What Other National Parks Are Near Yellowstone

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, which is just south of Yellowstone, is well-known for its breathtaking mountain vistas, immaculate lakes, and varied fauna. The Grand Teton, the highest mountain in the Teton Range, which reaches to a height of 13,775 feet (4,199 meters), is the inspiration behind the park's name.

• Principal Attractions: Jenny Lake, Mormon Row, Signal Mountain, Snake River, and the picturesque Teton Park Road.
• Activities: hiking, sailing, fishing, taking pictures of nature, and photography.
• Advice for Travelers: The finest light for photography is in the early morning or late afternoon when you visit. For more details and to see exhibits, don't miss the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, which lies in northwest Montana, is renowned for its untamed mountains, alpine meadows, and breathtaking glacier lakes. The park is a component of the wider Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which spans the US-Canada border and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Principal Attractions: Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Logan Pass, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail.
• Activities: hiking, boat tours, fishing, camping, and seeing nature.
• Advice for Travelers: Although the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see, at the busiest time of year, it may get busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, think about going in the early morning or late at night.

Badlands National Park

The remarkable geological features of Badlands National Park, which is situated in southwest South Dakota, include spires, pinnacles, and buttes that have been severely eroded. The park is also home to a wide variety of fauna and an abundance of fossils.

• Principal Attractions: Fossil Exhibit Trail, Pinnacles Overlook, Yellow Mounds Overlook, and Badlands Loop Road.
• Activities: stargazing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
• Advice for Travelers: To get breathtaking views of the distinctive scenery, head to the park's viewpoints. The park's isolated setting and dark skies make it a great spot to go stargazing as well.

 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, which is situated in northern Colorado, is well-known for its high peaks, alpine lakes, and plethora of animals. All year long, the park provides a plethora of outdoor activities together with breathtaking landscapes.

• Principal Attractions: The Alpine Visitor Center, Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road, and Longs Peak.
• Activities: hiking, camping, fishing, taking pictures of nature, and photography.
• Advice for Travelers: The highest continuous paved road in the US, Trail Ridge Road, is a must-see because it provides amazing vistas. For gorgeous foliage and less tourists, go in the fall.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The tallest sand dunes in North America may be found in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, which is situated in southern Colorado. It also boasts a variety of ecosystems, from alpine forests to grasslands.

• Principal Attractions: Medano Creek, Star Dune, and the Dunes Overlook.
• Activities: Camping, stargazing, hiking, and sandboarding.
• Advice for Travelers: Experience Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that runs at the foot of the dunes, by visiting in the spring or early summer. For people of all ages, sledding and sandboarding on the dunes are popular pastimes.

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park, which lies in southwestern South Dakota, gets its name from its vast tunnel system, which is among the longest and most intricate in the world. Ponderosa pine forests and mixed-grass prairie can also be found in the park.

• Principal Attractions: The Prairie Vista Trail, Wind Cave, and Rankin Ridge.
• Activities: hiking, cavern excursions, camping, and animal viewing.
• Advice for Travelers: The main draw is cave tours, but don't forget to hike the park's surface trails to see bison, elk, and other wildlife.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is situated in western North Dakota, pays tribute to the 26th President of the United States, who was a fervent supporter of environmental preservation. The park is home to historical sites, a variety of fauna, and rough badlands.

• Principal Attractions: The Maltese Cross Cabin, Painted Canyon, and Scenic Loop Drive.
• Activities: Camping, picturesque driving, hiking, and seeing wildlife.
• Advice for Travelers: The South Unit, North Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit are the three units that make up the park. If you have the time, try to visit many units as they each provide different landscapes and sensations.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park, which is situated in southern Oregon, is well-known for its deep blue lake that was created when a volcano fell. The park has options for water sports, hiking trails, and breathtaking views.

• Principal Attractions: Rim Drive, Wizard Island, and Crater Lake.
• Activities: fishing, hiking, boat cruises, and skiing.
• Advice for Travelers: The Rim Drive is a must-do activity that provides amazing views of the lake. It is best to make reservations in advance for the popular boat cruises to Wizard Island.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Some of the oldest and steepest rock formations in North America can be found in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is situated in western Colorado. The park has rock climbing routes, hiking trails, and breathtaking vistas.

• Principal Attractions: The Gunnison River, Painted Wall, and South Rim Road.
• Activities: rock climbing, stargazing, kayaking, and hiking.
• Advice for Travelers: There are many overlooks along the South Rim Road that provide breathtaking views of the canyon. The park is a great place to go stargazing because it is an International Dark Sky Park.

Guides for Arranging Your Visit to a National Park

Exploring several national parks in the vicinity of Yellowstone can prove to be an amazing journey. The following advice can help you organize your trip:

• Make a plan for your itinerary: Based on your time and interests, research each park and select the ones you want to visit. Make a schedule that gives you enough time to visit each park without feeling rushed.
• Book Your Reservations: Reservations are necessary for lodging, campsites, and some activities in many national parks. Make your arrangements well in advance, particularly during the busiest times of year for travel.
• Make Sure You Pack Appropriately: Weather can vary greatly between parks and even within the same park, so be prepared for a range of scenarios. Pack light, comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, layers of clothes, sunscreen, and lots of water.
• Don't Leave Any Traces: In order to reduce your environmental impact, abide by the Leave No Trace philosophy. Respect wildlife and the environment by staying on authorized trails and picking up