The World's First National Park

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

 
A jagged, snow-covered mountain peak lays beyond a grassy hill with rocks on it.
Current Conditions

What conditions can you expect during your trip to Yellowstone? Find out here.

The milky way in the night sky rises above a lighted building, surrounded by tall trees.
Operating Dates

Wondering what will be open during your next trip? It's all covered here!

A truck drives on a layer of snow on a paved road with a snow-covered mountain in the background.
Park Roads

Most park roads closed to regular vehicles on November 1. Find current information about road opening and closing dates here.

Fog fills a river valley in a landscape
Plan Ahead

Yellowstone is seasonal. Learn about some important considerations to help plan a successful visit.

A pair of bull elk with large antlers resting in sagebrush.
Wildlife Safety

A visit to Yellowstone is a bucket list item. Make it the trip of a lifetime by keeping yourself, and the wildlife you may encounter, safe.

A fox jumps in the air with its nose pointed down towards the ground, which is blanketed in snow.
Winter Ecology

Winter in Yellowstone is a place of magic and vulnerability. Learn how wildlife endures the extremes of cold and the absence of food.

A snow-covered evergreen tree sits in the foreground of visitors on a wooden boardwalk amongst steam
Explore in Winter

Ready to brave the cold? Check out this information for planning a winter visit.

Smart phones showing NPS app home screen
Download the Official NPS App

One app puts every park at your fingertips. Experience Yellowstone like never before!

View from the top of a building shows a steaming geyser.
Webcams

Can't make it to the park? No problem. Take in the sights wherever you are!

sun setting behind a row of white teepees
2023 State of the Park

View and download Yellowstone's 2023 State of the Park report.

A graphic of a flat ranger hat on a blue background beside the words: What We Do.
What We Do Podcast

Ever wondered what park rangers do? Listen to our new podcast as we explore the different careers in Yellowstone and how you can get hired!

 
Stay 25 yards from bison, elk, and other wildlife, and 100 yards from wolves and bears.
Enjoy watching Yellowstone's animals but STAY SAFE. They are WILD and DANGEROUS. Know your distance.

Last updated: November 13, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

Contact Us