top 5 sights in yellowstone national park

Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park is absolutely gorgeous. In fact, I feel compelled to emphasize that none of the photos in this post (or any of my posts, for that matter) have been photoshopped or filtered. The park is simply a home to so many vibrant colors and so many otherworldly (and worldly) landscapes. 

In addition to its beauty, Yellowstone has the distinctive honor of being the world's oldest national park. Mr. Sazy Rock and I had the pleasure of visiting Yellowstone this Summer. While the Summer crowds were no fun, the park's beauty still shone through. 

If you only have a short period to visit the park, which is a shame because there are a lot of beautiful spots in this very large park, make sure you check out my top 5 "can't miss" sights.

1. The Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring.

You will find the Grand Prismatic Spring at the Midway Geyser Basin. It looks like something from a sci-fi movie. The distinctively blue-colored spring is a clear pool that reflects that color due to how water absorbs light. It is also very hot because it is heated by magma from an active volcano deep down the earth. The colors surrounding the spring are caused by heat loving microorganisms. You'll be able to see the spring from up close -- although you are prohibited from stepping off the wooden walkway, touching it, or throwing any object on it. Because you will be at eye level, unfortunately, you won't be able to really see its full size and shape.

I wanted to see the spring from above. But, unlike an intelligence-deprived tourist who crashed a drone camera in the middle of the spring and possibly damaged it, I chose to hike to a higher elevation. (Thanks to a Lonely Planet guidebook for the tip!) So, I drove south to the Fairy Falls Trailhead. At some point, I saw a trail that went up a hill (on the left in the picture below):

Fairy Trails Trailhead.

The park did not sanction the hill trail, which consisted of burned trees that created a very steep path. I do not recommend you do it especially if you have issues with height and if your knees are not in perfect condition.

But, I did the steep hike so you do not have to do it. This is what I saw:

The Grand Prismatic Spring.

2. Mammoth Springs

Like the Grand Prismatic Spring, I think that there is something particularly otherworldly about Mammoth Springs. Parts of it look like a barren wasteland and other parts are full of some golden bronze color. The hot springs and the heat loving microorganisms create this unique landscape. I thought it best to just post some of the pictures of the area so you'll know what to expect. 

The Minerva Terrace.

Colors created by heat loving microorganisms.

An alien-looking landscape created when the heat loving organisms are entombed in hardened calcite.

Canary Spring.

3. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

There are a lot of lookouts for the Canyon area of Yellowstone. But, I think the best view is from the Brink of Lower Falls. Note, however, that while the hike is only 3/8 mile long, it is a 600 feet drop. This means a steep uphill climb. You have been warned.

Once you reach the bottom, you will be very close to the falls. I suspect that because of all the water and the sun light hitting it, a rainbow is somewhat of a permanent fixture. But, do not quote me on that one. Either way, go check it out. It is glorious!

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone from Lower Falls.

Lookout Point View of Lower Falls.

4. Old Faithful

You can't really go to Yellowstone and not see the Old Faithful Geyser. Although I did not find it particularly spectacular, it erupted fairly predictably and frequently (the National Park Service could predict its eruption - give or take a few minutes). I highly recommend that you check when it is scheduled to erupt so you do not waste any time just hanging around watching a steaming hole.

Old Faithful Geyser.

Old Faithful Geyser.

5. The 45th Parallel 

The 45th Parallel Sign.

Halfway between the equator and the North Pole is the 45th parallel of latitude. It's a nice sign to commemorate your position in the world -- especially for those of us who live in a place where snow is something we only see in movies or read about in the papers. The sign is located on the west side of the road towards the park's North Entrance. There is a large turnout area so feel free to safely stop and take a lot of pictures.


Just remember, when visiting the park, please take your trash with you and only take photographs (and lots of them). And, if you take photographs, please do not use a drone, which will not only mar the experience of other visitors but may also damage the park, its features and the wildlife.

Have you been to Yellowstone National Park? What are your favorite sights in the park?