Plan Your Visit

Duration:

12 minutes, 7 seconds

Yellowstone is seasonal. Plan Your Visit by learning about current conditions, seasons, road conditions, services, activities, and more.

 

Millions of people visit Yellowstone annually to make lifelong memories of watching erupting geysers, roaming wildlife, and the artistry of thermophiles. There are some important considerations to make this a successful visit.

Top Things To Know

1. Most Park Camping and Lodging is Reserved and Full

No camping or overnight vehicle parking is allowed in pullouts, parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated campground. If you don’t have a reservation, the nearest campsite or hotel room may be hours away.

2. Expect Crowding

Hundreds of thousands of people visit Yellowstone during the months of June, July, and August.

3. Be Patient and Flexible

Yellowstone is a big place. Traffic, wildlife along and on roads, and road construction often make drive times longer than expected.

4. Know Before You Go

Make sure you know about

• entrance fees,
• boat inspections and permits,
• current conditions,
• operating hours,
• places to go, and
• things to do.

5. Wildlife are Dangerous

People have been injured or killed by bears, bison, and elk. Always maintain a minimum of 25 yards (23 m) from all wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Learn how to watch wildlife safety and travel safely in bear country.

 

 

6. Stay on Boardwalks

People have been severely injured or killed by breaking through the thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs.

7. Protect Yourself and Others

Don’t visit if you are sick. Masks are required for non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated people. Maintain at least six feet (2 m) of social distancing in any crowded situation.

8. 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, be sure to park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line.

9. Enhance Your Experience

Download the free NPS Yellowstone or National Park Service app (and offline content) before you arrive.

10. Connectivity is Limited

Don't be surprised if you can't receive calls or texts, even in the few areas you have cell reception.