Yellowstone National Park Guide: Roads, Fees & Map (2026)

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River in Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, seen from a vantage along the canyon rim with mist rising from the waterfall.

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal wonders. Today, millions of people come here each year to camp, hike, and enjoy the majesty of the park.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit: Shoulder seasons to reduce crowding; early mornings in peak season reduce parking stress

Highlights

Why Visit: Yellowstone is a colossal stage of geology and ecology. It sits across three states with a web of geysers, hot springs, and rivers that shape countless ecosystems. The park operates under strict stewardship; witnessing the dynamic balance between heat, water, and wildlife demands discipline and preparation. This is not a casual playground—it's a field of study and constraint where visitors must act as guests and stewards. Its scale and safety requirements create a setting for intentional exploration: plan around seasons, know where to park, and respect the regulations that keep bears and visitors safe. The park asks for patience, preparation, and precise conduct to protect both people and wildlife over generations.
Top Things To Do: Old Faithful area, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley

Areas to plan around

Mammoth–Gardiner Corridor: Mammoth Hot Springs, Gardner River vicinity, northern gateway amenities
Upper Geyser Basin: Old Faithful, Castle Geyser, Firehole River area
Midway Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Zone: Grand Prismatic Spring, Excelsior Geyser Crater
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Basin: Lower and Upper Falls overlooks, canyon vistas

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports: Bozeman Yellowstone Intl (BZN), 90 mi north; Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), 60 mi south; West Yellowstone Airport (WYS), seasonal, 1 mi from West Entrance
Getting There Driving Distances: Bozeman 90 mi; Jackson 60 mi; Cody 80 mi; Billings 170 mi; Idaho Falls 110 mi
Getting There Entrances: Main entrances include Gardiner (MT), West Yellowstone (MT), Cody (WY), Cooke City (MT), Mammoth (NW), and Jackson (WY); check seasonal access and road status
Getting Around Shuttles: Not required; no park-wide shuttle system
Getting Around Reservations: Timed-entry reservations are not required at this time
Getting Around Parking: Parking can fill quickly at Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic; arrive early

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging: Lodging options exist within the park; booking in advance through park lodging channels is advised
Where To Stay Campgrounds: 13 campgrounds; first-come sites fill by 8:00 AM
Where To Stay Gateway Towns: West Yellowstone, MT; Jackson, WY; Cody, WY; Gardiner, MT

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country: Bear country requires proper food storage and bear spray; stay outside designated food storage areas; fines may apply for violations
Safety Weather: High elevation; rapid weather changes; geothermal areas require staying on boardwalks; altitude sickness risk
Safety Altitude: High elevation; altitude sickness risk
Safety Leave No Trace: Pack out trash; stay on established trails; minimize impact on sensitive areas
Safety Permits Needed: Backcountry permits are mandatory for backcountry camping; obtain from ranger stations or visitor centers
Wildlife Overview: Bears (grizzly and black), wolves, bison, elk, moose
Wildlife Where To See: Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, near major reservoirs and river corridors
Wildlife Safety: Maintain distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other animals; never feed wildlife

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy: Day 1: Old Faithful loop; Day 2: Lamar/Hayden Valleys; Day 3: Canyon area; Day 4: Mammoth and Lake region
Entrance Hacks: Purchase passes online to reduce gate time; mornings offer the shortest lines; check road status before heading to busy sights
Basecamp Logic: WEST SIDE: Better food, easier access, more rain. EAST SIDE: Better views, windier, limited dining
Crowd Calendar: July is peak mosquitoes and wildflowers. September is crowd-free but chilly. June is often too snowy for the full road
Tips Advice: Buy the pass online to skip lines
Arrive before 7am at popular sights
Don’t approach wildlife; keep distance; don’t feed animals

More details

Park Code: yell
Tagline: Crown of the Continent
Operating Hours: Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: $35.00 - Entrance - Private Vehicle
Quick Facts Entrance Fees: $35/vehicle (7 days); $30/motorcycle; $20/person on foot or bike; children 15 and under free; America the Beautiful Pass accepted. 2026 non-resident surcharge: $100/person ages 16+ for non-US residents.
Nearby Services: Gas, medical, and dining available in gateway towns such as West Yellowstone and Jackson; plan fuel stops accordingly
Family Friendly Notes: Junior Ranger programs at major centers; guided programs available for families
Accessibility: ADA-accessible facilities vary by site; some trails and centers have accessible options
Photography Tips: Keep traffic clear; use sunrise/sunset windows; avoid blocking boardwalks and overlooks
When To Visit Peak Season: June through August
When To Visit Shoulder Season: April–May and September–October
When To Visit Winter: Late November through late March; many roads closed
When To Visit Road Opening: Beartooth Highway opens in late May or early June and closes in mid-October
Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals: Bear spray available at select entrances and outfitter locations
Weather Averages: Seasonal variation; temperatures vary with elevation
Weather Precipitation: Winter brings heavy snow in the high country, with snowpack persisting into May at higher elevations and sometimes into early June on exposed ridges. Summer sees frequent afternoon thunderstorms, especially in July and August, with rain and lightning common in the mountains. Spring and autumn are cooler and windier, and rain or snow showers can occur on unsettled days.
Weather Info: Yellowstone's weather can vary quite a bit, even in a single day. In the summer, daytime highs can exceed 70°F (21°C), only to drop 20 or more degrees when a thunderstorm rolls through. It can snow during any month of the year, and winter lows frequently drop below 0°F (-18°C), especially at night. Bring a range of clothing options, including a warm jacket and rain gear, even in the summer.
What To Bring Essential Gear: Bear spray, ample water, insulating layers, sturdy footwear
What To Bring Clothing: No cotton; wool or synthetic layers; rain shell; hat and gloves as needed
Review Summary: Visitors note that peak-season crowds require advance planning and parking strategy; shoulder seasons offer calmer conditions and wildlife activity