Recently updated on April 25th, 2025 at 04:50 pm
The US is home to some 429 National Park sites that span a massive 84 million acres. But if you were quizzed to name five US National Parks, we suspect that both Yellowstone and Yosemite would roll off your tongue. These two parks are synonymous with the American wilderness. Both spectacular natural destinations offer incredible landscapes, unique ecosystems, and iconic landmarks. But which one is right for you? We’ve compared the two based on a number of factors, as well as asking our well-traveled past guests to weigh in on the debate. Should you visit the towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls of Yosemite, or the geothermal wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone? Let’s find out.
“Yellowstone vs Yosemite? Cannot compare! Both parks are MAJESTIC!” – Past guest Kathleen.
What makes Yellowstone National Park unique?
Yellowstone National Park is a geothermal wonderland! Plus it holds the coveted title of America’s very first national park. Wandering around Yellowstone you can feel the raw power of nature with geysers, hot springs, and more on full show. The park is perched atop a supervolcano, giving it a fiery heart. Who doesn’t have Old Faithful, the famous geyser, or the Grand prismatic spring on their bucket list?
Each year Yellowstone draws in millions of visitors who come for the geothermal wonders and also the diverse wildlife. Here you’ll find herds of bison, elk, bears and wolves. You can also find stunning canyons, pristine lakes, and mountains to explore.
What makes Yosemite National Park unique?
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park in California is all about soaring stone and serene natural beauty. It’s home to some of the most iconic rock formations in the world, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Cathedral Rock. These massive granite cliffs were carved over millions of years by glaciers and remain a paradise for climbers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Yosemite’s landscapes are lush and varied, from giant sequoia groves to alpine meadows, and it boasts more than 25 waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest in North America. Springtime brings roaring waterfalls; autumn delivers golden foliage; and winter transforms the park into a snow-draped wilderness.
Yellowstone vs Yosemite for wildlife
When it comes to wildlife, Yellowstone takes the lead. It’s one of the few places in the contiguous US where you can spot grizzly bears, wolves, elk, moose, and herds of wild bison roaming free. The Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America,” offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially at dawn and dusk. Check out Yellowstone’s own list of its native wildlife.
Yosemite, in California, is also home to a variety of animals, it’s just not as diverse as Yellowstone. Plus, as it’s smaller and busier than Yellowstone, the animals are a bit more shy and hide away from the crowds. Yosemite is home to black bears, mule deer, bobcats, and more. One thing that Yosemite trumps Yellowstone is the bird department: with over 260 species of birds, making it a fantastic destination for bird watchers and nature photographers alike. It’s a designated as an Important Bird Area, and you can find useful birdwatching resources on its website.
So, if you’re looking for a huge range of wildlife, your best bet is Yellowstone. It’s bigger, less dense and so gets less congested, meaning more chance of seeing animals. If you’re more of a bird enthusiast, you’ll love to see the American dipper, Peregrine falcon, Steller’s Jay and more exploring Yosemite’s alpine meadows, sloping foothills and conifer forests.
“It’s not easy to describe how beautiful and stunning the iconic Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana is. We were thrilled to see quite a few buffalo grazing around the park. You have just gotta see this park to believe how amazing it is.” – Past Guest Dietmar V
Yellowstone vs Yosemite for hiking and exploration
Both parks are hiking havens, but the terrain—and the what you see—differs. Yellowstone’s hiking trails lead you past geysers, waterfalls, and through remote wilderness areas, with more than 900 miles of trails to explore. Because of the geothermal activity of the area, this national park is great for seeing unique sights. You’ll rarely encounter large crowds on the more remote paths, making it a great choice for hikers seeking solitude and backcountry adventure.
Yosemite, on the other hand, is a hiking mecca; home to some of the most iconic hikes in the world. Trails like the Mist Trail, Glacier Point, and the challenging ascent to Half Dome attract trekkers from across the globe. Not to mention the world-famous sequoia trees, like those found in Mariposa grove. It’s also one of the most prized rock climbing destinations throughout the world. The variety of landscapes—from peaceful valley floors to panoramic summits—makes Yosemite a top pick for those looking for unforgettable all-time-classic hiking routes. and unbeatable views in a condensed area.
So head to Yellowstone if you want to see unique hydrothermal marvels like hot springs, geysers, mudpots and more. Also it’s good for a bit more solitude. On the other hand, Yosemite is better for classic unbeatable vistas over the Sierra nevada mountains, and world-class hikes over varied terrain.
Yellowstone vs Yosemite for accessibility
Yellowstone is vast and remote. It requires a bit more planning to access, with five entrances and no internal public transport. Most visitors drive or join guided tours, like ours. The main gateway to the park is the town of West Yellowstone. Because the park is so big, travel times between sites can be long. But that remoteness is what makes the park have fewer crowds, and more chance to spot wildlife.
Yosemite, on the other hand, is more accessible, especially if you’re coming from major Californian cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. There are good public transport options (including buses and Amtrak connections), making. it easier for travelers without a car. Plus, there’s a free Yosemite Valley shuttle which provides access to major attractions within the park.
Both parks are wheelchair accessible, including much of their visitor centers, lodges, trails and campsites. Make sure to check the accessibility guide for Yellowstone here, and the accessibility guide for Yosemite here. Here you’ll find information about service animals, disability access passes, audio descriptions, deaf service programs and more.
And the winner is….
Well, sorry to break it to you but there is no winner. It all depends on who you are, and what you’re looking for. Fascinating by the wonders of geothermal activity? Want less crowds, and more wildlife? Head to Yellowstone. Want to tick off one of the world’s top hiking destinations, which is easily accessible from major cities? Yosemite might be more your vibe. Either way, make sure to research all you can about both places so that you go in knowing everything you need to know, from hiking trails and major landmarks to wildlife on offer. You’ll also want to research different day guides to make sure you get a reputable one. Or, leave all the work to us and simply immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Trafalgar do all the planning, booking and driving, and you do all the exploring. Browse our National Parks tours to see exactly how we’ve planned them, and see if there’s one that takes your fancy.
How far apart are Yellowstone and Yosemite?
Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks are roughly 800 miles (1,290 kilometers) apart as the crow flies. By road, the distance is closer to 900–1,000 miles (1,450–1,600 kilometers) depending on your route, and it typically takes around 15 to 17 hours to drive between the two parks without extended stops. So while they’re both in the western United States, they’re in different states (Yellowstone spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, while Yosemite is in California), and not exactly a quick hop from one to the other.
Which was first: Yosemite or Yellowstone?
Yellowstone was the first — and not just in the US, but in the world. It was designated as the first national park in 1872.
Yosemite became a national park later, in 1890, although it had earlier protections under the Yosemite Grant, signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1864, which set aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias for preservation. So while Yosemite was protected earlier, Yellowstone holds the official title of the first national park.
Are you planning to visit Yellowstone or Yosemite this year? Let us know in the comments….