Plan Your Visit

Duration:

12 minutes, 7 seconds

 

Top Things To Know

Millions of people visit Yellowstone annually to make lifelong memories while watching erupting geysers, roaming wildlife, and the artistry of thermophiles. With so much to explore and learn, however, there are some important considerations to help make this a successful visit.

1. No Vehicle Reservations Required
   Vehicle reservations are not required to enter the park – just a park entrance pass. Save time at entrance stations by purchasing your pass online before you arrive. Keep in mind that summer is busy, so be prepared for crowds at popular areas and lines at the entrance stations, in construction areas, and at roadside wildlife sightings. Please be patient and enjoy your visit.
   
   
2. Check Road Statuses
   Most park roads open to regular vehicles in mid-April and close to wheeled vehicles (cars, vans, motorcycles, etc.) in early November. Weather may necessitate temporary closures at any time, so check the park roads page for more information about current park road status and traffic delays due to road improvement projects.
   
   
3. Plan Ahead
   All campgrounds and lodging require a reservation and are usually fully well in advance of your trip. Operating hours and service levels can change with little notice. Check the latest information before coming to the park:
   Operating Dates
   Current Conditions
   Lodging and Camping
   Places to Go
   Things to Do
   Fishing Permits
   Boat Inspections and Permits
   Hiking Safety
   
   
4. Give Wildlife Room
   Wild animals are dangerous if you get too close! People have been injured or killed by bears, bison, and elk. It's your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Always maintain a minimum of 25 yards (23 m) from all wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Learn how to watch wildlife safely and travel safely in bear country.
   
   
5. Drive and Park Responsibly
   Observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures, and let other cars pass. Do not stop your vehicle in the road. When pulling over, be sure to park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line.
   
   
6. Stay on Boardwalks
   People have been severely injured or killed by breaking through the thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs.
   
   
7. Enhance Your Experience
   Download the free National Park Service app (and offline content) before you arrive in the park.
   
   
8. Expect Limited Connectivity
   Don't be surprised if you can't receive calls or texts, even in the few areas where you might have cell reception.
   
   
9. Prepare for Weather Changes
   Unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone's weather. Expect big temperature swings, rain, or snow during every month of the year. No matter when you visit, bring a warm jacket, rain gear, and lots of layers. Check the current weather conditions.
   
   
10. Make the Most of Your Trip
    Make it the trip of a lifetime by attending a ranger program or Indigenous cultural event, exploring the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, participating in the free Junior Ranger program, or checking out any of the special events happening in Yellowstone this year!

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Preparing For Your Trip

Taking time to plan your visit will make your experience more safe, fun, and rewarding. Select a link for the most accurate and up-to-date information about:

• Safety
• Maps
• Fees and Passes
• Operating Dates, Seasons, and Services
• Park Roads
• Goods and Services
• Visitor Centers and Museums
• Ranger Programs and how to become a Junior Ranger
• Guided Tours
• Things to Do
  • Watch Wildlife
  • Take Photographs
  • Attend Indigenous Cultural Events
  • Enjoy a Picnic
  • Hike a Trail
  • Bike in the Park
  • Ride a Horse
  • Catch a Fish
  • Boat on a Lake
  • Swim and Soak
  • Explore in Winter
• Accessibility
• Pets
• Laws and Policies
• Permits and Reservations

Download the official, free NPS app and Yellowstone National Park content to help plan and enrich your trip before you arrive, during your visit, and even after your Yellowstone experience.