1. Uncle Tom’s Trail
Uncle Tom’s Trail is not much of a trail but rather a bunch of paved inclines followed by just over 300 steps. Uncle Tom descends more than 500 feet to a platform, allowing you to take in a view of the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon. Although many people may attempt the descent, only the truly dedicated should actually do it. Whether you’re an expert or amateur, you’re sure to be out of breath on this slow ascent to the trailhead.
2. Queen’s Laundry
One of the most obscure places to visit in the entire park is this aging log cabin that was proposed by a superintendent in 1881 to serve as a bath house for guests. Unfortunately the plan didn’t take and the building was neglected. One of the hardest places to find in the entire park, the Laundry is only for devoted explorers.
3. Lamar Valley
Almost every morning you can find a crowd gathered on the side of the road in Lamar Valley looking for a sighting of the local wolves. Vacationers love to wake up earlier to catch the sun rise amongst the rivers, streams, and bison. By the time the wolf watchers arrive, you’ll already have acclimated yourself to the weather and have some amazing photos to go with it.
4. Lonestar Geyser
With over 2/3 of the world’s geysers located inside the park, it can be a daunting task deciding which ones to watch. Huge crowds gather around Old Faithful – the park’s most famous geyser – at all hours of the day. But if you feel like stepping off the well-worn boardwalks and taking a short hike for a private showing that won’t disappoint, be sure to check out Lonestar.
5. Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the US, Grand Prismatic is among the most popular sights in Yellowstone. There are only two ways to view this colorful creature: on the boardwalk or off the grid. Ignore the endless stream of tour buses heading for the Midway Geyser Basin and drive south towards a parking lot for Fairy Falls. From there look for a faint path and head to the top of the hilltop. You’ll be heavy breathing, but you won’t regret it once you work your way through the tree filled path and take in the beauty.