Yellowstone National Park

Overview

Yellowstone is the world's first national park, preserving half the world's geothermal features including 300 geysers like Old Faithful. It offers incredible wildlife viewing (bison, wolves, bears) and rugged mountain scenery, perfect for nature lovers and backpackers seeking an iconic outdoor adventure.

Languages: English

Why go?

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting in

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting around

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

When to go

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Places to know

A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.

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  Artist Paint Pots

  This easy trail is one of the overlooked yet wonderful short hikes of Yellowstone. The trail winds across a wet meadow on boardwalk then enters a partially burned lodgepole pine forest. The thermal area within the short loop at the end of the trail contains some of the most colorful hot springs and small geysers found in the area. Two mudpots at the top of the hill allow closer access than Fountain Paint Pots. Caution for flying mud. Remind folks to stay on the trail throughout the area. The trail has one steep uphill/downhill section, and the trail erodes easily so may be rutted after rains.

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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  Avalanche Peak

  This extremely strenuous, high-elevation trail is often snow-covered until July, so check at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center for current trail conditions. Across the road from the parking area and to the right of the creek, the trail enters the forest and begins its steep ascent — ft

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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  Beaver Ponds Loop

  This moderately strenuous trail starts just north of Liberty Cap and the Mammoth Terraces, and begins with a convert

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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  Blacktail Deer Creek/Yellowstone River

  A moderately strenuous trail that follows Blacktail Deer Creek as it descends convert

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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  Boating

  A permit is required for all vessels (motorized and non-motorized including float tubes) and must be obtained in person at any of the following locations: South Entrance, Lewis Lake Campground, Grant Village Backcountry Office, and Bridge Bay Ranger Station. Non-motorized boating permits are available at West Entrance, Northeast Entrance, Mammoth Backcountry Office, Old Faithful Backcountry Office, Canyon Backcountry Office, Bechler Ranger Station, West Contact Station, West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce and locations where motorized permits are sold. The fee is $20 (annual) or $10 (7 day) for motorized vessels and $10 (annual) or $5 (7 day) for non-motorized vessels. A Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device is required for each person boating. Boat permits issued in Grand Teton National Park are honored in Yellowstone, but owners must register their vessel in Yellowstone and obtain a no-charge Yellowstone validation sticker from a permit issuing station. Jet skis, personal watercraft, airboats, submersibles, and similar vessels are prohibited in Yellowstone National Park. All vessels are prohibited on park rivers and streams except the channel between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes, where only hand-propelled vessels are permitted. Outboards and rowboats may be rented (first come, first served) from Xanterra Parks & Resorts at Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake. Xanterra also provides guided fishing boats which may be reserved in advance by calling +1 307 344-7311 or +1-866-GEYSERLAND (439-7375).

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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  Bunsen Peak

  This moderately strenuous trail climbs convert

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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  Canyon

  Gasoline, diesel and auto repair.

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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  Car Free Week

  Yellowstone opens its roads to bicyclists and hikers one week before car traffic resumes each spring (usually in April). This week is a rare opportunity to see Yellowstone's sights and wildlife without the crowds and traffic. Several West Yellowstone businesses rent bikes.

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

Before you go