Laws in Yellowstone National Park are established and enforced through a combination of federal regulations and site-specific rules tailored to the park's unique needs. At the core of this legal framework is Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which outlines the general rules governing all National Park Service lands. However, each park also faces distinct challenges and conditions, which is why Yellowstone’s superintendent issues a compendium—a document that supplements the CFR with local regulations specific to the park.
Together, the CFR and the superintendent’s compendium provide the legal basis for protecting Yellowstone’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring public safety and enjoyment. The following commonly cited regulations outline activities that are prohibited in Yellowstone:
- 18 USC §930(a): Bringing firearms in certain facilities in this park (such as visitor centers and government offices): those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.
- 36 CFR §1.5(f); SC p.18: Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) on lands and waters.
- 36 CFR §1.5(f); SC p.24: Willfully remaining near or approaching wildlife, including nesting birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.
- 36 CFR §1.5(f); SC p.24: Using electronic equipment capable of tracking wildlife
- 36 CFR §2.21(a); SC p.44: Smoking is prohibited in geyser basins or on trails. There is no smoking in buildings or within 25 feet of building entrances.
- 36 CFR §2.1(a)(1): Removing or possessing natural or cultural resources (such as wildflowers, antlers, rocks, and arrowheads).
- 36 CFR §2.1(a)(3): Throwing anything into thermal features.
- 36 CFR §2.2 (a): Hunting or feeding wildlife.
- 36 CFR §2.2(e); SC p.34: Spotlighting wildlife (viewing with lights).
- 36 CFR §2.10(b)(10): Camping outside of designated areas.
- 36 CFR §4.10(a): Traveling off-road by vehicle.
- 36 CFR §4.30(h)(1): Traveling off-road by bicycle.
- 36 CFR §7.13(j): Traveling off boardwalks or designated trails in hydrothermal areas.
- 36 CFR §7.13(m): Swimming in hot springs.
