National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a National Park in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming. The NPS currently lists 4 active alerts (1 closure), 12 campgrounds and 11 visitor centers; entrance fees start at $20.

IdahoMontanaWyoming National Park America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

The sun sets behind the sharp point of a snow-covered mountain; pink clouds are reflected in a pond
Electric Peak Sunset · Photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank (via nps.gov)

Active alerts

4

Closures

1

Campgrounds

12

Visitor centers

11

Current alerts and closures

4 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 1 caution and 2 information.

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.

Posted or updated Jun 30, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

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.

Posted or updated Aug 25, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

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.

Posted or updated Mar 18, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

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.

Posted or updated Jun 18, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

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…

Entrance fees
FeeCostDetails
Entrance - Private Vehicle$35Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Buy online
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$20Non-commercial group (e.g. church groups, scouts) traveling in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more people. Cost is per person.
Entrance - Motorcycle$30Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online
Entrance - Snowmobile$30Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 snowmobiles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online
Entrance - Per Person$20Entry for visitors on foot, bicycle, ski, etc., when 16 years of age or older. Buy online
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$20A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational…
Commercial Entrance - Van$125Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$200Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$300Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Nonresident$100Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Yellowstone National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless…
Park passes
PassCostBuy
Annual Entrance - Park$70At the park

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. Fee details on nps.gov

Things to do

Two hikers enjoying the view of mountains in the distance from the summit of rocky mountain.
Photo: NPS / Diane Renkin

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.

3-4 Hours Summer, Fall

Hiking

Skiers travel along a trail through a forest with mountain peaks rising above the trees.
Photo: NPS / Addy Falgoust

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.

1-2 Hours Winter

Skiing

See all 88 things to do in Yellowstone →

Activities the NPS lists for Yellowstone.

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoBus/Shuttle Guided TourHands-OnArts and CraftsVolunteer VacationHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnow PlaySnowmobilingSnowshoeingSwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating hours

Yellowstone is open daily, year-round, although activities and services are limited at night and certain times of year.

All Park Hours
DayHours
MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

Weather: Yellowstone's weather can vary quite a bit, even in a single day. In the summer, daytime highs can exceed 70°F (21°C), only to drop 20 or more degrees when a thunderstorm rolls through.

Contact and directions

Phone
307-344-7381
Email
[email protected]
Address
2 Officers Row, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Coordinates
44.5982, -110.5472· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Albright Visitor CenterDaily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM307-344-7381Yes
Canyon Visitor Education CenterDaily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM307-344-7381Yes
Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside MuseumDaily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM307-344-7381Yes
Grant Visitor CenterDaily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM307-344-7381Yes
Madison Information Station and Trailside MuseumDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM307-344-7381Yes
Museum of the National Park RangerDaily: 10:00AM - 4:00PM307-344-7381Yes
Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Information StationDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM307-344-7381Yes
Old Faithful Visitor Education CenterDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM307-344-7381Yes
West Thumb Information StationDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM307-344-7381Yes
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (Chamber of Commerce Desk)Daily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM406-646-7701Yes
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (NPS Desk)Daily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM307-344-7381Yes

Campgrounds

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

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Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.