Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide - Trip Planning Info (2024)

Activities

What is there to do in Yellowstone at night?

In the evenings, most visitors either head to bed to get an early start on the next day or congregate in the lobbies and restaurants of the hotels and lodges to enjoy a drink, socialize, or people watch.

Attractions

Is Yellowstone or Glacier better?

Many of Yellowstone’s geologic features can’t be found anywhere else in the world and it has abundant wildlife. But many people who prefer high mountains, hiking and lakes may prefer the experience of Glacier National Park.

Is it worth going to Yellowstone?

Yes. But only if breathtaking panoramic views, geologic wonders, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters are your thing. If those don’t sound like your thing, you’re better off staying home.

What are the must sees in Yellowstone?

Old Faithful Geyser and the Upper Geyser Basin. Grand Prismatic Spring. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Lamar Valley (for wildlife sightings). Mammoth Hotsprings. Roosevelt Arch.

What else is near Yellowstone?

Many people combine their trip to Yellowstone with a visit to Grand Teton National Park a few miles outside the south entrance. Beyond that, an array of Western gateway towns with great family activities surround Yellowstone, offering everything from zip line tours to whitewater river rafting to mountain biking and beyond.

What is Yellowstone National Park famous for?

Yellowstone National Park is famous for its unique thermal features and its diverse wildlife.

Which is better Yellowstone or Grand Teton?

While both parks have similar ecosystems, they offer different experiences. Grand Teton is famous for its rugged mountainscape that juts into the horizon. Yellowstone is famous for its thermal geysers and hot springs and a more muted, though still beautiful, landscape.

Which part of Yellowstone is the best?

Yellowstone is most famous for its geysers like Old Faithful and hot springs like Grand Prismatic Spring. To see these, you’ll want to visit the west side of the park via the West Entrance.

Itineraries

How many days do you need in Yellowstone?

Plan at least two days to see the main attractions in the park.

How much does a week in Yellowstone cost?

You can expect to spend about $650 per person for a weeklong visit to Yellowstone, but can probably get away with significantly less if you plan on camping.

Lodging

Are there cabins to rent in Yellowstone?

Yes. You can rent cabins in several popular areas in the park: Canyon Lodge, the Lake Hotel, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, and the Lake Lodge.

Can you stay in Yellowstone Park?

Yes. Spending the night in Yellowstone is a great way to experience the park. Varied lodging options within the park include hotels, cabins, and campgrounds.

How much are hotels in Yellowstone?

Hotel rooms in Yellowstone start at around $100 and rise steadily from there. Prices are demand-based, so book early for the best pricing. For last-minute hotels, you can expect to pay $300 plus per night in the busiest seasons.

How much does it cost to rent a cabin in Yellowstone?

Cabin rentals start at $109 per night. The least expensive cabin options do not have attached baths.

Is it better to stay in Yellowstone or outside?

If you want an intimate Yellowstone experience and want to cut down on your commute to and from the park each day, then stay at any of the famed lodges, hotels, cabins, or campgrounds.

What is the cheapest way to stay in Yellowstone?

You can reserve a campsite in Yellowstone for as little as $32 a night.

Where should I stay outside Yellowstone?

West Yellowstone or Gardiner, Montana are moments from Yellowstone and offer varied accommodations. Jackson and Cody, Wyoming are a little farther, but also a little larger and with distinctive experiences to offer.

Where should I stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park?

If you’re able to, staying within the park is one of the best ways to see Yellowstone. It cuts your commute time in and out of the park each day and you’ll be able to see more attractions.

Where should I stay when visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

The Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch is as close as you can get to being between both parks. It’s near the Snake River on the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway and offers options for both lodging and camping.

Nature

How often does Old Faithful spout?

Old Faithful erupts a whopping 20 times a day — that’s every 74 minutes, on average.

Is Yellowstone dangerous?

Yellowstone can be dangerous, but is generally safe if you stay within posted guidelines. Take special care to stay on boardwalks and don’t approach wildlife or thermal features and you should be OK.

Parks

Can I sleep in my car in Yellowstone?

No. Yellowstone doesn’t allow overnight parking except for visitors who have reserved rooms in the lodges, cabins, or campsites. You cannot spend the night in your car at a trailhead, roadside, or in a parking lot.

Can you drink alcohol in Yellowstone?

Yes. Drinking alcohol is allowed in most places in the park.

Does it cost money to go to Yellowstone?

Yes. The park charges a $35/vehicle entrance fee for private vehicles to enter Yellowstone National Park. The pass is good for 7 days.

Does it cost money to see Old Faithful?

No, but Yellowstone does require a $35 entrance fee that’s valid for 7 days. The pass allows you to view all attractions within the park, including Old Faithful.

How early can you enter Yellowstone?

The North Entrance is accessible year-round through Gardiner, Montana. The West Entrance near West Yellowstone, Montana usually opens for the year on the third Friday in April at 8 a.m. The other three entrances open by mid-May.

How far is the walk to Old Faithful?

The Old Faithful Geyser Loop trail is only a 0.7 mile loop. This trail is mostly on boardwalk and is easily accessible by most visitors and can easily be walked in 15-20 minutes.

What do I need to know before going to Yellowstone?

Cell service is limited within the park, as is parking. Places to spend the night fill quickly so make reservations before you come. Download the NPS Yellowstone App for a digital guide. Do not approach the wildlife, they’re dangerous. Stay on the boardwalks; hot springs are dangerous too.

Which state is Yellowstone National Park in?

Yellowstone National Park is mostly in Wyoming, but also extends into Montana and Idaho.

Towns

How far is West Yellowstone from Old Faithful?

West Yellowstone is about 50 minutes (31.5 mi) from Old Faithful.

How far is it from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?

The drive from Jackson Hole to the South Entrance of Yellowstone takes 1 hour and 15 minutes (57.3 mi).

What is the closest town to Yellowstone National Park?

The closest towns to the park are Gardiner, Montana (0.7 miles or 3 min) and West Yellowstone, Montana (0.9 mi or 4 min). These are outside the North and Western Entrances respectively.

Where are the entrances to Yellowstone?

North Entrance is less than a mile outside of Gardiner, Montana. Northeast Entrance is just under 5 miles from Cooke City, Montana. East Entrance is 52 miles from Cody, Wyoming — the closest townSouth Entrance is 7 miles north of Grand Teton National Park and 57 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming. West Entrance is located less than a mile outside of West Yellowstone, Montana.

Which entrance to Yellowstone is best?

Each entrance connects you to the Grand Loop that winds through Yellowstone. The south entrance is only accessible after passing the incredible Tetons and is closest to West Thumb Geyser Basin. The West Entrance offers easiest access to Old Faithful. The North Entrance offers simple access to Mammoth Hot Springs and wildlife hotspots. And the East Entrance gives you quick access to Yellowstone Lake.

Transportation

Can you drive from Yellowstone to Grand Teton?

Yes. You can drive from Yellowstone''s South Entrance via the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Highway to the northern edge of Grand Teton National Park.

Can you drive to Old Faithful in the winter?

No. After mid-December Old Faithful is only accessible by snowmobile or snowcoach.

Can you drive to Old Faithful?

Yes. You can drive to Old Faithful. Old Faithful is easiest to access from the West Entrance near West Yellowstone, Montana.

How far away is Yellowstone from Mt Rushmore?

Yellowstone is 7.5 hours (424.8 mi) away from Mt. Rushmore by car.

How far is Glacier National Park from Yellowstone?

Glacier National Park is about 6.5 hours (375 mi) north of Yellowstone.

How far is it from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park?

The shortest route between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone takes about 7.5 hours (430 miles) via US-16.

How long does it take to drive the loop in Yellowstone?

The Grand Loop takes 4 to 7 hours to drive depending on stops, wildlife traffic jams and other factors.

Is it safe to drive in Yellowstone at night?

Yes, but take caution. Wildlife is active at night and it can be difficult to see animals on the road until it’s too late.

Which Yellowstone entrance is closest to Old Faithful?

Old Faithful is closest to the West Entrance of the park.

Weather

Can you see Old Faithful in April?

Maybe. The West Entrance, which is closest to Old Faithful, often doesn''t open up for the year until mid-April or even early May while winter snowpack is cleared from the road.

Can you see Old Faithful in October?

While you can drive to and see the geyser itself in October, most of the services around Old Faithful, including Old Faithful Inn and Lodge close by mid-October. The Visitor Center closes for the season by November 1.

Does it snow in June in Yellowstone?

Yes.The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Many visitors are caught unawares in snowstorms and freezing weather in June, July, and August. Pack warm clothes, even if the weather forecast is sunny.

Does it snow in Yellowstone in September?

Yes, first snow almost always hits by September in Yellowstone. Throughout the month, it''s common for temperatures to drop below freezing at night. Be prepared for cold mornings and warm afternoons.

How should I dress for Yellowstone?

Even in the summer, expect cool mornings and warm afternoons. It’s a good idea to dress in layers due to Yellowstone’s mountain location.

What is the best month to go to Yellowstone?

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park for most is high summer, but that can lead to park crowding. Coming in April, May, September and October offer abundant wildlife viewing with lighter crowds. Winter, though expensive and limited in access, can be the most magical time to visit the park as rising steam from thermal features encrusts trees in sheathes of stunning ice.

Get started early when it comes to planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park. Start here to book a place to stay, figure out your travel plans, find great ways to spend your days, and stay up to date on weather and webcams.