National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming
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Idaho
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Montana
United States
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Yellowstone National Park | Things to Do & Travel Guide
Current park status
15 active alerts
Current park status
15 active alerts
Park Closure
Most Park Roads Closed to All Vehicles
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Most roads are closed to prepare for commercially-guided snowcoach and snowmobile travel during the winter season, which will begin December 15 (weather depending). The road between the North and Northeast entrances is the only road open year-round to regular vehicles.
Information
Most Park Roads Closing to Regular Vehicles November 1
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The last day to enjoy most of the park in a regular vehicle is October 31. Most roads will open to guided oversnow tours on December 15 (weather permitting). The road between the North and Northeast entrances is the only road open year-round to regular vehicles.
Information
Traffic Delays - Gardner River High Bridge
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Expect a single lane of traffic with up to 15-minute delays, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 through November 24, 2026. Oversized/overweight vehicles (8'6"+ wide, 75'+ long, 80,000 lbs+ gross vehicle weight) will not be able to cross the bridge during this time.
Park Closure
Temporary Road Closure - Dunraven & Sylvan Pass
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In anticipation of hazardous driving conditions, Dunraven Pass (the road between Tower Junction and Canyon Junction) and Sylvan Pass (the road between East Entrance and Fishing Bridge Junction) will temporarily close at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Road conditions will be re-evaluated the morning of Oct. 24.
Park Closure
Dunraven Pass (Tower Fall to Canyon Village) Temporary Closure
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The road between Tower Fall and Canyon Village (Dunraven Pass) will close temporarily at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 in preparation for winter weather and anticipated hazardous driving conditions. The road will reopen once conditions allow.
Park Closure
Beartooth Highway Temporary Closure
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The Beartooth Highway (US-212) between Red Lodge and Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, will close temporarily at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 in preparation for winter weather and anticipated hazardous driving conditions. The forecast calls for ice and snow Saturday through Monday. The highway is scheduled to close for the season Monday, Oct. 12 and, depending on conditions, may not reopen until next spring.
Information
West Thumb Geyser Basin Boardwalk - Partial Closure
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A section of the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk will be closed to Fishing Cone and Lakeshore Geyser through mid-October while crews replace damaged support structures along the shoreline. The remaining sections of boardwalk will remain open to visitors. Dates are subject to change without notice.
Information
Partial Fishing Closures on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon Rivers
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The Madison, Firehole and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers are closed to fishing daily between 2 p.m. and sunrise until water temperatures cool to protect the park's native and wild trout fisheries. Most other rivers and streams are open to fishing, as specified in park fishing regulations.
Information
Select Park Rivers Closed to Fishing
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The Madison, Firehole and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers are closed to fishing until water temperatures cool to protect the park's native and wild trout fisheries. Most other rivers and streams are open to fishing, as specified in park fishing regulations.
Caution
Stay Away From Bull Elk
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Bull elk are fast and unpredictable this time of year and can seriously injure people. If an elk charges, run. In addition to staying at least 25 yards (23 m) away from elk and bison, always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.
Information
Park Rivers and Streams Closed to Fishing Daily from 2 p.m. to Sunrise
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All park rivers and streams are closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise due to high water temperatures and low stream flows. Additionally, the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers are fully closed to fishing. These closures will remain in effect until conditions improve to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries.
Caution
Their Space, Your Safety
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Animals in Yellowstone are wild and dangerous. Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears/wolves/cougars and 25 yards (23 m) from bison/elk/all other wildlife. Carry bear spray (even on short walks) and know how to use it—you can rent/purchase/recycle it at several locations in the park.
Information
Traffic Delays - Yellowstone River Bridge
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Expect up to 30-minute delays on the Yellowstone River Bridge, near Tower Junction, while crews perform paving operations. Crews will work during the day until Aug. 7, and at night Aug. 9-15. Dates and times are subject to change based on weather.
Park Closure
Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion
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The parking lot, boardwalk, and Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024.
Information
Vehicle Entrance Reservation Not Needed
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Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.
Stay Near This Park
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National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s most extraordinary outdoor destinations, a vast landscape of geothermal wonders, mountain scenery, forests, rivers, lakes, and some of the best wildlife viewing in the United States. Located primarily in Wyoming, with portions extending into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone rewards travelers who come for its famous landmarks as well as those who take time to explore its quieter corners.
The park is best known for its remarkable geothermal features. Old Faithful is the most famous geyser, but it is only one highlight in a landscape filled with hot springs, bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and colorful thermal pools. Grand Prismatic Spring offers one of Yellowstone’s most recognizable views, while Mammoth Hot Springs reveals an entirely different landscape of mineral terraces. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, and numerous waterfalls add even more variety to a trip through the park.
Wildlife is another major reason to visit Yellowstone National Park. Bison frequently appear in valleys and along park roads, while elk, pronghorn, bears, coyotes, and wolves inhabit the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are especially popular for wildlife watching, and guided wildlife tours can help visitors explore these areas with experienced local knowledge.
There are things to do in Yellowstone for almost every type of outdoor traveler. Hiking trails range from short walks near major attractions to longer backcountry adventures. Scenic drives connect geyser basins, overlooks, waterfalls, historic areas, and wildlife habitat. Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy photography, fishing, horseback riding, biking, ranger programs, snowcoach excursions, and other guided experiences.
Because Yellowstone is enormous, planning where to stay can have a major impact on a vacation. Lodging is available at several locations inside the park, while gateway communities such as West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cody provide additional hotels, cabins, restaurants, tours, and visitor services.
Whether you are planning a first Yellowstone vacation, returning for wildlife and hiking, or adding the park to a longer Rocky Mountain road trip, allow enough time to experience more than its most famous sights. Yellowstone is not simply a collection of attractions—it is a destination that changes dramatically from valley to valley and season to season.
Things To Do
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Guided Experiences
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Popular Experiences
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Weather forecast
Plan your visit with the latest weather forecast for this park.
This Afternoon
48°F9°C
Mostly Cloudy
SSW 5 mph8 km/h
Tonight
26°F-3°C
Mostly Cloudy
S 4 mph6 km/h Rain: 7%
Saturday
39°F4°C
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Snow Showers
SSW 3 mph5 km/h Rain: 16%
Saturday Night
23°F-5°C
Mostly Cloudy
SW 5 mph8 km/h Rain: 5%
Sunday
39°F4°C
Mostly Sunny
SW 4 mph6 km/h
Sunday Night
22°F-6°C
Partly Cloudy
S 3 mph5 km/h
Forecasts can change and local conditions may vary. Check official weather alerts and park guidance before your visit.
Location and map
Things To Buy
Recommended gear for Yellowstone National Park
Outdoor gear
$85.00
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$35.00
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$45.00
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Outdoor gear
$84.99
Outdoor gear
$45.00
Outdoor gear
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Outdoor gear
$35.00
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Directions
Yellowstone National Park can be reached through five entrances, making the best driving route dependent on where you are staying and which direction you are traveling from. Popular gateway communities include West Yellowstone and Gardiner in Montana, Cody and Jackson in Wyoming, and destinations farther away such as Bozeman and Idaho Falls.
Travelers flying to Yellowstone can consider airports in Bozeman, Billings, Cody, Jackson, and Idaho Falls. Seasonal commercial flights also serve Yellowstone Airport near West Yellowstone. Renting a car is usually the most practical option because Yellowstone is extremely large and major attractions can be many miles apart.
Before driving to the park, choose your entrance based on your lodging and itinerary rather than simply following a navigation app to “Yellowstone National Park.” Road access also changes significantly by season. Most park roads are open to regular vehicles during the main visitor season but close during winter, while the road connecting the North and Northeast entrances typically remains available to regular traffic year-round, weather permitting. Check current road conditions and entrance access before departure.
Climate
Yellowstone National Park has a high-elevation mountain climate with large temperature changes, short summers, cold winters, and weather that can change quickly. Much of the park lies above 6,000 feet, so visitors should be prepared for cool conditions even during the main summer travel season.
Summer offers the warmest weather, with daytime temperatures often around 70°F and occasionally reaching the 80s at lower elevations. Nights are much cooler and temperatures can approach or fall below freezing at higher elevations. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds but more unpredictable conditions, including freezing nights and possible snowfall.
Winter transforms Yellowstone into a snow-covered landscape with very cold temperatures and limited road access. Many park roads and visitor facilities operate seasonally during this period.
For most travelers, late spring through early fall provides the greatest access to Yellowstone attractions, hiking trails, lodging, and activities. Whatever the season, pack layers and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, rain, wind, or snow. Always check current weather and road conditions shortly before entering the park.
Camping
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Campgrounds: 12
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Information & Disclaimer
National Parks Explorer strives to present accurate and up-to-date information collected from official and trusted sources, including the National Park Service. While we make every effort to keep this information current, information may be incomplete, inaccurate, outdated or subject to change without prior notice, including access requirements, permits, reservations, operating hours, alerts, fees, road and trail conditions, weather and other visitor information.