Yellowstone National Park is one of the most spectacular places on Earth. With 2,221,766 acres of land that occupies parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is home to some of the most powerful forces of nature and several extraordinary landmarks, including the riotous Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful.
Lovers on a romantic escape, however, may have to wander off the beaten path a bit to find their bliss. And before you doubt it: yes, a romantic couple’s trip is absolutely conceivable in such a wild and untamable place. Here are some of them, in fact.
1. Go for a dip in a hot spring
There are a number of hot springs around Yellowstone — the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in Montana is a great option if you fancy modern facilities and a water slide — and a dip in one is one of the most romantic things to do in the area.
For a more natural setting, or if you prefer to be more adventurous, head to the Boiling River near Mammoth Hot Springs in northern Yellowstone. It’s the only hot spring in the park where visitors are permitted to take a dip, though it’s only open in the daytime and not in the summertime. It can get pretty busy, so for a more intimate dip, come early or secure a spot away from other swimmers.
2. Find a quiet vantage point and enjoy the views
Sometimes it’s less about the pampering and more about the view you’re enjoying that makes for a romantic activity. And the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is just the ticket. The resplendent sight has been photographed and painted a thousand times, and it’s just perfect for couples looking to enjoy a mesmerizing panorama.
A short hike to Artist’s Point, an overlook of the Lower Falls, is an easy way to enjoy the view. Or, if you prefer a quieter path, take the 2.4-mile hike to Ribbon Lake, as the trail also offers an absurdly beautiful view of the falls.
3. Take a hike
Speaking of hikes, more adventurous couples would certainly find romance in a scenic hike. Lucky for you, Yellowstone isn’t short on those. Take a popular day hike like Uncle Tom’s Trail or the Lava Creek Trail, or go on a quieter, offbeat one. The Grizzly Lake should have lovely wildflowers in the spring.
Better yet, tackle the Thorofare trek, a 110-kilometer trail that takes you around the southeastern part of the park and past Yellowstone Lake, where you might take a brisk, quick dip. A backpacking trip in the backcountry is an elevating way to spend some quiet time alone.
4. Slumber under the stars
If you do go on that multi-day backpacking trip, you could tick another romantic activity off your list and sleep under the stars. The Thorofare offers several opportunities to do so, so long as you’ve got a few days to spare to tackle the whole thing or some sections of it.
Otherwise, you might consider simply driving to one of the more easily-accessible campsites. In Yellowstone, camping options abound, from primitive to glamping. If you’d rather focus on spending some quality time together, you might consider a glamping experience at places like Cowboy Lake just outside the park. However, if you like roughing it, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for it inside the national park.
5. Enjoy a sleigh ride together
The wintertime in Yellowstone calls for an enchanting sleigh ride around a glistening field covered in fresh powder. Several tour companies and ranches offer daytime and early evening sleigh ride tours to travelers, some of them even offering a warm meal.
Not only is this appealingly old-fashioned and every bit romantic, it’s also a great way to see majestic landscapes and wildlife, much better than inside a van or a Jeep. As wildlife sightings abound, do remember to bring a telephoto lens for your camera. A warm cup or two of spiced cider in a comfy mountain cabin or campsite is a lovely way to end the ride.
6. Go stargazing
If sleeping under the stars isn’t an option (or even if it is), perhaps you might go for a stargazing tour or a night sky photography workshop. After all, nothing’s quite as romantic as observing the Milky Way, finding the constellations, and discovering galaxies you could see with your naked eye.
If you’d rather be alone, a private tour might be arranged with one of the tour companies. Otherwise, do it yourself with a flashlight in hand. Yellowstone is a national park, so you are free to roam at night. Find a great spot in the daytime — the Travertine Terraces, for example — and make your way there at dusk. Pack hot beverages and take some warm blankets with you.
7. Watch the setting sun
There aren’t many spectacles more romantic than watching the sun set over a bewitching horizon. You might hire a tour company to arrange a sunset picnic for you, or again, you could do it yourself.
Hike up to an overlook that offers gorgeous panoramas — consider the North Rim Trail or the Lake Butte Overlook — with picnic supplies, secure a nice spot away from the crowds, and set up 15 to 20 minutes before sunset. Instagram opportunities abound as well, so set up your camera on a tripod before the event.
Do you and your special someone have a favorite spot in Yellowstone? Let us know!
