Ready to experience the wonders of Yellowstone National Park for yourself? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit:
Getting There
Yellowstone National Park is located primarily in Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho. The park is accessible by car, with several entrances to choose from:
- North Entrance: Located near Gardiner, Montana, this entrance is open year-round and provides access to Mammoth Hot Springs.
- West Entrance: Situated near West Yellowstone, Montana, this entrance is a popular choice for visitors coming from the west.
- South Entrance: Located near Jackson, Wyoming, this entrance is ideal for those coming from Grand Teton National Park.
- East Entrance: Near Cody, Wyoming, this entrance offers a scenic drive through the Shoshone National Forest.
- Northeast Entrance: Located near Cooke City, Montana, this entrance provides access to the Lamar Valley, known for its wildlife viewing opportunities.
When to Visit
Yellowstone National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests:
- Spring (April to June): This is a great time to visit if you want to see baby animals and enjoy fewer crowds. However, some roads and facilities may still be closed due to snow.
- Summer (July to August): The park is fully open, and all facilities are operational. This is the busiest time of year, so be prepared for crowds and book accommodations well in advance.
- Fall (September to October): Fall offers cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, and fewer crowds. Wildlife is also more active as animals prepare for winter.
- Winter (November to March): Winter in Yellowstone is a magical experience, with opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. However, many roads and facilities are closed, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of lodging options, from campgrounds to historic lodges. Some popular choices include:
- Old Faithful Inn: This iconic lodge, located near the Old Faithful geyser, offers rustic charm and modern amenities.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Situated near the park’s North Entrance, this hotel provides easy access to Mammoth Hot Springs and the surrounding area.
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel: Overlooking Yellowstone Lake, this historic hotel offers stunning views and elegant accommodations.
- Canyon Lodge and Cabins: Located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this lodge offers a range of accommodations, from cabins to modern hotel rooms.
- Campgrounds: Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites. Some campgrounds are first-come, first-served, while others require reservations.
What to Do
Yellowstone National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some must-see attractions and activities include:
- Old Faithful: No visit to Yellowstone is complete without seeing the park’s most famous geyser. Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet in the air.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: This stunning hot spring is the largest in the United States and the third-largest in the world. Its vibrant colors are a result of thermophilic bacteria that thrive in its hot waters.
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: This breathtaking canyon features stunning views and two major waterfalls, the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls.
- Lamar Valley: Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park to see wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and bears.
- Geothermal Features: In addition to Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.
- Hiking: With over 900 miles of trails, Yellowstone offers hiking opportunities for all skill levels. Popular hikes include the Fairy Falls Trail, Mount Washburn, and the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail.
- Wildlife Viewing: Yellowstone is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for bison, elk, moose, bears, wolves, and more. Remember to maintain a safe distance and never approach or feed wildlife.