Yellowstone Is Straight Fire: Why This National Park Slays + Top Tours to Book Now
- D Siesta House
- May 31
- 7 min read
Before our son joined the party, my husband and I took a bucket list trip to Yellowstone National Park, which was totally giving main character energy. We’ve been to a lot of national parks (lowkey obsessed), but Yellowstone? Absolutely unmatched. The vibes? Immaculate. The views? Unreal. The activities? Endless. It’s the kind of place that has you saying: “Let’s move here and become park rangers.”
We went during an epic cross-country road trip in the early years of our marriage—a trip we still talk about like it was yesterday. Yellowstone was the crown jewel of the journey, and it completely delivered on the wow factor. And now that we’ve got our little sidekick with us, we’re counting down the days until we take him to experience the magic for himself. He started collecting Junior Ranger badges at just 1 year old—so yeah, we’re raising a nature king.
If you’re planning your first trip or just wanna know what all the hype’s about, here’s the tea on why Yellowstone slaps and what you’ve gotta do while you’re there. Spoiler alert: we’ve got some fire Viator tours that make exploring stress-free and super fun.
What Makes Yellowstone That Girl
Geysers that go off like your bestie at brunch – Old Faithful pops off like clockwork. You don’t even need to set a reminder, she’s that punctual.
Bison casually vibing by your car – It’s giving live-action Lion King. But like, American edition.
Waterfalls, hot springs, and rainbow-colored thermal pools – Your camera roll? Full. Your soul? Fed.
Wildlife for days – Bears, wolves, elk, oh my. Yellowstone is a full-on animal kingdom.
Things To Do (aka Live Your Best Life Outdoors)
1. Chase Waterfalls Like It’s Your Job
If you go to Yellowstone and don’t hit up the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, did you even go? Start with Lower Falls—they’re over 300 feet tall, and the rainbow mist moments are next-level magical. Hike down to Artist Point for views that will wreck your camera roll (in the best way). Bonus: There are other waterfalls all over the park, so if you’re feeling extra, make a full day of waterfall hopping.
2. Get Steamy at the Hot Springs
Yellowstone is basically Earth’s original spa, and Grand Prismatic Spring is the main event. It's the third-largest hot spring in the world, and it looks like a Lisa Frank fever dream in the best possible way. The colors are unreal—like Mother Nature went full influencer mode with a rainbow filter. Walk the boardwalk or hike to the overlook for that full drone-pic energy, even if you're just using your phone.
3. Say Hi to Old Faithful
She’s been doing her thing on time for thousands of years, and the crowd still shows up. Old Faithful isn’t just a geyser—it’s a whole moment. Grab a spot early, set your camera to burst mode, and watch this natural powerhouse launch steam sky-high every 90ish minutes. There’s even a visitor center nearby where you can learn the science behind her big glow-up.
4. Road Trip the Loop Like a Boss
The Grand Loop Road is Yellowstone’s ultimate scenic flex. It’s 142 miles of wildlife crossings, geysers, valleys, and "OMG stop the car!" moments. Pack snacks, load up your playlist, and treat it like your own personal safari. Pro tip: Lamar Valley at sunrise is straight-up magical—bison, bears, and maybe even wolves just casually doing their thing while you sip your coffee.
Must-Book yellowstone National Park Tours (Trust Me, These Slap)
This is a curated list of the top best tours to take while in Yellowstone National Park:
This one’s a splurge-worthy experience, especially if you’re visiting with extended family or friends.
Avoid the crowds and get up close with Yellowstone’s wild side on this private, naturalist-led tour for up to 7 people per group. You'll spot iconic wildlife like bison and bears using pro gear (spotting scopes & binoculars provided), explore lesser-known geysers and hot springs, and take scenic, beginner-friendly hikes perfect for families. The tour includes water and a gourmet picnic lunch at a beautiful, quiet spot inside the park.
💯 Why This Tour Is Clutch:
It’s Private – No randoms. Just your crew, your vibe. Perfect for families, multi-gen groups, or anyone who values personal space and custom vibes.
Local Naturalist Guide – You’re not just driving around guessing what you’re seeing. You’ve got an expert who knows where the wildlife actually is and can tell cool stories your kids will repeat for weeks.
Wildlife Encounters – We're talking wolves, bears, elk, bison... and you’ll actually spot them because they provide binoculars and spotting scopes.
Lesser-Known Geysers & Hikes – Forget only Old Faithful. This tour hits those hidden gems you’d totally miss if you DIY’d it.
Gourmet Picnic Lunch – Yes, picnic lunch. But not just PB&Js—this is elevated park food with epic views.
Kid-Friendly Hiking – Short, scenic trails that little legs can handle without meltdown mode.
This is the “get it all in one day” tour. Total banger. It’s Giving Wild Kingdom Energy
Welcome to the Serengeti of North America—Lamar Valley! This guided safari hike takes you deep into Yellowstone’s wildlife hotspot, where the bison roam, wolves hunt, and elk pose for their close-up (probably). Expert guides lead you through this picturesque valley while dropping knowledge bombs about the ecosystem, geology, and the incredible animals you’ll encounter.
🥾 After soaking up the scenery on foot, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the beauty of Yellowstone—like your own wilderness café. It’s equal parts adventure and chill, perfect for making unforgettable memories.
🌟 Why It’s Giving:
🐺 Up-close vibes — You’re in the heart of wildlife central. Bring your binoculars; the animal kingdom awaits!
🎓 Nature 101 — Your guide brings Yellowstone’s wild side to life with insider knowledge.
🍽️ Lunch goals — Eat surrounded by postcard-level views. Who needs a fancy restaurant?
🌄 Photog dream — Sunrise? Check. Wildlife? Double check. Content? Unlimited.
💡 Why You Need to Take This Tour:
Let’s face it—Yellowstone is huge, and finding the best spots on your own can be overwhelming. This tour takes the guesswork out of exploring, ensuring you see the most wildlife-rich areas while avoiding the usual tourist crowds. Plus, having an expert guide means you’ll learn and experience way more than just driving through on your own.
🔗 Book your Lamar Valley Safari adventure now and get ready to live your best Yellowstone life: Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch – Viator
This guided kayak tour isn’t just a chill paddle—it’s a whole vibe. You’ll glide across the largest high-elevation lake in North America with jaw-dropping views of Yellowstone’s untouched shoreline, geysers steaming in the distance, and the chance to spot bald eagles or elk sipping water like it’s their runway.
💦 Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, this tour is super accessible (and Insta-worthy). It’s the kind of peaceful adventure that makes you feel like you’re in a nature doc, but with fewer bugs and way more chill.
Why It’s Giving:
✨ Peaceful AF — No crowds, just you, your kayak, and the wide-open lake
🎒 Zero stress — Your guide handles the route, gear, and fun facts
🐾 Nature flex — You could literally paddle past geysers and wildlife
📸 Content galore — This one’s made for slow zooms and soft girl energy
Perfect for couples, adventurous families (kids 12+), or anyone needing a screen detox with serious soul-healing views.
🔗 Book your spot and get ready to feel like a national park icon: Kayak Day Paddle on Yellowstone Lake – Viator
4. Private Yellowstone Wildlife Sightseeing Tour (As seen by my in-laws—literally.)
My in-laws took a wildlife tour with a seriously next-level guide who knew everything about the animals and terrain. And guess what? They saw a pack of wolves hunting a baby bison. Like… Nat Geo in real life.
It’s Giving VIP Safari in the Wild WestIf you’re all about spotting bison herds, bears, elk, and maybe even wolves—but minus the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd stress—this private wildlife sightseeing tour is your golden ticket. You’ll roll through Yellowstone’s wildlife-rich zones with a pro guide who actually knows where to look and when to stop for that perfect binocular moment.
📍 Whether you're traveling with kids, grandparents, or just your closest crew, this private tour is fully customizable to your vibe and pace—early risers, golden hour chasers, and nap schedule sticklers all welcome.
🐾 Why It’s Giving:
🚐 VIP experience — Just your crew + a guide = no strangers, no pressure
👀 High chance of epic sightings — Bison stampedes? Bear sightings? This guide knows where the magic happens
🔭 Pro gear included — Binoculars, scopes, and snacks (the holy trinity)
🎯 Custom itinerary — See what you want to see, how you want to see it
📸 No-filter-needed views — Sunrise over Lamar Valley is ✨chef’s kiss✨
💡 Why You Need to Take This Tour:Yellowstone isn’t the kind of place you want to wing it. This tour removes the guesswork and brings the wow. If your goal is to make the most of your trip and actually see the wildlife (not just bumper-to-bumper traffic near a bison), this private option is hands-down the way to go.
🔗 Book now and make your Yellowstone bucket list dreams real: Private Yellowstone Wildlife Sightseeing Tour – Viator
And don’t forget to check out my blog for more kid-friendly Yellowstone tips, wildlife-watching hacks, and how to turn your trip into a Junior Ranger badge bonanza. 🏞️✨
Final Vibe Check
Yellowstone isn’t just a park—it’s a core memory waiting to happen. It was the ultimate trip for my husband and me pre-kiddo, and it’s 1000% on our list to return as a family. There’s something so magical about watching your little one take in those giant waterfalls or get their first wildlife spotting
—and yes, our son’s gonna flex that Junior Ranger badge collection forever.
So if you’re craving an adventure with a side of wow, Yellowstone is the move. Book the tour, pack the snacks, and get ready for the park that seriously lives rent-free in our heads.
While you're exploring, don’t forget to stop by a Visitor Center to grab your Junior Ranger booklets! It’s a super fun way for kids to learn about Yellowstone and earn an official badge. ✨
👉 Curious about collecting Junior Ranger Badges across the U.S.? Check out my other blog posts for tips, regional checklists, and how to make it part of your family’s travel tradition!
This post includes affiliate links. That means if you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our fam and future Junior Ranger badge missions!
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