretch through Lamar Valley. The best time to spot wildlife is dawn or dusk when the animals are most active, particularly the wolves. There are plenty of pull-offs along the drive where you can use binoculars or a camera with zoom to get a closer look at wildlife in their natural habitat.
#5 Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley is known for its rolling hills, towering cliffs, and lush forests, and is home to the largest herd of bison in the world. It’s also one of the best places for bird watching in Yellowstone for frequent sightings of eagles and other birds of prey riding the thermals. Look for waterfowl like pelicans, ducks, and Trumpeter swans splashing in the shallows. Both Hayden and Lamar Valleys are worth visiting during your trip.
Yellowstone is a paradise for photographers. Consider booking a guided wildlife tour or photo safari to capture picture-perfect moments during your stay in Yellowstone. After booking a stay at Under Canvas North Yellowstone or Under Canvas West Yellowstone, our Adventure Concierge can help book your adventure.
Tag us on Instagram @undercanvasofficial and Facebook for a chance for your photos to be featured.