Yellowstone’s Hidden And Not So Hidden Gems

National Parks

May 31

By: Sarah Reish

Whether you have been to Yellowstone National Park before or not, there are probably a million places people are telling you to go or stop and see. It can be overwhelming. As a rule we tell everyone to plan for two days in the park. You need two days to really get something out of your visit. If you only have one day then you need to plan exactly what you want to see and make an itinerary knowing you won’t get to see it all. We love that Yellowstone has so much to offer, from grass and marsh lands to forests and lakes and yes even mountain passes. If you are unsure what to include in your Yellowstone itinerary, here are some hidden and not so hidden gems that we love.

Photos Provided By: Yellowstone National Park

#5 Must see location: Virginia Cascades Drive

This is a location we skipped a few times and then one day we randomly took it. When we visited, it wasn’t overly busy, we maybe came across a couple of other vehicles. Virginia Cascades Drive is a single lane (one-way) road located north of Norris-Canyon Road and follows the Gibbon River in Yellowstone. It features a stunning cascading falls. The area is beautiful and located in a lush forested area within the park.

Time: Less than a half an hour if you are driving through without stops.

Why we love it: The cascade falls is gorgeous and the little hidden gem was a welcoming calm drive after being on the busy main roads.

#4 Must See location: Hayden Valley

This location is super cool because of the grasslands and marshlands. It is here you may spot bear, wolves, bison and elk. One of my favorite memories of this area was an early morning adventure. Myst was on the water and the fall colors were exploding. Elk were bugling and it was truly amazing.

Time: Honestly, locals should make a day of just setting up and watching wildlife. Drive through or sit for a while - the timing is within your control.

Why we love it: Some days this location gifts us with numerous sightings and others only a couple. Even without a “big sighting”, it’s gorgeous.

#3 Must see location: Upper & Lower Falls

Steve choose this location and I have to say it was in my back pocket. The Upper Falls and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River are both stunning and are part of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This canyon was created through erosion and it is truly an awe inspiring scenic location.

Time: Honestly, once you find parking, you can make it a quick visit, but we recommend you slow down and really take it in and hike one of the trails.

Why we love it: The views, it is known as Artists’ Point - The name alone tells you all you need to know.

#2 Must see location: Moose Falls

This is a charming short hike to a beautiful falls. We recommend it for those traveling through the South Gate via Grand Teton National Park. Not a popular location because it isn’t on one of the loops, this hike is located close to the south gate. We had been in Pinedale and were headed home via Grand Teton and the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway. We saw the trailhead sign and pulled off. The hike is short but not accessible for those with mobility issues.

Time: This is a short hike, I think there and back we spent 30 minutes.

Why I love it: It is gorgeous. The scenery is stunning spring, summer, or fall. We did not encounter another soul during our time there which made it all the more special.

Photos By: Live WYld

#1 Must see location: West Thumb Geyser Basin

This location made it onto the large print of the map, it is actually one of the first printed accounts of Yellowstone by, Daniel T. Potts, a trapper in the Yellowstone region in the 1820s. While it is a popular location, it can be overshadowed by Old Faithful and some of the other “hot” spots in Yellowstone. People in a hurry drive by because the features cannot be seen from the parking lot. Follow the sidewalk to the boardwalk where you can explore various pools. It is by far one of my favorite spots to visit.

Time: I would say approximately 30-60 minutes to explore this area.

Why I love it: The coloration and looking into the deep pools is mesmerizing. It sits right next to Yellowstone Lake so there is a lovely breeze and view.

Places to VisitYellowstone National ParkHiking

steve reish