This summer, visitors to Yellowstone National Park are being urged to plan ahead—both to stay safe and to help protect one of America’s most iconic wild landscapes. Across 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal wonders that include half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic landmarks like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
By following these top 10 things to know before you go, you can make the most of your visit while helping ensure Yellowstone remains healthy, wild, and awe-inspiring for generations to come.
- Reservations are not required to enter Yellowstone
Reservations are not required to enter the park – just a park entrance pass. Keep in mind that summer is busy, so pack your patience and be prepared for crowds at popular areas and lines at entrance stations, construction areas, and roadside wildlife sightings. - Check the status of park roads
Most park roads open to personal vehicles in mid-April and close in early November. Weather may cause temporary closures at any time, so check the status of park roads for more information, including potential traffic delays due to road improvement projects. - Plan ahead
All campgrounds and lodging require reservations and are often booked well in advance. Operating hours and service levels may change with little notice. Check the latest information before going to the park:
Operating Dates of Facilities and Services
Current Conditions
Eating and Sleeping
Places to Go
Things to Do
Fishing Permits
Boat Inspections and Permits - Give wildlife room
Wild animals are dangerous if you get too close! It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Always maintain a minimum of 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars, and 25 yards from all other animals, including bison and elk. All of Yellowstone is bear country, so be sure to carry bear spray and know how to use it. Learn how to watch wildlife safely and travel safely in bear country. - 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, park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line. - Stay on boardwalks
People have been severely injured or even killed after stepping off boardwalks in thermal areas, where the thin, fragile ground can suddenly give way, causing them to break through or fall directly into scalding hot springs. - Enhance your experience
Download the free National Park Service app (and offline content) before you arrive in the park for interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more. - 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. - 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 current weather conditions before you arrive. - Make the most of your trip
Make it the trip of a lifetime by attending a ranger program and exploring the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center Junior program.
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