Traveling in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Park North Entrance

One of the most awe inspiring natural wonders in the United States, Yellowstone National Park is especially known for its volcanic activity. The 30 by 45 mile caldera (or basin) is the site of numerous geysers, hot springs, fumaroles and mudpots. Yellowstone was the world's first national park and was established in 1872. In addition to the well maintained roads that take you through the park there are almost 1,000 miles of trails that can be used for a more intimated view of this incredible natural wonder.

Yellowstone Park Vegetation

Yellowstone host a wide range of terrains and plant life. As you drive through you will find areas of near-desert vegetation near the North Entrance contrasting with the subalpine meadows and forests to be found on Mount Washburn. 80 percent of the forest in Yellowstone is made up of Lodge pole Pine which covers about 60 percent of the park.

Yellowstone Park Wildlife

While driving through Yellowstone you are likely to encounter much of its wildlife. It's not unusual to fine herds of Bison or Elk meandering in the middle of the road making for some great photo opportunities. Keep your eyes open in the surrounding fields and mountainsides for Mule deer, Bighorn sheep, and Pronghorn. Many predatory animals also make their homes here, and it is not unusual to catch a glimpse of a coyote, wolf or even a black bear or Grizzly bear.

Yellowstone Bison

As you stop to take pictures you will often see some Uinta ground squirrels, Yellow-bellied Marmots or even a Pika or two foraging for seeds and playing in the fields and grounds near the vista points and overlooks.

Osprey, American White Pelicans, Lesser Scaup, Green winged Teals and Trumpeter Swans are also to be found in the marshy areas in the valley and along the roadsides.

Yellowstone Park Laws and Regulations

It's good to have some of the most important rules in mind while traveling through Yellowstone Park.

• Speed limit: The maximum speed limit in the park is 45mph or lower if posted. Remember that many people are driving slowly to watch the wildlife, drive defensively and be prepared for obstructions in the road at anytime (animal, cars, debris).
• Pets: Pets must be leashed at all times and are not permitted on the trails in the basin area or in the backcountry.
• Wildlife: You should not try to feed or approach any wildlife especially the most dangerous ones, bears and bison. It is illegal to come within 100 yards of any bear or to come within 25 yards of other wildlife. While the bear may seem tolerant as you approach to take that perfect picture, they have been known to turn quickly and without warning, stay away! Especially in the summer the best time to see these animals is in the morning or evening. Feeding any wildlife is illegal; this encourages them to be more aggressive which forces the park to remove the animal from the area.
• Defacing Park features: While you may not think of it as defacing the park, it is illegal to collect natural objects in the park and that includes flowers. More obviously, littering is illegal in the park. When visiting the many geysers and hot springs you must stay on the trails both for your own safety and for the preservation of the park. Tossing coins and other object in the thermal pools causes them damage and is also illegal.
• Fishing: Fishing and boating permits are required. Many of the streams are for fly fishing or catch and release only, check the regulations before doing any fishing. Regulations may change so what was permitted one year may not be the next, check at the local ranger station for details on the exact lake or stream you plan on fishing.
• Backpacking permits: all overnight trips to the backcountry require a permit. For safety reasons you should tell a ranger your overnight plans and know how to store your food to keep it safe from bears. Vehicles and bicycles are not permitted on the trails. Campfires are only permitted in designated areas.

For more information contact:
307-344-7381
307-344-2386 TTY
and 307-344-2117 for road updates
For Emergencies call 911
Other information can be found at NPS.Gov Or write to
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168