What are the entrance rules for Yellowstone?

Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving to save time, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.



People Also Ask

Driving off roads is not permitted. Defacing park features, collecting natural or archeological objects, picking wildflowers, and littering are illegal. Store your valuables securely and lock your vehicle. Report thefts or accidents promptly to a ranger.

MORE DETAILS

Proper food storage is the most important precaution you can take to avoid a bear encounter in a Yellowstone campground. Be sure to store any food in a locked vehicle or in a provided Bear Box.

MORE DETAILS

You can drive through Yellowstone National Park via the 7-hour Grand Loop in the summer months, taking in Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone Lake. In winter most roads close so you'll have to join a snow coach tour or hire a snowmobile.

MORE DETAILS

If you do any hiking or camping in Yellowstone, you SHOULD bring bear spray. Generally, you don't need bear spray when visiting the popular and crowded geyser areas and villages, such as Old Faithful and Canyon Village.

MORE DETAILS

Yellowstone National Park's West Entrance opens to the public on the 3rd (third) Friday of April at 8:00 am. Unless weather or other conditions do not allow. The West entrance closes normally the 1st (first) Monday of November at 9:00 pm. The only Entrance OPEN Year Round is the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana.

MORE DETAILS

Hunting is strictly forbidden in Yellowstone, as is target practice. And visitors should not use guns as self-defense against large wildlife, but rather carry bear spray and take other safety precautions. Firearms are also prohibited in facilities like visitor centers and government offices.

MORE DETAILS

Sandals or sneakers will be ok for most areas in Yellowstone where there are boardwalks (e.g. the Grand Prismatic or the Upper Geyser Basin).

MORE DETAILS

Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. Keep your children close and don't let them run. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use.

MORE DETAILS

The Grand Loop takes between 4 to 7 hours to drive in full. During the summer season, cars are the best option for taking a trip around Yellowstone unless you are riding with a bus tour or concessionaire that provides transportation.

MORE DETAILS

Our Locations. Yellowstone Park Service Stations has seven locations in the Park with over 80 seasonal employees. Yellowstone Park Service Stations, Inc. (YPSS) operates seven convenience store/fuel facilities, four automotive repair shops and a central office/warehouse in Yellowstone National Park.

MORE DETAILS

Yellowstone Entrance Passes For private, non-commercial vehicles, a 7-day pass to Yellowstone National Park costs $35/vehicle and does not include entrance into nearby Grand Teton National Park. The latter park, home to the mighty Grand Teton and other rugged peaks, also charges $35/vehicle for entrance.

MORE DETAILS

Inside Yellowstone, you can choose to stay in modern or historic hotels and cabins inside the park like the Old Faithful Inn, the world's largest log structure. Here's how to choose the best one for you.

MORE DETAILS

Plan to Enter the Yellowstone Before 8 am. Most day visitors to Yellowstone arrive between about 8 am and 2 pm. So naturally, the longest lines at the entrance stations form then. The West Entrance is the busiest entrance and it isn't uncommon to hear of people waiting an hour or more to get into the park.

MORE DETAILS