National park · Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park

The first national park in the United States — and widely regarded as the world's first — set aside in 1872 to protect the geyser basins, supervolcano caldera, and wildlife of the Yellowstone Plateau, including its iconic herds of bison, elk, and wolves.

Entrance
$35 private vehicle
Hours
Open 24 hours daily All Park Hours
Established
March 1, 1872
Region
Rocky Mountains
Yellowstone National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Yellowstone National Park patch

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History

Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the United States and is widely regarded as the first national park in the world. It serves as a critical example of conservation and the protection of natural landscapes and ecosystems.

Key events

  1. March 1, 1872Yellowstone National Park established by President Ulysses S. Grant; the world's first national park.
  2. 1872Cornelius Hedges first proposed in 1870 that the area should be preserved as a national park.
  3. 1988Yellowstone Fires of 1988 burned 793,880 acres (36% of the park); led to fundamental changes in NPS wildfire policy.

Trails

  • Upper Geyser Basin Loop 3.5 mi · Easy
  • Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook 1.2 mi · Easy
  • Fairy Falls Trail 6 mi · Moderate
  • Mount Washburn 7 mi · Hard
  • Avalanche Peak 4.2 mi · Hard

Plan your visit

Hours · All Park Hours

Open 24 hours, every day

Yellowstone is open daily, year-round, although activities and services are limited at night and certain times of year. The park has five entrance stations, but not all entrance stations are open year-round. Make sure to carefully read about access at each station at different times of year. And remember, all dates are weather-dependent. Please note that camping is possible only in designated campgrounds.

Entrance fees

  • Private Vehicle $35
  • Non-commercial Groups $20
  • Motorcycle $30
  • Snowmobile $30
  • Per Person $20
  • Nonresident $100

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Summer. All roads and facilities open, warm 70-80°F days, ideal for hiking and camping
  • Spring. Baby wildlife (bison calves, elk calves), bears emerge from hibernation, fewer crowds
  • Fall. Elk rut in mid-September, colorful foliage, excellent wildlife activity, smaller crowds
  • Winter. Snow-covered geysers, cross-country skiing, snowcoach tours, unique wildlife viewing

Wildlife

BisonGrizzly bearsBlack bearsGray wolvesElkMoosePronghornBighorn sheepCoyotesBald eagles

Nearby patches

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