Bison, Bears, and Boardwalks: 10 Tips For Navigating Yellowstone’s Unique Hazards
Yellowstone National Park officials are urging visitors heading to the park this summer to plan ahead, both for their own safety and to help protect one of the most iconic wild landscapes in the United States.
Spanning 2.2 million acres in the heart of the American West, Yellowstone offers the chance to observe wildlife roaming freely in an intact ecosystem, to witness geothermal features that account for roughly half of the world’s active geysers, and to take in geological landmarks like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. But getting the most out of a visit requires preparation. Park officials have outlined 10 key things every visitor should know before arriving.
1. No Reservation Required to Enter, But Crowds Should Be Expected
Visitors do not need a reservation to enter Yellowstone. A park entrance pass is all that is required to get through the gate. That said, summer is the park’s busiest season, and visitors should expect crowds at popular areas, lines at entrance stations, and delays at construction zones and roadside wildlife sightings. Patience is strongly advised.
2. Check Road Status Before You Leave
Most park roads open to personal vehicles in mid-April and close again in early November. However weather can trigger temporary closures at any point during that window, and ongoing road improvement projects may cause significant traffic delays. Visitors are encouraged to check the status of park roads before heading out.
3. Book Lodging and Campgrounds Well in Advance
All campgrounds and lodging inside Yellowstone require reservations, and they fill up fast. Operating hours and service levels can also change with little notice. Before making the trip, visitors should review the most current information on operating dates of facilities and services, current conditions, eating and sleeping options, places to go, things to do, fishing permits, and boat inspections and permits.
4. Keep Your Distance From All Wildlife
Wildlife viewing is one of Yellowstone’s biggest draws, but wild animals are dangerous when approached too closely. The park enforces minimum distance regulations, and it is the visitor’s responsibility to follow them. Bears, wolves, and cougars require at least 100 yards (91 meters) of separation at all times. All other animals, including bison and elk, require at least 25 yards (23 meters).
The entire park is considered bear country. Visitors should carry bear spray and know how to use it before they need it. Additional guidance on watching wildlife safely and traveling safely in bear country is available through the National Park Service.
5. Drive Responsibly and Use Pullouts
Visitors are required to observe posted speed limits throughout the park. Pullouts exist for a reason. Use them to watch wildlife, take photos, and let other vehicles pass. Stopping in the middle of the road is not permitted. When pulling over, all four tires must be fully to the right of the white line.
6. Do Not Step Off the Boardwalks in Thermal Areas
This is not a suggestion. People have been severely injured and killed after leaving designated boardwalks in Yellowstone’s thermal areas. The ground in these zones is thin and fragile, and it can give way without warning, sending a person directly into scalding hot water below. Staying on established boardwalks and trails is non-negotiable.
7. Download the NPS App Before You Arrive
Cell service inside the park is limited and unreliable, but the free National Park Service app includes offline content that does not require a signal to use, including interactive maps, tours of park sites, and accessibility information. Visitors should download the app and any relevant offline content before entering the park.
8. Do Not Count on Cell Service
Even in the small number of areas where cell reception is technically available, calls and texts may not go through. Visitors should not rely on cellular connectivity for navigation, communication, or emergency planning while inside the park.
9. Pack for All Weather, Every Time
Yellowstone’s weather is unpredictable by nature. Temperatures can swing dramatically within a single day, and rain or snow is possible in every month of the year. No matter when a visit is planned, packing a warm jacket, rain gear, and multiple layers is essential. Visitors should also check current weather conditions before arriving.
10. Take Full Advantage of What the Park Offers
Beyond the scenery, Yellowstone has ranger-led programming, cultural resources, and educational opportunities that enhance any visit. Attending a ranger program, exploring the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, or enrolling kids in the free Junior Ranger program can turn a good trip into a great one.
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