Distance from my location to yellowstone national park

Yellowstone National Park is in the northwest region of the United States.

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Top Things To Know
What is the best month to visit Yellowstone National Park?
How much does it cost to go to Yellowstone National Park?
Is a trip to Yellowstone worth it?
Do you need reservations for Yellowstone 2022?

The park covers 3,472 square miles. Even though the official address is to the state of Wyoming, Yellowstone is actually in three states. The majority Yellowstone (96%) is in Wyoming. A small section of the park (3%) to the north and northwest is in Montana. And a small section of the park (1%) to the west is in Idaho.

Yellowstone has five entrances: north, northeast, east, south, and west. The park is enormous, which is why it’s a good idea to figure out what you want to see and know which entrance is closest to those sights.

Choose your park portal by reading Which Entrance to Yellowstone National Park Should I Take?

Yellowstone has eight developed visitor areas with visitor centers, lodging, and museums. These include: Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, West Thumb, Grant Village, Old Faithful, and Madison. Undeveloped, wild areas include Lamar and Hayden valleys. Both are wildlife-watching havens.

Other national parks are within a day or two drive from Yellowstone. Many people do road-trip vacations that include multiple parks. The most popular are Yellowstone plus Grand Teton National Park (Yellowstone’s neighbor to the south), Yellowstone plus Glacier National Park (a day’s drive to the north), and Yellowstone plus Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower National Monument (one-to-two day’s drive to the east).

Pssst. Want to receive a printed insider’s guide to Yellowstone, where to stay and what to do? Order our free stunning Yellowstone Trip Planner filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation.

Top Things To Know

Millions of people visit Yellowstone annually to make lifelong memories while watching erupting geysers, roaming wildlife, and the artistry of thermophiles. With so much to explore and learn, however, there are some important considerations to help make this a successful visit.

Buy Your Park Entrance Pass Online
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 summer is busy, so be prepared for crowds at popular areas and lines at the entrance gates, in construction areas, and at roadside wildlife sightings. Please be patient and enjoy your visit.
Check Road Statuses
Most park roads open in mid-April and close to wheeled vehicles (cars, vans, motorcycles, etc.) in early November. Weather may necessitate closures at any time, however, so check the park roads page for more information. To learn about major road projects and where to expect construction delays and closures, check the road construction page.
Plan Ahead
Operating hours and service levels can change with little notice. Check the latest information before coming to the park:
Operating Hours
Current Conditions
Places to Go
Things to Do
Boat Inspections and Permits
Give Wildlife Room
Wild animals are dangerous if you get too close! People have been injured or killed by bears, bison, and elk. Always maintain a minimum of 25 yards (23 m) from all wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Learn how to watch wildlife safety and travel safely in bear country.
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.
Stay on Boardwalks
People have been severely injured or killed by breaking through the thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs.
Enhance Your Experience
Download the free National Park Service app (and offline content) before you arrive in the park.
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. No matter when you visit, bring a warm jacket, rain gear, and lots of layers. Check the current weather conditions.
Visiting in Winter
Winter in Yellowstone offers unique rewards and challenges. Check out the top things to know for a safe and successful winter visit.

Last updated: October 31, 2022

What is the best month to visit Yellowstone National Park?

The best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds. Bears emerge from hibernation between March and April, migrating birds arrive just before May, and the elk rut begins mid-September.

How much does it cost to go to Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone Entrance Passes For private, non-commercial vehicles, a 7-day pass to Yellowstone National Park costs $35/vehicle and does not include entrance into nearby Grand Teton National Park. The latter park, home to the mighty Grand Teton and other rugged peaks, also charges $35/vehicle for entrance.

Is a trip to Yellowstone worth it?

Yellowstone National Park is an absolute must visit destination for any nature lover. Not only was the park designated as the world's very first national park in 1872, but it is also home to more geysers and hot springs than any other place in the world!

Do you need reservations for Yellowstone 2022?

Yellowstone does NOT require a timed reservation ticket in advance to enter the park. Reservations are, however, required for most campsites, all hotels, and many restaurants in the park!