5 things I learned on my first visit to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was never on my bucket list.

Seeing the northern lights? Yes, please. Alaska? My number one. But geysers just didn’t excite me.

Woof, was I wrong.

As Yellowstone National Park interpretive specialist Richard Jehle told me earlier this year, “Old Faithful is just a tiny fraction of what Yellowstone National Park is all about.”

I got to see for myself this fall and now, it might just be my favorite national park. (Sorry, Zion.)

Here’s why Yellowstone should be on your bucket list and what you should know before you visit.

Is Yellowstone a good place to visit?

Yes. Before you even enter the national park from Montana, Wyoming or Idaho, it is abundantly clear why this place was set aside as America’s first national park.

It really feels more like four or five parks with vastly different landscapes including forested mountains, bubbling mud pots and steamy fumaroles, the largest high-elevation lake on the continent, and Lamar Valley, which has been called the Serengeti of North America for of its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Give yourself plenty of time to take it all in. I spent two full days in the park, and it was not nearly enough.

Where do you see wildlife in Yellowstone?

Everywhere and anywhere.

The easiest way to know a spectacular creature is near is to look for crowds of people or cars. I saw the crowds long before I spotted two bears on my trip: a black bear wandering along the hillside and a grizzly bear so far away that it looked like a speck to the naked eye.

There can also be traffic jams for wildlife crossings, like elk or bison, who have the right of way. Steer clear, but keep your eyes and cameras out.

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Is there a scenic drive through Yellowstone?

Yes. Many of Yellowstone’s wonders can be seen along the park’s figure eight road, and there are lots of pullouts for quick stops and photo opportunities, but you’ll want to get out and explore places like Mammoth Hot Springs and West Thumb Geyser Basin. Both have boardwalks that not only protect fragile hydrothermal features and visitors but offer increased accessibility.

Note: There is no park-operated shuttle in the park, so you will need some sort of transportation to get around, outside of winter when most roads are closed to automobiles. There are several third-party tours available for visitors who may not have their own vehicles.

Do they sell food in Yellowstone National Park?

Yes. There are numerous quick-service restaurants as well as general stores that sell groceries and grab-and-go items like sandwiches in the park. There are also table-service restaurants in some of the hotels, like the iconic Old Faithful Inn.

There’s a surprising array of visitor services available, including gas stations, car repair shops, and post offices.

What to bring to Yellowstone

Aside from all the usual things you’d pack for any national park, you’ll want to bring layers of clothing because the weather can be wild. When I visited in October, it was sunny in the 80s one day and grey and windy in the 50s the next.

“Since most of the park lies at an elevation of 6,000 feet (1829 m) above sea level or higher, unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone's weather. Expect big temperature swings, rain, or snow during every month of the year,” according to the park’s website.

You’ll also want to bring binoculars to see wildlife that may be far away. I forgot to pack any, but a kind stranger let me borrow hers so I could see that grizzly bear off in the distance.

You do not want to see a grizzly bear up close. Just in case, park rangers advise hikers to carry bear spray. If you forget, it’s sold in the park.

Lastly, it would be good to stock up on snacks and extra water to keep in your car because there are long stretches between stores in the park.

Also make sure to grab a paper map from one of the park’s multiple visitor centers and download park information to your phone for offline use because you will not have cell service in most places.

The reporter on this story received access from RVshare. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

(This story has been updated to add new information and fix a typo.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yellowstone National Park tips: 5 things to know before you go