--- title: "Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which National Park is Better? (2026)" slug: yellowstone-vs-yosemite description: "Comparing Yellowstone and Yosemite: geysers vs waterfalls, wildlife, crowds, best time to visit, and which legendary park is right for you." date: 2026-01-05 author: National Parks Close-To-Me featured_image: /images/blog/yellowstone-vs-yosemite.jpg keywords: yellowstone vs yosemite, yosemite or yellowstone, best national parks, national park comparison --- # Yellowstone vs Yosemite: America's Most Iconic Parks Compared Two of America's most famous national parks. Both bucket-list destinations. But they offer completely different experiences. --- ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Yellowstone | Yosemite | Winner | |--------|-------------|----------|--------| | Size | 2.2 million acres | 750,000 acres | Yellowstone | | Main Attraction | Geysers & hot springs | Granite cliffs & waterfalls | Personal preference | | Wildlife | Exceptional (bison, bears, wolves) | Good (bears, deer) | Yellowstone | | Crowds | Heavy in summer | Heavy year-round | Tie | | Hiking Difficulty | Easier options | Strenuous climbs | Yellowstone | | Photography | Geothermal features | Dramatic landscapes | Tie | | Accessibility | Remote | Near major cities | Yosemite | | Camping | Extensive | Limited, competitive | Yellowstone | | Entry Fee | $35/vehicle | $35/vehicle | Tie | --- ## The Parks ### Yellowstone: Geothermal Wonderland Yellowstone sits atop a supervolcano, creating the world's largest collection of geysers and hot springs. It's primordial, otherworldly, and teeming with wildlife. Must-See Features: - Old Faithful (predictable eruptions) - Grand Prismatic Spring (rainbow hot spring) - Mammoth Hot Springs (terraced formations) - Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Lamar Valley (wildlife viewing) Wildlife: - Bison herds (largest in US) - Grizzly and black bears - Gray wolves - Elk and moose - Pronghorn antelope --- ### Yosemite: Granite Cathedral Yosemite is dramatic vertical landscapes - towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves. It's the birthplace of American rock climbing. Must-See Features: - Half Dome (iconic granite dome) - El Capitan (world's largest granite monolith) - Yosemite Falls (tallest waterfall in North America) - Tunnel View (classic viewpoint) - Mariposa Grove (giant sequoias) Best For: - Rock climbing - Waterfall photography - Dramatic landscapes - Day trips from San Francisco --- ## Best Time to Visit ### Yellowstone - Summer (June-August): Roads open, crowded - Fall (September-October): Fewer crowds, wildlife active - Winter: Most roads closed, but unique experience - Best Month: September ### Yosemite - Spring (April-June): Peak waterfall season - Summer: Crowded but best weather - Fall: Fewer crowds, less water - Winter: Waterfalls frozen, crowds minimal - Best Month: May (waterfall peak) --- ## Hiking Comparison ### Yellowstone Hikes | Trail | Distance | Difficulty | |-------|----------|------------| | Grand Prismatic Overlook | 1.2 mi | Easy | | Uncle Tom's Trail | 1 mi | Moderate | | Mt. Washburn | 6.4 mi | Moderate | | Lamar River | 12+ mi | Strenuous | ### Yosemite Hikes | Trail | Distance | Difficulty | |-------|----------|------------| | Valley Loop | 11.5 mi | Easy | | Mist Trail | 5.4 mi | Strenuous | | Half Dome | 14-16 mi | Very Strenuous | | Four Mile Trail | 9.6 mi | Strenuous | Verdict: Yellowstone offers more accessible trails. Yosemite's famous hikes are challenging. --- ## Getting There ### Yellowstone - Nearest major airport: Bozeman, MT (90 miles) - Remote location requires planning - 3 entrances (West, North, Northeast, East, South) - Drive time from Salt Lake City: ~5.5 hours ### Yosemite - Nearest airports: Fresno (1.5 hours), San Francisco (4 hours) - More accessible from California cities - Day trip possible from SF Bay Area - Park entrance often has traffic delays --- ## Accommodation Yellowstone: More camping options (12 campgrounds, 2,000+ sites). Reservations essential but possible. Yosemite: Camping extremely competitive. Reservations fill within minutes. Plan 6 months ahead. --- ## Choose Yellowstone If... - Wildlife is your priority - You want to see geothermal features - You prefer less strenuous hiking - You're visiting from the Midwest or East - You have a full week or more - You want better camping availability Explore Yellowstone → --- ## Choose Yosemite If... - You want dramatic cliffs and waterfalls - Rock climbing interests you - You're visiting from California - You have limited time (doable as day trip) - Photography is your focus - You want to visit in spring Explore Yosemite → --- ## Final Verdict For Wildlife & Geothermal: Yellowstone is unmatched. Nothing else on Earth compares. For Dramatic Scenery: Yosemite's granite walls and waterfalls are more visually striking. Our Take: If you can only do one, Yellowstone offers a more unique experience you can't replicate anywhere else. But both deserve a spot on your bucket list. --- Explore Yellowstone → | Explore Yosemite →