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National Park

Yellowstone National Park

InformationAug 27, 2026

Partial Fishing Closures on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon Rivers

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CautionAug 26, 2026

Stay Away From Bull Elk

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Park ClosureJul 1, 2026

Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion

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Brilliant blues and greens of a hot spring ringed by oranges, yellows, reds, and browns.

The bright colors found in Grand Prismatic Spring come from thermophiles—microorganisms that thrive in hot temperatures

Photo: NPS/Jim Peaco

About

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal wonders. Today, millions of people come here each year to camp, hike, and enjoy the majesty of the park.

Activities

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Group Camping
RV Camping
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Fly Fishing
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
Boat Tour
Hands-On
Arts and Crafts
Volunteer Vacation
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Canoeing
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Kayaking
Junior Ranger Program
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Snow Play
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Swimming
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

Yellowstone National Park covers nearly 3,500 square miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming (3% of the park is in Montana and 1% is in Idaho). Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and several are closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive.

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Weather

Yellowstone's weather can vary quite a bit, even in a single day. In the summer, daytime highs can exceed 70°F (21°C), only to drop 20 or more degrees when a thunderstorm rolls through. It can snow during any month of the year, and winter lows frequently drop below 0°F (-18°C), especially at night. Bring a range of clothing options, including a warm jacket and rain gear, even in the summer.

News

Update: Yellowstone lifts full closures for Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers
Aug 27, 2026

Update: Yellowstone lifts full closures for Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers

Effective Friday, Aug. 28, anglers can fish the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers and all associated tributaries from sunrise until 2 p.m. each day. Cooling weather and water temperatures, as well as precipitation in the current weather forecast, allow for the full closures to be lifted.

Yellowstone National Park to remove invasive fish from Buffalo Creek
Aug 25, 2026

Yellowstone National Park to remove invasive fish from Buffalo Creek

Beginning Aug. 31, Yellowstone National Park will temporarily close Buffalo Creek, a tributary of Slough Creek in the northern part of the park, for treatment to remove invasive fish as part of ongoing conservation efforts to preserve native species. It will reopen to the public on Sept. 7.

Yellowstone visitation statistics for July 2026
Aug 11, 2026

Yellowstone visitation statistics for July 2026

Yellowstone National Park hosted 958,706 recreation visits in July 2026, down 2% from July 2025 (975,109 recreation visits).

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$35.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$30.00
Entrance - Snowmobile$30.00