Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks are two crown jewels of the U.S. National Park System, each offering its own awe-inspiring landscapes, captivating wildlife, and unforgettable experiences.
Choosing between these iconic and popular national parks can be a difficult decision, as they both showcase the beauty and grandeur of nature in their own unique ways.
Whether you are drawn to the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park or the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, join us in exploring the contrasts and delights of these remarkable national parks, aiding you in making an informed choice if you want to visit Yellowstone or Yosemite.
1. Is The Wildlife Better In Yosemite Or Yellowstone?
Yosemite
Yosemite National Park, a verdant oasis nestled within California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is teeming with an array of wildlife.
The park’s rich habitat supports a wide variety of creatures, each contributing its unique essence to Yosemite’s vibrant ecosystem.
Black bears are perhaps the park’s most renowned inhabitants.
Mule deer, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles are another common sight, and coyotes and bobcats, while more elusive, also call Yosemite home.
Unfortunately, during peak season summer visitation, many of these animals retreat from the bustle, making sightings less frequent.
Despite this, the possibility of an encounter with Yosemite’s wildlife, however fleeting, remains a captivating part of the park’s allure.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park, a sanctuary for 67 mammal species, embodies nature’s richness with daily wildlife displays.
In fact, the national park is home to more wildlife than any other area in the Lower 48. This likely played a role in it becoming the very first national park.
Moose, elk, deer, and four other ungulate species thrive in the park.
You might spot grizzly bears in the woods, a pack of mountain lions, or frequent black bears; just make sure to give grizzly bears and the others their space.
The park’s hallmark, however, is the bison, often seen in the Lamar Valley. For visitors, witnessing a bison herd roaming freely is often their Yellowstone highlight.
Top Pick For Best Wildlife
Yellowstone National Park stands out as the premier choice for wildlife viewing when compared to Yosemite due to its remarkable biodiversity and vastness.
Yellowstone provides a habitat for a wider range of species that are not typically found in Yosemite.
Yellowstone also offers a unique and almost guaranteed opportunity to see large herds of bison, particularly in the Lamar Valley.
Yellowstone’s extensive territory and lesser crowd density often result in more frequent wildlife sightings along hiking trails, making it an unparalleled choice for nature enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in a thriving, diverse ecosystem.
2. Which Park Has The Most Beautiful Landscapes?
Yosemite
Yosemite National Park, shaped by glaciers, is marked by stunning granite peaks, like El Capitan and Half Dome, that encapsulate the grandeur of nature’s sculpting power.
Verdant meadows bloom with wildflowers in warmer seasons, offering serene respites, while the Merced River mirrors the beauty of the surrounding peaks and sky.
These offer some gorgeous hiking trails for anyone who wants to visit Yosemite.
Yosemite Falls, among the tallest globally, majestically roars, particularly during spring’s peak flow, adding to the park’s array of smaller cascades’ soothing whispers.
Besides Yosemite Falls, the part also contains the Mariposa Grove, which hosts over 500 giant sequoias, some over 3,000 years old.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park, hosting half the globe’s geothermal features, displays a stunning array of hot springs, mud holes, and over 500 geysers, including the renowned Old Faithful, spouting up to 185 feet high.
Boardwalk strolls take the place of hiking trails and unveil a mesmerizing spectrum of colorful hot springs, painted by thermophilic bacteria around hot springs, like the park’s largest, the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Beyond geothermal beauty, Yellowstone offers the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a colorful chasm shaped by the Yellowstone River.
Its cliffs, plunging up to 1,200 feet and stained by iron, gleam in the sunlight, while features like the mighty Lower Falls enhance the scene’s magnificence.
Top Pick For Best Landscape
Choosing the top pick between Yellowstone and Yosemite for the best landscape truly is a challenge, largely depending on what kind of natural beauty one wishes to witness.
If geothermal features pique your interest, Yellowstone would be the perfect choice with its otherworldly hot springs, gushing geysers, and vibrant mineral pools.
The park’s geothermal features are unparalleled.
On the other hand, Yosemite offers an extraordinary showcase of glacial artistry, a testament to the slow but inexorable power of ice.
Its towering granite monoliths, verdant alpine valleys, roaring waterfalls, and serene groves of ancient sequoias provide a tranquil yet equally awe-inspiring experience.
3. Which Offers Better Hikes?
Yosemite
In Yosemite National Park, hiking is a journey through awe-inspiring natural artistry, with over 750 miles of trails designed to accommodate all ability levels.
Hikers can traverse paths that wind through ancient groves of giant sequoias, ascend the sides of towering granite monoliths, or amble peacefully through the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Each of the most popular hiking trails delivers stunning views throughout Yosemite Valley.
Hikes in Yosemite often provide breathtaking overlooks, rewarding the adventurous with panoramas that stretch from the valley floor far into the horizon.
However, the exceptional beauty of Yosemite also attracts large numbers of visitors, resulting in the trails being more crowded, especially during peak seasons.
Yellowstone
Hiking Yellowstone National Park is an adventure filled with endless possibilities, offering over 1,000 miles of popular hiking trails that meander through diverse and captivating landscapes.
Whether it’s ambling beside the vibrant hues of geothermal features, doing some vigorous bird watching, or exploring dense, pine-scented forests, each trail offers a unique perspective of the park’s vast terrain.
While Yellowstone’s panoramas may not boast the dramatic grandeur of some other parks, they offer their own subdued beauty, with vast skies meeting expansive plains, punctuated by the steamy punctuation of geysers and hot springs.
The park’s quieter trails also provide hikers with a greater chance to encounter wildlife and natural wonders.
Top Pick For Best Hikes And Trails
Choosing the best hiking experience between Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks is subjective, as each offers a unique blend of elements that cater to different preferences.
If you seek solitude and the chance to encounter a wide variety of wildlife, Yellowstone, with its 1,000+ miles of less-traversed trails, could be your ideal choice.
Choosing to visit Yellowstone National Park will lead you through expansive plains, forested trails, and past fascinating geothermal features.
On the other hand, if dramatic landscapes, the beauty of Yosemite Falls, and serene alpine meadows capture your hiking heart, then the trails in Yosemite offer a breathtaking experience, despite the higher foot traffic.
4. Which Is Best For Families With Small Kids?
Yosemite
Taking a family vacation to Yosemite National Park with kids is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and foster a deep appreciation for the natural world.
A visit to Mariposa Grove is a must, home to over 500 giant sequoias, including the awe-inspiring Grizzly Giant and the Washington tree.
Children will delight in walking through the tunnel in the California Tunnel Tree, a remarkable testament to the size of these ancient giants.
The iconic cascading waterfalls of Yosemite Valley are a breathtaking sight that can be viewed from almost anywhere in the park.
Short hikes can lead to various vantage points, allowing children to marvel at the power and beauty of these cascades.
Wildlife sightings, from the mule deer to the watchful bobcat, add an extra thrill to the Yosemite experience.
Yellowstone
Going to Yellowstone National Park with kids is an adventure-filled journey that can spark a lifelong love for nature.
Children of all ages will be thrilled by the spectacle of the eruptions of the Old Faithful geyser.
They can also take time to learn something at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in west Yellowstone.
The park’s mud pots can be a source of endless amusement for youngsters, and their constantly changing nature provides a fascinating insight into the park’s dynamic geology.
Wildlife sightings, from bison to elk, will captivate the imagination.
Kids can participate in the Exploration Themes program based on their interests.
Children aged five and above can embark on a self-guided tour as part of the park’s Young Scientist program, turning their visit into an interactive, hands-on learning experience that’s both fun and educational.
Top Pick For Most Suitable To Families
Deciding between Yellowstone and Yosemite for a visit with small children depends largely on the family’s interests and the kids’ fascination.
Yellowstone provides an exciting exploration into the world of geothermal features, along with a high likelihood of seeing a variety of wildlife.
Yosemite Valley, on the other hand, delivers awe-inspiring encounters with towering sequoias, vibrant wildflowers, and spectacular waterfalls, creating a backdrop for countless stories and adventures.
Both parks also offer the Junior Ranger badge program, designed to engage children in learning about the park’s ecosystem, geology, and history in an enjoyable, interactive manner.
5. Comparison Of How To Get To And Around Each Park
Yosemite
Going to Yosemite National Park can start from many places. Many choose to set out from San Francisco, as there are plenty of flights in and out of San Francisco International Airport.
However, it is easy to reach Yosemite National Park from other major cities, like Las Vegas, as well.
Due to the park’s extensive wilderness and fewer roads, traveling by bicycle is one of the best ways to experience Yosemite’s landscapes up close.
You can also take advantage of the park’s shuttle system, which makes it easy to move between different locations.
Yellowstone
Exploring the vast expanse of Yellowstone National Park is made accessible thanks to a variety of transport and guided tour options, many of which leave from popular places like Salt Lake City.
One of the best ways to truly experience the park is on foot, facilitated by an extensive boardwalk system that winds through key geothermal areas, providing safe and easy access to sites like Mammoth Hot Springs and the Old Faithful geyser.
Plus, Grand Teton National Park is nearby and could allow visitors to visit other national parks while in the area.
Yellowstone’s well-developed road network connecting each feature is another advantage, with plenty of designated parking areas conveniently located along the main road.
The park’s main drive, the 142-mile Grand Loop, offers a comprehensive tour of Yellowstone’s key sites, but visitors should budget at least five hours to take in the sights without feeling rushed.
Top Pick For Ease Of Accessibility And Convenience
Yosemite has fewer roads, which can limit vehicular exploration, but it does offer multiple bus tours and a robust shuttle system that helps visitors navigate the park.
On the other hand, Yellowstone boasts a comprehensive road network with numerous parking areas and a well-designed boardwalk system for pedestrian exploration of geothermal areas.
In terms of accessibility and convenience, Yellowstone might slightly edge out Yosemite due to the ease of moving through and around the park.
6. Which Has The Best Photo Spots?
Yosemite
Yosemite National Park, with its stunning landscapes and distinctive geological features, is a photographer’s paradise. Perhaps one of the most iconic photo spots is the overlook at Glacier Point.
This vantage point provides a sweeping view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra, creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
The ledge at Taft Point offers an unparalleled perspective of the valley below, perfect for those daring shots of Half Dome.
For a different view of Half Dome, Sentinel Bridge offers an iconic view, particularly beautiful during sunset or when the dome is reflected in the still waters of the Merced River below.
After exiting the tunnel on Wawona Road, you will be greeted with the majestic Tunnel View, a vista that encompasses El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is a treasure trove of incredible photo spots, offering diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that are sure to leave photographers captivated.
Artist Point, situated along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, provides a breathtaking view of the canyon’s vibrant colors and the majestic Lower Falls as it cascades into the depths below.
Nearby, the Artist Paintpots offer a unique photo opportunity with their bubbling, multi-colored hot springs, showcasing Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders.
Upper and Lower Falls, two of the park’s most iconic waterfalls, offer stunning vistas and dramatic cascades that make for impressive compositions.
Additionally, the Grand Prismatic Overlook provides a particularly stunning photo spot, offering a mesmerizing view of the largest hot spring in the United States, with its vibrant colors and steam creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Top Pick For Where To Take The Best Pictures
When it comes to capturing stunning photographs, both Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks offer incredible opportunities.
However, the top pick for the best pictures depends on the type of photography one wishes to focus on.
Ultimately, while Yosemite is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, Yellowstone stands out for its singular features and wildlife photography.
7. When Is The Best Time To Visit Each Park?
Yosemite
The balance between good weather and smaller crowds often makes May or the early summer months the best time to visit.
Notably, if you want to experience the full grandeur of Yosemite Falls and other waterfalls, they are typically at their peak flow in May or June.
Fall brings slightly cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time for those interested in hiking and enjoying the vibrant autumn hues.
Summer can be a fantastic time to visit, though it is the peak season and, thus, will be the busiest.
Winter sees a light dusting of snow that blankets the park. However, despite the snowfall, most trails remain accessible for the adventurous visitor.
Yellowstone
Visiting Yellowstone National Park requires some strategic timing to make the most of your trip.
The park experiences short summers, which are generally warm and relatively dry, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring.
Winters are long and often come with heavy snowfall, which leaves many paths inaccessible but opens the door for cross-country skiing.
Spring and fall can be unpredictable, with a mix of wet, chilly, and warm days.
Thus, while Yellowstone’s beauty can be appreciated year-round, early summer or late spring usually offers the best combination of weather and accessibility.
Top Pick For Weather And Availability During The Year
Summer is the optimal time for visiting Yellowstone and Yosemite, with warmer temperatures and reduced precipitation making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
If you visit Yosemite National Park, you’ll be treated to a milder, drier climate with extended periods of warm weather.
Unfortunately, as with most popular national parks, this tends to attract larger crowds, particularly during the summer months.
However, its more temperate climate and longer periods of favorable weather make it the top pick for weather and availability during the year.
8. What Kind Of Budget Each Park Requires
Entry fees for both Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks are $35 per vehicle, which provides access for seven days, but if you’re planning to visit multiple national parks within a year, the $80 annual pass might be a cost-effective choice.
Yosemite
Accommodation at Yosemite National Park can range from camping fees of about $26 per night to hotel lodgings that can cost several hundred dollars per night.
Dining options also vary, from self-catered meals to eating at one of the park’s restaurants, where you can expect to pay roughly $10 to $30 per person per meal.
Activities like guided tours, bike rentals, and rock climbing lessons would add to your budget, so it’s important to factor in these costs based on your interests.
Therefore, while it’s possible to explore Yosemite on a tighter budget, especially with camping and self-catering, a more comfortable estimate for a family of four might range from $200 to $500 per day, depending on accommodation and dining choices.
Yellowstone
Accommodation in Yellowstone National Park can range from camping, with fees starting at around $15 per night, to staying in a lodge or hotel, which can cost upwards of a few hundred dollars per night.
For meals, you can choose to bring your own food for a more budget-friendly option or dine in the park’s restaurants, where meals can range from $10 to $30 per person.
Additional costs come from activities such as guided tours, boating, or fishing, which will need to be factored into your budget.
Consequently, a budget trip could potentially cost around $100 to $200 per day for a family of four, but for a more comfortable experience, including lodgings, restaurant meals, and some guided activities, you might be looking at $300 to $600 per day.
Top Pick For Most Budget Friendly Park
When it comes to budget-friendly travel, Yellowstone National Park comes out on top when compared to Yosemite.
While both parks have a similar entry fee, the overall costs within Yellowstone, including accommodations, food, and gas, tend to be more affordable.
This is largely due to the higher cost of living in California, where Yosemite is located, resulting in generally higher prices for services and amenities.
9. Which Park Provides Better Accommodations?
Yosemite
Yosemite National Park offers plenty of accommodations. With over 1,500 campsites spread across 13 campgrounds, camping is a popular option for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience.
Four campgrounds remain open even during the winter months, allowing visitors to enjoy Yosemite’s beauty year-round.
It’s important to note that reservations are required for all campsites.
For those looking for a more comfortable stay, a unique option is AutoCamp Yosemite, situated near the Arch Rock entrance.
This innovative accommodation features retrofitted camper vans that offer a blend of nostalgia and modern comfort.
The Ahwahnee Hotel is a historic option where even a short visit is worth it.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and needs.
With around 2,000 campsites spread across 12 campgrounds, including 5 managed by the National Park Service, camping is a popular choice for visitors.
For those seeking a more comfortable stay, options like the Gray Wolf Inn & Suites near the West Entrance offer convenient access to the Visitor Center and a range of amenities.
On the other side of the park, the Chamberlin Inn is an inviting boutique hotel located near the Eastern Entrance, providing comfortable accommodations and relaxing baths.
Meanwhile, Mammoth Campground and Fishing Bridge RV Park are two very popular options.
Top Pick For The Best Park To Stay In
When considering the top pick for the best park to stay in between Yellowstone and Yosemite, Yellowstone National Park emerges as the winner due to the multitude of accommodation options available.
From rustic cabins to modern suites, there is something to suit every traveler’s needs.
Additionally, Yellowstone’s geographic size and multiple entrances make it easier to find accommodations in close proximity to the park’s attractions.
Whether you prefer camping under the stars, staying in a cozy lodge, or enjoying the convenience of a hotel, Yellowstone’s abundance of options ensures that visitors can find the perfect place to stay and make the most of their time in this remarkable national park.
Resources to make trip planning easier:
- Travel Insurance Recommendation
- What we used to book hotels when visiting
- Travel Gear and Products you need to make sure to pack
- The Best Tours and Experiences
How To Choose Between Yosemite And Yellowstone National Parks
When making a choice between Yosemite vs. Yellowstone National Parks, it’s essential to consider your preferences and interests.
If you are captivated by towering granite peaks, vibrant waterfalls, and a mild climate, Yosemite National Park may be the perfect fit.
On the other hand, if you are drawn to geothermal wonders, diverse wildlife, and more expansive territory, Yellowstone National Park might be your ideal destination.
Ultimately, there is no wrong choice. Both parks offer visitors plenty, from dramatic landscapes or unique natural features.
This means that both Yosemite and Yellowstone promise an unforgettable adventure and a chance to connect with the extraordinary beauty of the natural world.
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