Planning for over 60 travel is so exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. After all, there’s so much of the world to see, and many of those places have off-seasons. The American National Parks are just one example of destinations where planning to visit during the right time of year comes in handy. I highly recommend Yellowstone—my favorite of all the National Parks I’ve visited! Sources agree that visiting Yellowstone in May, September, October is your best bet. With spring just around the corner, it’s a great time to start nailing down those USA travel plans! Here are my takeaways from my two trips to stunning Yellowstone.
Immerse Yourself in the Magnificent Scenery
You can’t possibly exaggerate how beautiful Yellowstone is! It’s truly a natural wonder, from the babbling streams and looming mountains to the majestic waterfalls and canyons. There seems to be this myth that Black people stay away from our National Parks and don’t enjoy the great outdoors. While some people prefer to stay inside, I very much encourage other Black travelers to see the majesty of Yellowstone. Don’t miss out on one of the gems of the United States!
Old Faithful Isn’t Too Touristy!
A Yellowstone family vacation? Sign me up! This National Park is the perfect place for a mother daughter trip or treating the whole family. When you’re planning your visit to Yellowstone, don’t shy away from the main attractions! Old Faithful is an incredible sight, no matter how many times you’ve seen it in pictures. Whether you’re hiking, snowmobiling, or fishing in Yellowstone, be sure to carve out some time for this world-famous geyser.
If you can, I recommend going with a guided tour. Last time, I traveled with a guide and got the chance to enjoy a park ranger’s insight. The rangers and the National Parks Service as a whole are truly incredible! They all love their jobs and seem on a mission to give all visitors an outstanding experience. The ranger’s nature talks were simply magical!
Don’t Skip These Iconic Places in Yellowstone!
Once you’re finished at Old Faithful, stick around for a few more days to see all that Yellowstone has to offer. Keep in mind that many of the best places to visit are many miles apart, and an overnight stay might be necessary to fully appreciate them all. I’d highly suggest a stop at the Norris Geyser Basin and a few moments at the stunning springs you’ll find throughout the park. The wide variety of landforms and water features is what makes Yellowstone the Queen of the National Parks!
Where the Buffalo Roam
When you visit Yellowstone, don’t forget that the National Park still counts as wilderness! On my last trip, I saw bears in about five different places, including a grizzly snacking on a fish by a stream. During my family trip back in 1986, we saw our fair share of moose in Yellowstone, too.
But the real star of the Yellowstone show is the buffalo! The American buffalo (or bison) was nearly hunted to extinction by European settlers in the mid-to-late 1800s, but the population has since started to recover. Today, the Yellowstone Park bison herd includes about 4,800 animals.
What a privilege it is to still get to observe these wonderful creatures! Nevertheless, I certainly wouldn’t get too close. Back in ‘86, my husband was photographing a seemingly docile buffalo when the buffalo started chasing him. My heart starts pounding just thinking about it!
Be Sure to See Yellowstone This May
Whether you’re a nature lover or simply want to see more of the USA, Yellowstone is a perfect place to visit this year. I recommend spending at least three days in Yellowstone to fully appreciate the majesty of this destination. After seeing this National Park, you can always hopscotch over to the Grand Tetons, the Black Hills, or even small-town North Dakota. While Yellowstone certainly isn’t a hidden gem, it’s beautiful and worth the trip all the same!