Yellowstone National Park on Points
Editorial Disclosure – Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post..
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Known for its geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, Yellowstone is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone, here are five sites you shouldn’t miss and tips on how to do it on points.
Here are some easy ways to book Yellowstone lodging with points.
- Chase Travel℠ has many options. This option will get you 1.25 cents per point value if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Yellowstone is so massive that I like to stay inside the park rather than spend time traveling in and out each day.
2. IHG has a West Yellowstone property opening to points bookings on April 15th, 2024.
3. Use your Marriott points to book SpringHill Suites. When I looked, rates were between 50k-70k per night.
Must-See Sites in Yellowstone
1. Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful is undoubtedly the most famous geyser in the world. It erupts every 60 to 110 minutes, shooting water up to 185 feet in the air. You can watch the eruption from the Old Faithful Inn or hike on the nearby trails.
2. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is a must-see site in the park. The canyon is 24 miles long and up to 1,200 feet deep. You can hike on the trails or take a scenic drive to see the canyon from various viewpoints.
3. Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake in the park and one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America. It’s an excellent spot for fishing, boating, and hiking. On the lake’s western shore, you can also visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
4. Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique geothermal feature in the park. The hot springs create terraces of travertine, which are constantly changing. You can walk on the boardwalks to see the terraces up close.
5. Hayden or Lamar Valley
Hayden or Lamar Valley is an excellent spot for wildlife watching. You can see bison, elk, wolves, bears, and other animals in their natural habitat. At dusk one night, we posted up in our truck bed in Lamar Valley to see many incredible animals.
Tips and Favorites
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone, it’s essential to reserve your lodging in advance. Yellowstone is an extremely popular national park, and accommodations fill up quickly, especially during peak season. You can use travel points to book your lodging and save money.
It can take 40 minutes to travel across Yellowstone from junction to junction. If you’re hiking, it’s essential to be bear-aware and take extra care to follow food safety procedures to keep all animals and yourself safe and happy in Yellowstone.
While you’re in Yellowstone, make sure to try the ice cream at the Yellowstone General Stores. The Buffalo Tracks ice cream at the Fishing Bridge General Store was one of our favorites.
Our favorite spots in Yellowstone include Lake Butte Overlook, Yellowstone Lake, Slough Creek, and West Thumb Geyser Basin.
My husband and kids still talk about the Old West Dinner Cookout. You can ride to Pleasant Valley on a horse or in a covered wagon, enjoy authentic cowboy grub, listen to a cowboy sing, and tell stories by fire.
Yellowstone National Park is a unique and beautiful destination every traveler should experience at least once.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, Yellowstone has something for everyone. With some planning and travel points, you can enjoy all it offers without breaking the bank.
Cards Recommendations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
I found out about points and miles accidentally.
I was researching index funds and happened upon the points and miles community through creators who also post about budgets, financial independence, and investing.
Points and miles allowed those people to travel and work toward financial independence simultaneously.
Thank goodness I got started when I did. The past almost two years of travel have been something we will never forget.
Earning points and miles through credit cards is only a good choice if you have the financial discipline to use them, like cash/debit cards.
Since we started traveling with points and miles, we have had more money going into our investment and savings accounts than ever.
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