Yellowstone National Park Check-in Successful
Yellowstone National Park is the world's first national park. Here is a guide to Yellowstone National Park:
Preparation
• Documents: Bring valid ID and driver's license (if driving).
• Clothing: Weather in the park is changeable. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, so prepare warm clothes, sun protection clothing, hats, sunglasses, etc.
• Items: Prepare camera, phone, power bank, binoculars, etc.
• Tickets: A 7-day vehicle pass costs $35, motorcycle pass $30, and individual pass $20. You can purchase online from the official website or at entrance gates.
Transportation Guide
• External Transportation: You can fly to Salt Lake City and then travel to Yellowstone, or drive from cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Seattle. Airports close to the park include West Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and Billings Logan International Airport (BIL).
• Internal Transportation: Park roads form a figure "8" shape, with most attractions located along this route. Self-driving is recommended for flexibility. You can also join bus tours or snow coach tours (in winter).
Recommended Attractions
• Old Faithful Geyser: Erupts approximately every 90 minutes, each eruption lasting about 4 minutes. Check eruption times at the visitor center to plan your visit accordingly.
• Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the US and third largest in the world. Best viewing time is from June to September. View from the small hill southwest of Fairy Fall Trail for a panoramic view.
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Drive or walk to viewing platforms on the north and south rims. Artist Point offers the best view, and you can also hike to the edge of Lower Falls.
• Mammoth Hot Springs: Explore the boardwalks of the upper and lower terraces to admire the limestone steps and rich colors.
Suggested Routes
• 3-Day Route: Day 1, enter from West Yellowstone, visit Madison River, Midway Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful; Day 2, visit Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Tower Fall; Day 3, visit Mammoth Hot Springs, Roosevelt Arch, and exit through the north entrance.
• 5-Day Route: Based on the 3-day route, add two more days for in-depth exploration, such as visiting Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, wildlife watching in Hayden Valley, seeing the most active geysers at Norris Geyser Basin, and climbing Mount Washburn for panoramic views.
Accommodation Options
• In-park Lodging: Options include Old Faithful Lodge, Canyon Lodge and cabins. Convenient for sightseeing but require advance reservations.
• Outside-park Lodging: West Yellowstone and other nearby towns offer numerous hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds with more flexible pricing.
Important Notes
• Follow park regulations. Do not leave designated areas or feed wildlife.
• Some areas have geothermal activity with high ground temperatures. Do not walk in non-designated areas.
• Cell phone signal is weak in the park. Download offline maps in advance.
• Summer is peak tourist season. Book accommodation and tickets in advance to avoid crowds.