If you visit Yellowstone National Park this Fourth of July, plan ahead to protect yourself and this wild and awe-inspiring place.
Here are some tips for enjoying your visit and protecting the park:
Leave fireworks at home: Fireworks are not allowed in Yellowstone because a spark can ignite a wildfire. The current fire danger level is MODERATE. Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites. They must always be attended and cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. Currently, there are no active fires in the park.
Give wildlife room: Wild animals can be dangerous if you get too close. People have been injured or killed by bears, bison, and elk. It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Always maintain a minimum of 25 yards (23 meters) from all wildlife, 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and back away from an animal if it moves closer to you. Follow instructions from park rangers.
Drive and park responsibly: Observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures and let other cars pass. Do not stop your vehicle in the road. When pulling over, be sure to park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line. Pack your patience and allow for plenty of time to travel through the park during this busiest time of the year.
Check road statuses: Summer is road construction and repair season in the West. Weather or road improvement projects may cause temporary closures and traffic delays. Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone by phoning 307-344-2117 for recorded information. Or receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
Make the most of your trip: Learn about the park by attending a ranger program, Indigenous cultural event, exploring the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, or participating in the free Junior Ranger program.
Stay on boardwalks: Boardwalks take you to amazing places. However, people who travel off boardwalks have been severely injured or killed by breaking through the thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs.
Plan ahead: All campgrounds and lodging require a reservation and are usually full well in advance of your trip. Operating hours and service levels can change with little notice.
No vehicle/entrance reservations required: Vehicle reservations are not required to enter the park – just a park entrance pass. Save time at entrance stations by purchasing your pass online before you arrive. Keep in mind that summer is busy, so be prepared for crowds at popular areas and lines at the entrance stations, in construction areas, and at roadside wildlife sightings.
Expect limited connectivity: Don’t be surprised if you can’t receive calls or texts, even in the few areas where you might have cell reception.
Prepare for weather changes: Unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone’s weather. Expect big temperature swings, rain or snow during every month of the year and hot, dry weather during the summer months. No matter when you visit, bring water to stay hydrated, a warm jacket, rain gear, and lots of layers.
