Tips for visiting Yellowstone this Fourth of July

If you will visit Yellowstone National Park this Fourth of July, plan ahead to protect yourself and this wild and awe-inspiring place. Summer is the busiest time in the park, so please pack your patience. Expect crowds at popular areas and lines at entrance stations, construction areas, and roadside wildlife sightings.

Follow these tips to enjoy your visit and protect the park for generations to come:

1. Leave Fireworks at Home
   Fireworks are not allowed in Yellowstone — even just a spark can ignite a wildfire.
2. Flood Your Flames
   Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites in Yellowstone. Never leave your campfire unattended and always check to ensure it’s cold to the touch before abandoning: Soak, stir, feel, repeat.
3. Check Current Fire Weather Conditions
   The current fire danger level in the park is HIGH, which means wildfires can start easily and spread quickly. Please plan your activities accordingly. If you see smoke or fire in the park, report it to rangers or call 911.
4. Drive and Park Responsibly
   Traffic-related accidents are a common cause of human injury and fatality in the park. Please be responsible and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or substances. Observe posted speed limits and do not stop your vehicle in the road. Use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures, and let other cars pass. When pulling over, be sure to park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line. Pack your patience and allow for plenty of time to travel through the park during this busiest time of year.
5. Check Status of Park Roads
   Summer is road construction and repair season in the West. Road improvement projects or inclement weather may cause temporary closures and traffic delays. Stay informed about current road conditions in Yellowstone:
   • Visit go.nps.gov/YELLroads.
   • Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information.
   • Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777. (An automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions.)
6. 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 from all wildlife and 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars. If an animal moves closer to you, back away to maintain these safe viewing distances. Follow instructions from park rangers and learn how to watch wildlife safely and travel safely in bear country.
7. Stay on Boardwalks
   Boardwalks take you to amazing places and keep you safe. People who travel off boardwalks have been severely injured or killed by breaking through the thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs.
8. Plan Ahead
   All campgrounds and lodging require a reservation and fill up well in advance. Operating hours and service levels can change with little notice. Check the latest information before going to the park:
   Operating Dates
   Current Conditions
   Lodging and Camping
   Places to Go
   Things to Do
   Fishing Permits
   Boat Inspections and Permits
9. Prepare for Weather Changes
   Unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone’s weather. Expect big temperature swings, rain, or snow during every month of the year and hot, dry weather during the summer months. No matter when you visit, take water to stay hydrated, a warm jacket, rain gear, and lots of layers. Check current weather conditions before you arrive.
10. No Entrance Reservations Required
    Reservations are not required to enter the park — you just need a park entrance pass.

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