Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the world—and still the most famous. It has gorgeous mountains, abundant wildlife and placid lakes set within a multicolored land of steam and waterfalls. The unique qualities of the area were recognized when Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, 18 years before Wyoming became a state.
Yellowstone is best known for its large number of geothermal features—steaming mud pots, fumaroles, hot springs and active geysers, including Old Faithful. The park contains more than 10,000 thermal sites, more than in all the rest of the world, and new geysers and other features emerge constantly. Yellowstone Park also contains fossil forests, a volcanic-glass mountain and several spectacular waterfalls.
The breathtaking scenery and the possibilities of unforgettable wildlife encounters (moose, elk, trout, bears, wolves) make this a must-see area. Hike one of the many trails to an isolated waterfall or geyser and enjoy the wildflowers, landscape features and wildlife along the way.
With so much to see, Yellowstone now has problems of overcrowding. There are crowds of people and crowds of cars, but most visitors never stray far from the road. Try to plan your travel for an off time or a "shoulder" season. Many visitors find a trip in late spring or early fall gives them a great Yellowstone experience without the crowds.
Adventurous travelers visit in winter, when access is limited and most travel is by skis and snowmobile. Consider spending a few days at one end of the park and a few at the opposite end. This will reduce your point-to-point driving time, leaving you more time for sightseeing, hiking and soaking up the scenery.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that all Yellowstone restaurants, retail outlets and accommodations (hotels, cabins and campsites) are managed by concessionaire Xanterra Parks & Resorts. You can make reservations for lodging and some restaurants in the park with one phone call to Xanterra. Phone 307-344-7311. Toll-free 866-439-7375. http://www.travelyellowstone.com.
Must See or Do
Sights—Old Faithful; Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; Tower Falls.
Museums—The Buffalo Bill Historical Center; the Yellowstone Art Museum and its "Montana Collection."
Memorable Meals—The Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room for delicious appetizers; Maxwell's in Cody for its turkey-bacon-provolone sandwich; the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room for its scrumptious dinner buffet.
Walks—A ranger-led hike; trails at Upper Geyser Basin and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Especially for Kids—Yellowstone Park's Junior Ranger Program.
History
The geothermal activity at Yellowstone began more than 600,000 years ago with a cataclysmic volcanic eruption that deposited a layer of ash across much of North America. What remained was a caldera, 30 mi/48 km wide by 45 mi/72 km long, and a treasure trove of thermal anomalies that continue to be fueled by subterranean volcanic activity. Evidence of human habitation in the area can be traced back as far as 6000-9000 BC. Archaeological research indicates that groups of Shoshone lived within the park during the past 1,500 years and that they were present in the area when white explorers first visited.
In the early 1800s, explorers and adventurers pushed west across the plains into the Rocky Mountains. In 1807, the Missouri Fur Trading Company sent John Colter, a former member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, on a solo expedition of the Yellowstone area. With this journey, Colter became the first of many white men to tell vibrant tales of boiling rivers and holes in the earth that spewed water and steam. When the explorers' accounts appeared in newspapers, the public treated them as the tall tales of men who had spent too much time alone in the woods. Even in the 1830s, when well-known mountain man Jim Bridger told of waterfalls that spouted up, there were not many believers. In 1870, a group led by Henry Washburn, surveyor-general of the Montana Territory, documented the wonders of Yellowstone; in 1871, Congress appointed the U.S. Geological Survey head, Ferdinand Hayden, to officially explore the area. He was accompanied by artist Thomas Moran and photographer William Jackson, who produced the first pictorial renderings of Yellowstone's geologic wonders. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone as the world's first national park.
By 1895, annual visitation was more than 5,000. A railway spur came to the north side of the park in 1883, which connected to stagecoaches that carried visitors around the Grand Loop, stopping at notable sights and staying at grand hotels, including Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel, constructed for the purpose. By 1915, the first automobiles appeared, and road construction increased.
Throughout the ensuing decades, Yellowstone has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park hit the headlines in 1988 when three months of drought set the stage for the worst fire season ever: More than one-third of the park's acreage was damaged by fire until September snowfalls finally snuffed the inferno. Yellowstone was in the spotlight in 1995 over the reintroduction of wolves and in 2000 over the controversy about snowmobile restrictions. Today, the snowmobile controversy continues.
Potpourri
The earth's crust at Yellowstone is thinner than anywhere else on earth, only 1 mi/1.6 km, compared to 5 mi/8 km at most points on the earth's mantle.
Hot pools are not designed for a relaxing soak—their average temperature is 160 F/70 C. Far from being barren, they are inhabited by thermophiles, bacterial life-forms that thrive in the hot water.
The explosion of the Yellowstone volcano deposited more ash than any volcano at any time in history. Traces of ash from the eruption can be found from the Midwest to the Pacific, from Canada to Mexico.
You'll hear the words bison and buffalo used interchangeably. Both are correct: Bison is the species name for the animal that is native to Europe and America. Buffalo is a term for American bison.
Bison congregate around the hot, smelly sulfur pits, even in hot weather. Why? The odor repels biting insects, something you'll appreciate, too.
When visiting communities near Yellowstone, watch for celebrities. Jeff Bridges, Peter Fonda and Dennis Quaid all own a piece of the area of Montana known as Paradise Valley, an aptly named vale that stretches north from Gardiner to Livingston. Harrison Ford calls Jackson Hole, Wyoming, home.
Sightseeing
Yellowstone is a sightseer's paradise, and at 2.2 million acres/900,000 hectares, there's plenty to see. In their eagerness to visit the park's highlights, some people just drive around the Grand Loop, only leaving their vehicles to eat, sleep and see Old Faithful erupt. With just a little more effort, including short hikes and visits to museums, you can dramatically enhance your experience. Winter visitors have a limited but no less majestic opportunity to explore. With the exception of the road between Mammoth and Silver Gate/Cooke City, all of the park's roads are closed to cars in the winter, making snow coaches (large heated vans on caterpillar treads) or cross-country skis excellent alternatives.
Museums
Several visitors centers have exhibits about the history of Yellowstone. In towns near the park's boundaries, there are also a number of museums dedicated to art inspired by the wildlife of the region, the natural history of the Rockies and more.
Neighborhoods & Districts
Yellowstone has several settlements or villages where lodging and services are concentrated. Each has its own character.
Recreation
Recreation options in Yellowstone are limited only by your curiosity and physical stamina. For summer visitors who are up to it, an overnight backpacking trip in Yellowstone is a great way to experience the park (and escape the crowds at the same time). Advance reservations for backcountry campsites can be made beginning 1 April for the upcoming year. The reservation must be made by mail, and there's a fee of US$20 for the trip, regardless of the length of your campsite stay or the number in your party (if made in person less than 48 hours prior to your stay, there is no fee). Advance reservations increase your chances of getting a campsite. Begin by requesting a Backcountry Trip Planner, which contains a reservation form and information on hiking in the park. (Phone 307-344-2160; http://www.nps.gov/yell/publications/pdfs/backcountry/index.htm). Be sure you understand the details of picking up your permit and other requirements that must be met.
Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers a variety of guided tours, including sightseeing buses and boat rentals. National Park Service rangers also provide tours and guided hikes, many of which are free of charge. Details about tours and services offered during your visit are in the seasonal publication Yellowstone Today, as well as at visitors centers, hotels and campgrounds.
Bird Watching
Birding opportunities are abundant in most areas of the park. Around 320 species have been identified to date, about 150 of which are known to nest and breed within the park's boundaries. Bald eagles, osprey and pelicans frequent the Yellowstone Lake area, and swans may be seen along the Madison River midway between the West Entrance and Madison Junction. Osprey are also visible around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area. Spring and fall migratory seasons offer opportunities to spot birds not commonly found in the park. Birders should plan a stop at the Fishing Bridge visitors center, where the exhibits focus on birds and their role within the park, and where there is a high probability of seeing pelicans. An easy 1-mi/1.6-km loop hike begins about 1 mi/1.6 km east of the visitors center and leads you through several areas with good viewing potential.
A birder's checklist is available on the park's Web site at http://www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/birds.htm.
Boating & Sailing
Private boats of all types (including float tubes) need to have a park permit that must be obtained in person. Boats are prohibited on all rivers and streams except the channel between Shoshone and Lewis lakes, where hand-powered boats are allowed. Rafting trips can be arranged on surrounding waterways, and boat rentals, guided fishing charters and scenic cruises are available from Xanterra at the Bay Bridge Marina on Yellowstone Lake.
Fishing
Yellowstone is working to stabilize and increase its native fish populations, especially the cutthroat trout. Fishing is allowed in the Yellowstone River (except in areas marked as nonfishing areas), Yellowstone Lake and other streams around the park. Rules pertaining to size and possession limits depend upon the species, but the maximum number of fish that may be kept by any one person is five per day.
A park permit is required for anglers 12 and older (free for 12- to 15-year-olds; a fee is charged for anglers 16 and older), but a state license is not necessary. Bait fishing is not allowed, and nontoxic (lead-free) tackle is required. Regulations and permits are available at ranger stations, visitors centers and general stores.
Occasionally, the park must apply fishing restrictions in certain areas. Information on current fishing restrictions can be found at the park Web site at http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishrestrict.htm.
Hiking & Walking
While you're driving through the park, take time to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery up close, along the park's marked walking trails. They're a great—and not too difficult—way to get close to natural wonders you've seen only in photographs. (A walk may also provide an escape from the worst of the crowds: Studies show that the average visitor never gets farther than 0.25 mi/0.40 km from his or her vehicle.) Trails are well-marked, with distances posted.
Possible trails include those located at the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, Norris Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pot, Upper Geyser Basin, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Mud Volcano and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Elephant Back Loop Trail (south of Fishing Bridge from the East Entrance) climbs to a great overlook of Lake Village over the course of about 4 mi/6 km. At the trail junction, choose either direction, since both lead to the top. Moose and deer frequent this area. From the overlook, see the Pelican Valley to the left, Yellowstone Lake and its islands ahead and the Absaroka Range rising above the lake.
Ranger-led hikes are a great way to learn about Yellowstone's geothermal features and wildlife. Most are free, but a fee is charged for half-day Ranger Adventure Hikes, which are longer and more specialized. Reservations for Ranger Adventure Hikes can be made at park visitors centers.
Horseback Riding
Trail rides organized by Xanterra head out from Canyon, Mammoth and Tower-Roosevelt. Each ride covers a very different section of the park. They last one or two hours, and reservations are recommended. Trail rides are appropriate for riders ages 8 and older. Stagecoach rides depart from Tower/Roosevelt. They make an affordable, less physically taxing way to experience the Old West. You can make reservations at your hotel or a visitors center.
Skiing
Cross-country skiing is the name of the game at Yellowstone: Miles/kilometers of outstanding terrain, with groomed trails and roadways, are a pleasure for even novice skiers. Backcountry skiing on ungroomed trails is popular, too. Rental equipment is available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Snowshoes are the footwear of choice for many winter visitors. And at Mammoth, a skating rink is set up every winter, with skates available to rent.
Spas and Health Clubs
If you're eager to go "hot potting" (soaking in hot springs), consider taking a drive to one of the hot springs resorts north of Yellowstone. Chico Hot Springs in Pray, Montana, is just a half-hour drive from the gateway community of Gardiner. In fact, there are more than two dozen developed hot springs in Montana. For more information, visit http://visitmt.com/tripplanner/wheretogo/hotsprings.htm.
Swimming
Hot springs and thermal pools don't add up to swimming at Yellowstone—water from geothermal features can measure up to 170 F/76 C, and a dip can be fatal. There are no swimming pools at any in-park lodgings, and most of the lakes, rivers and streams are too cold. Along the north entrance road from Gardiner to Mammoth, however, a section of the Gardiner River known as the Boiling River lends itself to swimming. A footpath leads from a parking area to a hot spring that is open in the summer after the high water recedes. Access is during daylight hours only, and bathing suits are required.
Other Options
West Yellowstone is touted as the snowmobile capital of the world, thanks to the amount and quality of its annual snowfall and the wealth of trail opportunities in and around the park. Some visitors choose to stay in gateway cities and make day trips into the park on snowmobiles. However, the use of snowmobiles in the park is a controversial issue. Some people believe they have an adverse effect on air quality and wildlife—instead of conserving energy as the animals normally do in the deep snowpack, they flee from the loud motorized vehicles.
In recent years, the park's official stance toward snowmobiles has wavered with the political winds. Only snowmobiles that are part of guided trips are allowed in the park. Xanterra provides guides and snowmobiles from Mammoth and Old Faithful; additional authorized outfitters are located in West Yellowstone, Cooke City and Gardiner.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Yellowstone itself revolves around campfires and evening ranger programs, although hotels and inns have bars and sitting lounges with soft music playing in the background. Bars and restaurants in the park's gateway communities offer live music, gambling and other entertainment on weekends and some weeknights. Local theaters feature films, concerts and plays. Summertime around Yellowstone is festival time. A stop at each town's chamber of commerce will help you navigate the offerings.
Shopping
Gift shops in the park offer a wide range of possibilities—both in variety and quality—for the traveler who wants to carry home a remembrance of Yellowstone. Although many items are standard tourist fare, many shops promote the work of local artists and artisans. The Indian Handicrafts Shop at Old Faithful Inn, for example, is worth investigating for its selection of Native American pottery, jewelry and art. For a deeper look into Western art, head to the town of Livingston, Montana, which has nearly two dozen galleries.
General stores carry a range of grocery items and alcoholic beverages (because the park predates the state of Wyoming, it is not subject to state laws governing liquor sales), books and souvenirs. They also carry camping, fishing and sports gear.
Shopping Hours: Shops within the park are open every day 7:30 am-9:30 pm during the summer season. Stores in the surrounding communities are generally open daily, with widely varying store hours.
Bookstores
There are no dedicated bookstores in the park, but most gift shops and general stores offer a good selection of books about Yellowstone's history, geology and wildlife.
Local Tours
If all you have is a day at Yellowstone, consider taking a guided tour: You will be able to spend your time seeing the sights instead of dodging traffic and wildlife.
Day By Day
Though you could drive through the park in one day, that's about all you'd be doing—driving. We recommend three days, more if you plan to see other attractions in northwest Wyoming such as Grand Teton National Park, or visit any of the gateway communities and their attractions. This itinerary assumes you are visiting in warm weather, when all roads in the parks are open. Be sure to make reservations well in advance—hotels and campgrounds are full to capacity during the high season. Also be sure to check in advance for road closures and delays due to construction and weather (yes, it can snow in Yellowstone in the summer).
Day 1—Enter the park through the West Entrance, turn left at Madison Junction and head to Norris. Stop for a stroll along the boardwalk that winds through the geyser basin. Visit the Museum of the Park Ranger and learn about the history of the National Park Service and Yellowstone's rangers. Continue north to Mammoth Hot Springs, where the Albright Visitor Center provides a broad overview of the park and its history. A walkway around the hot-springs area provides an up-close look at the travertine terraces. Overnight in the Mammoth area.
Day 2—Head east on the Grand Loop road to Tower Fall, where a short hike takes you to the base of this dramatic waterfall. Continue south on the loop road to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, stopping to hike in the canyon or to take a horseback ride. When ready, continue south to Yellowstone Lake and overnight there.
Day 3—Spend some time in the Yellowstone Lake area before continuing south and then west to Old Faithful. See Old Faithful erupt and spend some time touring the Upper and Lower Geyser basins. Try to include an off-the-road hike to see less-visited trails. If you want a quieter overnight experience, return to the lake area or stay in Grant Village.
Day 4—Depart the area by road or air.
Dining Overview
Even though most of us think of Yellowstone in terms of picnics and campfire cooking, there is food to suit a variety of tastes and standards. Choices range from cafeterias and fast-food outlets to full-scale restaurants at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful Inn, Grant Village, Canyon Lodge, Roosevelt Lodge and Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Some restaurants feature local specialties such as farm-raised elk or bison burgers. Reservations for dinner are required at all park restaurants, although if you're willing to wait, you may still get a table.
The general store at Lake Village has a counter-style snack bar with freshly prepared, hearty sandwiches and soups served with old-time flair. With a couple of hours' advance notice, hikers and picnickers can order a box lunch from any food outlet in the park.
All restaurants and food outlets in the park are managed by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. To make dinner reservations (for any restaurant that requires them), phone 307-344-7311. Toll-free 866-439-7375.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$10; $$ = US$10-$20; $$$ = US$21-$50; $$$$ = more than US$50.
Personal Safety
Yellowstone is a magnificent wilderness, but it's not without danger. Respect all warning signs and follow park rangers' instructions. If you're near geysers and hot springs, stay on boardwalks and designated trails—the water is scalding hot, and several visitors end up with burns each year. Don't mistakenly think the crust around the geysers is solid ground—it isn't. In fact, it is paper-thin in some places, and thanks to ongoing geothermal activity, even the park rangers can't predict where new weak spots will appear.
Wildlife poses other dangers. Animals in Yellowstone have become accustomed to people, and it is possible to get very close to the elk, bison (buffalo), moose, deer, bears and coyotes. Don't. They are far more dangerous than they appear and can run a lot faster than you can. Park staff recommends people stay 300 ft/91 m from bears and 75 ft/23 m from all other animals. Because you probably won't have a tape measure handy, err on the side of caution: If an animal stops what it is doing to look at you, back off slowly, no matter how far away you may be. Keep an even greater distance from a mother and her young, no matter what species of animal, and remember that feeding and calling out to wildlife is illegal.
Elk pose a particular challenge in the Mammoth Hot Springs area, where they gather on lawns in the evening. Bison herds frequently block the pathways between facilities at Lake Village and elsewhere. Keep your distance no matter how inconvenient it may be. (If you need additional incentive, the park's Web site provides graphic videos at http://www.nps.gov/yell/safetyvideos.htm.)
Preparation is essential if you will be hiking, picnicking or exploring. Yellowstone is prime grizzly and black bear country: Some visitors never even glimpse one in the distance, but others suddenly find themselves too close for comfort or safety. Be sure to check with park rangers if you'll be hiking or camping. Rangers and park staff can provide information on avoiding bears and what to do if you encounter one. Trail closures occur when bear activity warrants it, and warning signs will be posted.
There also are man-made hazards. Be prepared for traffic congestion, which gets worse when animals are sighted near the road (locals call these "elk jams" or "bison jams"). If you're the designated driver for a Yellowstone tour, be prepared to sacrifice your sightseeing in order to keep your eyes on the road. You may need to stop unexpectedly: Car and motorcycle accidents occur frequently.
Health
Because most of the park is more than 7,500 ft/2,275 m above sea level, visitors with heart and lung conditions are wise to consider the impact of thin, dry air on their health. If health issues are a concern, avoid hikes and other forms of strenuous exercise. Even the healthiest people can succumb to altitude sickness, so it's best to acclimate, drink lots of water and drink alcohol in moderation. (At such high altitude, even a single beer packs a punch.)
Observe all wildlife precautions and never hike alone. Protect yourself from the elements with appropriate clothing and footwear—warm clothing in the winter, and a hat and sunscreen in the summer. Always take a jacket, preferably a waterproof, breathable one, even for day hikes. Heat exhaustion can also be a problem. Carry water on hikes to avoid dehydration—a serious problem in the dry climate—and keep hard-working muscles limber. A small first-aid kit is also a good item to take, and food is also a good idea.
In certain areas of the park, mosquitoes and biting flies are a problem. Carry insect repellent just in case.
There are three health clinics in the park—at Mammoth Hot Springs, Lake Village and Old Faithful. Mammoth Clinic is open year-round; hours vary. Phone 307-344-7965. Lake Clinic is open mid-May to mid-September daily 8:30 am-8:30 pm. Phone 307-242-7241. Old Faithful Clinic is open mid-May to mid-October; hours vary. Phone 307-545-7325.
In an emergency, dial 911 (keep in mind that cell-phone coverage is spotty, so you may have to travel to reach a land line).
Disabled Advisory
Virtually every facility and attraction throughout the park is accessible or accessible with assistance, thanks to carefully thought-out paths and boardwalks. Exceptions are the overlook at Inspiration Point and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, but viewing alternatives are available in both places. Information is available from the park's Accessibility Coordinator. Phone 307-344-2017 or TDD 307-344-2386.
Wheelchairs can be rented by the day from the medical clinics at Mammoth Hot Springs, Lake Village and Old Faithful. If you would like sign-language interpretation for any program, phone 307-344-2251 at least three weeks in advance.
Access Passes are available to blind and permanently disabled visitors to the park. The pass offers free, lifetime entrance to any federal park, historic site and recreation area that charges entrance fees. It can be obtained from any visitor center or entrance station in Yellowstone.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't get too close to wildlife. Even the most placid buffalo can be unpredictable, charging at people it thinks are threatening its young or habitat.
Do sign up for a ranger-led tour. Yellowstone park rangers are proud of its heritage as the first national park, and they're eager to share their knowledge. They can help you put the amazing things you see in a bigger context.
Don't collect wildflowers, stones, antlers, feathers or any other natural object as a souvenir. It's illegal.
Do get as far away from the Grand Loop as you can, at least once. You'll find it a much more meaningful, intimate experience.
Don't throw anything (including coins) into the geysers and hot springs. It's not only illegal, it can also damage or destroy something that has taken millennia to form.
Don't be casual about bear-proofing your campsite. Keep all food in your car or raised up off the ground on ropes, and don't wear any fragrant toiletries to bed. Their smell attracts bears, too.
Do listen to the sounds of nature—blurping mud pots, hissing fumaroles, grunting buffalos, singing birds.
Hotel Overview
Many visitors to Yellowstone choose to camp so they can get the full outdoor experience, but it's important to plan ahead. If you don't reserve in advance during the busy summer months, plan to find your space before noon or you may have to go without. (Lands outside park boundaries offer much better availability to campers, though those too can fill by late afternoon.) A campsite costs about US$12-$17, US$35 for the Fishing Bridge RV Park. Those campgrounds accepting advance reservations are Bridge Bay, Canyon Village, Grant Village, Madison and Fishing Bridge (phone 307-344-7311, toll-free 866-439-7375). All others are first-come, first-served.
Noncampers have several choices, but it's essential to make arrangements early—at least six months in advance if you're visiting in the summer. Hotels, lodges and cabins are available (rooms and cabins come with or without private baths, so be sure to specify your preference). The cabins are quite comfortable and sometimes can be reserved just weeks in advance of a visit. Phone the park's central reservations office at 307-344-7311, toll-free 866-439-7375. Properties open at various times May-early June, and all close by the end of October. Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel reopen late December-March (access to the Snow Lodge is only by snowmobile or snow coach). Lodging in the park is comfortable but basic: None of the park's accommodations offer air-conditioning, TV or Internet hookups in the rooms. Telephones are in some hotel rooms, and all rooms are smoke-free.
The park contains several historic hotels, including Yellowstone's restored grande dame, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and the charming and eccentric Old Faithful Inn.
Geostats
Passport/Visa Requirements: Canadians need to show proof of citizenship (including a photo ID) to enter the U.S. and re-enter Canada; a passport is recommended. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.
Time Zone: 7 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-7 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 307, area code;
Currency Exchange
Banks are located in Cody, Wyoming, and West Yellowstone, Gardiner and Red Lodge, Montana. Although there are no banks in the park itself, credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere. ATMs are located at the general stores at Canyon, Fishing Bridge, Grant, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithful Upper Basin, as well as in the lobbies of Canyon Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Old Faithful Inn and Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Foreign currency can be converted to U.S. dollars at the front desk of any lodging facility Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm.
Taxes
Taxes in and around Yellowstone are a bit complicated because they vary by county and city. Within the park, facilities and services at Madison, Canyon Village, Norris, Roosevelt, Tower Fall and Mammoth Hot Springs are subject to an 8% accommodations tax and a 4% sales tax. Facilities and services at Old Faithful, West Thumb, Grant Village, Bridge Bay, Lake Village and Fishing Bridge are subject to a 6% accommodations tax and a 6% sales tax. Outside the park throughout most of Montana, you will pay a 7% accommodations tax, but there is no sales tax. The only exception in the Yellowstone vicinity is West Yellowstone, where the accommodations tax is 10% and there is a 3% tax on restaurant meals and some other goods and services. In Wyoming, taxes vary by county.
Tipping
Generally, waitstaff should be tipped 15%-20% of the total bill. Hotel staff should receive US$5-$10 per night for housekeeping service, US$5-$15 for concierge service such as dinner reservations or tour booking, and 15%-20% of the total bill for room service. Tour guides and drivers should be tipped US$1-$5 per person. Instructors, such as ski instructors, should be tipped 15%-20% of the total lesson price.
Weather
Summer temperatures range 81 F/27 C to 38 F/3 C, so take along clothes you can layer. Nights below freezing (32 F/0 C) are possible any time of year, and daytime temperatures can reach 90 F/32 C. May and June can be cold and rainy, with occasional thunderstorms and even snowfall. (It has snowed in Yellowstone in every month of the year.) Keep in mind that the higher you go, the more likely you are to encounter cool and/or wet weather. In September, expect days and nights to be quite cool (34-68 F/2-19 C). Snow becomes a distinct probability at any elevation in October. Be aware that some facilities close in September and October. Check ahead to see what's available if you plan to visit October-May.
Though the most popular months to visit are July and August, September and October offer a different experience. The days are cool and pleasant, the park is less crowded and it's a prime time to see wildlife. Winter can be spectacular, too, but only those who relish a challenge should consider it: Temperatures are cold (often below 0 F/-18 C), and many attractions and facilities are closed. Roads can be snow-covered and slippery, and there's only one road through Yellowstone (from Mammoth Hot Springs to Cooke City) that remains open year-round.
What to Wear
No matter when you visit the park, the key word when it comes to your wardrobe is
layering. Mornings generally call for long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a vest, sweater or sweatshirts, jackets and sometimes even gloves and a warm hat, but by lunchtime you'll probably be ready for shorts and a T-shirt. Sturdy footwear is a must at all times, along with a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen (even on overcast days). Keep raingear handy for any sudden storms and have some insect repellant available, just in case.
Telephone
Pay phones are located throughout the park. Phone cards are a smart addition to your gear because cell-phone coverage is only available in a few areas of the park. For directory assistance, phone 307-555-1212.
Internet Access
Internet access in Yellowstone is limited to dial-up service, and computers for guests are not generally available. Outside the park, options increase: All of the gateway communities have high-speed or dial-up Internet access available at various locations, including the public libraries in Cody, Red Lodge and West Yellowstone as well as at some coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and even a gas station—the Sinclair station in Cooke City, Montana.
Mail & Package Services
The park's main post office is at Mammoth Hot Springs and is open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm year-round. There are seasonal post offices at Canyon, Lake Village, Grant and Old Faithful, and you'll find mail drops at all lodging facilities, campgrounds and stores.
Newspapers & Magazines
The park publishes a free seasonal guide to activities and tours,
Yellowstone Today. Daily papers in the area include the
Bozeman Chronicle and the
Billings Gazette.
USA Today is available in most hotels and general stores.
Transportation
If you plan to fly into the area, there are several airport options, though none is particularly close to the park. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is 56 mi/90 km from the South Entrance (south of Grand Teton National Park). Airports also are located in nearby Bozeman, Montana (BZN); Billings, Montana (BIL); and Cody, Wyoming (COD). Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC), is the closest major airport. Rental cars are available at all five airports.
There is no public transportation in the park, and most visitors see the park by car. In the winter, all roads are closed to car traffic in Yellowstone except the one between the north entrance (at Gardiner, Montana) and the northeast entrance (at Silver Gate, Montana). The exact closing dates vary depending on the weather, but roads are generally shut down beginning in early November. Most reopen in mid-May. No matter when you plan to travel, it's always a good idea to contact the park headquarters for current road and weather information (phone 307-344-7381). Once in the park, stop at the visitors centers for updated information: Road conditions and weather change rapidly.
If you prefer not to drive, Xanterra and other tour operators run motorcoach tours. In winter, snow-coach tours, rented snowmobiles, cross-country skiing and guided ski tours are available.
Bicycles are allowed on park roads and designated routes, but using them as your sole mode of transportation requires conquering long distances, steep inclines and nonexistent shoulders. Traffic congestion, reduced visibility and wide mirrors on motor homes present additional challenges for those sharing the road with motorized vehicles.
Calendar
A schedule of special events and ranger programs is distributed at all park entrances, ranger stations, visitors centers, lodging facilities, campgrounds and stores.
For details on festivals, concerts rodeos, and other special events in gateway communities around Yellowstone, visit the following Web sites:
Cody, Wyoming, Chamber of Commerce: http://www.codychamber.org/visitcody.
Red Lodge, Montana, visitor information: http://www.redlodge.com.
Gardiner, Montana, Chamber of Commerce: http://www.gardinerchamber.com.
West Yellowstone, Montana, Chamber of Commerce: http://www.codychamber.org/visitcody.
