Overview
Yellowstone sits on a vast volcanic plateau in the north-west corner of Wyoming, with parts in Montana and Idaho. It has more than half the world's geysers, including Old Faithful, and steaming pools such as the Grand Prismatic Spring, banded in orange, yellow and blue.
Beyond the thermal areas, the park has waterfalls, a deep canyon on the Yellowstone River, a large lake and wide valleys where bison, elk, wolves and bears can be seen. Boardwalks keep visitors safe around the thermal features, and driving distances between sights are long.
Highlights
- Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin
- Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin
- The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its waterfalls
- Hayden and Lamar valleys for bison, elk and wolves
Best time to visit
Most park roads are open from about late April or May to October, and June to September is the busiest period. Wildlife is often easiest to see in spring and autumn. In winter, most roads close to cars, and access is by snowcoach or snowmobile.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Bozeman (BZN) or Jackson (JAC), or Billings, then drive to one of the park's entrances, with Bozeman to the north entrance at Gardiner in about 1.5 hours. Distances inside the park are long, and parts of the road loop can be slow with traffic or wildlife.
What to expect
Easy. Most sights are beside the road or on boardwalks. The main challenges are crowds, long driving times and following safety rules around thermal features and wildlife. Lodges inside the park book out far in advance.
Practical tips
- Stay on boardwalks near thermal features, as the ground can be thin and the water scalding.
- Keep at least 25 yards (23 m) from bison and elk, and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves.
- Book lodging early, or stay in gateway towns such as West Yellowstone or Gardiner.
- Allow extra time for traffic jams and construction on park roads.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Yellowstone?
Three to four days cover the main sights comfortably, given the long distances.
When is the best time to see wildlife?
Early morning and evening, especially in spring and autumn, in Hayden and Lamar valleys.
Is Yellowstone open in winter?
Yes, but most roads close to cars. Visitors use snowcoaches or snowmobiles on guided trips.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Dietmar Rabich (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
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