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Home , Beartooth Highway, Dunraven Pass, Fort Yellowstone, Grant Village, Obsidian Cliff, Slough Creek (Wyoming)

Yellowstone Trip Planner 2005 1 Safety Tips 2 Highlights Visitor Centers Museums 3 Activities 4 Map 5 Lodging & Services 6 Permits & Regulations 7 Camping & Weather

1 PLAY IT SAFE Emergency—dial 911

High Altitude Most of the park is above 7,500 feet CAUTION: SCALDING WATER (2,275 m). Allow time to acclimate and drink plenty of liquids. Visitors with car- Beautiful but deadly: Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features can kill you. Their waters are diac or respiratory medical frequently near or above boiling. The crust surrounding them is thin and breaks easily, histories should contact a and often overlies more scalding water. People have died in these pools. Be safe, physician prior to their visit. be careful—enjoy the hydrothermal areas from a distance. Weather Yellowstone’s • You must stay on boardwalks and designated trails. They exist to protect you and to weather is unpredictable. preserve delicate formations. Be prepared for changing • Pets are prohibited in hydrothermal areas. temperatures, storms, and • Swimming or bathing is prohibited in hydrothermal pools or streams where water emergencies. Carry adequate flows entirely from a hydrothermal spring or pool. clothing and gear. • Where swimming is allowed, swim at your own risk. Hydrothermal waters can harbor Traffic Most roads are busy, organisms that cause a fatal meningitis infection and Legionnaires’ disease. Obtain narrow, and rough; some are more information at any ranger station or visitor center. steep with sharp drop-offs. Watch out for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, WHERE ARE YOUR CHILDREN? wildlife, and road damage. Pull into turnouts to let Your hand and voice may be too far away if your child leaves your side. Keep your other cars pass. Always wear children next to you and make sure they understand the hazards of Yellowstone— your seatbelt. especially hydrothermal areas and wildlife.

Bicycling Wear safety gear, including helmet and high WATCH OUT! WILD ANIMALS ALL AROUND YOU visibility clothing. Park roads are narrow and winding with few shoulders. In spring, Yellowstone is not a zoo and the high snowbanks make travel animals are not tame, even though they dangerous. Road elevations may seem calm. Do not approach any range from 5,300–8,860 feet animals. View them from the safety of (1,615–2,700 m); long dis- your vehicle. If an animal reacts to tances exist between services your presence, you are too close. and facilities. Each year park visitors are injured Falling Trees Avoid areas of when they approach animals too dead trees (snags), which closely. You must stay at least 100 may suddenly fall— yards (91 m) away from bears and especially on windy days. at least 25 yards (23 m) away from Stream Crossing High all other animals—including bison, water conditions persist well elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, into summer. If your plans wolves, and . include fishing or crossing BISON are unpredictable and danger- Bull elk sparring. Keep your distance! NPS photo/Schmidt streams, check at local ous, and every year visitors are injured. behavior toward humans and can increase ranger stations for water Bison weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) the risk of the being poached or conditions. and sprint 30 miles per hour (48 kph)— hit by a vehicle. Theft Lock your vehicle; three times faster than you can run. RAVENS have learned to unzip and keep valuables out of sight; BEARS may be seen from March through unsnap packs. Do not allow them access label all valuable property November. Be alert for tracks and sign. to your food. with your name, address, Never approach animal carcasses. Report Do not feed any animals. It’s harmful to or identification number. all bear sightings to a ranger. them and it’s illegal. Report theft or vandalism to COYOTES quickly learn habits like road- a ranger. side begging. This may lead to aggressive

2 HIGHLIGHTS

self-guiding trail around , Lake Area which chronicles the U.S. Army’s role in is North America’s largest protecting the park. Other historic sites high-altitude lake. The area is prime habitat include the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, for a variety of birds and mammals. You can , and the and also enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and Historic District. viewing hydrothermal features. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Wildlife This spectacular canyon, including the You can see a variety and abundance of Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone wildlife unparalleled in the lower 48 states. River, can be seen from the overlooks and All the large mammals present when eller trails of the Canyon Village area, and from Yellowstone became a park are here today: the and Calcite Springs over- grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain photo/K S looks south of Tower Junction. lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, and NP Lower Falls of the Geysers & Hot Springs bighorn sheep. You’ll also see a large variety of birds, including bald eagles. Check at a Geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and History visitor center or in the park newspaper for fumaroles are evidence of ongoing volcanic the best wildlife viewing locations. People have been visiting and activity. To see them, visit Mammoth Hot living in the Yellowstone area for Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Fountain Wildflowers thousands of years. In the mid Paint Pot, Midway Geyser Basin, the Old 1800s, explorers and artists brought Magenta and blue—the colors used in this Faithful area, West Thumb Geyser Basin, planner—hint at the vibrant wildflowers Yellowstone’s wonders to the atten- and Mud Volcano. tion of the federal government. The that brighten Yellowstone in summer. park was established in 1872. Visit Read more about park highlights at to walk the www.nps.gov/yell

Open All Year Albright Visitor Center, VISITOR CENTERS & MUSEUMS Mammoth Information, bookstore, and Open late May– Open late May–early exhibits on wildlife and history. October Films on the national park idea, late September Yellowstone, and artist Thomas Canyon Visitor Center Madison Information Station Moran. Information and bookstore. Information and bookstore. Open April– Fishing Bridge Visitor Center Norris Geyser Basin Museum November & Winter Information, bookstore, and exhibits on the Information, bookstore, and exhibits on the park’s birds and other wildlife. hydrothermal features of Yellowstone. Old Faithful Visitor Center Mid April–early November Grant Visitor Center Information, bookstore, and Information, bookstore, exhibit and video geyser eruption predictions. Film on fire in Yellowstone. about hydrothermal features. Also open late December through West Thumb early March. Access only via over- Information Station snow vehicle. Information and bookstore. West Contact Desk, West Museum of the Yellowstone Chamber of National Park Ranger, Commerce Norris Late April–early November Exhibits at this historic Information and publications.

soldier station (photo o ac Also open mid December through at right) trace the develop- e early March. ment of the park ranger photo/P

profession. S NP

For current schedules of activities, consult the park website 3 WHAT TO DO (www.nps.gov/yell) or the park newspaper when you arrive.

PROGRAMS & TOURS ON YOUR OWN Junior Rangers Yellowstone’s Junior Ranger Program, Bicycling is permitted on for young people ages 5–12, promotes public roads, parking areas, and involvement in and understanding of designated routes. Bikes are Yellowstone; ask at visitor centers for more prohibited on backcountry trails information. and boardwalks. Yellowstone Association Boating is allowed on most Institute of Yellowstone Lake and on

o . Only non-motorized

ac The Institute is a nonprofit field school e boating is allowed on most other operated in partnership with the National lakes and one river: the Lewis

photo/P Park Service, offering almost 300 short S River between Lewis and

NP courses annually on Yellowstone’s wildlife, Shoshone Lakes. All boating natural wonders and history. Course partici- requires a permit. Interpretive pants stay at the Institute’s residential facility Park Ranger Programs or in park lodging. Call 307-344-2294 or Climbing isn’t recommended Rangers lead activities and programs— visit www.YellowstoneAssociation.org. due to loose, crumbly rock; it’s from short walks to evening campfire illegal in the Grand Canyon. programs—during the summer and Other Activities Contact the backcountry office winter seasons. They also rove through Xanterra Parks and Resorts offers motor- for information. major park feature areas to answer your coach tours, boat rentals and tours, fishing trips, cookouts, horseback and stagecoach Fishing is allowed in certain questions and help you understand the areas and with permits. See many wonders of Yellowstone. rides, and special excursions. Call 307-344- 7311 or visit www.TravelYellowstone.com “Permits” for more information.

Road construction occurs each year; RIVING THE ARK Hiking takes you far from roads D P check at a visitor center upon arrival. and crowds. Check trail condi- tions at visitor centers or ranger The Grand Loop Drive to major Winter All roads and entrances, with one stations. features on this narrow, winding road. exception, are closed to motor vehicle travel Allow plenty of time for driving from place and are groomed for over-snow vehicles. Picnic areas usually have pit to place. —part of the The exception is the North Entrance road toilets, but no drinking water. upper loop—is closed for construction. from Gardiner to Cooke City, MT, which is Fires are legal in areas with fire open only to wheeled vehicles and may Summer Park roads are generally open grates: Bridge Bay, Cascade, Grant close at any time due to storms. Mud/Snow for travel, barring accidents, rock/mud Village, Nez Perce, Norris tires are recommended and often required. slides, or road construction. Meadows, , Spring You must return to the North Entrance to Creek, Yellowstone River, the east Autumn Storms may cause temporary leave the park. parking lot of Old Faithful. restrictions (chain or snow tire Park roads open by sections requirements) or closures of roads. Spring Self-guiding trails explore beginning the third Friday in April. Park roads close on the first Monday of Mammoth Hot Springs, Fort Storms may cause restrictions or November, except the road from Gardiner Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin, closures on some roads. to Cooke City, MT, which is open all year. Fountain Paint Pot, Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Basin, and Mud Volcano. Stock use depends on trail The Deluxe Trip Planner from the nonprofit conditions. Contact the back- Yellowstone Association includes everything country office for information. you need to plan a fun and educational visit to Yellowstone: Yellowstone: The Official Guide to Swimming, bathing, and Touring America’s First National Park, Yellowstone wading are discouraged due to Trails: A Hiking Guide, National Geographic extremely cold water. They are Yellowstone Park Map, Yellowstone and Grand Teton Road Guide, and Large Mammals illegal in hydrothermal features of Yellowstone. Package Price—$29.95 ($41.30 if purchased separately). To order, call or streams flowing from 877-967-0090 or visit www.YellowstoneAssociation.org. hydrothermal features.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION locations and schedules can 4 MAP change. Check at a visitor center upon arrival.

To Livingston, MT 52 mi/84 km To Bozeman, MT 84 mi/134 km To Gardiner, MT Northeast Bozeman, MT 90 mi/144 km North Entrance Entrance Cooke City, MT

5 mi/8 km To Billings, MT 125 mi/200 km Mammoth Hot Springs or 18 mi/29 km To Cody, WY Pebble Creek 68 mi/109 km

Yellowstone Indian Creek Roosevelt Association ⁄ Institute 29 mi/47 km Tower Fall

21 mi/34 km 19 mi/31 km Chittenden Road Road Work Dunraven Pass NorthClosed: Dunraven Pass from Canyon to Chittenden Road. Delays & closures: East Entrance Road; . Norris 12 mi/19 km Canyon Expect other delays. 14 mi/23 km Inquire at entrance West Yellowstone, stations or visitor centers 14 mi/23 km for updates upon MT your arrival. 16 mi/26 km To Idaho Falls, ID West Madison 100 mi/160 km Entrance Fishing Bridge Lake⁄⁄ Bridge Bay

16 mi/26 km 21 mi/34 km To Cody, WY Yellowstone 53 mi/85 km Lake East 17 mi/27 km 27 mi Entrance Old Faithful 43 km

West Thumb Grant Village IDAHO

22 mi/35 km Road Openings & Closings 2005 Lewis Lake Spring Road Openings, weather permitting: April 22—Mammoth to Madison to Old Faithful & West Entrance to Old Faithful Bechler Ranger April 22—Norris to Canyon Station South Entrance May 6—Canyon to Lake to East Entrance To Grand Teton National Park 8 mi/13 km May 13—Old Faithful to South Entrance, Lake to To Ashton, ID West Thumb, & Tower to Tower Fall 17 mi/27 km Jackson, WY 57 mi/91 km May 27—Beartooth Pass Full service (lodging, food service, Fall Road Closures general store, restroom) General store October 11—Beartooth Pass, Tower Fall to Visitor Center or Chittenden Road information station Food service November 7—All park roads close for the season at 8 AM except the North Entrance to Cooke City Clinic Restrooms road, which is open all year. ROAD WORK occurs every year. Gasoline/fuel Campground Locations and schedules on this map Campground: are tentative and can change. For Marina Hard-sided units only updates, check at a visitor center upon arrival.

5 SERVICES

s e p ri o e h ia e c S s r ic o g t ck te f r n f a e ir f s G i i n s s n f a O it / d G e ry r a r p s re i /S c e io C e e y m R e s i d w t / t tr se r to k g l v n a t n R n i s e S c d a r u o t n e V u r P l a o e e a h S a C u r u L g a S L S r r /R o C o g ra b l/ M in c c e u r o c t T in l e se e t g in to li li g a to M t ck a s h e n r t h d r o b b n st i T u a o u is u e o o ig o a h u u a e is A A B B B F F G H H L L M P P P R R V

Bridge Bay Early June–Sept. Canyon Late May–Sept. Fishing Bridge Late May–Sept. Grant Village Late May–Sept. Lake Yellowstone May–October Mammoth Hot Springs May–October Old Faithful May–October Roosevelt June–early Sept. Tower Fall May–September

Dates and hours of operation vary and are subject to change. For more information, see “Useful Phone Numbers and Websites” below.

Nearby Parks, Forests, & Chambers of Commerce

OTHER SERVICES National Parks Montana Chambers of Commerce Grand Teton NP Big Sky 406-995-3000 Medical Services In summer, outpatient medical serv- 307-739-3300 Billings 406-245-4111 ices are offered at Lake, Mammoth, and Old Faithful. Glacier NP Bozeman 406-586-5421 Ambulances, 24-hour emergency service, laboratory, phar- 406-888-7800 Gardiner 406-848-7971 macy, and radiology services are available. Mammoth Livingston 406-222-0850 Clinic is open year-round. The park is on 911 service. National Forests Shoshone West Yellowstone 406-646-7701 Worship Services Worship services take place in the 307-527-6241 Cooke City–Silver Gate 406-838-2495 park and in communities adjacent to the park, and include Gallatin Red Lodge 406-446-1718 most major denominations and interdenominational serv- 406-587-6701 Chambers of Commerce ices during the summer. Check at visitor centers for infor- Bridger–Teton Cody 307-587-2297 mation. 307-739-5500 Jackson 307-733-3316 Accessibility Visitors Guide to Accessible Features Caribou–Targhee Dubois 307-455-2556 in Yellowstone National Park, available free at 208-624-3151 E. Yellowstone/Wapiti Valley 307-587-9595 entrance stations and visitor centers in the park, Custer Idaho Chambers of Commerce describes facilities judged to be negotiable for wheelchair 406-657-6200 Idaho Falls 208-523-1010 users. Additional facilities are being made accessible as Eastern Idaho Visitor Info 800-634-3246 quickly as possible within funding limitations. For more information, write to: Useful Phone Numbers & Websites Park Accessibility Coordinator • Yellowstone National Park: P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 307-344-7381; TDD 307-344-2386; www.nps.gov/yell TDD only: 307-344-2017 • Lodging & activities: 307-344-7311; TDD 307-344-5395; Sign Language Interpreters www.TravelYellowstone.com Sign language interpreters for Yellowstone National • Yellowstone Association (maps, books, classes): 307-344-2293; Park interpretive programs need to be arranged www.YellowstoneAssociation.org three weeks in advance. Call 307-344-2251.

6 YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT . . .

REGULATIONS

Bicycling is permitted only on established chainsaws are prohibited. Thoroughly extinguish pet unattended and/or tied to an object is public roads, parking areas, and designated all fires. prohibited. routes. It is not permitted on boardwalks and Fishing tackle must be non-toxic. Leaded Seat belts must be worn by all occupants backcountry trails. split-shot sinkers, soft lead-weighted ribbon for when the vehicle is in motion. nymph fishing, and other toxic tackle are not Boaters must have a Coast Guard approved Service animals are allowed on trails allowed. “wearable” personal flotation device for each and boardwalks in major areas; they require person boating. Food must be attended at all times while not permits in the backcountry (see below). in storage. Never leave food outside your vehicle Calling to attract wildlife— Slow-moving vehicles must pull or around your campsite—not even inside a bugling to elk, howling to wolves, etc.—is illegal. over to let others pass. Never stop or pause in cooler—when you are away or asleep. Disturbing park features— the middle of the road—use pullouts. Littering is illegal, unsightly, and destroys possessing, collecting, removing, defacing, or Speed limit is 45 mph (73 kph) or less. destroying any natural or archeological objects hydrothermal features and injures wildlife. Spotlighting—viewing animals with or plants, animals, or minerals—is prohibited. motor scooters, and motor Motorcycles, artificial light—is illegal. Driving while intoxicated bikes are not allowed off-road or on trails. or under the influence is illegal. Operators must carry a valid state driver’s license Weapons and firearms, including and vehicles must display valid state license state-permitted concealed weapons, are not Feeding animals is against the law. plates. allowed in Yellowstone. Unloaded firearms may be transported in a vehicle when the weapon is Fires are permitted only in designated camp- must be leashed. They are prohibited on Pets cased, broken down or rendered inoperable, grounds, in picnic areas with fire grates, and in any trails, in the backcountry, and in hydro- and stored in a manner that prevents ready use. some backcountry campsites. Any dead-and- thermal basins. Pets are not allowed more than Ammunition must be placed in a separate down material may be used as firewood, but 100 feet from a road or parking area. Leaving a compartment of the vehicle.

PERMITS Anglers ages 12–15 need a non-fee permit; lake and the Grand Canyon. For additional West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce. 16 and older must purchase a permit. Anglers 11 information, check park fishing regulations or Overnight backcountry the www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/todo/fishing. years and younger may fish without a permit but camping requires a permit, free 48 hours or must be supervised by an adult who has a park Motorized boats require permits: less in advance or for a fee by mail beginning fishing permit. No state fishing license required. purchase at South Entrance, Lewis Lake Camp- April 1. For more information, request a back- Obtain permits and regulations from ranger ground, Grant Village backcountry office, Bridge country trip planner from the Backcountry stations, visitor centers, and general stores. Bay Marina, and Bridge Bay Ranger Station. Office, Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY Fishing season generally begins on the Non-motorized boats & float 82190. Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (usually the tubes require permits: purchase at Old Service animals are allowed in the back- last weekend in May) and continues through the Faithful, Mammoth, and Canyon backcountry country, but must have permits. Contact the first Sunday of November. Fishing season opens offices, Bechler Ranger Station, West and Backcountry Office (address above) for more later around Yellowstone Lake and between the Northeast entrances, and West Contact Station, information.

ENTRANCE FEES The National Parks Pass ($50, shown Private, noncommercial automobile $20 (7 days, both Yellowstone and Grand Teton) on the back cover) admits you to all Motorcycle $15 (7 days, both parks) areas for one year. Buy it here, and 70% of the fee supports Single entry (foot, bike, ski, etc.) $10 (7 days, both parks) projects here; the rest supports projects Annual Pass, both parks $40 (valid one year from date of purchase) in other national parks. Purchase your National Parks Pass $50 (valid one year from date of purchase for entrance fees at National Park Service areas) pass at park entrance stations or West Contact Station, West Yellowstone Golden Eagle Pass $65 (valid one year from date of purchase at most federal fee collection areas) Chamber of Commerce, or call 888-GO- Golden Age Pass $10 (lifetime pass for citizens or permanent Parks (888-467-2757), or visit residents of the U.S. 62 years of age and older) www.nationalparks.org. Upgrade to a Golden Access Pass Free (available to those citizens or permanent Golden Eagle Pass for $15 more and gain residents of the U.S. who have been determined admission to all federal fee areas. to be blind or permanently disabled)

7 CAMPING

Dates** Fees** Sites Elev (ft) Features How Long Can You Camp? 14 days between June 15 and 5/27–9/18 $17 429 7,800 A, F, DS, G Bridge Bay* September 15; 30 days the rest of the Canyon* 6/10–9/11 $17 271 7,900 A, F, S/L, G year. No limit at Fishing Bridge. Fishing Bridge RV* 5/20–10/2 $31 340 7,800 F, S/L, DS, G, hookups Group Camping Available at Madison, Grant, and Grant Village* 6/21–10/2 $17 425 7,800 A, F, S/L, DS, G Bridge Bay campgrounds for large Madison* 5/6–10/30 $17 280 6,800 A, F, G, DS organized groups with a designated leader such as youth groups or Indian Creek 6/10–9/19 $12 75 7,300 V educational groups. $47–$77 per night, depending on group size.** Lewis Lake 6/17–11/6 $12 85 7,800 V Reservations are required. Contact Mammoth All year $14 85 6,200 A, F, G Xanterra Parks and Resorts: P.O. Box 165, Yellowstone National Park, Norris 5/20–9/26 $14 116 7,500 F, G WY 82190; 307-344-7311. Pebble Creek 6/3–9/26 $12 36 6,900 V Attention RV Drivers Slough Creek 5/27–10/31 $12 29 6,250 V Few campsites exist in the park to accommodate RVs longer than 30 Tower Fall 5/20–9/26 $12 32 6,600 V feet. Reservations recommended for these large sites at Fishing Bridge RV * Reserve these sites by calling Xanterra Parks and Resorts: A Accessible sites available 307-344-7311 or TDD 307-344-5395. F Flush toilets Park, and in campgrounds outside **Fees & dates may change; updates at www.nps.gov/yell V Vault toilets the park (map on center pages). Holders of Golden Age and Golden Access passes receive S/L Showers/laundry nearby approximately 50% discount on camping fees, except at DS Dump station Fishing Bridge RV Park. G Generators OK 8 AM–8 PM

WEATHER TRIP CHECKLIST Spring Plan itinerary around road Cold and snow linger into June, although temperatures gradually climb. Early in spring, construction. daytime temperatures average in the 40s and 50s; by late May and June, they may reach the Make lodging reservations early. 60s and 70s. Nighttime lows fall below freezing. Reserve campsites or plan to Summer secure campsite early in the day. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 70s, occasionally the 80s in the lower elevations. Review park safety, regulations, Nights are cool—temperatures may drop into the 40s and 30s, sometimes even the 20s. and permit information. June can be cool and rainy; July and August tend to be somewhat drier, although afternoon Pack clothes you can layer; be thunder showers are common. prepared for rain or snow, cool conditions, heat. Autumn Weather can be pleasant, although temperatures average 10–20 degrees lower than summer Prepare day packs with snacks, readings. Nighttime lows can fall into the teens and lower. Snow increases in frequency and water bottles, maps, sunscreen, intensity as the weeks go by. compass. Call ahead for up-to-date road Winter and weather information. Temperatures often hover near zero throughout the day, occasionally reaching highs in the For more trip planning materials 20s. Subzero nighttime lows are common. Annual snowfall averages nearly 150 inches in or to plan to take a class, visit most of the park. At higher elevations, 200–400 inches of snow have been recorded. www.YellowstoneAssociation.org. You might also want: binoculars • camera & film • notebook • field guides WINTER IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK You can find in the park: Yellowstone is open in the winter. For more information, view “The Park In Everything listed above, plus Winter” at www.nps.gov/yell or call 307-344-2116 and ask for Yell 165. It’s free. basic camping gear, other books, groceries, souvenir clothing.