Yellowstone is one of the original national parks and encompasses a large area between Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Here you'll find such landmarks as Old Faithful, which is one of the most regularly erupting geysers in the world. Formed over an ancient volcano, Yellowstone is now teeming with nature like Elk, Bison, grizzly bears, and more. This is the quintessential American National Park to visit.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Yellowstone is open daily, year-round, although activities and services are limited at night and certain times of year. The park has five entrance stations, but not all entrance stations are open year-round. Make sure to carefully read about access at each station at different times of year. And remember, all dates are weather-dependent. Please note that camping is possible only in designated campgrounds.
Entrance Fees
- $35 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $30 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $30 – Entrance - Snowmobile
- $20 – Entrance - Per Person
- $100 – Nonresident
Weather
Yellowstone's weather can vary quite a bit, even in a single day. In the summer, daytime highs can exceed 70°F (21°C), only to drop 20 or more degrees when a thunderstorm rolls through. It can snow during any month of the year, and winter lows frequently drop below 0°F (-18°C), especially at night. Bring a range of clothing options, including a warm jacket and rain gear, even in the summer.
Things to Do
Snow Pass Ski Trail
The Snow Pass Ski Trail is a 4.2 mile (6.76 km), skier-tracked, one-way, easiest to most-difficult, ski that takes skiers through a steep heavily forested area to a semi-flat wide open area with views of Swan Lake Flats.
Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail
Follow the rim of the Yellowstone River valley, enjoying views of bighorn sheep, the Narrows of the Yellowstone, Overhanging Cliff, and the towers of Tower Falls.
Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail
Hike to a high mountain meadow for a commanding view of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and the distant Absaroka Mountains.
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail
Stroll through a geyser basin of colorful hot springs and dormant lakeshore geysers situated on the scenic shores of Yellowstone Lake.
Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail
An abandoned railroad bed located near the north entrance of Yellowstone makes a beautiful bike trail.
Getting There
Address: 2 Officers Row Yellowstone National Park WY 82190
Yellowstone National Park covers nearly 3,500 square miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming (3% of the park is in Montana and 1% is in Idaho). Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and several are closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Canyon Campground
273 sites · $39/night
Canyon Campground—elevation 7,900 feet (2408 m)—lies in a lodgepole pine forest at Canyon Village, south of the Washburn range and near the breath-taking Grand…
Bridge Bay Campground
432 sites · $33/night
Bridge Bay Campground—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located near Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest, high-elevation, fresh-water lakes in North America. C…
Fishing Bridge RV Park
310 sites · $89/night
Fishing Bridge RV Park—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located near the Yellowstone River where it exits Yellowstone Lake on its way toward the Grand Canyon o…
Grant Village Campground
430 sites · $39/night
Grant Campground—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located in Grant Village, just off the Grand Loop Road at the south end of Yellowstone Lake. It is one of the…
Madison Campground
276 sites · $33/night
Madison Campground—elevation 6,800 feet (2073 m)—sits about 14 miles east from the town of West Yellowstone and 16 miles north of Old Faithful. Nearby, the Gib…
Indian Creek Campground
70 sites · $20/night
Located about eight miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, Indian Creek Campground—elevation 7,300 feet (2225 m)—sits near the base of the G…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Yellowstone National Park?
The entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park is $35. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Yellowstone National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Yellowstone National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Yellowstone National Park open?
Yellowstone is open daily, year-round, although activities and services are limited at night and certain times of year. The park has five entrance stations, but not all entrance stations are open year-round. Make sure to carefully read about access at each station at different times of year. And remember, all dates are weather-dependent. Please note that camping is possible only in designated campgrounds.
What are the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park?
Popular things to do in Yellowstone National Park include Snow Pass Ski Trail, Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail, Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail, West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park?
Yes — Yellowstone National Park has 12 campgrounds, including Canyon Campground, Bridge Bay Campground, Fishing Bridge RV Park. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.