Yellowstone Travel: Cautions And Precautions For Your Adventure

Yellowstone is a wild and rugged place, and while it attracts millions of visitors every year, it's important to remember that it is an elemental, untamed environment. There are a few key cautions to be aware of when travelling to Yellowstone to ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Firstly, Yellowstone is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and moose. It's crucial to keep your distance from these animals and never approach or feed them. Remember, these animals are wild and unpredictable, and people have been injured or killed by them.

Secondly, Yellowstone's thermal areas, such as hot springs, are extremely dangerous. Stay on the designated boardwalks and trails, and keep children close by. Do not swim or soak in hot springs, and be cautious around thermal pools and geysers.

Thirdly, when driving in Yellowstone, use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass. Observe speed limits, and be aware of potential hazards such as animals in the road, rocks, and vehicles crossing the centre line.

Finally, plan your trip in advance. Book your accommodation well ahead of time, especially if visiting during the peak summer months. Be prepared for limited cell phone reception and Wi-Fi, and expect crowds and traffic during peak season.

By following these cautions and respecting Yellowstone's wild nature, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this incredible national park.

Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid wasting time

Planning your itinerary in advance is essential to making the most of your time in Yellowstone National Park. Here are some tips to help you optimize your trip:

Know the Park Layout

Yellowstone National Park spans over 2 million acres across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, with five park entrances connected by the Grand Loop Road, a scenic highway forming a "Figure 8". The entrances include:

• West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT): Best for those flying into West Yellowstone or visiting the park's southern, lower loop.
• North Entrance (Gardiner, MT): Ideal for accessing the northern part of the park and suitable for those flying into Bozeman. This entrance provides year-round access.
• Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT): Recommended for visiting Lamar Valley and Beartooth Highway, and convenient for those flying into Billings.
• East Entrance (near Cody, WY): A good option if you plan to explore Yellowstone Lake, and suitable for flights into Cody.
• South Entrance (near Moran, WY): Recommended if you also want to visit Grand Teton, with convenient flights into Jackson Hole.

Plan Your Days Based on Duration of Stay

The ideal duration of your stay in Yellowstone depends on how much you want to see and do. Here's a general breakdown to help you plan:

• With One or Two Days: Focus on the southern, lower loop, including must-see attractions like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
• With More Than Two Days: Add the northern, upper loop to your itinerary, such as Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
• With Four or Five Days: Restructure your time to explore more areas in-depth. This includes popular spots like Norris Geyser Basin, Mount Washburn Trail, Tower-Roosevelt, and Beaver Ponds Loop Trail.

Consider the Time of Year

The time of year you visit Yellowstone can significantly impact your experience and itinerary. Here are some considerations:

• Summer (June to August) is the busiest season, with almost 70% of annual visitors. Expect campgrounds, trailheads, restaurants, and roads to be crowded.
• Visiting during the shoulder season (May, September, and October) can offer better weather and lower crowds. September, after Labor Day, is particularly good, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
• November to April, the park is mostly closed, but you can still visit for winter sports or snow tours.

Optimize Your Daily Schedule

To make the most of your time in Yellowstone, consider the following tips:

• Start your days early to avoid crowds. Trails and parking lots tend to fill up by 10 AM.
• Plan to visit popular spots, such as Old Faithful, early in the morning or late in the evening to beat the midday crowds.
• If you're visiting during the busy summer months, consider splitting your days, exploring in the mornings and evenings, and relaxing during the midday peak hours.
• Check the geyser prediction schedule the night before to plan your visit to Old Faithful.
• Download the free National Park Service app before your visit to enhance your experience and access offline content.

Book Accommodations in Advance

Yellowstone is a popular destination, and accommodations fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Here are some tips:

• Book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the busy months of July and August.
• For hotels inside the park, consider booking up to a year in advance.
• If you're visiting during peak season and unable to find accommodations inside the park, look for options outside, such as West Yellowstone or Gardiner.
• If you're flexible and willing to gamble on a last-minute trip, a few campsites release spots two weeks in advance. Indian Creek campsite, south of Mammoth Junction, is usually the last to fill up.

By planning your itinerary in advance, you'll be able to make the most of your time in Yellowstone National Park, ensuring a safe, fun, and rewarding experience.

Stay cautious of wildlife and maintain a safe distance

Yellowstone is home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, bison, elk, coyotes, eagles, and bighorn sheep. While this wildlife is undoubtedly one of the park's main attractions, it's important to remember that these animals are wild and unpredictable, and thus, certain precautions should be taken to ensure your safety when visiting the park. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you stay cautious of wildlife and maintain a safe distance:

Maintain a Safe Distance:

It is crucial to keep a safe distance from wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. The recommended distance is at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all other animals, including bison and elk. These guidelines are in place for your safety, as wild animals can be dangerous, especially when they feel threatened or are protecting their young. Remember, your behavior can impact the animals, and if you cause an animal to move, you are too close.

Never Approach Wildlife:

Resist the temptation to get closer for a photograph. Even if you are adhering to the recommended distances, if your presence causes an animal to alter its behavior, you are too close. Never pursue or approach an animal to take its picture. Instead, use binoculars or telephoto lenses to get a better view. If an animal moves closer to you, back away to maintain a safe distance.

Stay in or Near Your Vehicle:

When watching bears, it is advisable to remain in or next to your car. This provides a layer of protection and a quick escape option if needed. If a bear approaches or touches your vehicle, honk your horn and slowly drive away to discourage the bear from associating cars with food.

Be Extra Cautious Around Certain Animals:

Some animals in Yellowstone require extra caution. For example, bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Cow elk, especially during spring, are protective of their calves and may hide them near cars or buildings. Be cautious when exiting buildings or approaching blind corners. In the fall, bull elk may challenge other males and charge cars and people who get too close. Wolves are generally not a danger to people unless they become habituated to human presence and food.

Hike in Groups and Make Noise:

When hiking in Yellowstone, it is advisable to travel in groups of three or more. Most people injured by bears in the park were hiking alone or with only one partner. Making noise while hiking can help alert bears to your presence. Yelling something like "Hey bear!" periodically can help prevent surprising a bear.

Carry Bear Spray:

Consider carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it properly. Each person in your group should carry their own can of bear spray in a readily accessible location, such as a quick-draw holster. Bear spray has proven to be highly successful at stopping aggressive behavior in bears.

Do Not Feed Wildlife:

Feeding wildlife can lead to dangerous consequences. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and may have to be killed. Keep all food and garbage securely packed away when not in use, and dispose of waste in bear-proof containers.

Park in Designated Areas:

When watching or photographing animals, use roadside pullouts and avoid blocking traffic. Staying with your vehicle during wildlife jams is recommended. Additionally, remember to never park in the road.

Be Aware of Wildlife Behavior:

Observe animal behavior patterns and remain vigilant. For example, if grazing elk suddenly group together and appear alert, it may indicate a predator is nearby. Understanding these behaviors can help you anticipate potential dangers and respond accordingly.

Report Conflicts:

If you encounter a conflict with an animal, no matter how minor, report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If you have cell service, dial 911. Your report can help protect other visitors and the animals themselves.

Be aware of the potential dangers in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a wild and beautiful place, but it's important to be aware of the potential dangers before visiting. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Wildlife

The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, and they can be dangerous if you get too close. It is your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Always maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards (23 meters) from wildlife such as bison, elk, and moose, and stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears and wolves. Do not approach wildlife, and never feed them. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive and need to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, and other scented items securely stored when not in use.

Thermal Areas

Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. Stay on designated boardwalks and trails in thermal areas, and keep children close by. Do not touch thermal features or runoff, and do not swim or soak in hot springs. Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and the ground around them can be thin and breakable.

Environmental Conditions

Most of the park is located at a high elevation, so give yourself time to adjust before engaging in strenuous activity. Wildfires have left standing dead trees that can fall without warning, so avoid areas with large numbers of dead trees. Hypothermia is a year-round risk due to cold water, and spring snowmelt makes rivers dangerous to cross. Winter brings additional challenges, including sub-zero temperatures, icy roads, and blinding snowstorms.

Roads and Driving

Traffic-related accidents are the most common cause of injury and death in the park. Drive cautiously and watch for animals. Use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass, and do not block traffic. The speed limit in Yellowstone is typically 45 mph unless posted otherwise. Be prepared for "animal traffic jams" caused by bison or bear sightings.

Limited Cell Phone Reception and Services

Yellowstone has limited cell phone service, mainly around junction hubs such as Mammoth, Canyon, Grant Village, Old Faithful, and Lake Village. Wi-Fi is also patchy, with free Wi-Fi only available at Mammoth's Albright Visitor Center. Expect limited connectivity, and be prepared to drive to gateway towns like Gardiner and West Yellowstone if you need reliable service.

Book your accommodation in advance

Yellowstone is a very popular destination, with more than 4 million visitors annually, and almost 70% of these arriving in June, July, and August. So, if you're planning a trip during the summer, you'll need to book your accommodation well in advance. In fact, by the end of January, most summer campgrounds, hotels, and cabins inside Yellowstone are already booked up. August is a particularly busy time, with over 900,000 visitors in a single month in 2021, so it's best to book as far ahead as possible if you're planning a trip during this month.

The hotels and campgrounds in Yellowstone are managed by two different entities: Yellowstone National Park Lodges and the National Park Service. Yellowstone National Park Lodges manage nine lodges (hotel- and cabin-style) with more than 2,000 rooms, and reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance. The National Park Service-run sites take bookings six months in advance. A few campsites are released just two weeks in advance, but these tend to fill up quickly. If you're unable to secure a spot inside the park, you can try booking in one of the gateway towns, such as Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Jackson, Cody, or Cooke City. However, even these areas can be fully booked by the end of February or March.

If your ideal lodging inside the park is all booked up, it's worth trying to book an alternative location and then calling regularly to inquire about cancellations. The park will transfer your reservation if something becomes available. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case no cancellations come up.

For spring and fall visits, you'll typically need to book three to eight months in advance. During these seasons, there are fewer visitors, so it's easier to secure a room. However, keep in mind that most of the park's lodging and roads are closed until May, and spring can still have wintry conditions.

If you're planning a winter trip to Yellowstone, there are only two hotels open: Mammoth Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Rooms at these lodges tend to fill up fast, so it's recommended to book when reservations open 13 months in advance. To access the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, you'll need to book a snowcoach or snowmobile trip, which should also be reserved in advance.

Be cautious when driving in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a massive park, and you'll need a car to get around. The park's Grand Loop Road is laid out in a figure-eight shape, with the Upper Loop taking about two hours to drive and the Lower Loop taking about two hours and 45 minutes. There are many attractions on both loops, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Falls, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and more. Plan to spend a day on each loop to skim the highlights.

Yellowstone is as big as Delaware and Rhode Island combined, so it's important to plan your trip and be prepared for detours. It's feasible to spend two days in Yellowstone, but if you want to take your time and enjoy the beauty, four days are ideal.

The speed limit in Yellowstone is 45 mph, and it's important to follow the posted speed limits as there are winding roads and wildlife crossings. Be prepared for "bear jams" and "buffalo jams," which can add significant time to your trip. Always stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from other animals, including bison and elk.

There are five entrances to the park, and it takes some time to get to the Grand Loop Road from the entrance. The North Entrance, from Gardiner, Montana, to Cooke City, Montana, is the only entrance open year-round. The other four entrances are usually closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.

There are plenty of gas stations throughout the park, so running out of gas is unlikely. However, it may be cheaper to fill up your tank before entering the park in nearby towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cooke City, Jackson, or Cody.

Cell phone coverage is sparse in Yellowstone, so don't rely on it. About 50% of the park has cell phone coverage, and even then, the service is not great.

Always check the status of road closures before visiting Yellowstone, as roads may be closed due to construction, mudslides, fires, or other reasons.

If you're visiting Yellowstone in an RV, be aware that RVs are not allowed on all roads. Dunraven Pass, from Tower Junction to Canyon, is especially steep, tight, and curvy and not recommended for RVs. Your RV and towing equipment should be less than 40 feet in length, and only the Fishing Bridge RV Park and Mammoth Campgrounds accommodate RVs of this size.

Driving in Yellowstone is not scary, but it can be annoying if you get stuck in traffic or wildlife jams. The biggest challenge is knowing which attractions to stop at and how to plan your day.

Frequently asked questions