Albright Visitor Center

Yellowstone National Park visitor center building with stone walls and red roof lining a tree-lined walkway.

Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth is Yellowstone’s main orientation hub, housing exhibits on park history and wildlife, the park film, and backcountry permit services. It combines indoor restrooms, water, WiFi, and a staffed desk for permits and junior ranger activities.

Displays tracing Yellowstone's wildlife & geothermal features in a modernized 1909 army building.

Quick facts

Daily Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; summer 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Seasonal Hours: Open year-round
Seasonal Operation: Open year-round
Phone: (307) 344-2263

Hours & contact

Daily Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; summer 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Seasonal Hours: Open year-round
Seasonal Operation: Open year-round
Phone: (307) 344-2263
Phone Available: 0
Email: YELL_Information@nps.gov
Best Contact Method: In person at the center desk

Services

Rangers Available: 1
Ranger Programs: Times vary seasonally; check desk for today’s schedule
Free Park Maps: 1
Trail Maps: 0
Permit Issuance: Backcountry camping permits
fishing permits
boating/float tube permits
Permit Types: Backcountry camping permits, fishing permits, boating/float tube permits
Backcountry Permits: 1

Facilities

Restrooms: yes
Restroom Type: Flush (Indoor)
Water Fountain: 1
Gift Shop: yes
Bookstore: 1
Picnic Area: yes
Wi-Fi Available: 1
Cell Service: Very limited; some service at Mammoth Hot Springs
Accessibility: Renovated for improved accessibility; ramps and accessible facilities
ADA Compliant: 1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits: 1
Exhibit Topics: Yellowstone history, wildlife ecology, geology, and the National Park idea
Interpretive Films: Every 30 minutes in summer; on request in winter
Junior Ranger: 1

Planning advice

Best For: Permits, orientation, and last-minute maps
Highlights: Film presentations, backcountry permits, Junior Ranger program
Why Visit: Starting point for backcountry permits, indoor restrooms, and rich exhibits on Yellowstone's history and wildlife
Parking Reality: Main lot fills quickly; no explicit overflow lot noted; plan to walk from adjacent areas if full
Facility Intel: Flush toilets, potable water, and WiFi available; cell service limited; water stations present
Best Time To Visit: Arrive early to beat crowds; parking can fill by midday
Tips Advice: Film runs every 30 minutes in summer; on request in winter.
Parking fills by midday; arrive before noon if you can.
Backcountry permits are issued in the basement Mammoth Backcountry Office; lines form in peak season.

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park – Mammoth Hot Springs
Parking Availability: moderate
Parking Capacity: Main lot capacity limited; fills quickly, especially in summer
Parking Peak Time: Midday
Parking Notes: Parking can be tight; oversized RV/trailer parking not explicitly noted
Operating Hours: Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Seasonal Variations: Open year-round
Accessibility Features: Renovated for improved accessibility; ramps and accessible facilities
Exhibits Displays: Exhibits and displays available
Has Bookstore: 1
Bookstore Operator: Yellowstone Forever
Ranger Talks: 1
Ranger Talk Schedule: Times vary seasonally; check desk for today’s schedule
Film Presentations: 1
Film Schedule: Every 30 minutes in summer; on request in winter
Park Newspapers: 0
Safety Info Available: 1
Park Maps Available: 1
Permit Protocol: Backcountry permits issued in the Mammoth Backcountry Office basement; lines can form during peak season
Climbing Permits: 0
Nearest Trailheads: Gateway to Mammoth Hot Springs area; no direct trail starts from here
Nearby Dining: Mammoth Hot Springs village has a general store, post office, and gas station
Nearby Facilities: General store, post office, and gas station nearby
Notable Features: Historic 1909 army building, renovated for accessibility, Mammoth Backcountry Office basement for permits
Best Visit Time: Early morning to avoid crowds and secure parking; film runs in summer
Insider Tips: Arrive early to secure parking.
Check road/trail conditions with rangers.
Backcountry permits issued in the basement Mammoth Backcountry Office; lines form in peak season.
Family Friendly Notes: Junior Ranger books and badges available; kid-friendly exhibits
Current Conditions Info: Check with rangers for road and trail conditions; desk staff provide status today
Recent Updates: Open year-round; renovated for accessibility; film schedule adapts by season
Stop If Skip If: ✅ STOP IF: You need backcountry permits, a Junior Ranger badge, or general orientation. ❌ SKIP IF: You’re just passing through Mammoth and not seeking permits or orientation.
Review Summary: Visitors admire the informative exhibits, the historic building, and rangers; crowding and parking are the recurring pains during peak times