The World's First National Park

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

 
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Duration:
2 minutes, 43 seconds
 
Yellowstone National Park entrance sign with double rainbow
Current Conditions

What you need to know before arriving in Yellowstone.

The milky way in the night sky rises above a lighted building, surrounded by tall trees.
Operating Hours

Wondering what will be open during your next trip? It's all covered here!

Cars drive along a paved road through a meadow with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Park Roads

Current information about road conditions, delays, and closures.

A large grizzly bear stands in tall brown grass with her two cubs.
Bear Safety

Wonders abound in Yellowstone, though many come with an unfamiliar danger. Learn how to explore safely in bear habitat.

A bull elk with large antlers peers through a gap in evergreen trees towards the camera.
View Wildlife Safely

Elk rut can be an exciting, yet dangerous, time of year. Make the most of your trip by keeping yourself and the wildlife you encounter safe.

A man and a woman sit by a campfire in a campsite and drink coffee.
Camp in a Campground

Nothing compares to sleeping under the stars! Most park campgrounds are reserved and full far in advance—plan ahead for a successful visit!

A large brown lodge is light under an evening sky.
Stay in a Lodge

There are multiple lodging options that cater to different needs in Yellowstone. Be sure to make reservations early!

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Download the Official NPS App

One app puts every park at your fingertips. Experience Yellowstone like never before!

View from the top of a building shows a steaming geyser.
Webcams

Can't make it to the park? No problem. Take in the sights wherever you are!

a person wearing traditional Native American regalia speaking to visitors
Attend Indigenous Cultural Events

View upcoming Indigenous cultural events happening in Yellowstone.

A park ranger with a ponytail inspects a boat on a trailer.
Clean, Drain, and Dry

Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species; clean, drain, and dry your boat before arriving in the park for inspection.

 
Stay 25 yards from bison, elk, and other wildlife, and 100 yards from wolves and bears.
Enjoy watching Yellowstone's animals but STAY SAFE. They are WILD and DANGEROUS. Know your distance.

Last updated: July 26, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

Contact Us