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 the fan favorite? We thought we’d ask our well-traveled audience to weigh in on the debate of Yellowstone vs Yosemite. Does the public prefer the towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls of Yosemite, or the geothermal wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone?
What makes Yellowstone National Park unique?
Yellowstone National Park is a geothermal wonderland! Plus it holds the converted 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, 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 bison, elk, bears and wolves. You can also find stunning canyons, pristine lakes, and mountains to explore.
What makes Yosemite National Park unique?
Yosemite is a jewel of California with towering granite cliffs that attract visitors from across the globe. Half Dome, El Capitan, and Cathedral Rock are a few of the famous rock formations that make Yosemite a sought-after natural destination.
But it’s not just rocks. Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest cascades in North America, and it’s just one of many falls within the park. YOu’ll also find lush meadows, ancient sequoia groves, and a diverse range of wildlife.
Yellowstone Vs Yosemite: Our audience weighs in
“Of course I prefer Yellowstone! Visiting Grand Prismatic and watching famous Old Faithful geyser erupt is an experience to remember,” says past guest Kendy C. “And yes traveling with Trafalgar Travel makes that trip of mine extraordinary, with the awesome Travel Director Ben C.”
“Yellowstone vs Yosemite? Oh man, hard to choose, hard to choose,” says David I.
“It’s not easy to describe how beautiful and stunning the iconic Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana is. We stayed at the Old Faithful Inn with its historic massive stone fireplace and impressive log architecture, a short walk to the geyser with the same name,” says Dietmar V. “Every 19 minutes the Old Faithful Geyser lets you know it’s still alive by majestically sprouting steam high into the air. The colours and scenery around the hot water and mud pools are out of this world. 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.”
“Went on this trip alone but met some great people to share in the beauty of Yosemite National Park,” says Kathleen C.
“Yellowstone was truly magical and gorgeous!” says Karen B. “Our Travel Director Dave took us to so many awesome places within the park. Best trip ever with Trafalgar Travel!”
“Yellowstone vs Yosemite? Cannot compare! Both parks are MAJESTIC!” says past guest Kathleen H-M.
“I have always wanted to visit the National Parks in our beautiful country. I was at Yellowstone National Park for my 67th birthday last year. I saw Old Faithful erupt,” says Clarissa G. “Thanks Trafalgar for a wonderful, most memorable trip of a lifetime.”
“Yellowstone, because it has both – you’ll see soaring waterfalls and explosive geysers,” reasons past guest Tracy EV.
“A stay at Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, with Trafalgar. This was my first tour with Trafalgar in 2015, and I got to stay at the Old Faithful Inn. Luck was on my side being able to stay at the most historic inn!!” says past guest Jack W.
“Yellowstone is bigger and more diverse both in geography and animals,” says Sharon O.
READ NEXT: 150 years of Yellowstone: 5 reasons to cherish it
And the winner is….
Well, it looks like Yellowstone is a clear winner when it comes to the head-to-head match up of Yellowstone vs Yosemite. While both are brilliant, bucket list travel experiences, it is hard to beat the raw geothermal show that Yellowstone puts on every day.
Are you planning to visit Yellowstone or Yosemite this year? Let us know in the comments….