"Celebrated as the ultimate American summer wilderness, this destination offers transformative, pristine landscapes that are ideal for wildlife spotting — from bison herds roaming freely to the chance of seeing elusive wolves at dusk. Visitors can encounter iconic geothermal and canyon features like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs. The most memorable moments often come during quieter windows in the day—early morning or late afternoon—when golden light softens the scenery and crowds thin." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Spanning 2.2 million acres with five vehicle entrances (North, Northeast, East, South, and West), the park showcases a vast array of geothermal and scenic features—geyser basins, hot springs, waterfalls, dramatic canyons, and the largest high-elevation lake in North America—accessible via multiple routes such as the popular Lower Loop from Jackson Hole or from gateway towns like West Yellowstone and Gardiner. Visitors can camp in one of 11 campgrounds or base themselves in nearby towns while exploring abundant wildlife including elk, wolves, moose, bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears. Important visitor rules include never feeding wildlife and maintaining safe distances (at least 300 feet from wolves and bears, and more than 75 feet from bison, elk, and other animals)." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"One of the highest-traffic parks this season, seeing record or near-record visitation that intensifies congestion at its most famous features and along major routes; visitor services such as ranger programs and shuttles may be reduced. Plan ahead for reservations or timed entries where applicable, visit popular attractions at off-peak hours if possible, and be patient and courteous with staff when crowds are inevitable." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The very first U.S. national park, spanning much of northwestern Wyoming and small slices of Idaho and Montana, is celebrated for its season-by-season magic, diverse landscapes, dramatic geothermal features, and abundant wildlife. Visitors praise the park’s geysers and hot springs alongside sightings of bison, moose, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep, with some saying wildlife-spotting there felt comparable to an African safari." - Hannah Walhout Hannah Walhout Hannah Walhout is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, where she edits the Discoveries section of the print magazine and develops longer stories focusing on food, wine, and spirits. She has previously worked at Food & Wine and in the writing program at NYU Abu Dhabi. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Included on a six-day Intrepid Travel “Active-ism” itinerary that pairs a geothermal-rich national park with nearby mountain landscapes, this destination's departures blend adventure with environmental advocacy. The first departures are hosted by climate educator Michael Mezzatesta (departing June 7, 2026) and, a week later, by environmental author Leah Thomas (departing June 14, 2026). Launched in response to recent National Park Service layoffs and budget threats, the program is offered at reduced cost to broaden access and is one of Intrepid's only global trips to feature an activist host, aiming to equip travelers to learn, share, advocate, volunteer, or donate to support park protection." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
