Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the first national park and the first preserve in the United States. Located in the northwest of Wyoming, the park sits within a massive volcanic basin and boasts the highest number of hot springs in the world—10,000 in total, including 250 geysers. The park has five entrances and is divided into five regions: the Mammoth Hot Springs area in the northwest, known for its limestone terraces and also called the Thermal Terraces area; the Roosevelt area in the northeast, which retains the old West landscape; the Canyon area in the center, where you can see the Yellowstone Grand Canyon and waterfalls; the Lake area in the southeast, famous for its lake and mountain scenery; and the Geyser area in the west and southwest, which is dotted with geysers, hot springs, steam vents, hot mud pots, and fumaroles.

Precautions

Hot Springs: Swimming in hot springs is not allowed. Visitors must observe hot springs from safe areas. Some hot springs contain substances that may scratch your skin or cause infections. Some hot spring temperatures exceed boiling point, and getting too close can cause serious skin damage.

Wildlife: Do not approach or feed wildlife. Do not take photos of wildlife in an invasive way. Always keep your distance from wild animals and follow the park's guidelines on wildlife safety distances. Even from a safe distance, you can still observe wildlife behavior clearly—often even better than if you get too close. Do not get too close to wildlife, especially animals with young. Observe them from safe areas. Bison may appear docile and move slowly, but they are dangerous animals. Weighing up to 900 kilograms, bison can run three times faster than a human. Coyotes may approach people on roads for food. Do not feed them out of kindness, or you may be attacked. Bears: The best way to avoid bear attacks is to stay cautious and maintain a safe distance. If suddenly confronted by a bear, pepper spray is effective in up to 90% of cases. If injured by a bear, notify park rangers immediately.

Dead Trees: There are dead trees in Yellowstone, remnants from the 1988 fires. Some branches may fall and injure visitors, so be careful while walking. Avoid setting up camps or having picnics in areas with many dead trees.

Driving in the Park: Yellowstone spans 564 kilometers (350 miles). Many roads are narrow, busy, and steep in places. Drive carefully and watch out for wildlife on the road, especially at night.

Altitude: Some roads in the park are between 5,300 and 8,860 feet above sea level. It’s recommended to have a health check before visiting. Travelers with heart disease or respiratory conditions should be particularly cautious. Monitor your physical condition during the visit, stay hydrated, eat regularly, and take frequent breaks.

Phone Numbers: Emergency: 911 | Park Information: 307-344-7381

Transportation: There are several airports around Yellowstone that operate year-round: Cody Airport (Cody), Jackson Hole Airport (Jackson, WY), Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (Bozeman), and Billings Logan International Airport (Billings). Year-round buses are available from Bozeman to Yellowstone. There is no direct train to Yellowstone. The nearest train station is in Salt Lake City, southeastern Idaho. Ticket | Opening Hours: The private non-commercial entry fee is $25 per vehicle, and $20 for motorcycles or snowmobiles. One ticket allows seven consecutive days of entry and exit to the park, so please keep your receipt for park access.

Las Vegas, USA