Before diving into Yellowstone National Park, it’s worth taking time to enjoy everything that makes West Yellowstone such a memorable destination. From outdoor adventures to relaxing evenings downtown, there’s no shortage of ways to round out your vacation. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for several days, adding a few local experiences to your itinerary can make your trip even more enjoyable.
1. Go Horseback Riding
There’s no better way to experience the beauty of the Greater Yellowstone area than on horseback. Guided horseback riding tours take visitors through forests, mountain meadows and scenic backcountry trails, offering a slower pace and a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. It’s a fun activity for couples, families and anyone looking to experience the Old West while taking in incredible views.
Many outfitters around West Yellowstone offer rides ranging from short trail excursions to half-day adventures, making it easy to fit horseback riding into your schedule.
2. Explore the Backcountry on a 4×4 Tour
If you’re looking for a little more excitement, consider booking a guided 4×4 or off-road tour. These adventures take you beyond the main highways to explore rugged terrain, hidden viewpoints and remote areas that many visitors never get to see.
Along the way, you’ll often have opportunities to spot wildlife, learn about the area’s history and discover incredible scenery that’s off the beaten path. Whether you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, a 4×4 tour is a great way to add adventure to your West Yellowstone itinerary.
3. Experience Snowmobiling in the Winter
Visiting during the winter months? Snowmobiling is one of the most popular activities in West Yellowstone. With hundreds of miles of groomed trails and easy access to Yellowstone National Park’s winter routes, it’s an unforgettable way to explore snow-covered forests, frozen rivers and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Local outfitters offer guided tours as well as rentals for riders of all experience levels, making it easy to enjoy one of the area’s signature winter activities.
4. Catch a Play at Westgate Theatre
After spending the day hiking, sightseeing or exploring Yellowstone, sometimes the best way to relax is with a show at this quaint West Yellowstone theatre. Westgate Theatre offers a comfortable place to unwind while enjoying a live play with family and friends.
Whether the weather changes unexpectedly, you’re looking for an evening activity or you simply want to rest your feet after a full day outdoors, a show is a great addition to your vacation plans. It’s an easy way to recharge before another day of adventure.
5. Spend a Night on the Town
West Yellowstone comes alive in the evening with plenty of places to eat, shop and relax. Enjoy dinner at one of the town’s local restaurants, grab a drink at a neighborhood pub or browse unique gift shops before ending your night.
Pairing a great meal with a show at Westgate Theatre creates the perfect evening after a day in Yellowstone National Park. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends or your significant other, spending time downtown is a great way to experience everything West Yellowstone has to offer.
6. Explore Yellowstone’s Famous Geyser Basins
One of the biggest reasons visitors choose West Yellowstone is its convenient access to some of Yellowstone’s most famous geothermal attractions. The park is home to several major geyser basins, each offering a different look at Yellowstone’s geothermal features.
The Upper Geyser Basin is home to Old Faithful and some of the most concentrated geothermal features in the park. The Midway Geyser Basin is another must-see area, particularly because of the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone’s most recognizable sights.
You can also explore the Lower Geyser Basin, which includes a variety of hot springs, mud pots and geysers spread throughout the area. For visitors interested in geothermal features, setting aside time for several different geyser basins can make for a much more complete Yellowstone experience.
7. See Grand Prismatic Spring
No Yellowstone itinerary is complete without seeing Grand Prismatic Spring. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, the spring is known for its striking blue center surrounded by vibrant orange, yellow and green colors.
There are several ways to experience Grand Prismatic. Visitors can view the spring from the boardwalk through Midway Geyser Basin or take the trail to the Grand Prismatic Overlook, which provides a higher vantage point. The Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is a popular option for visitors who want a broader view of the spring and surrounding geothermal landscape.
If you’re planning a Yellowstone sightseeing day from West Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic is an easy attraction to include alongside other nearby geothermal features.
8. Visit Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin
The Upper Geyser Basin is another major stop for visitors exploring Yellowstone. Old Faithful is the area’s best-known attraction, but there is much more to see beyond the famous geyser. Walking trails connect numerous geothermal features throughout the basin, including colorful pools, hot springs and other geysers.
Nearby, the historic Old Faithful Inn provides another interesting stop. Even if you’re primarily visiting to see the geothermal features, taking some time to explore the inn and surrounding area can add variety to your day.
9. Discover Yellowstone’s Other Scenic Areas
Yellowstone is much more than geysers and hot springs. Depending on your route and how much time you have, you can explore areas such as Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley. These areas offer opportunities to see wildlife, mountains, rivers and wide-open landscapes.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, often simply called the Grand Canyon, is another major attraction. Canyon Village provides access to several viewpoints and trails around the canyon, including areas along the North Rim and South Rim. Artist Point is particularly well known for its views of the canyon and Lower Falls.
For wildlife viewing, Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are two of the better-known areas of the park. Early morning and evening can be especially productive times for spotting wildlife, although animals are never guaranteed.
10. Plan Your Yellowstone Entrance and Route
Because Yellowstone is so large, planning your route before heading into the park can make your day much easier. West Yellowstone is located near the park’s West Entrance, providing convenient access to attractions in the western portion of Yellowstone.
Depending on your itinerary, you may also encounter the North Entrance, South Entrance or other park entrances during a longer Yellowstone trip. The visitor centers throughout the park can also be useful stops for maps, current conditions and information about the areas you’re planning to visit.
If you’re trying to decide how many days in Yellowstone you need, remember that the park is too large to see everything in a single day. A longer stay gives you more opportunities to explore different regions rather than spending most of your time driving between attractions.
11. See Some of Yellowstone’s Less Familiar Attractions
Once you’ve visited the major attractions, consider adding a few lesser-known stops to your itinerary. Norris Geyser Basin is one of the hottest and most dynamic geothermal areas in Yellowstone, while Steamboat Geyser is known as the world’s tallest active geyser.
Other attractions worth researching include Morning Glory Pool, Fountain Paint Pots, Tower Fall and Fairy Falls. Some require more time or hiking than others, so check trail conditions and access information before heading out.
If you’re planning to visit Fairy Falls, for example, researching the Fairy Falls parking lot and trail access ahead of time can help you avoid surprises during your trip.
Make the Most of Your Visit to West Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park may be the main attraction, but the town of West Yellowstone offers plenty of memorable experiences of its own. By adding activities like horseback riding, off-road adventures, winter snowmobiling, an evening at Westgate Theatre and a night exploring downtown, you’ll create a vacation that’s both exciting and well-rounded. No matter the season, there’s always something to enjoy before or after your next Yellowstone adventure.
Whether you have about an hour to spare or several days to explore, West Yellowstone gives you a convenient starting point for experiencing the park. From the West Entrance and nearby geyser basins to Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon, there’s plenty to discover. And when you’re ready to leave the park for the evening, Westgate Theatre offers a chance to sit back and enjoy live theatre in the heart of West Yellowstone.
