Yellowstone National Park

Trip Planner Explore Yellowstone Safely

Welcome Millions of visitors come to Yellowstone each year to see and experience wild animals in their natural environment, and exceptionally preserved hydrothermal features. This guide aims to help you enjoy and make the most of these opportunities.

Stay on boardwalks Follow park happenings online: You must stay on boardwalks and www.nps.gov/yell designated trails around hydrother- www.facebook.com/YellowstoneNPS mal features. Delicate formations twitter.com/YellowstoneNPS twitter.com/GeyserNPS and the crust surrounding them are www.youtube.com/YellowstoneNPS thin and break easily, and often over- www.flickr.com/photos/YellowstoneNPS lie scalding water. Visitors have died instagram.com/YellowstoneNPS in thermal features. • Toxic gases exist at dangerous Leave room for wildlife levels in some areas. If you feel Do not approach wildlife, no sick, leave immediately. matter how tame or calm they may • Pets are prohibited in hydrother- appear. If any wild animal changes its mal areas. behavior due to your presence, you • Swimming is prohibited where are too close. Always obey instruc- water flows entirely from a tions from park staff on scene. hydrothermal spring or pool. Big as they are, bison can sprint three Where allowed, swim at your times faster than humans can run. own risk. The water can harbor No vacation picture is worth person- agents of fatal meningitis and al injury. Your best view may be from Legionnaires’ disease. inside a hard-sided vehicle. Do not feed any animals (including birds and squirrels), or allow them to obtain a food reward from you. It is unhealthy, and can lead to aggressive behavior and roadside accidents. Close human presence can be highly stressful to wildlife, forcing them to risk injury and to squander energy reserves needed for reproduction, nurturing offspring, and winter survival. 25 yards (23 m) 100 yards (91 m) Keep your distance. Federal regulation requires you to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other wild animals, such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes.

Bear safety Bear Encounters Check at local Vacationing in bear country takes visitor centers or appropriate preparation. Be sure to ranger stations for learn what to do if you encounter a recent bear activ- bear unexpectedly. Your safety can- ity and respect all not be guaranteed. bear management If you see a bear while driving, do closure areas. not stop, and do not block the road. Bears and other wildlife rely on Keep moving to the next paved carcasses for food and will protect a pullout and park safely. If the bear food source aggressively. Bears with is within 100 yards, watch and take cubs are especially dangerous. photographs from inside your car. • If you encounter a bear (most Visitors are required to keep all food, common)—Back away slowly. Do garbage, and scented items stored in not run. a bear-proof manner. Tents, truck beds, unattended packs, and picnic • If a bear charges at you (rare)— tables are not secure. stand your ground and use bear spray. Bear spray is proven to be highly successful at stopping aggressive • If a bear charges and makes behavior in bears. contact with you (very rare)—fall onto your stomach and “play Hiking in Bear Habitat dead.” • Be alert for bears, watch for fresh tracks • If a bear persistently stalks you, or scat. then attacks (extremely rare)— fight back. • Make noise in areas with limited visibility. • If a bear attacks you in your tent (extremely rare)—fight back. • Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Report all bear encounters and wildlife incidents to a park ranger • Avoid hiking alone—hike on immediately. designated trails, in groups of three or more people. www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ bearsafety • DO NOT RUN. Highlights

History People have been visiting and living in the Yellowstone area for thou- sands of years. The park was estab- lished in 1872. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs to walk the self-guiding trail around Fort Yellowstone, which chronicles the U.S. Army’s role in protecting the park. Other his- Geysers and Hot Springs toric sites include the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, the Museum of the Geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and National Park Ranger, Obsidian fumaroles are evidence of ongo- Cliff, and the Old Faithful Inn and ing volcanic activity. To see them, Historic District. visit Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pot Canyon of the Yellowstone and Firehole Lake Drive, Midway The spectacular Grand Canyon of Geyser Basin, the Old Faithful area, the Yellowstone, including Upper West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Mud and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone Volcano. River, can be seen from the over- Yellowstone Lake looks and trails of the Canyon Village area, and from the Tower Fall Yellowstone Lake is North America’s and Calcite Springs overlooks south largest high-altitude lake. The area of Tower Junction. is prime habitat for many birds and mammals. You can also enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and viewing hydrothermal features. Wildlife You can see a variety and abundance of wildlife unparalleled in the lower 48 states. All the large mammals present when Yellowstone became a park are here today: grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, and bighorn sheep. You’ll also see a vari- ety of birds, including bald eagles. Check visitor centers for best view- Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River ing locations. Visitor Centers and Museums

Albright Visitor Center Old Faithful Visitor Located at Mammoth Hot Springs, Education Center the center features wildlife dioramas Discover secrets of geysers and oth- and historic artifacts, a bookstore, er hydrothermal wonders, and the trip planning, ranger programs, and fascinating story of life in extreme the park’s only free wi-fi. environments. Open mid April–early Open all year. November. Winter access via guided Canyon Visitor snowcoach or snowmobile tours. Education Center West Yellowstone Explore the world of Yellowstone’s Visitor Information Center supervolcano. You can see, hear, and Information and publications. Open learn how the Yellowstone volcano, late April–early November and its geysers and hot springs, and geo- winter. logic history influence all life found here. Open May–early October. Open from late May to late September Fishing Bridge Visitor Center Museum of the National Park Information, bookstore, and exhibits Ranger, Norris on birds, wildlife, and lake geology. Exhibits at this historic soldier sta- Grant Visitor Center tion on the history of the park ranger Information, bookstore, exhibits, profession. and video on fire in Yellowstone. Norris Geyser Basin Museum Madison Information Station Information, bookstore, and Information and bookstore. exhibits on the hydrothermal features of Yellowstone. West Thumb Information Station Information and bookstore. Programs and tours

Park ranger programs Yellowstone Association Ranger-led ac­tiv­i­ties and pro­ grams—from short walks to evening campfire presentations—occur dur- ing the summer and winter seasons. Rangers are also roving through major park feature areas. Check visitor centers and the park newspa- per for program schedules. Or plan ahead at www.nps.gov/yell/plany- The park’s official educational ourvisit/rangerprog.htm partner offers wildlife watching tours, backpacking trips, and short Commercial services field study courses. Most programs There are concessioners, outfitters, are based at the Lamar Valley field and professional guides that operate campus or park hotels. in the park. Authorized providers are The association also sells a complete listed at www.nps.gov/yell/plan selection of books and educational yourvisit/guidedtours.htm materials online and at their 12 park stores in and around Yellowstone. Especially for children The Deluxe Trip Planner package The Junior Ranger and contains books and maps at a 30% Young Scientist programs discount over the cost of purchasing promote in­volve­ment in each item separately. and un­der­stand­ing of Contact 406-848-2400, or visit Yellowstone. Ask about www.YellowstoneAssociation.org them at vis­i­tor centers or learn more on the park website at www.nps. gov/yell/forkids/index.htm Activities

Yellowstone’s weather is unpre- Fishing requires a Yellowstone dictable. Be prepared for changing National Park fishing permit. temperatures, storms, and emer- Special regulations also apply. gencies. Most of the park is above Boating is allowed on most of 7,500 feet (2,275 m). Allow yourself Yellowstone Lake and on Lewis time to acclimate, and drink plenty Lake. Only non-motorized boating of liquids. Visitors with cardiac or is allowed on most other lakes. respiratory medical history should Only one river is open to non- consult a physician before a visit. motorized boating, the Lewis Hiking can take you far from roads River channel between Lewis and and crowds. Check trail conditions Shoshone lakes. (see “Regulations” (i.e., areas of dead trees, stream for permit and inspection crossings, etc.) at visitor centers, information). backcountry offices, or ranger Bicycling is allowed but roads are stations. narrow and winding with few Self-guiding trails are available shoulders. When biking, wear at Mammoth Hot Springs, Fort safety gear, helmet, and high vis- Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin, ibility clothing. Fountain Paint Pot, the Upper Drive the Grand Loop. Regardless of Geyser Basin, Canyon, West which park entrance you choose, Thumb Geyser Basin, and Mud you can drive a “figure eight” of Volcano. interior roads that link you to Stock use depends on trail condi- many of the park’s major features. tions. Coggins testing is required. Hay restrictions are enforced. Contact the backcountry office for information. Swimming and wading are allowed, but discouraged due to extremely cold water and strong currents. Park Map

To Livingston, MT 52 mi/84 km To Bozeman, MT 84 mi/134 km To Gardiner, MT Northeast Bozeman, MT C Entrance 90 mi/144 km North Entrance Cooke City, MT To Big Sky, MT 55 mi/89 km 5 mi/8 km Beartooth Hwy To Billings, MT Mammoth Hot Springs 125 mi/200 km 18 mi/29 km Slough Creek Pebble Creek or Chief Joseph Hwy  Full service Tower Junction To Cody, WY North 68 mi/109 km Yellowstone Indian Creek Roosevelt Association ⁄ Institute 29 mi/47 km C  Full service Tower Fall 21 mi/34 km 19 mi/31 km

Dunraven Pass

Norris 12 mi/19 km Canyon Village

West  Full service Yellowstone, MT 14 mi/23 km 14 mi/23 km 16 mi/26 km To Idaho Falls, ID West 100 mi/160 km Entrance Madison Fishing Bridge Lake Village Bridge Bay

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

 Full service West Thumb Grant Village

 Full service

22 mi/35 km

Lewis Lake

Bechler Ranger Station South Entrance

To Ashton, ID To Grand Teton National ParkTo Jackson, WY 26 mi/42 km 8 mi/13 km 57 mi/91 km

 Full service = restrooms, food service, general store, lodging, fuel

Clinic General store Auto service

Restrooms Lodging Horseback riding

Visitor center Camping Marina Boat launch or information station Fuel RV camping Recycling Hard-sided units only Food service Phone Cell phone tower Connectivity is limited To Livingston, MT 52 mi/84 km To Bozeman, MT 84 mi/134 km To Gardiner, MT Northeast Bozeman, MT Entrance 90 mi/144 km North Entrance Cooke City, MT To Big Sky, MT 55 mi/89 km 5 mi/8 km Beartooth Hwy To Billings, MT Mammoth Hot Springs 125 mi/200 km 18 mi/29 km Slough Creek Pebble Creek or Chief Joseph Hwy  Full service Tower Junction To Cody, WY North 68 mi/109 km Yellowstone Indian Creek Roosevelt Association ⁄ Institute 29 mi/47 km  Full service Tower Fall 21 mi/34 km 19 mi/31 km

Dunraven Pass

Norris 12 mi/19 km Canyon Village

West  Full service Yellowstone, MT 14 mi/23 km 14 mi/23 km 16 mi/26 km To Idaho Falls, ID West 100 mi/160 km Entrance Madison Fishing Bridge Lake Village Bridge Bay

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

 Full service West Thumb Grant Spring Road Opening 2016 Village The road between the North and Northeast entrances is open to Scheduled Road Construction C  Full service wheeled vehicles year-round; other may affect your visit. Please see dates subject to change. www.nps.gov/yell when planning 22 mi/35 km your trip. Call 307-344-2117 or April 15 Mammoth to Old Faithful; Lewis Lake check locally for road updates. Madison to West Entrance; Norris to Canyon. May 6 Bechler Ranger Station Canyon to Lake; Lake to East Entrance (Sylvan Pass). South Entrance

To Ashton, ID To Grand Teton National ParkTo Jackson, WY May 13 Tower to Tower Fall; Lake to 26 mi/42 km 8 mi/13 km 57 mi/91 km South Entrance; West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass). May 27 Tower Fall to Canyon  Full service = restrooms, food service, general store, lodging, fuel (Dunraven Pass); Beartooth Hwy. Clinic General store Auto service Fall Road Closures 2016 Restrooms Lodging Horseback riding October 11 Beartooth Highway, Tower Fall to Canyon (Dunraven Pass). Visitor center Camping Marina Boat launch or information station November 7 All park roads close at Fuel RV camping Recycling 8 am except the north entrance road Hard-sided units only to Cooke City. Food service Phone Cell phone tower Connectivity is limited Services

y r Dates and hours a e e n c s c i o i r r g k of operation vary f a n c ir f s G i s a M t / y r n a O / i e id r e o n r and are subject to p y s r d i S e e r m o R w t / t t e r t n a t n R is e k u o t n n s S c e change. V u r P l a a h S a C u r u g L S r r R o g a b n u r / c C o n r e i c c e o t T i e s g li li g a o t k l r t it c a s h e n d b b n s s u a o u is u e o o u u a e i A B B B F F G H L P P R R V Bridge Bay P P P P P P  Canyon P P P P P P P P P P P P P Fishing Bridge P P P P P P P P P Grant Village P P P P P P P P P P P P Lake Village P P P P P P Mammoth P P P P P P P P P P P Old Faithful P P P P P P P P P P P P Roosevelt P P P P P P P P P P Tower Fall P P 

Accessibility Information and lodging Facilities judged to be negotiable Limited cell phone service for wheelchair users are described may be available at Canyon, in a free guide, Accessibility in Grant, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone, available at entrance sta- Lake, and Old Faithful. tions and visitor centers. Or contact: Yellowstone National Park Park Accessibility Coordinator, PO PO Box 168, Yellowstone, WY 82190 Box 168, Yellowstone, WY 82190. 307-344-7381, TTY 307-344-2386 To request a sign language interpret- www.nps.gov/yell er for NPS interpretive programs, Xanterra Parks & Resorts please call three weeks in advance 307-344-7311, toll free 866-439-7375 307-344-2251. TTY 307-344-5395 Medical services www.YellowstoneNational ParkLodges.com The park has 911 emergency service. Mammoth Clinic is open year-round. Worship services In summer, outpatient services are In summer, most major denomi- also offered at Lake and Old Faithful. nations and interdenominational Ambulances, 24-hour emergency services are available in the park and service, laboratory, pharmacy, and adjacent communities. Check at visi- radiology services are available. tor centers for local dates and times. Park entrance fees (Valid for 7 days with receipt) Private vehicle $30 $50* Individual motorcycle $25 $40* Per person (foot, bike, ski, etc.) $15 $20* * Includes Grand Teton National Park Annual Passes (photo ID required) Yellowstone National Park, valid for one year from month of $60 purchase. Interagency, valid for multiple federal fee areas. $80 Active Duty Military, valid for active duty U. S. military person- nel and their dependents with proper identification (CAC card or Free DD Form 1173). Every Kid in a Park 4th Grade, student must be present. Free Lifetime passes (US citizens/Permanent residents) Interagency Senior age 62 or older. $10 Golden Age passports are still accepted. Interagency Access for visitors with a permanent disability. Free Golden Access passports are still accepted.

Several pass options are available for Chambers of Commerce federal recreation sites, including national parks and wildlife refuges, Montana where entrance fees are charged. Big Sky 406-995-3000 Billings 406-245-4111 Purchase at an entrance station or Bozeman 406-586-5421 http://store.usgs.gov/pass. Cooke City/ Silver Gate 406-838-2495 Area National Park units Gardiner 406-848-7971 Livingston 406-222-0850 Glacier NP 406-888-7800 Red Lodge 406-446-1718 Grand Teton NP 307-739-3300 West Yellowstone 406-646-7701 Devil’s Tower NM 307-467-5283 Wyoming Area National Forests Cody 307-587-2297 Shoshone 307-527-6241 Dubois 307-455-2556 Gallatin 406-587-6701 Wapiti Valley 307-587-9595 Bridger­­–Teton 307-739-5500 Jackson 307-733-3316 Caribou–Targhee 208-624-3151 Idaho Custer 406-657-6200 Idaho Falls 208 523-1010 Eastern Idaho 800 634-3246 Regulations

Fishing requires permits. Hooks must be barbless. Tackle must be non-toxic. Leaded split-shot sink- ers, soft lead-weighted ribbon, and other toxic tackle are not allowed. Food must be attended at all times while not in storage. Never leave food outside your vehicle or around your campsite—not even inside a cooler—when you are away or asleep. Hay and stock feed are allowed only if certified weed-free hay and Bicycling is allowed on public roads, processed feed. Hay must be baled parking areas, and designated and covered. Trailers must be routes. It is prohibited on board- clean and empty of manure, loose walks and backcountry trails. hay, or feed. All boats and float tubes require Littering is illegal, unsightly, permits and aquatic invasive spe- destroys hydrothermal features, cies (AIS) inspection. Boaters must and injures wildlife. have a Coast Guard approved Motorcycles, motor scooters, and “wearable” personal flotation motor bikes are not allowed off- device for each person boating. road or on trails. Operators must Calling to attract wildlife Bugling carry a valid state driver’s license. to elk, howling to wolves, calling Vehicles must display valid state to attract birds, is illegal. plates. Disturbing park features Pets must be leashed. They are Possessing, collecting, removing, prohibited on any trails, in the defacing, or destroying any natural backcountry, and in hydrother- or archeological objects or plants, mal basins. Pets are not allowed animals, or minerals is prohibited. more than 100 feet (30.5 m) from a road or parking area. Leaving a Driving while intoxicated or under pet un­at­tend­ed and/or tied to an the influence is illegal. object is prohibited. Feeding animals is against the law. Service animals are allowed on Fires are permitted only in desig- trails and boardwalks in developed nated campgrounds, in picnic areas. They require permits in the areas with fire grates, and in some backcountry. backcountry campsites. Permits Fishing season generally begins the Saturday of Memorial Day week- end, usually the last weekend in May, and continues through the first Sunday of November. Fishing season opens later in some areas. Anglers 16 years or older require permits to fish in the park. No state license is required. Younger children can fish for free under certain conditions. Inquire at ranger stations, visitor centers, or general stores. Regulations are Slow-moving vehicles must pull posted at www.nps.gov/yell/ over to let others pass. Never stop planyourvisit/fishing.htm or pause in the middle of the road. Use pullouts. All boat permits (motorized and non-motorized) can be purchased Speed limit is 45 mph (73 kph) at the South Entrance, Grant unless posted slower. Village Backcountry Office, and Spotlighting, or viewing animals Bridge Bay Ranger Station. Area with artificial light, is illegal. restrictions apply. Transporting water, fish, and any Float tube permits can be pur- other aquatic plants or animals chased at the locations listed into the park’s waters is illegal. above, as well as the Mammoth, Unmanned aircraft, also called Canyon, and Old Faithful back- drones, are prohibited. Launching, country offices, the Northeast landing, or operating them on park Entrance, and Bechler Ranger lands and waters is not allowed. Station. Overnight backcountry camping Weapons and frearms: Possessing or using weapons (air guns, bow requires a permit, and is subject to and arrow, crossbows, blowguns, fees. Service animals are allowed spears, slingshots, etc.) is prohibit- in the backcountry but must have ed. Firearms possession is allowed additional (free) permits. For more pursuant to applicable state and information, visit http://www. federal regulation. You are respon- nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ sible for knowing and following backcountryhiking.htm or all current firearms and weapons request a backcountry trip planner regulations for national parks, from the Backcountry Office, available at: www.nps.gov/yell/ PO Box 168, Yellowstone, WY parkmgmt/lawsandpolicies.htm 82190. Camping

How long can you camp? Reserve sites with : Xanterra Parks & Resorts Fourteen days from July 1 to the first PO Box 165 Monday in September. Thirty day Yellowstone NP, WY 82190 maximum the rest of the year. No Toll-free: 866-439-7375. limit at Fishing Bridge. TTY: 307-344-5395 Group camping Attention RV drivers Available at Madison, Grant, and Few campgrounds have sites for Bridge Bay campgrounds for large a combined vehicle/towed equip- groups with a designated leader, ment length of more than 30 feet. such as youth or educational groups. Reservations recommended. Some Price depends on size. Reservations communities near the park also have are required. RV parks. Dates Rates Elev. Campground Sites Features (2016) (2015) (ft) Mammoth All year $20 85 6,200 A, F, G Madison* 4/29–10/16 $21.50 278 6,800 A, F, DS, G Fishing Bridge RV*^ 5/6–9/18 $46.75 346 7,800 F, S/L, DS, G Norris 5/20–9/26 $20 111 7,500 A, F, G Tower Fall 5/27–9/26 $15 31 6,600 V Bridge Bay* 5/20–9/5 $21.50 432 7,800 A, F, DS, G Canyon* 5/ 27–9/11 $26 273 7,900 A, F, S/L, DS, G Indian Creek 6/10–9/12 $15 75 7,300 A, V Pebble Creek 6/15–9/26 $15 27 6,900 V Slough Creek 6/15-10/7 $15 23 6,250 V Lewis Lake 6/15 –11/6 $15 85 7,800 V Grant Village* 6/19–9/18 $26 430 7,800 A, F, S/L, DS, G

* Price does not include tax or utility fee. ^All sites have electricity. A Accessible sites available F Flush toilets Holders of Golden Age, Senior, V Vault toilets Golden Access, and Access passes S/L Pay showers/laundry near receive a discount (~50%) on DS Dump station camping fees, except at Fishing G Generators OK 8 am–8 pm Bridge RV Park. Seasonal access to the park

Each season in Yellowstone holds its own special beauty. Riots of Autumn wildflowers enliven meadows in Temperatures average in the 50s and the summer and a glittering crust of 60s. Nighttime lows can fall into the snow blankets the park in winter. teens and lower. Snow increases Weather and road access vary great- in frequency and intensity. Storms ly throughout the year. Consider may cause temporary closures or average conditions when planning re­stric­tions, such as chain or snow your trip and check again before tire re­quirements.­ Park roads close your departure. on the first Monday of No­vember, except the road from Gardiner to Spring Cooke City, MT, which is open all Early in spring, daytime tempera- year round. tures average in the 40s and 50s. By late May and June, they may reach Winter the 60s and 70s. Cold and snow Daytime temperatures range linger into June. Nighttime lows fall from near zero to above freezing. below freezing. Roads open by sec- Night temperatures may fall well tions beginning the third Friday in below zero. Annual snowfall aver- April. Storms may cause re­stric­tions ages nearly 150 inches in most of or closures. the park, except in the northern range. All roads and ­­en­tranc­es, Summer with one ex­cep­tion, are closed to Daytime temperatures are usu- motor vehicle travel. Some may be ally in the 70s. Nights are generally groomed for over-snow vehicles. cool, dropping into the 40s and 30s. The North Entrance road from June can be cool and rainy. July and Gardiner to Cooke City, MT, is open August tend to be drier, although to wheeled vehicles and may close afternoon thunder ­show­ers are due to storms. Snow tires are recom- common. Park roads are open, mended, and often required. You excepting accidents, rock slides, or must return to the North En­trance construction work. to leave the park. Yellowstone Trip Planner UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PRSRT STD National Park Service P.O. Box 168 U.S. Postage Paid Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park, WY Wyoming 82190 Permit G-83 Official Business Penalty for Private Use: $300

America the Beautiful: National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass, valid for one year from month of purchase for entrance fees to federal fee areas.

Revised October 2015