This summer take a break from monitors, devices, and technology to discover the outdoor activities at Yellowstone National Park. The first national park in the U.S., founded in 1872, the park spans 3,500 square miles and sits on a volcanic hot spot. It’s famous for its ample wildlife, waterfalls, canyons, and gushing geysers. Leave the problems of the world behind, reconnect with nature, and live a simpler life, if only for a week.

Horseback Riding

Feel like a cowboy riding the range in the old west while you take in beautiful scenery around the park. Several local ranches offer guided horseback tours.

Hiking

Stroll on a path, or take a hike, on one of Yellowstone’s many nature trails. There are long ones and short ones, ranging from 500 ft. to 8 miles, but they all have stunning scenery and natural beauty.

Ziplines

Feel the wind in your face as you zip down the line. There are two locations within the park to ride ziplines; Gallatin Canyon and Gardiner. Go to them both and see very different parts of the park.

Fishing

Stand waist deep in a rippling stream and fly fish for rainbow trout. It may seem odd to catch fish in designated conservation areas but fishing helps preserve the native species.

Rock Climbing

“Good views come to those who climb uphill” is the motto of My Yellowstone Park. Look down on the valley after scaling a rock. If you’re a beginner or seasoned vet, there’s no shortage of challenges here.

Biking

If walking and climbing isn’t your thing, bring your bike or rent one at the park and take a tour. Paved and off-road trails are available, so all types of adventurers can have fun.

Whitewater Rafting

If the summer heat gets to be too much, book a whitewater rafting trip to cool off. Rafting trips are available at all park entrances.

Natural Attractions

Check out the original attractions that made the park famous. These breathtaking wonders of nature still draw a crowd. Don’t miss Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, lower geyser basin, and Yellowstone falls.

Tours

People travel to our national parks because they want to be outdoors, not sitting on a tour bus.  When it’s time to sit down and have a break from the heat, though, a guided tour will do nicely. The guides know all the best spots and can show you something you weren’t aware of.

Wildlife

While on a hike, be aware of your surroundings, because chances are you’re being watched by the wildlife. Bring a camera and capture amazing pictures of bears, grey wolves, bison, badgers, moose, elk, foxes, and many other natives to the plains. There’s also the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center at the park, which is loaded with exhibits and educational programs.