Yellowstone National Park is one of the most universal road trip bucket-list items, and for good reason. It boasts incredible scenic drives, abundantly diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty unlike anywhere else on the planet. However, its popularity means some parts of the park get ridiculously crowded, especially during summer. Between the traffic jams at Old Faithful and the packed boardwalks at Grand Prismatic Spring, sometimes it feels closer to a theme park than a national park.

Fortunately, Yellowstone still has a wild side. If you know where to look, you can escape the crowds and experience the park in a totally different way. In this guide, we’ll go through some of the best off-the-beaten-path adventures that can provide a more authentic Yellowstone experience.

1.   Go on an Overnight Rafting Trip

If you’re prepared to leave the comfort of your van, there’s nothing quite like an overnight rafting trip in Yellowstone. Swapping your wheels for water gives you a unique perspective of the park, with the opportunity to see untouched wilderness inaccessible by land.

There are plenty of class II and III rapids along the Yellowstone River to give adrenaline junkies their fill, as well as calm stretches. You might even get up close and personal with wildlife on the riverbank, so keep your eyes peeled for otters, eagles, and even bears.

2.   Explore Hidden Hot Springs

Yellowstone is famous for its colorful thermal pools and geysers, most notably Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful, with the latter drawing crowds of over 1,000 people at a time. However, there’s in excess of 10,000 hydrothermal features in the park, so don’t be afraid to explore some of the lesser-known ones.

• Shoshone geyser basin: There’s a whopping 500 geothermal features here. Reach it via an 8.5-mile hike on the Shoshone Lake Trail.
• Cliff geyser: This geyser’s secluded location on the bank of Iron Creek offers a more intimate viewing experience.
• Pink Cone geyser: Found in the Lower Geyser Basin, this geyser is known for its pinkish color and daily eruptions reaching up to 30 feet.

An important safety note: Always stay on designated trails and do not touch the water. In general, the water in Yellowstone is either too hot (it can reach boiling point), too cold (risk of hypothermia), or too fast moving to enter safely. People have been seriously injured and died by not heeding these warnings.

3.   Take the Road Less Traveled

Sometimes, traffic jams are unavoidable, and the cause is usually elk or bison on the road. While you’re never guaranteed an entirely clear drive, you can increase your chances by opting for some of the park’s less-traveled, scenic routes.

For example, Beartooth Highway is one of the most awe-inspiring drives in the U.S. You’re bound to love its high-altitude switchbacks and panoramic views, and you can even see summer snowfields. Blacktail Plateau Drive is a dirt road further away from the main crowds. Because of its remote location, you’re more likely to see bears, elk, and pronghorn here.

Endnote

If Yellowstone is on your van life bucket list, skip the crowds and seek out a truly wild adventure with these activities and experiences. This gorgeous area is about much more than boardwalks and selfie spots, so ditch the traffic, get out there, and explore the real Yellowstone.