Yellowstone National Park Quick Facts
Visiting Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the world's most distinctive protected landscapes, covering approximately 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Established in 1872, Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, hot springs, wildlife, waterfalls, mountains, forests and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
The park is especially famous for its geothermal features. Yellowstone contains more than 10,000 hydrothermal features and more than 500 geysers, representing more than half of the world's active geysers. Old Faithful is the most famous, but the park's thermal basins contain hundreds of other remarkable features.
Yellowstone is also one of North America's premier wildlife-viewing destinations. Bison, elk, pronghorn, wolves, black bears and grizzly bears can all be found in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are especially popular locations for wildlife watching.
Yellowstone is large enough that driving between major attractions can take substantial time. A successful trip is therefore less about checking off every attraction and more about choosing a region each day, allowing time for wildlife stops, walks, boardwalks, viewpoints and unexpected road delays.
Yellowstone National Park at a Glance
The most useful planning details to know before you arrive.
Huge Park
Yellowstone covers about 2.2 million acres and has five main entrance stations. Driving between regions can take several hours.
Entrance Fee
The standard private-vehicle pass is currently $35 and covers one vehicle and its passengers for seven consecutive days.
Geothermal Wonders
More than 10,000 hydrothermal features and more than 500 geysers make Yellowstone unlike almost any other national park.
Wildlife
Bison, elk, wolves, bears and pronghorn are among the species visitors may encounter. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Yellowstone National Park Tickets & Entrance Fees
Yellowstone requires an entrance pass, but vehicle reservations are not required. The standard private-vehicle pass is currently $35 and is valid for seven consecutive days.
| Pass / Entry Type | Current Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $35 |
| Motorcycle / snowmobile | $30 |
| Individual, age 16+ | $20 |
| Children under 16 | Free |
| Annual Yellowstone Pass | Check current NPS price |
| America the Beautiful Pass | Valid federal recreation pass |
| Non-U.S. residents age 16+ | Additional $100 fee* |
*The additional $100 nonresident fee applies to non-U.S. residents age 16 and older unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. Confirm current fees before traveling.
Before Buying
- Choose the pass that matches your group.
- Consider an America the Beautiful Pass if visiting several federal recreation sites.
- Purchase before arrival if you want to reduce time at the entrance station.
- Remember that Yellowstone and Grand Teton have separate entrance fees.
- Check the latest nonresident fee requirements if traveling from outside the United States.
Yellowstone National Park Hours
Yellowstone is generally accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week when roads are open. However, individual visitor centers, campgrounds, lodging facilities, restaurants and other services have seasonal schedules.
Park Access
- General park access: Open 24 hours when roads are open.
- Entrance stations: Operate according to seasonal schedules and road conditions.
- Visitor centers: Individual locations have their own operating hours.
- Winter: Most roads close to regular vehicles during the winter season.
- Special closures: Construction, weather, fire and other conditions can change access.
Always check the official road-status and current-conditions pages before setting out.
Before You Visit
- Check current road conditions.
- Check seasonal facility hours.
- Review weather forecasts.
- Look for construction or temporary closures.
- Download or save important park information before entering areas with limited connectivity.
Best Things to See in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone's major attractions are spread across several large regions. Planning by geographic area is much more efficient than trying to cross the park repeatedly.
Old Faithful
Old Faithful is Yellowstone's most famous geyser and one of the park's signature attractions. It is located in the Upper Geyser Basin, which contains many other geysers and hot springs.
Why visit: Combine Old Faithful with the surrounding boardwalks rather than leaving immediately after the main eruption.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Yellowstone's most recognizable geothermal features, famous for its intense blue center and colorful microbial mats.
Tip: The Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk provides close views, while the nearby elevated viewpoint offers a broader perspective.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River features dramatic yellow, orange and red canyon walls and the spectacular Upper and Lower Falls.
Best stops: Artist Point, Lookout Point and Brink of Lower Falls offer different perspectives.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is known for its constantly changing travertine terraces. The area is also associated with the historic Fort Yellowstone district.
Why visit: The terraces provide a completely different geothermal experience from Yellowstone's colorful hot springs.
Norris Geyser Basin
Norris is Yellowstone's hottest and one of its most dynamic geyser basins. It is home to Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser.
Tip: Allow enough time to walk the boardwalks rather than treating Norris as a quick roadside stop.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is one of North America's largest high-elevation lakes and provides a very different landscape from the park's geothermal areas.
Why visit: Combine lake viewpoints with West Thumb or Lake Village.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
West Thumb combines Yellowstone Lake scenery with geysers, mudpots and hot springs located directly along the lake's edge.
Why visit: It is one of the park's most unusual combinations of water and geothermal activity.
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley is one of Yellowstone's best-known wildlife-watching areas and is particularly associated with wolves, bison, elk and other large mammals.
Tip: Early morning and evening are often productive periods for wildlife viewing.
Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley provides another excellent landscape for wildlife viewing and is conveniently positioned between several major Yellowstone attractions.
Tip: Drive slowly and be prepared for wildlife-related traffic delays.
Yellowstone's Geysers & Hot Springs
Yellowstone contains more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The park's thermal areas include geysers, hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles and travertine terraces.
The Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful is particularly impressive because visitors can see dozens of geothermal features along maintained boardwalks. Other major thermal areas include Midway Geyser Basin, Norris Geyser Basin, West Thumb, Mammoth Hot Springs and the Fountain Paint Pot area.
Yellowstone's thermal features are dangerous. Stay on boardwalks and designated trails, keep children close and never touch thermal water or runoff.
Thermal-Area Safety
- Stay on designated boardwalks and trails.
- Never touch hot springs or thermal runoff.
- Do not enter thermal pools.
- Keep children close.
- Pets are prohibited in thermal areas.
- Leave immediately if dangerous gases make you feel ill.
Yellowstone Wildlife Watching
Wildlife is one of Yellowstone's biggest attractions, but animals are wild and sightings are never guaranteed. The park asks visitors to maintain safe distances and never approach or crowd wildlife.
Bison
Bison are common throughout the park and are frequently seen near roads. Never approach them simply because they appear calm or accustomed to vehicles.
Wolves
Wolves are particularly associated with Lamar Valley. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope because viewing distances can be substantial.
Bears
Yellowstone supports both grizzly and black bears. Give bears substantial space and follow all current bear-safety guidance and trail advisories.
Elk & Pronghorn
Elk and pronghorn are among the other large mammals visitors may encounter in meadows, valleys and along park roads.
Yellowstone Roads, Entrances & Driving
Driving is central to a Yellowstone visit. The park has five main entrances and distances between regions are much greater than a typical city attraction.
Five Main Entrances
- North Entrance: Gardiner, Montana
- Northeast Entrance: near Cooke City, Montana
- West Entrance: West Yellowstone, Montana
- South Entrance: connecting toward Grand Teton and Jackson, Wyoming
- East Entrance: near Cody, Wyoming
The best entrance depends on where you are staying and which region you plan to visit first.
Seasonal Road Closures
Most Yellowstone roads are closed to regular vehicles from early November through late April. The road between the North Entrance and Cooke City through Mammoth and Tower Junction is generally open year-round, although conditions can cause temporary closures.
When other roads are closed in winter, some areas may be accessible through commercially guided snowmobile or snowcoach operations.
Yellowstone Lodging & Camping
Staying inside Yellowstone can significantly reduce driving time, but popular lodging fills quickly. The National Park Service recommends making lodging reservations as early as possible.
Old Faithful Area
Best for visitors who want early or late access to the Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful and surrounding geothermal features.
Canyon Village
A useful base for exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and nearby central park attractions.
Mammoth Hot Springs
A strong choice for the northern part of Yellowstone and access toward Lamar Valley.
Lake Area
Convenient for Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb and the eastern-central areas of the park.
Campgrounds
Yellowstone offers multiple campgrounds, but opening dates, reservations, availability and operating seasons vary by location.
Nearby Towns
West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cooke City, Cody and Jackson can serve as bases outside the park depending on your itinerary.
Food & Dining in Yellowstone
Yellowstone has restaurants, cafeterias, general stores and other food-service locations in developed areas. Availability varies significantly by season and location.
Visitors should not assume that food or fuel will be available at the next stop. When driving between distant areas, carrying water and snacks is a useful part of trip planning.
Old Faithful
Multiple visitor services are available in the Old Faithful area, making it one of the easiest places to combine sightseeing with a meal or snack.
Canyon Village
Food and visitor services make Canyon Village a practical stop when exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Lake Area
Dining and general-store services are available seasonally around Yellowstone Lake and Lake Village.
Picnics
A packed picnic can be useful for long sightseeing days, particularly when your route takes you far from developed visitor areas.
Food-service locations, menus and hours are seasonal and can change. Check the current official Yellowstone services information before relying on a specific restaurant or store.
Yellowstone National Park Accessibility
Yellowstone provides accessibility features throughout developed areas, although accessibility varies by trail, boardwalk and facility.
Accessible Lodging
Accessible lodging is available in all major areas of the park. Confirm the specific accessibility features of your selected accommodation when booking.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs can be rented at Mammoth Hot Springs for $15 per day with a refundable $300 deposit, according to the National Park Service.
Mobility Devices
Motorized wheelchairs and scooters designed solely for people with mobility impairments are permitted under park policies.
Visitor Centers
Many visitor facilities are accessible. Check individual visitor-center pages for current services and accessible features.
Ranger Programs
Yellowstone identifies accessible ranger programs through its calendar, visitor centers and park information.
Picnic Areas
Accessibility at picnic areas varies and continues to improve. Check the current NPS accessibility information for specific locations.
How Many Days Do You Need in Yellowstone?
Yellowstone rewards slower travel. A longer trip reduces the amount of time spent crossing the park simply to reach the next attraction.
1–2 Days
Best for a focused introduction. Prioritize Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or another major region rather than attempting the entire park.
3 Days
A reasonable minimum for a first visit. You can combine geothermal areas, the canyon and a wildlife-focused drive while still allowing time for stops.
4–5+ Days
The most comfortable choice for a comprehensive first visit. Add Mammoth, Lamar Valley, Yellowstone Lake, Norris and additional hikes or ranger programs.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone
The best time depends on your priorities. Summer provides the broadest access to park roads and facilities but is also the busiest period. Spring and fall can offer different wildlife and scenery experiences, while winter transforms Yellowstone into a snow-covered landscape with a much smaller set of accessible roads and services.
For many first-time visitors, the key consideration is not simply weather but road availability. Most roads are closed to regular vehicles during the winter season, while summer provides access to the majority of the park's major attractions. N National Park Service
Summer
Best overall access, but expect crowds, traffic, wildlife jams and busy accommodations.
Spring & Fall
Potentially quieter with changing wildlife and scenery, but seasonal road and facility schedules require careful planning.
Winter
A unique snow-covered experience with limited regular-vehicle access and specialized transportation options.
8 Practical Yellowstone Visitor Tips
1. Plan by Region
Group attractions geographically. Avoid spending half the day driving back and forth across the park.
2. Check Roads Daily
Road conditions and closures can change. Check the NPS road-status page before beginning each day's drive.
3. Start Early
Early starts can help with parking, crowds, wildlife viewing and fitting several major stops into one day.
4. Carry Water
Long drives and high elevation make hydration particularly important, especially during warm weather.
5. Bring Binoculars
Wildlife is often much farther away than visitors expect. Binoculars make distant animals substantially easier to observe.
6. Stay on Boardwalks
Thermal areas are dangerous and fragile. Never leave designated paths around geysers and hot springs.
7. Expect Wildlife Jams
An animal beside the road can quickly create a traffic backup. Allow extra time rather than building a rigid schedule.
8. Download Information
Cellular service can be limited. Save maps, reservations, directions and important park information before driving into remote areas.
Yellowstone Safety Tips
Yellowstone is a wild environment rather than a conventional sightseeing attraction. Weather, wildlife, thermal features, elevation and remote distances all require planning.
Wildlife
Never approach animals. Use designated viewing areas and maintain the distance recommended by the National Park Service.
Thermal Areas
Stay on boardwalks and trails. Thermal water can cause severe or fatal burns.
Weather
Mountain weather can change rapidly. Carry appropriate layers and check forecasts before hiking or driving.
Hiking
Carry the essentials, know your route and understand that Yellowstone trails can involve elevation, wildlife and changing weather.
Pets & Service Animals in Yellowstone
Yellowstone is not generally designed for visitors traveling with pets. Pets are restricted from trails, boardwalks, the backcountry and thermal areas and must remain under physical control where they are allowed.
Service animals have different access rights under applicable regulations. Visitors traveling with a service animal should review the park's current accessibility and pet policies before arrival.
Ranger Programs & Yellowstone Activities
Yellowstone offers much more than self-guided sightseeing. Visitors can participate in ranger programs, guided activities, hiking, wildlife watching, photography, fishing, boating, horseback riding and seasonal winter activities.
Ranger programs are a particularly good way to understand the park's geology, wildlife, history and cultural significance. The current park calendar should be checked for dates, locations and accessibility information. N National Park Service
Yellowstone National Park Map & Layout
A Yellowstone map is essential because attractions are spread across a huge area. The official NPS map shows roads, entrances, services and major geographic areas.
Major Regions
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Lamar Valley
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Old Faithful / Upper Geyser Basin
- Midway Geyser Basin
- West Thumb
- Yellowstone Lake
- Hayden Valley
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Route-Planning Advice
Choose one geographic region as the focus of each day. For example, Old Faithful, Midway Geyser Basin and West Yellowstone work naturally together, while Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley make a better northern itinerary.
Use the official road-status map alongside the park map because the most direct route on a printed map may not be open during your travel season.
Yellowstone National Park Visit Checklist
- Check the official road status before leaving.
- Purchase the appropriate entrance pass.
- Confirm seasonal entrance and facility information.
- Download or save the official park map.
- Choose your priority regions for each day.
- Reserve lodging early if staying inside the park.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Pack water, food and appropriate layers.
- Bring binoculars for wildlife watching.
- Plan safe distances from wildlife.
- Stay on boardwalks in thermal areas.
- Allow extra time for traffic and wildlife jams.
- Review accessibility information if required.
- Check for construction, fires or temporary closures.
Yellowstone National Park FAQ
Plan Your Yellowstone National Park Visit
Check current road conditions, entrance fees, maps, seasonal services and closures before leaving. Yellowstone is a huge park, so build your itinerary around regions rather than trying to see everything in one day.