National Park Guide

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming, US

The world's first national park, where geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife create an unparalleled wilderness experience.

2,219,791

Acres

900

Trails

1872

Established

4.86 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round (some roads close in winter)

Entrance Fee

$35 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), 1 hour 30 minutes

Best Months

May, June, July, August, September

Highlights

Old Faithful Geyser erupting every 44-125 minutes
Grand Prismatic Spring with its rainbow-colored bacterial mats
Lamar Valley wildlife watching for wolves, bison, and grizzlies
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lower Falls
Mammoth Hot Springs travertine terraces
Hayden Valley elk and bison herds at dawn

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful Geyser Trail

Easy

1.5 miles loop

50 ft gain

Uncle Tom's Trail

Moderate

0.6 miles round trip

500 ft gain

Mount Washburn Trail

Strenuous

6.2 miles round trip

1,400 ft gain

Fairy Falls Trail

Moderate

5.4 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Lamar Valley Trail

Easy

3.0 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Bunsen Peak Trail

Strenuous

4.4 miles round trip

1,300 ft gain

Mystic Falls Trail

Moderate

2.4 miles round trip

700 ft gain

About Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone spans nearly 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, sitting atop one of the world's largest active volcanic systems. The park contains more than half of the world's active geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful, alongside prismatic hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and the grand canyon of the Yellowstone River. Its vast wilderness supports thriving populations of grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk in one of the last intact temperate ecosystems on Earth.

In-Depth Guide

Yellowstone Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Yellowstone. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Wyoming.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

6 options near Yellowstone National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Old Faithful Inn

$$$

The iconic 1904 log-and-stone lodge sits just steps from Old Faithful Geyser. This National Historic Landmark features a soaring lobby with a massive stone fireplace and hand-crafted woodwork throughout.

Inside park$350-550/night

Check on Hotels.com

Lake Yellowstone Hotel

$$$

The oldest operating hotel in Yellowstone, this elegant Colonial Revival building overlooks Yellowstone Lake. Guests enjoy fine dining and stunning sunset views over the largest high-altitude lake in North America.

Inside park$300-480/night

Check on Hotels.com

Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone

Modern cabin-style accommodations in the gateway town of West Yellowstone, offering comfortable rooms with a rustic mountain aesthetic and easy access to the park's west entrance.

1 mile from West Entrance$180-320/night

Check on Hotels.com

Compare Yellowstone National Park

See how Yellowstone National Park stacks up against other national parks

Yellowstone National Park vs Grand Teton National Park

Choose Yellowstone for geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and sheer scale. Choose Grand Teton for jaw-dropping mountain views, quieter trails, and a more relaxed pace.

See full comparison

Yellowstone National Park vs Glacier National Park

Choose Yellowstone for geysers, hot springs, and easy wildlife viewing. Choose Glacier for pristine alpine scenery, challenging hikes, and a wilder, less developed experience.

See full comparison