Yellowstone National Park Summer Visitor Guide, 2Nd Edition
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National Park Service Yellowstone Visitor Guide U.S. Department of the Interior Summer 2021 2nd Edition Welcome to Yellowstone National Park YE L L O W S T O N E I S A P L A C E L I K E N O O T H E R . Preserved within its boundaries are Old Faithful and the majority of the world's geysers and hot springs. An outstanding mountain wildland with clean water and air, Yellowstone is home of the grizzly bear and wolf and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. Cen- turies-old sites and historic buildings that refect the unique heritage of America's frst national park are also protected. Protect Yellowstone by following park rules. Yellowstone can also be a dangerous place, with boil- ing hot, acidic thermal features; cold lakes and swift waters; wild animals; and unpredictable mountain weather. Protect yourself by following park rules. Most park lodging and camping is reserved and full. If you don't already have a reservation, you are extremely unlikely to fnd overnight accom- modations in the park or nearby. No camping or overnight vehicle parking is allowed in pullouts, parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated campground. For more infor- mation, visit go.nps.gov/YELLcampgrounds and go.nps.gov/YELLlodging. Bison adults and calves (nicknamed red dogs) on the move in the Lower Geyser Basin. DELAYS AT OLD FAITHFUL TOWER TO CANYON ROAD CLOSED Travel Alerts Mammoth Expect delays of up to 15 minutes The road between Tower-Roosevelt and Hot Springs due to bridge repairs. Canyon Village is CLOSED all year. Tower-Roosevelt MOUNT WASHBURN TRAILS CLOSED CLOSED All trails to the top of Mount Washburn are CLOSED. Norris Canyon Village See back page for details COVID-19 Safety Alert Keep Wildlife Wild The National Park Service follows CDC guidance to reduce the spread of Yellowstone is an incredible COVID-19. Check locally, on the park website, and in the park apps for updates place to view wildlife. All the and changes in park operations. Thank you for helping to keep yourself and large mammals present when others safe and healthy. Yellowstone became a park in 1872 are here today: grizzly and If you are not yet fully vaccinated, wearing a mask is required in all black bears, wolves, mountain common areas in buildings owned, rented, or leased by the Nation- lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, al Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, moose, and bighorn sheep. administrative ofces, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants; and outdoors where physical distancing cannot reasonably be maintained. You • Wildlife are dangerous. 6 feet should practice physical distancing Do not approach, encircle, 2 meters by maintaining at least 6 feet • (1.8 m) of distance between you and others. Masks are not required follow, or feed any animal. for those under the age of two or when actively eating or drinking. • Bison, bears, and elk injure and kill people. • Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. If you are fully vaccinated, wearing a mask and physically distancing are not • Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals, including bison and elk. required indoors or outdoors unless otherwise posted. • If an animal moves closer to you, move away to maintain the appropriate distance. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand san- • Do not stop on or block a road. itizer. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you feel sick, • Use pullouts; stay in your car to watch animals. do not visit the park. • Store food and trash securely. Backpacks are not secure. • Do not feed any animals, even birds and squirrels. Facilities and Services NATIONA< Yellowstone National Park r PARK National Park Service . ;;;: U.S. Department of the Interior Medical Services Accessibility ~ Cell Service Yellowstone emergency response A printed guide with accessibility information Cell phone service is very limited in the park and ambulance service is available at visitor centers. Info is also available and surrounding areas. General cell coverage Emergency Dial 911 Information 307-344-7381 Call 911 on the park website (go.nps.gov/YELLaccess) areas are shown on the map on the back page TTY 307-344-2386 Text 911 is not available in Yellowstone. and in the park apps (see left). of this guide. Park Entrance Radio 1610 AM Medcor provides medical care, from Qualifed service animals are welcome Emergency 911 service by cell phone is only Park Tip Line 307-344-2132 emergencies to minor needs, at: throughout the park and in all park facilities. available in coverage areas. Text 911 is not To report a crime or criminal activity. • Mammoth Clinic However, they must be leashed and under your available in Yellowstone. Leave as much detail as you can. Remain 6/4–9/24 8:30a–5p daily control at all times. anonymous, or leave a name and number. 1/1–6/3, 9/25–12/31 8:30a–5p M–F During peak hours and periods of heavy visita- (closed Fridays 1p) tion, the cellular network may be very slow. Free National Park Service Apps closed 5/31, 11/25–27, 12/24–25, 31, 1/1 Your provider may or may not roam on networks Enrich your Yellowstone 307-344-7965 in Yellowstone. experience with one of • Lake Clinic two free, offcial apps: NPS 5/28–9/14 8:30a–8:30p daily As a courtesy to others, silence your mobile Yellowstone or National 9/15–9/19 10a–6:30p daily device while enjoying Yellowstone. Park Service. Both apps provide self-guided 307-242-7241 audio tours, accessibility information, and • Old Faithful Clinic detailed site and service information. Both 5/14–9/14 7a–7p daily Wi-Fi allow you to download the content so you 9/15–10/1 8:30a–5p daily can use the app offine. The NPS Yellow- 307-545-7325 Available for free: stone app is the only one to offer live • Albright Visitor Center geyser predictions, live road statuses, in Mammoth Hot Springs and in-depth interpretive stories. Data speeds are very limited outside of Follow @YellowstoneNPS Mammoth Hot Springs. Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) near Obsidian Creek in late April. Lodging, Dining, and Tours As one of Yellowstone's offcial concession companies, Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers lodging, dining, camping, and a variety of tours and activities. Visit YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com for the most up-to-date information, which may change due to COVID-19. For reservations and information, ask at park hotels, or contact Yellowstone National Park Lodges: Phone 307-344-7311, 866-439-7375 TDD 307-344-5395 Online YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com Email [email protected] Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. 2 Yellowstone Visitor Guide Safety and Regulations GE AN R D ! D O E Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) F I N Safe L O from bears and wolves D T L Parking A I P W PROACH and at least 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals × × X × Unsafe Parking × Watch Wildlife Safely Store Food Securely Park Safely Looking for Wildlife? Do not feed any wildlife, including small mammals Stopping, parking, or standing in the road is dan- • To conserve energy, most wildlife are active in the and birds. Eating human food is unhealthy and en- gerous. Large vehicles have limited visibility. Other cool of dawn or dusk. courages aggressive behavior. drivers may be distracted by wildlife and scenery. • Animals are everywhere in the park, but it is easier to Stay aware of traffc at all times. see them in open meadows and sagebrush than in All food, trash, and scented items must be kept inac- dense forest. cessible to bears at all times. Tents, truck beds, and • Use pullouts to stop. • Find a place with a broad view for your binoculars or picnic tables are not secure. In some areas, ravens • Park with all four tires fully to the right of the spotting scope, and be prepared to wait. have learned to unzip packs and scatter the contents. white line. None of these items, even if clean and empty, may • When your vehicle is moving, keep doors closed Protect Yourself and the Animals. Obey Park Rules. be left unattended at any time: and arms, cameras, and children inside. • Spotlighting—viewing animals with artifcial light— • Water and beverage • Food, including condiments, • Do not stop your vehicle in the road is illegal. containers even if in containers or block traffc in any way. • Calling to attract wildlife is illegal. You may not bugle • Cooking or eating utensils • Cosmetics and toiletries • Do not stand in the road or block it with to elk, howl at wolves, or make bird calls of any kind. • Stoves and grills • Pet food and bowls tripods, chairs, or other objects. • Tracking wildlife with electronic equipment is not • Coolers and ice chests • Pails, buckets, wash basins • If wildlife are nearby, stay inside your vehicle. permitted. • Garbage, bagged or not Enjoy watching Yellowstone’s animals but STAY SAFE. They are WILD and DANGEROUS. Other people Bison, elk, and all other wildlife Bears and wolves 2 yards (2 m) 25 yards (23 m) 100 yards (91 m) Drones Firearms Pets Launching, landing, or operating unmanned Firearms are allowed in national parks pursuant to state Pets are not allowed on trails or boardwalks, in the back- aircraft (drones) on lands and waters administered by the and federal regulations. They are prohibited in facilities where country, or in hydrothermal basins. Where allowed, pets must National Park Service is prohibited.