You can scratch the surface in a day or two, or you can devote an entire summer to it. One trip, however long, never feels adequate; there's always a road not traveled. You can focus on the roadside highlights or venture deep into the backcountry. You can enjoy the old-style park hotels or pitch your own tent. You can learn about the geology and flora and fauna in visitor center exhibits or take an in-depth class with expert naturalists.
There are 370 miles of paved roadways in Yellowstone, with a figure-eight loop at the center that takes you to some key attractions: You can cover that ground in one long day. This is a common strategy, but it doesn't do Yellowstone justice. Ultimately, those who embark on it are selling the park short.
Give yourself a minimum of 3 days. Despite the crowds, you should check the famous sites because they're deserving of all the attention: Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Fishing Bridge, and Washburn Peak. If you're seeking knowledge, take a class at the Yellowstone Association Institute, or follow one of the rangers on a nature hike. If you want solitude, go early in the morning up one of the less-traveled trails, such as Bunsen Peak or Mystic Falls.
