Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park · Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Established in 1872 as the country's first national park, it covers 2,219,791 acres across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park sits on the Yellowstone Caldera, a supervolcano that last erupted about 640,000 years ago, and holds roughly half the world's geothermal features, with more than 10,000 sites and over 500 geysers. Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring are the best-known, while Lamar and Hayden valleys concentrate grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk, especially at dawn and dusk. The figure-eight road system takes at least three days to cover. A private vehicle pass costs USD 35 for seven days and covers all passengers; non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra USD 100 each. Gates stay open year-round, but most interior roads close to wheeled vehicles from early November to late April, and winter access needs a snowcoach or snowmobile tour.
Ticket Price
Private vehicle USD 35 (valid 7 days, includes all passengers); motorcycle USD 30; pedestrian/cyclist USD 20 per person (16+). Non-US residents 16+ pay an extra USD 100 per person. No vehicle reservation required.
Opening Hours
Gates open 24 hours year-round, but most interior roads close to wheeled vehicles from early November to late April; the North Entrance to Northeast Entrance road stays open year-round.
Transportation
No public transit inside the park; drive yourself or join a guided tour. Snowcoach or snowmobile tours are required for winter access on most roads.
Best Season
Jun-Sep for roads and wildlife; most roads close Nov-Apr.
Pro Tip: Enter early and check road openings
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Enter early and check road openings Yellowstone is huge, and many roads open seasonally. Start before sunrise for the best wildlife and thermal-area light, and check road status before driving.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Three to four days cover the main geyser basins, canyon and Lamar Valley; two days is a fast loop. Distances are long, so plan by area rather than backtracking.
Most roads open late April to early November; the North Entrance is year-round. In winter, access is by snowcoach or snowmobile from the north.
Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley at dawn or dusk are best for bison, elk and wolves. Stay at least 100 metres from bears and wolves, and never approach bison.
Yes. In-park lodges and campgrounds book months ahead; gateway towns have more availability. Buy the park pass online or at the entrance.