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Yellowstone National Park

National Park · ID,MT,WY

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Current Alerts (5)

Information

Partial Fishing Closures on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon Rivers

The Madison, Firehole and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers are closed to fishing daily between 2 p.m. and sunrise until water temperatures cool to protect the park's native and wild trout fisheries. Most other rivers and streams are open to fishing, as specified in park fishing regulations.

Caution

Stay Away From Bull Elk

Bull elk are fast and unpredictable this time of year and can seriously injure people. If an elk charges, run. In addition to staying at least 25 yards (23 m) away from elk and bison, always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.

Park Closure

Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion

The parking lot, boardwalk, and Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024.

Information

Traffic Delays - Gardner River High Bridge

Expect a single lane of traffic with up to 15-minute delays, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 through late October 2026. Oversized/overweight vehicles (8'6"+ wide, 75'+ long, 80,000 lbs+ gross vehicle weight) will not be able to cross the bridge during this time.

Information

Vehicle Entrance Reservation Not Needed

Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.

Road Conditions

Traffic Delays - Gardner River High Bridge

Expect a single lane of traffic with up to 15-minute delays, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 through late October 2026. No oversized/overweight vehicles (8'6"+ wide, 75'+ long, 80,000 lbs+ gross vehicle weight) will be able to cross.

Impact: alternating-one-way

Traffic Delays - Gardner River High Bridge

Expect a single lane of traffic with up to 15-minute delays, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 through late October 2026. No oversized/overweight vehicles (8'6"+ wide, 75'+ long, 80,000 lbs+ gross vehicle weight) will be able to cross.

Impact: alternating-one-way

Entrance Fees

You are required to pay an entrance fee in order to access Yellowstone National Park. Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, many national parks are allowed to keep 80% of all fees collected and use that money to fund critical projects that improve services and protect resources. In Yellowstone, fee revenue provides $12.1 million a year on average for accessibility improvements, campgrounds, infrastructure, roads, native fish restoration, aquatic invasive species mitigation, and more. Thank you for your support!

For all annual passes, the pass holder must be present with identification for entry into Yellowstone National Park. We cannot look up information if your pass is lost or stolen and cannot accept receipts or pictures of the pass in lieu of the actual pass. On a snowmobile, annual passes admit the signer(s). When traveling by snowcoach or shuttle, they admit a signer and up to three additional adults. Children under 16 are admitted for free and are not included in these totals.

Campgrounds (12)

Bridge Bay Campground

Bridge Bay Campground—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located near Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest, high-elevation, fresh-water lakes in North America. Campers at Bridge Bay will enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the Absaroka Range rising above the lake's eastern shore. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.

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Canyon Campground

Canyon Campground—elevation 7,900 feet (2408 m)—lies in a lodgepole pine forest at Canyon Village, south of the Washburn range and near the breath-taking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Canyon Village offers stores, restaurants, and lodging. Nearby hikes include Cascade Lake, Mount Washburn, and the Canyon Rim trails. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.

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Fishing Bridge RV Park

Fishing Bridge RV Park—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located near the Yellowstone River where it exits Yellowstone Lake on its way toward the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Only campground in Yellowstone to offer water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Because grizzly bears frequent the area, no tents or tent campers are allowed. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.

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Grant Village Campground

Grant Campground—elevation 7,800 feet (2377 m)—is located in Grant Village, just off the Grand Loop Road at the south end of Yellowstone Lake. It is one of the larger campgrounds in the park. Group and wheel-chair accessible sites are available. Nearby there are stores, a restaurant, gas station, visitor center, and boat ramp. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.

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Indian Creek Campground

Located about eight miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, Indian Creek Campground—elevation 7,300 feet (2225 m)—sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains and offers breathtaking views of Electric Peak. The area offers easy access to fishing and hiking. The campground is away from the main road and provides a quieter, more primitive, experience than many other locations. This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.

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Lewis Lake Campground

Lewis Lake Campground—elevation 7,800 ft (2377 m)—is about eight miles from the South Entrance and a short walk from the southeast shore of Lewis Lake. A boat ramp is located near the campground information and registration area. Canoes, kayaks, and motor boats are allowed on Lewis Lake. Boat permits and an aquatic invasive species inspection performed by park staff are required. This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.

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Madison Campground

Madison Campground—elevation 6,800 feet (2073 m)—sits about 14 miles east from the town of West Yellowstone and 16 miles north of Old Faithful. Nearby, the Gibbon and Firehole rivers join to form the Madison River. In early summer, meadows teem with wildflowers and bison. In September and October, you can often hear bugling elk. Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides reservations for this campground.

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Mammoth Campground

The only campground in the park open year-round, Mammoth Campground—elevation 6,200 feet (1890 m)—is located five miles south of the park's North Entrance. Scattered juniper and Douglas fir trees provide shade during hot summer months. The campground is close to fishing, hiking, and the Mammoth Hot Springs. Great wildlife viewing opportunities abound with elk and bison occasionally passing through the campground. The campground is run by the NPS.

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Norris Campground

Norris has been closed to the public for five years and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Due to Norris’ remote location, the park does not have the staffing required to effectively respond to emergency incidents (law enforcement, emergency medical services etc.) and facility maintenance and repairs. For this reason, we have removed it from Yellowstone’s website and publications.

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Pebble Creek Campground

Pebble Creek Campground was significantly impacted by the 2022 floods and will remain CLOSED until further notice for flood recovery work.

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Slough Creek Campground

Near some of the best wildlife watching opportunities in the park. Located at the end of a two-mile dirt road, this campground is best suited for tents and small RVs. There are plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area, including the Slough Creek Trail which begins nearby. Nighttime offers a quiet, unimpeded view of the stars and the possibility of hearing wolves howl. Elevation: 6,250 ft (1905 m). This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.

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Tower Fall Campground

Tower Fall Campground—elevation 6,600 feet (2012 m)—is located on the north side of the steep, winding, road to Dunraven Pass. The campground is near the Tower General Store and Tower Fall. The Lamar Valley, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, is located nearby as are several hiking trails. Roosevelt Lodge, a short drive from the campground, offers dining and horseback riding. This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.

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Upcoming Events

Ranger Program (Old Faithful) - Flat Hat Chat

Aug 31, 2026 · Meet outside the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center on the side of the building facing the geyser basin.

Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center Presentation - Della Bighorse (Crow)

Aug 31, 2026 · Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center is centrally located in the Old Faithful area between the Old Faithful Lodge and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center Presentation - Gwendolyn Carter and Deanna Teasley (Nez Perce)

Sep 7, 2026 · Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center is centrally located in the Old Faithful area between the Old Faithful Lodge and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center Presentation - Rose Abrahamson (Shoshone Bannock -Lemhi Shoshone)

Sep 14, 2026 · Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center is centrally located in the Old Faithful area between the Old Faithful Lodge and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center Presentation - Chris LaTray (Little Shell Chippewa)

Sep 21, 2026 · Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center is centrally located in the Old Faithful area between the Old Faithful Lodge and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center Presentation - Ryan Littleeagle (Cheyenne River Lakota, Taino)

Sep 28, 2026 · Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center is centrally located in the Old Faithful area between the Old Faithful Lodge and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

Things to Do

Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail

An abandoned railroad bed located near the north entrance of Yellowstone makes a beautiful bike trail.

Avalanche Peak Trail

Experience one of the most strenuous day hikes in the park and be rewarded with stunning views of some of the park’s tallest and most remote alpine peaks.

Bannock Ski Trail

The Bannock Ski Trail is a 2 mile (3.2 km) easy ski that follows the old road bed that once used to supply the mining town of Cooke City, Montana.

Barronette Ski Trail

The Barronette Trail is an easy 3.5 mile (5.6 km) one-way section of the Old Cooke City road and winds through conifer forest.

Beaver Ponds Trail

Hike through forests, meadows of sage, and stands of Douglas-fir and aspen on your way to beaver ponds. You might see beavers or their sign, but you are more likely to see muskrats and water birds.

Bighorn Loop Ski Trail

The Bighorn Loop Ski Trail is a 5.5 mile (8.85 km), easy to more difficult trail taking skiers on a loop through rolling terrain with outstanding winter landscape views.

Bighorn Pass Ski Trail

The Bighorn Pass Ski Trail provides a variety of options for skiers to experience the northwest area of Yellowstone National Park.

Black Butte Ski Trail

The Black Butte Ski Trail is a 14 mile (22.6 km) roundtrip ski that follows Black Butte Creek and offers mountain views.

Blacktail Deer Creek to Yellowstone River Trail

Follow Blacktail Deer Creek as it descends through rolling, grassy hills and Douglas-fir forest to a suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River.

Blacktail Plateau Ski Trail

The Blacktail Plateau Ski Trail is an easiest to more difficult 8 mile (12.8 km) one-way ski with two trailhead options. This trail travels open meadows and forests with great wildlife viewing opportunities in winter.

Brink of the Lower Falls Trail

Descend to the brink of the Lower Falls on this steep trail to catch a glimpse of one of Yellowstone's greatest wonders.

Bunsen Peak Loop Bike Trail

The Bunsen Peak Loop is a ten mi (16 km) bike trail that circles Bunsen Peak.

Bunsen Peak Trail

Climb to the top of this igneous peak for panoramic views of Swan Lake Flats, the Gallatin Mountain Range, and the Mammoth Hot Springs area.

Canyon Rim Ski Trail

The Canyon Rim Ski Trail is a 4.5 mile (7.24 km), easiest to more difficult forested trail that takes skiers along the Canyon Rim providing views into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Cascade Lake Trail

Hike through open meadows to Cascade Lake where wildflowers abound and wildlife is often seen.

Chittenden Loop Ski Trail

The Chittenden Loop Ski Trail is an easiest to more difficult 5.3 mile (8.3 km) loop providing views of Mount Washburn on clear days.

Chittenden Road - Mount Washburn Trail

Head up the shortest route to the top of Mount Washburn where you can enjoy panoramic views and interpretive exhibits.

DeLacy Creek Trail

Hike along a forest’s edge and through open meadows to the shores of Yellowstone’s largest backcountry lake. Look for sandhill cranes, moose, and water birds.

Duck Lake Trail

Climb a small hill for a view of Duck and Yellowstone lakes and the expanse of the 1988 fires that swept through this area.

Dunraven Pass - Mount Washburn Trail

Starting at the Dunravenn Pass Trailhead you ascend Mount Washburn on a trail with spectacular views. The Mount Washburn Trail and trailhead parking lot at Dunraven Pass will close for improvements August 6-27, 2019.

Elephant Back Mountain Trail

Hike to the top of this mountain for panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding area.

Explore the Fort Yellowstone Historic District

From 1886 to 1918, the US Army managed Yellowstone National Park. Starting in 1890, the US Army constructed Fort Yellowstone as a more permanent base of operations.

Fairy Falls Ski Trail

The Fairy Falls Ski Trail is a 10 mile (16 km) (with ski drop) skier-tracked, round-trip, easiest to more dificult ski that provides icy views of one of Yellowstone's most popular waterfalls.

Fairy Falls Trail

Enjoy a hike to one of Yellowstone's most spectacular waterfalls.

Fawn Pass Ski Trail

The Fawn Pass Ski Trail is an 11 mile (17.7 km), one-way, more difficult ski trail that provides skiers with wide open views of the Gallatin Range.

Forces of the Northern Range Self-guided Trail

Follow this self-guided trail along a boardwalk that winds through the grassland of Yellowstone's northern range.

Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail

Six miles north of Old Faithful, bikes are allowed on the Fountain Freight Road, an old dirt and gravel road now closed to autos.

Fountain Paint Pot Trail

Explore the four major types of hydrothermal features along this short, popular, boardwalk trail.

Garnet Hill Trail

Follow a stagecoach route on a meadow journey around Garnet Hill. The full route cannot be hiked due to a trail washout refer to Backcountry Conditions report.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Look out across the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or take in the beauty of the Yellowstone River and its waterfalls.

Visitor Centers

  • Albright Visitor Center
  • Canyon Visitor Education Center
  • Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum
  • Grant Visitor Center
  • Madison Information Station and Trailside Museum
  • Museum of the National Park Ranger
  • Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Information Station
  • Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
  • West Thumb Information Station
  • West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (Chamber of Commerce Desk)
  • West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (NPS Desk)

Webcams

Source: National Park Service.

Yellowstone National Park: Alerts, Camping & Things to Do | ExploreParksUSA