Written by Colin T.
Colin writes for Cody Lodging Company, sharing insider guides and highlighting the absolute best things to see, do, and experience in Wyoming.
Visiting America’s oldest national park doesn’t mean you necessarily need to block off two weeks on the calendar. A well-planned Yellowstone weekend getaway can give you plenty of opportunities to see geysers erupt, spot wild bison herds, and marvel at stunning canyon landscapes. Check out our guide below for tips on planning your perfect Yellowstone retreat.
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Making Your Ideal Yellowstone Itinerary
To make the most of your time, be sure to map out a seamless loop that takes you through some of the park’s greatest hits. If launching your road trip from Billings or Sheridan, you’ll be in a prime position to start at the park’s East Entrance. From here, you’ll have a scenic drive to Yellowstone Lake, where anglers can cast a line, or families can enjoy stunning views with a picnic by the water.
Continue your loop through the sweeping meadows of the Hayden Valley, where you can expect some of the park’s best wildlife spotting. You might even find yourself in a slight traffic jam as a resident herd of bison crosses the road. Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars ready near the riverbanks, where you can frequently spot elk grazing, trumpeter swans nesting, and distant grizzly bears or wolf packs searching for their next meal along the valley floor.
Next, head toward the Upper Geyser Basin to walk the boardwalks around Old Faithful or check out the vivid, swirling colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring. For those looking to stretch their legs further, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone makes an excellent next stop on your Yellowstone itinerary, offering several breathtaking trails and lookout points on your way back to the East Entrance.
Looking for More to Do Nearby?
Your extended weekend trip in Wyoming doesn’t have to stop at the park gates. Nearby Cody, WY, is a premier destination packed with frontier experiences that can easily warrant a spot on your travel bucket list. Whether you’re touring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West or catching the historic Cody Nite Rodeo, this gateway town makes an excellent basecamp to enjoy in between your Yellowstone adventures.
Beyond the town limits, there’s also a wide variety of outdoor fun at your fingertips. Experience the thrill of rafting through the dramatic Shoshone River Canyon or slow the pace down, fly-fishing for trout at the river’s scenic North Fork. For a classic Western experience, you can also saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the high mountain trails of the neighboring Shoshone National Forest.
Lock in Your Dream Yellowstone Stay with Cody Lodging Company
An unforgettable visit to Yellowstone National Park starts with finding the best place to stay in Cody, Wyoming. At Cody Lodging Company, we want to help you make the most of your time in the Cowboy State. Browse our available Wyoming vacation rentals and start planning your crew’s ideal Yellowstone weekend getaway today!