National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/Jim Peaco · Public domain
Yellowstone National Park
On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal wonders. Today, millions of people come here each year to camp, hike, and enjoy the majesty of the park.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to North Entrance (opens in a new tab)
North EntranceMain
Gardiner, MT · Open year-round (the only entrance open to cars all year)
- Directions to West Entrance (opens in a new tab)
West EntranceMain
West Yellowstone, MT · Usually open to cars mid/late April–early November
- Directions to South Entrance (opens in a new tab)
South EntranceMain
Moran, WY · Usually open to cars mid-May–early November
- Directions to East Entrance (opens in a new tab)
East Entrance
Cody, WY · Usually open to cars early May–early November
- Directions to Northeast Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Northeast Entrance
Silver Gate, MT · Open year-round to Cooke City via Gardiner; US-212 east of Cooke City (Beartooth Hwy) closed to cars about mid-Oct to late May
Airports
- WYS
Yellowstone Airport · West Yellowstone, MT
ClosestSeasonalSmall airportSummer-only airline service; the airport is closed in winter.
- JAC
Jackson Hole Airport · Jackson, WY
Closest year-roundMid-size airportBest for the South Entrance, which is closed to cars from early November to mid-May.
- BZN
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport · Belgrade, MT
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Inside the park: Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Grant Village Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, and others · NPS lodging info (opens in a new tab)
Activities
Top Hikes
1.2 mi · 105 ft gain · out & back
Elevated vantage point overlooking the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the park's most photographed features.
Starts at: Fairy Falls Parking Lot
3.9 mi · 500 ft gain · loop
To a 70-foot waterfall with an optional overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin.
Starts at: Biscuit Basin
5.4 mi · 100 ft gain · out & back
Mostly flat walk to a spectacular 200-foot waterfall with optional extensions to Spray and Imperial geysers.
Starts at: Fairy Falls Parking Lot
4.6 mi · 1,300 ft gain · out & back
Ascends through forest and meadow to panoramic summit views of the Blacktail Deer Plateau and Gallatin Range.
Starts at: Golden Gate Trailhead
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Yellowstone National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone
Best time to visit: June, September
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is June and September. All main roads are open in both months; June has wildlife babies and high waterfalls, and September has fewer crowds and the elk rut.
In those months, average highs are about 65°F at Old Faithful. Visitor numbers peak in July, though June is nearly as busy.
Monthly averages at Old Faithful (7,370 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
Yellowstone's weather can vary quite a bit, even in a single day. In the summer, daytime highs can exceed 70°F (21°C), only to drop 20 or more degrees when a thunderstorm rolls through. It can snow during any month of the year, and winter lows frequently drop below 0°F (-18°C), especially at night. Bring a range of clothing options, including a warm jacket and rain gear, even in the summer.
