MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. — Visiting Yellowstone National Park this holiday weekend? Be sure plan ahead to ensure a safe visit and to protect the park for generations to come.
“Within the park’s 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain half the world’s active geysers and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River,” the National Park Service says.
Ahead of Memorial Day, the National Park Service shared 10 reminders to help visitors make the most of their time in the park:
1. No reservations required: Reservations are not required to enter the park – just a park entrance pass. Save time at entrance stations by purchasing a pass online before arriving. Keep in mind that summer is busy, so be prepared for crowds at popular areas and lines at the entrance stations, in construction areas and at roadside wildlife sightings. Be patient and enjoy the visit.
2. Check road status map: Most park roads open to regular vehicles in mid-April and close to wheeled vehicles (cars, vans, motorcycles, etc.) in early November. Weather might necessitate temporary closures at any time, so check the park roads page for more information about current park road status and traffic delays due to road improvement projects.
3. Plan ahead: All campgrounds and lodging require a reservation and are usually full well in advance. Operating hours and service levels can change with little notice. Check the latest information before coming to the park.
4. Give wildlife room: Wild animals are dangerous and people have been injured or killed by bears, bison and elk. Respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Always maintain a minimum of 25 yards (23 m) from all wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Visitors are responsible for their own personal safety.
5. Drive and park responsibly: Observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures and let other cars pass. Do not stop a vehicle on the road. When pulling over, be sure to park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line.
6. Stay on boardwalks: People have been severely injured or killed by breaking through the thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs.
7. Enhance the experience: Download the free National Park Service app (and offline content) before arriving to the park.
8. Expect limited connectivity: Visitors might not be able to receive calls or texts, even in the few areas where there is cell reception.
9. Prepare for weather changes: Unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone’s weather. Expect big temperature swings, rain or snow during every month of the year. No matter the season, bring a warm jacket, rain gear and lots of layers.
10. Make the most of the trip: Attend a ranger program, Indigenous cultural event or check out any of the special events happening in Yellowstone.
