Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous parks in the country, but just because it's popular doesn't mean it isn't loaded with hidden gems and incredible secrets. With historic ghost towns, loads of hot springs, mysterious musical rocks, and some of America's best fly fishing, Yellowstone and the surrounding area offer up more than just Old Faithful. Take a road trip through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho to uncover it all!
One of the most beloved portions of Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake offers a slew of activities that range from action-packed extreme sports to low-impact wildlife observation hikes.
Jenny Lake is also a fantastic place for fly fishing. There's a boat dock at the south end of the lake (make sure you get a permit from Teton Park), but if you're more of a boots-on-the-ground angler, there's some great trails circling the lake that provide access to the water.
Expect to find both cutthroat and lake trout.
Jackson Lake offers fantastic fishing and boating, and a variety of fun activities that make it a perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors. And its beach is ranked among the best park beaches in America. Rent a boat and set off to catch some cutthroat, lake trout, or brown trout!
Old Faithful is an iconic American landmark that's been inspiring awe since it was discovered in 1870, and it's just as incredible today as it was more than a century ago.
Easily the most recognized, celebrated, and studied geyser in the world, Old Faithful, true to its name, erupts every hour and a half to the delight of onlookers who've come far and wide to catch a glimpse of its dramatic spout.
Show up when they open the park at 8:00 a.m.—you'll beat the crowds and get a classic photo op.
One of several rivers in Yellowstone National Park, Firehole River has a pretty unique feature: It's naturally heated by the nearby hot springs, making it almost 20 degrees warmer than other rivers!
Surprisingly, its heat also makes it a pretty great fishing spot, earning it the title of "strangest trout stream on Earth." Don't be surprised if you see large billows of steam rolling out of the waters as you reel in a big one.
No visit to Wyoming is complete without a visit to the Mammoth Hot Springs. These otherworldly springs are crazy hot (which means no swimming), but can be experienced from winding boardwalks that wrap around the park.
It gets pretty warm, but here's a tip: The visitor's center serves ice cream to help you cool off.
Fish aren't the only wildlife worth discovering in the Yellowstone region! With a drive through Lamar Valley, you can get in touch with nature without leaving your car. Foxes, bear, and herds of bison and elk are all common sights on this scenic route, but be prepared to take your time: The bison have a habit of causing some amusing traffic jams.
Want the best experience? Visit early in the morning when you'll beat traffic and get a better chance at seeing the animals.
Considered by many to be the highlight of the whole park, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has to be seen to be believed. The drive offers astounding views of the rugged cliffs and rushing waterfalls, and if you time it just right, you'll catch sight of the iconic rainbow featured in so many of the canyon's stunning photographs. Bonus: The Yellowstone River and Yellowstone Lake above the falls have some pretty awesome fly fishing, especially during the salmonfly hatch in mid-July.
There's a good chance you'll spot this crazy work of art from the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, but this 75-foot-high structure is worth a closer look.
The Smith Mansion looks like some kind of bizarre Dr. Seuss illustration come to life, and is what resulted when a man decided to build his own house... but just couldn't stop building.
Since the owner's death in 1992, the Smith Mansion has sat untouched (it's too dangerous to actually enter), but every year, thousands of curious travelers drive the byway and stop to see the structure—it's a great photo op.
This surprisingly beautiful reservoir is one of Wyoming's most interesting hidden gems. The Buffalo Bill Dam, known formerly as the Shoshone Dam, is an engineering marvel tucked away on the side the mountain canyon. Hop in an electric buggy for a tour that brings you right up to the dam, and learn about its construction and storied life in a fun and interactive way.
The best part? The tour is free!
Old Trail Town, where Buffalo Bill Cody originally laid out the town of Cody, is a ghost town untouched by time. Tour living history by walking through several genuine Old West buildings, including the original cabins used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. You'll see rare Native American artifacts and even step foot inside the very same saloon where Cassidy’s “Hole-in-the-Wall Gang” used to hide out.
With some of the best fishing hot spots in the nation, incredible hidden gems, and comfy KOA campgrounds, Yellowstone is a sure bet for your Western adventure. You'll leave with memories to last a lifetime-- and plenty of fish, too.
