This Yellowstone travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Yellowstone, the world’s first national park (1872), protects geysers, hot springs, canyons and wildlife including bison, elk, wolves and grizzly bears.
Whether you are flying in for a long weekend or building a bigger road trip, this guide covers access, timing, neighbourhoods, costs and insider tips.
Yellowstone travel guide: quick facts
| Yellowstone National Park at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Wyoming |
| Nearest airport | Bozeman (BZN), Jackson Hole (JAC), Cody (COD) or West Yellowstone (WYS, seasonal) |
| Getting there | About 1.5 hours from Bozeman to the North or West Entrance; 1 hour from Jackson to the South Entrance |
| Best time to visit | Late May to September (most roads open); winter by snowcoach |
| Time needed | 3–4 days |
| Best for | Families, wildlife lovers and photographers |
| Entry | $35 per vehicle (7 days) |
Why visit Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is ideal for families, wildlife lovers and photographers. Its headline experiences include Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lamar Valley, and it pairs well with Grand Teton National Park and Glacier National Park. It is a place that rewards slowing down rather than rushing between sights.
How to get to Yellowstone National Park
- By air: Bozeman (BZN), Jackson Hole (JAC), Cody (COD) or West Yellowstone (WYS, seasonal).
- By road: About 1.5 hours from Bozeman to the North or West Entrance; 1 hour from Jackson to the South Entrance.
- Rental cars: available at Bozeman (BZN); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Park rules and safety
National and provincial parks protect fragile landscapes and wildlife. Stay on trails, keep pets leashed where they are allowed, and never approach or feed animals. Carry bear spray in bear country and know how to use it. Popular trailheads fill early in summer, so arrive before 8 a.m. or use shuttles where available. Weather changes fast; carry water, snacks, a rain layer and a headlamp even on short hikes.
Top things to do in Yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful
Erupts roughly every 60–110 minutes.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The rainbow-coloured hot spring; view from the Fairy Falls overlook.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Lower Falls and Artist Point.
Lamar Valley
The best place to spot wolves and bison.
Hayden Valley
Bison herds and bears. Go early to beat the crowds.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Travertine terraces. Book ahead in peak season.
Yellowstone Lake
The largest high-elevation lake in North America. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Norris Geyser Basin
The hottest geyser basin. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Other favourite experiences include wildlife watching, geyser walks, hiking, fishing and photography.
Gear up for the trail
- Best hiking and camping gear BuyrSkip
Trekking poles, headlamps, hydration packs and layers for park trails. - Best smartwatches for hiking VerdictFox
GPS, altitude and heart-rate tracking are genuinely useful on big park hikes. - Outdoor gear picks Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best time to visit Yellowstone National Park
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is late May to September (most roads open); winter by snowcoach. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Snow lingers at high elevations; some roads still closed. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm days, cool nights, afternoon thunderstorms; all roads open. |
| Fall | September–October | Golden aspens, wildlife rut and fewer crowds; first snow possible. |
| Winter | November–March | Snowy and cold; skiing and limited park access. |
See our park-by-park guide to the best time to visit US national parks.
Where to stay in Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful area: Historic inn.
- West Yellowstone: Gateway town with many motels.
- Gardiner: Year-round access.
- Canyon Village: Central.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110–170 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $180–300 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $350–700 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Yellowstone National Park
Don’t leave without trying bison burgers, huckleberry everything and trout. Reserve popular restaurants ahead on weekends.
Suggested 4 days in Yellowstone National Park
- Day 1: Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Day 2: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lamar Valley.
- Day 3: Hayden Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Day 4: Yellowstone Lake and Norris Geyser Basin.
For a detailed day-by-day plan, see our Yellowstone 3-Day Itinerary: Geysers, Canyons and Wildlife.
What to pack for Yellowstone National Park
- Layers: a base layer, fleece and waterproof shell
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- A daypack with water and snacks
- Sun protection (UV is stronger at altitude)
- A warm hat for cool evenings
- Bear spray in bear country (buy locally)
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $540–$900 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,400–$2,314 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Arriving at popular trailheads after 9 a.m., when parking is full.
- Underestimating distances: driving between highlights often takes hours.
- Ignoring reservation or permit requirements, which change from year to year.
- Carrying too little water or warm clothing.
- Getting too close to wildlife for photos.
Accessibility and family travel
Many parks have paved viewpoints, accessible visitor centres and shuttle buses with lifts, and some offer accessible trails and campsites. Families should pick short, rewarding walks and join ranger programmes, which are free and designed for children.
Practical tips
- Entry is $35 per vehicle; non-US residents pay an extra $100 per person from 2026.
- Stay at least 25 yards from bison and elk and 100 yards from bears and wolves.
- Stay on boardwalks in thermal areas.
- Carry bear spray on trails.
- Tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Our road trip gear picks
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Grand Teton National Park: Grand Teton’s jagged peaks rise abruptly above lakes and sagebrush flats, just south of Yellowstone and next to the Western town of Jackson.
- Glacier National Park: Glacier National Park is known as the Crown of the Continent, with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, turquoise lakes and more than 700 miles of trails.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Yellowstone National Park?
Plan 3–4 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
The best time is late May to September (most roads open); winter by snowcoach.
How do you get to Yellowstone National Park?
Fly into Bozeman (BZN), Jackson Hole (JAC), Cody (COD) or West Yellowstone (WYS, seasonal). By road, it is about 1.5 hours from Bozeman to the North or West Entrance; 1 hour from Jackson to the South Entrance.
How much does a trip to Yellowstone National Park cost?
Hotels typically cost $180–300 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Is Yellowstone National Park good for families?
Yes. It suits families, wildlife lovers and photographers, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Is there an entry fee for Yellowstone National Park?
$35 per vehicle (7 days).
Final thoughts on Yellowstone travel guide
Yellowstone National Park rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Yellowstone 3-Day Itinerary: Geysers, Canyons and Wildlife
- Grand Teton Travel Guide: Lakes, Hikes and Jackson Hole
- Glacier National Park Travel Guide: Going-to-the-Sun Road and Best Hikes
- How to Plan Your First National Park Trip: Reservations, Lodging and Tips