Yellowstone National Park landscape photograph — attribution and licensing approval pending
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK · 01 / 03

Yellowstone National Park

Upper Geyser Basin

America’s first national park protects an immense volcanic landscape of geysers, colorful hot springs, wildlife valleys and deep river canyons. Travel times, weather and the operating status of multiple entrances shape every itinerary.
Explore the park
NPS planning guide
Grand Prismatic Spring's colorful geothermal basin in Yellowstone National Park
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK · 02 / 03

Grand Prismatic Spring

Midway Geyser Basin

Vivid colors surround a massive hot spring. Fragile thermal crusts make designated walkways essential.
Explore the park
NPS planning guide
Lower Falls of Yellowstone River dropping into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK · 03 / 03

Lower Falls

Canyon country

The Yellowstone River drops through yellow-toned canyon walls, creating a dramatically different park experience.
Explore the park
NPS planning guide
01 / HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Yellowstone National Park

America’s first national park protects an immense volcanic landscape of geysers, colorful hot springs, wildlife valleys and deep river canyons. Travel times, weather and the operating status of multiple entrances shape every itinerary.
Grand Prismatic Spring's colorful geothermal basin in Yellowstone National Park
PARK EXPERIENCE

Thermal Wonders

Walk designated boardwalks through geothermal basins. Unmarked ground may conceal extremely hot water.
Plan this experience
Yellowstone National Park landscape photograph — attribution and licensing approval pending
PARK EXPERIENCE

Wildlife Valleys

Observe Yellowstone’s bison and other wildlife at safe distances without blocking traffic.
Plan this experience
Lower Falls of Yellowstone River dropping into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
PARK EXPERIENCE

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Plan viewpoints around the Upper and Lower Falls, subject to roads and seasonal operating conditions.
Plan this experience
02 / PLAN YOUR VISIT

Travel smarter in Yellowstone National Park

This guide connects real destinations with practical National Park Service sources. Always verify operating conditions, opening dates, permits and access before traveling.
Yellowstone National Park landscape photograph — attribution and licensing approval pending
PARK EXPERIENCE

Park Entrances

Yellowstone has multiple gateway roads and substantial driving distances between major regions.
Plan this experience
Grand Prismatic Spring's colorful geothermal basin in Yellowstone National Park
PARK EXPERIENCE

Campgrounds & Lodges

Pick where to sleep based on your intended areas; park accommodations have varied booking and seasonal rules.
Plan this experience
Lower Falls of Yellowstone River dropping into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
PARK EXPERIENCE

Visit Responsibly

Wildlife, food storage and thermal-area rules protect visitors and Yellowstone’s natural systems.
Plan this experience
03 / QUESTIONS

Common visitor questions

Current National Park Service guidance says vehicle reservations are not required, but entrance passes are. Recheck official rules before arriving.
No. Yellowstone’s geothermal ground may be fragile and dangerous; remain on designated boardwalks and approved paths.
A single day permits selected stops, but the park’s vast size means a longer itinerary is more realistic for multiple areas.
Choose a gateway or park lodge based on entrance access, regional driving times and seasonal roads.
04 / CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

More extraordinary national parks

Find your next destination and use the official National Park Service sources for current travel conditions.
All National Parks
NPS visitor information