These regulations help us protect park resources while also providing you a safe and enjoyable experience. The following activities are prohibited in Yellowstone:
- Willfully remaining near or approaching wildlife, including nesting birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.
- Hunting or feeding wildlife.
- Traveling off boardwalks or designated trails in hydrothermal areas.
- Throwing anything into thermal features.
- Swimming in hot springs.
- Removing or possessing natural or cultural resources (such as wildflowers, antlers, rocks, and arrowheads).
- Leaving detachable side mirrors attached when not pulling trailers.
- Traveling off-road by vehicle or bicycle.
- Camping outside of designated areas.
- Spotlighting wildlife (viewing with lights).
- Imitating elk calls or using buglers. Imitating wolf howls.
- Using electronic equipment capable of tracking wildlife
- Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) on lands and waters.
- Smoking is prohibited in geyser basins or on trails. There is no smoking in buildings or within 25 feet of building entrances.
Additional regulations apply: please see our Laws & Policies as well as the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.
