Imagine standing at a crossroads: one path leads to erupting geysers, herds of bison, and technicolor hot springs. The other takes you to dramatic granite cliffs, dizzying waterfalls and sequoias older than the Colosseum.
Welcome to the ultimate national park dilemma: Yellowstone or Yosemite? As a lover of both parks, I’m here to break down this face-off. (TL;DR at the end)
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
-John Muir
The Landscapes Show-Down
Yellowstone
Yellowstone is like a massive science experiment gone wild. In fact, when John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, ventured into the area in 1807, nobody believed his descriptions upon his return. People mockingly called it “Colter’s Hell.”
Then, in 1870, the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition brought back detailed reports and sketches of the landscapes and geothermal features. Still, many people found the descriptions hard to believe.
It wasn’t until the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871 led by Ferdinand V. Hayden who was accompanied by the photographer William Henry Jackson and artist Thomas Moran, that the wonders of Yellowstone were widely accepted. Their detailed reports, photographs, and paintings helped convince the U.S. Congress in 1872 to establish Yellowstone as the first national park in the world.
Yellowstone is massive (3500 square miles) and offers a unique kind of beauty. Hot springs come in all the colors of the rainbow and stink to high heaven. Geysers erupt from the steaming ground, spraying the Martian landscape around them. Stone gorges reveal wild waterfalls as you walk closer. Dense forests, lush meadows, and pristine rivers stretch as far as the eye can see. Yellowstone will make you question reality.
Yosemite
Yosemite, on the other hand, is where Mother Nature flexed her artistic muscle. This park is famous for its breathtaking granite cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan, one of the largest exposed granite monoliths in the world. The valleys and meadows are picture-perfect.
Stunning waterfalls thunder from great heights. Yosemite Falls, at 739 meters (2,425 ft) is one of the tallest in North America.
Yosemite is home to some of the oldest and largest living things on Earth: the giant sequoias. Over 500 of these magnificent trees stand in Mariposa Grove, including the famous Grizzly Giant, that has claimed his spot for more than 2,700 years.
John Muir, the rugged 19th-century naturalist, played a crucial role in preserving Yosemite. A life-changing accident at a carriage factory temporarily blinded him. When he regained his sight, Muir realized he wanted to experience the world’s wild places, saying, “God has to nearly kill us sometimes, to teach us lessons.” This epiphany pushed him out the door to explore the world.
When Muir discovered Yosemite, he was smitten by its beauty and wanted to share it with others. However, it wasn’t until he met Ralph Waldo Emerson that he found a kindred spirit who truly appreciated the landscape’s grandeur. He said: “Emerson was the most serene, majestic, sequoia-like soul I ever met. … I felt here was a man I had been seeking.” The admiration was mutual, with Emerson adding Muir’s name to his list of “My Men” in his 1871 journal.
Muir’s passion for Yosemite led him to write for prominent publications such as the New York Tribune, Scribner’s, and Harper’s magazine. His advocacy for the area’s beauty ultimately convinced the government to preserve it, cementing Muir’s legacy as the “Father of the National Parks.”
Wildlife Watch: Furry Friends and Where to Find Them
Yellowstone
If Yellowstone were a zoo, it’d be the kind where the animals roam free and the humans know their place. Bison traffic jams are a real thing here. It’s like the Serengeti, but without lions.
At the Bridge Bay campground, we were startled to find giant elk grazing right by our site. Their antlers can inflict some serious injuries. When rangers arrived and cocked their guns, the elk scattered immediately. It’s strange how these national park elk, never having been hunted, instinctively recognize the infamous double-click as a threat.
Bison sightings became a daily occurrence for us, often at close range. One solitary buffalo gentleman made our campground his regular grazing spot. We witnessed his impressive “restroom break” near our neighbors’ tent – it was like someone opened the tap on a firehose!
In Yellowstone, wildlife spotting often causes impromptu traffic jams. A few stopped cars usually indicate bison or deer, which are plentiful. A large cluster of vehicles typically means a bear sighting. We were fortunate enough to spot one (at a great distance), peacefully munching on berries in a meadow.
Yosemite
Yosemite’s no slouch in the wildlife department, but it’s more of a “Where’s Waldo?” situation.
If you’re (un)lucky, you might spot a black bear in Yosemite. To avoid unexpected encounters (in any bear country), I carry a bear bell—loud enough to alert animals of my presence, but quiet enough not to be annoying. Deer are less elusive, we saw them on several hikes.
Yosemite is a birdwatcher’s dream. Its diverse habitats, from towering granite cliffs to sprawling meadows, support a rich avian population. With over 250 species recorded, including Steller’s Jay and Spotted Owl, the park is a birding hotspot.
(Want to read about another place that’s an animal lover’s dream? Check out our experience at the largest animal sanctuary in the U.S.!)
Hiking: Where the Rubber Meets the Trail
Yellowstone
Both parks will make your Fitbit beep with joy. Yellowstone offers over 1000 miles of trails. On many of them, you’re more likely to bump into a moose than another person. You’re almost guaranteed to see wild bison, elk, and even wolves or bears.
The hikes in Yellowstone are vastly different from each other. Some trails lead to otherworldly geothermal areas with colorful hot springs, mud pots bubbling like witch’s cauldrons, and exploding geysers. Others will take you to pine forests and vast meadows, or deep canyons with thundering rivers and waterfalls. You’ll see Earth at its most spectacular and unique.
Yosemite
Yosemite, though? With over 800 miles of trails ranging from 0.5 miles to whole-day (or several-day) adventures, Yosemite is the superstar of world-class hiking and rock climbing. You will see iconic features like Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Yosemite Falls whether you drive through or hike the trails around Yosemite Valley.
You can start with a leisurely stroll through ancient groves of massive sequoia trees or take the half-mile paved trail to Bridalveil Fall, an easy hike that leads you to a stunning 620-foot waterfall. To test your endurance, consider tackling the entire 13-mile Valley Loop. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the steep trails to Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, or Yosemite Falls, each offering significant elevation gain and breathtaking views. For those seeking the ultimate adventure, the super-strenuous Half Dome trail and Yosemite’s world-class climbing routes await.
Best Time to Visit and How to Get There
Yellowstone
Yellowstone is like that good friend who lives in the middle of nowhere – well worth the visit, but you’ll need to plan. No public transport here, folks. It’s drive or be driven.
The season in Yellowstone is relatively short, with most of the visitors coming during the summer when all roads and facilities are open. The roads are closed to regular traffic due to snow from early November to late April, although the park is open year round. Snowmobiles and cross-country skiers have access during the winter months. Spring and fall are much less crowded but temperatures can dip below freezing and snow is common.
The major attractions of Yellowstone are on a road resembling the figure 8. Plan to spend 3 to 7 days (or longer if you’re able). Check out driving times and directions to and around Yellowstone.
Yosemite
Yosemite, however, is the social butterfly. Buses, trains, shuttles – you can get to Yosemite without a car. Once you’re in, the free shuttle is your new best friend. There is a catch though. The shuttle only takes you around the Yosemite Valley. Should you wish to venture further afield, you’ll need a car. Check out driving times and directions to and within Yosemite.
Yosemite is much warmer and drier than Yellowstone. The perfect time to visit are spring and fall.
National Park Multitasking
When it comes to national park multitasking, Yellowstone and Yosemite are your girls.
Just a 10 minute drive out of Yellowstone’s South Entrance, you can marvel at Grand Teton National Park and its stunning mountain ranges and pristine lakes.
On the flip side, if you find yourself in Yosemite, you’re in the perfect spot to explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which are about 3-hour drive away. You can easily check off multiple bucket-list destinations in one amazing trip.
The Final Verdict: Yellowstone or Yosemite?
They both start with a “Y”, but that’s where the similarity ends.
In Yellowstone, I found myself walking around with my mouth agape in amazement. It is vast, raw, and untamed, perfect for the wild at heart, those who don’t mind a bit of sulfur with their scenery and the occasional midnight storm in a tent. It’s for the geyser gazer, the wildlife enthusiast, and the insatiably curious.
Yosemite, on the other hand, moved me to tears with its serene beauty. It’s a paradise for the postcard perfectionist, the avid hiker, the thrill-seeking climber, and the waterfall chaser. The grandeur of its granite cliffs and the serenity of its sequoia groves will recharge your soul.
My advice? You guessed it. Don’t flip a coin – visit both! After all, who says you can’t have your geothermal cake and eat your granite pie too? Your future You will thank you.
TL;DR
- Scenery: Both feature stunning vistas, but Yosemite is known for its dramatic granite formations and waterfalls, while Yellowstone showcases unique geothermal features.
- Difficulty: Both offer plenty of easy hikes, but Yosemite also has more strenuous routes with greater elevation gains.
- Crowds: Both parks experience heavy crowds in the summer, but they also have areas where you can find solitude.
- Wildlife: Yellowstone offers frequent sightings of bison and elk, while wolves and grizzly bears are less frequently spotted. Yosemite has deer and black bears, though sightings can be rare.
- Season: Yosemite has a longer hiking season, while many Yellowstone roads are closed well into spring.
Our Yellowstone and Yosemite visit was a part of our Grand American Adventure of 2024. We drove 1000 miles across 17 states. We slept (for free) at rest stops and we didn’t strangle each other in the process.
Gear We Use and Love
We’ve had our Cabela’s 3-person tent for years, but unfortunately, they no longer make it. It’s a 3-season tent with ample mesh for ventilation, and we love using it without the rain fly whenever possible to stargaze at night. Here are some of our current gear recommendations:
Double Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag is warm (high 30s F), soft and extremely comfortable. It’s way too bulky to carry in a backpack but perfect for a road trip. You can use it in a variety of ways:
- 1 huge, double sleeping bag for a couple and their dog (or child)
- 2 individual sleeping bags (zipped up)
- 2 blankets (completely unzipped)
- 2 sleeping quilts (zip up the bottom third and leave the rest open as a blanket)
Double Inflatable Sleeping Mat
We tested this double, extra-wide sleeping mat by laying it over frozen ice packs on our living room floor. Unable to feel any coldness, we knew we had a winner. This foam-filled mat is big, bulky, and heavy – perfect for a road trip but not for backpacking (unless you’re into rucking). It self-inflates a bit when you open the vents and is topped up by mouth.
We sleep on it in our tent, and also in our car – folded in half across the trunk and back seats to make a comfy sleeping surface. It’s a steal at just $60-$70, while similar mats can cost hundreds. For car campers on a budget, it’s a great choice that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
Immersion Water Heater
Our 67-day camping trip was fueled by hot coffee and tea, thanks to this electric immersion water heater. The morning routine was simple: I’d fill my stainless steel thermos from the campground water dispenser, drop the heater in, and plug it into the outlet in the bathroom. By the time I finished brushing my teeth, voila! Boiling water ready for our morning brew.
One crucial tip: Always unplug the immersion heater before removing it from the water and then run it under a cold tap. With this nifty device, we enjoyed hot beverages in national parks and rest areas, making those crisp mornings a lot more bearable.
Memory Foam Pillow
I can sleep on a concrete floor, as long as I have a good pillow. I’m a side-sleeper and this pillow props my head in just the right way. I use it both at home and while car camping.
Earplugs
As the wife of a champion snorer, I’ve become an unwilling earplug connoisseur. I’ve tried them all: uncomfortable plastic ones, gummy ones that I’ve somehow transferred into my mouth while sleeping and woken up chewing, and hit-or-miss foam varieties. Then my hubby, in a stroke of genius (or self-preservation), introduced me to these little miracles.
The process is simple: roll them with your fingers, insert into your ear, and let expand. As they do, the world fades into blissful silence. Snoring, truck rumbles at rest stops – all muffled or eliminated. I reuse each pair several times before switching to a fresh set when they lose their oomph.
These little foam marvels have saved my sleep and possibly my marriage.
Insulated Water Bottles
These trusty water bottles have been our constant companions across more than 30 countries since 2016. They kept coffee steaming hot on chilly camping mornings, and water cool during scorching Death Valley crossings. They held pristine glacier water in New Zealand, and woodland streams in Slovakia.
Over the years, they’ve acquired a few dents and scratches that tell the story of their travels. Now, covered in a collection of hippie stickers, they continue to serve us well. They quenched our thirst and fueled our adventures across many climates.
Disclosure: If I’m not making money through affiliate links on the post you’re currently reading, it’s an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon.
TL;DR
- Scenery: Both feature stunning vistas, but Yosemite is known for its dramatic granite formations and waterfalls, while Yellowstone showcases unique geothermal features.
- Difficulty: Both offer plenty of easy hikes, but Yosemite also has more strenuous routes with greater elevation gains.
- Crowds: Both parks experience heavy crowds in the summer, but they also have areas where you can find solitude.
- Wildlife: Yellowstone offers frequent sightings of bison and elk, while wolves and grizzly bears are less frequently spotted. Yosemite has deer and black bears, though sightings can be rare.
- Season: Yosemite has a longer hiking season, while many Yellowstone roads are closed well into spring.
