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Yellowstone
National Park
ID, MT, WY


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Yellowstone has something for everyone. Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike or prefer to sit quietly and watch the sunset, the park offers a great diversity of activities for you to enjoy.

Explore in Winter
Winter in Yellowstone is a whole different experience: cars and camper-vans give way to snowmobiles and snow-coaches, cold temperatures freeze lakes and waterfalls, and snow-covered landscapes invite you to explore on skis or snowshoes.

Two skiers explore the mountains of Yellowstone.Ski & Snowshoe
Make tracks in a winter wonderland.
Snowmobiles and a snowcoach ride by a small group of bisonRide a Snowmobile or Snowcoach
Take a guided tour of wintry Yellowstone.
Two skiers traveling across a wide trail with backpacks to ski-sleds.Camp in the Backcountry in Winter
A winter trip into the backcountry is a time of solitude and unique beauty. However, frigid weather conditions pose serious dangers.

Explore in Summer
There are so many ways to explore Yellowstone. Here are some of the more popular ways you can experience the park and make your visitor memorable.

Visitors watching a geyser erupt water and steam into the area from the safety of the boardwalk.Explore Thermal Basins
Follow boardwalks and maintained trails to witness hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and geysers up close.
Four hikers walking along a wooded hiking trail.Hike a Trail
Lace up your boots, grab your bear spray, and explore nearly 1,000 miles of trails.
A man looks through a large spotting scope at a bear in the distanceWatch Wildlife
Bring some binoculars or a spotting scope and enjoy animals from a safe distance.
A group of photographers near Mammoth Hot SpringsTake Photographs
Best practices & tips for shooting in Yellowstone.
Cyclists pedal around a campgroundBike in the Park
Enjoy the scenery on two wheels.
Horseback riders in YellowstoneRide a Horse
Bring your own stock or take a guided ride.

Relax
Looking for a quieter experience? Yellowstone also offers ways to slow down and relax in nature.

Girl roasting marshmallow over an open fire.Camp in a Campground
Plan a night in one of twelve park campgrounds.
Hikers crossing a creek via a cable suspension bridge.Camp in the Backcountry
Enjoy the solitude of more than 300 backcountry campsites.
A family sits around a picnic table and enjoys a meal together.Have a Picnic
Unpack your basket at 52 picnic areas throughout the park.

Learn and Tour
Enrich your visit to Yellowstone by participating in a ranger program, attending Indigenous cultural events, becoming a junior ranger, exploring as a young scientist, or going on a guided tour.

A park ranger speaks to visitors facing an erupting geyser from a crowded boardwalkParticipate in a Ranger Program
Join a park ranger to further your understanding about this special place.
a person wearing traditional Native American regalia speaking to visitorsAttend Indigenous Cultural Events
View upcoming Indigenous cultural events happening in Yellowstone.
Become a junior ranger of Yellowstone National Park.Become a Junior Ranger
Now available to download for completing at home, this is a great way to experience Yellowstone National Park for you and your family.
A graphic of a geyser erupting behind the silhouette of a young boy with a magnifying glass.Explore as a Young Scientist
Solve science mysteries by investigating the wonders of Yellowstone!
A group of people gather during sunriseJoin a Guided Tour
Professional guides can help you make the most of your visit.

Fish, Boat, and Soak
Fishing and boating are two popular activities in Yellowstone. Having fairly intact aquatic ecosystems—and being part of river systems that drain into the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of California, and Gulf of Mexico—it is important to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boats and fishing equipment.

Angler fishing in Yellowstone during a golden morning.Catch a Fish
Be a responsible angler and understand the regulations before you come.
Canoer paddles on Yellowstone LakeBoat
Take in the view from the water.
Visitors enjoying the thermally-heated waters at the Firehole Canyon Swim AreaSwim and Soak
As most of Yellowstone's waters are dangerous, there are very limited opportunities to swim or soak. Always follow park regulations.
 Last updated: February 5, 2024
 Park footer Contact Info Mailing Address: PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park,
WY
82190-0168
 Phone: 307-344-7381 Contact Us
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