Yellowstone National Park 5 day Itinerary suggestions

Just in case you haven't seen it already, fishing info for Yellowstone is here.

Driving around the Park, we have seen most fishing being done in the Firehole River between the Old Faithful area and Madison Junction and again in the Madison River between Madison Junction and the West Entrance. Lots of folks doing fly fishing.

At Canyon, stop at the first parking area on the North Rim Drive and hike down the the brink of the Lower Falls. Spectacular to look over the railing and watch and listen to the roar of the water falling some 300 feet into the mist below. All of the pull offs on both the north and south sides of the canyon are worth a stop. A nice new Visitor Center at Canyon too.

Plan on a full day at the Old Faithful area. Lots of trails/boardwalks there and lots more thermal features that just the Old Faithful geyser. Stop in the Visitor Center to get the estimated times of the predictable geysers to help plan your route. Have lunch in the Old Faithful Inn (less expensive than dinner). Stop at Black Sand Basin and Biscuit Basin while in the area.

You will see Bison all around the Park, but in our experience the largest herd is in the Lamar Valley toward the Northeast Entrance. That's also the only place we have seen Wolves. Wolf, Eagle and Bear sightings are pretty much a matter of being in the right place at the right time, so luck is involved. The Rangers can probably advise on recent sightings. If you see folks on the side of the road with spotting scopes, you will know something is going on. Hopefully you are bringing binoculars, although folks will spotting scopes will often let you look.

You will have no problem filling 5 days with activities in this unique place.

You've gotten some good advice so far. I especially like BJ's suggestions. I would add that, since you are in the vicinity, you visit Lake area; it's quieter. If you want a cook's night out that won't totally break the bank, have a meal at Lake Lodge cafeteria; the food is quite good and - for Yellowstone - not too pricey. Nice view from the rustic dining room too.

You're in a perfect spot for a nice, short trail: Storm Point. It takes off from the park road a few miles east of Fishing Bridge. DO ask about bear conditions before you go, as this trail is near Pelican Creek, which is grizzly habitat. I'd advise buying some bear spray (expensive but effective) at the General Store there at Fishing Bridge. If you are hiking/walking for exercise, remember to pace yourself; the park is at high altitude, most of it between 7000-8000 feet elevation. Talk to the folks at the FB campground and who work in the store; also to those working at the Yellowstone Association store at FB - they'll all have good suggestions for you & your family. Fishing requires a license for those over a certain age (15?) - make sure to inquire. There are short-term licenses that are inexpensive.

Another good way to get some fishing in, though a little more expensive, is to go out on Yellowstone Lake with a fishing guide. Check the Xanterra website, or the Yellowstone one at npr.gov, for more specific information. You can keep all the lake trout you want.

There is no "rush hour" from outside the park on the east side, as most people staying outside the park come in from the west. As previously mentioned, traffic is slow throughout much of the park and will be heavy in some locations. Animal jams are frequent and make great photo ops (but stay in your car if the animals are right on or alongside the road). Spending time in the evening in a pulloff in Hayden Valley, watching animals or even just the sunset, is a delight; you're in the perfect spot for that too, and I recommend it.

Plan on driving lots of miles and having plenty of scenery, wildlife and other tourists to watch. :) You have lots of walking opportunities in the various thermal areas - Old Faithful is just the tip of the iceberg - with all the boardwalks in those areas. Make sure the kids STAY ON the boardwalks!!!!!!!!! Can't emphasize this enough. You'll get a park newspaper when you enter the park - READ IT. It prescribes the distance you need to keep from the various animals, plus lots of other helpful and important information. Park visitors who end up in trouble invariably did not read & heed what's in there.

I suggest spending one full day visiting the Old Faithful area, walking around the geyser area (as much as your party wants). If only some want to walk, there are plenty of places for the others to wait and relax. (Relatively) inexpensive food at the General Store or Snow Lodge's "grill," and the ice cream at the General Store can't be beat. West Thumb is worth at least an hour or two, Canyon at least 1/2 day, Mammoth and Norris at least several hours each. Lamar Valley, the northeast section of the park, is a prime wildlife area and where you are most likely to spot a wolf (never guaranteed - I've been to the park umpteen times and still haven't). Look for a group of people off the side of the road with spotting scopes on tripods. :)

If you're on a stricter budget, as mentioned there are lots of picnic areas around. And for the elderly and similarly challenged, lots of toilets (pit, primarily, but NPS keeps them pretty clean), both in picnic areas and by themselves.

Have fun and enjoy! Look at the traffic slowdowns as good opportunities to enjoy the scenery, get a good long look at buffalo (often close-up), etc. Five days will be enough for you to hit the highlights, especially since you plan a couple days in the Tetons in addition.

You can't go wrong in any direction but expect lots of traffic and big crowds in July. In addition to the geothermal sites my first choice would be Yellowstone Falls and canyon. Get an early start in the AM before vistors pour in from outside. Evenings are a good time to park by the prairie where Wolves are sometime seen. Keep kids well clear of the Buffalo and Elk. They are generally very peaceful unless approached too closely. The Madison is a great trout stream easy to get too but not easy to fish for youngsters. July can be hot so am and pm are nicer and less crowded. If you want a nice day hike up one of the taller peaks there is a trail head parking at Dunraven Pass area with a smooth trail up to an observation post at the top of Mt Washburn. The trail starts at about 8000' and is over 11,000ft at the top. Great view of the whole park from there. Take water wherever you go and pack a lunch.

Good idea with the newspaper, and I added a map link I found as well.

Lots to see in 5 days. You are staying at Fishing Bridge, so I would start with the South part of the Grand Loop road first. Simply because it contains the Old Faithful Geyser Basin. Lots of features to see there. It can involve a lot of walking. The West side of the South Loop has numerous features also. And there are some on the East side. If you have not obtained a map the park go to the YNP Website and get one. Also search the internet for the YNP Newspaper. The Summer version should be printed shortly. It will contain road information, closures, construction, etc. Plus other general stuff. Lots of Picnic areas along the loop road. Bathrooms also. Car travel is slow. Do not assume you can average the 45pmh limit. To many stops and interruptions along the way. Can’t comment about trails and fishing. I supect you will be tired at the end of the day just by walking the various thermal features. Other folks at the various stores and the campground will tell you about bear sightings and /or other animal issues. Talk to people. I consider the Old Faithfail area, the Canyon area, the Mammoth area and the Norris Geyser area as “must sees”. There are many other area. Pick and choice as you see how your time is going. If you have never been to the Grand Tetons you should exit YNP to the south. I understand time may be an issue for you.

I went and saw Old Faithful the first afternoon I got there. took the North loop on one day, south loop the second day. that was enough smelling sulfur pots for me.
left a day early.
bumpy