Sample Itinerary:

Day One: Arrive at Old Faithful Inn. Hike back to Biscuit Basin. Grab a bite at the original Hamilton Store fountain, then head back and walk through the remainder of the geyser basin, timing your return with an Old Faithful eruption.

Day Two: Take "Geyser Hill Walk" with Ranger, then take a leisurely drive to Norris and Madison and stop by the Fountain Paint Pots and the Norris Geyser Basin. Don't miss the side drives to Firehole Lake Drive and Firehole Canyon Drive. If your legs are up to it, hike back to Fairy Falls: it's an easy hike and the falls should still be pretty in August.

Day Three: Get an early start and hit the road -- one of the best times to see the Yellowstone wildlife -- while heading for Lake. Take a boat tour of Yellowstone Lake, followed by a hike through the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Stop by the Lake Hotel for lunch; the deli has casual food, while the dining room has a wider selection for a more relaxing experience. Head up to Canyon and catch the "Walking the Edge" Ranger tour at 3, followed by dinner somewhere in the Canyon complex.

Day Four: Head to the Roosevelt Corral for a 9:45 a.m. horse ride, followed by lunch at the Roosevelt Lodge. In the afternoon, head south and take in the many sights of the Hayden Valley, where bison and bears are frequently spotted. Stop at Mud Volcano and hike the short (less than one mile) trail. Highlights: Black Dragon's Cauldron and Dragon's Mouth Spring.

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