Yellowstone National Park trip planner PDF
Preview Yellowstone National Park trip planner
2008 Yellowstone National Park Trip Planner 1 Safety Tips 2 Highlights Visitor Centers Museums 3 Activities 4 Map 5 Lodging & Services 6 Permits & Regulations 7 Camping & Weather 1 P I S lAy T Afe Emergency—dial 911 High Altitude Most of the CAUTION: S W park is above 7,500 feet CAldINg ATer (2,275 m). Allow time to acclimate and drink plenty of liquids. Visitors with car- Beautiful but deadly: Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features can kill you. Their waters diac or respiratory medical are frequently near or above boiling. The crust surrounding them is thin and breaks histories should contact a easily, and often overlies more scalding water. People have died in these pools. physician prior to their visit. Be safe, be careful—enjoy the hydrothermal areas from a distance. Weather Yellowstone’s • You must stay on boardwalks and designated trails. They exist to protect you and to weather is unpredictable. preserve delicate formations. Be prepared for changing • Pets are prohibited in hydrothermal areas. temperatures, storms, and • Swimming or bathing is prohibited in hydrothermal pools or streams where water emergencies. Carry adequate flows entirely from a hydrothermal spring or pool. clothing and gear. • Where swimming is allowed, swim at your own risk. Hydrothermal waters can har- Traffic Most roads are busy, bor organisms that cause a fatal meningitis infection and Legionnaires’ disease. narrow, and rough; some are • Toxic gases exist at dangerous levels in some hydrothermal areas. If you feel sick, steep with sharp drop-offs. leave the location immediately. Watch out for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, W ? wildlife, and road damage. here Are yOUr ChIldreN Pull into turnouts to let other cars pass. Always wear your seatbelt. Your hand and voice may be too far away if your child leaves your side. Keep your children next to you and make sure they understand the hazards of Yellowstone— especially hydrothermal areas, wildlife, and steep drop-offs. Bicycling Wear safety gear, W O ! W including helmet and high ATCh UT Ild ANImAlS All ArOUNd yOU visibility clothing. Park roads are narrow and wind- ing with few shoulders. Yellowstone’s animals are not tame, Road elevations range from even though they may seem calm. Do 5,300–8,860 feet (1,615– not approach any animals. View them 2,700 m); long distances from the safety of your vehicle. If an exist between services and animal reacts to your presence, you facilities. are too close. Falling Trees Avoid areas Each year park visitors are injured when of dead trees (snags), which they approach animals too closely. You may suddenly fall— must stay at least 100 yards (91 m) especially on windy days. away from bears and at least 25 yards midt h Stream Crossing High (23 m) away from all other animals— Sc water conditions persist well including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, oto/ h into summer. If your plans deer, moose, wolves, and coyotes. S p P N include fishing or cross- BISON are unpredictable and danger- Bull elk sparring. Keep your distance! ing streams, check at local ous, and every year visitors are injured. ranger stations for water Bison weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) aggressive behavior toward humans and conditions. and sprint 30 miles per hour (48 kph)— can increase the risk of the coyote being Theft Lock your vehicle; three times faster than you can run. poached or hit by a vehicle. keep valuables out of sight; BEARS may be seen from March RAVENS have learned to unzip and label all valuable property through November. Be alert for tracks unsnap packs. Do not allow them access with your name, address, and sign. Never approach animal car- to your food. or identification number. casses. Report all bear sightings to a Report theft or vandalism to ranger. Do not feed any animals. a ranger. COYOTES quickly learn habits like roadside begging. This may lead to It harms them and it is illegal. 2 h IghlIghTS to walk the self-guiding trail around Fort Lake Area Yellowstone, which chronicles the U.S. Yellowstone Lake is North America’s larg- Army’s role in protecting the park. Other est high-altitude lake. The area is prime historic sites include the Norris Geyser habitat for many birds and mammals. You Basin Museum, Obsidian Cliff, and the can also enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, Old Faithful Inn and Historic District. and viewing hydrothermal features. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Wildlife This spectacular canyon, including the You can see a variety and abundance Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone of wildlife unparalleled in the lower 48 o/Keller Rtriavielsr ,o cfa tnh eb eC saeneyno fnr oVmil ltahgee oavreearl,o aonkds farnodm swthateens .Y Aellll othwes tloarngee b mecaammme aal sp parreks aernet here hot the Tower Fall and Calcite Springs over- today: grizzly and black bears, wolves, PS p looks south of Tower Junction. mountain lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, N Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River Geysers & Hot Springs moose, and bighorn sheep. You’ll also see a large variety of birds, including bald History Geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fuma- eagles. Check at a visitor center for the roles are evidence of ongoing volcanic People have been visiting and best wildlife viewing locations. activity. To see them, visit Mammoth Hot living in the Yellowstone area Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Fountain Wildflowers for thousands of years. In the Paint Pot & Firehole Lake Drive, Midway Magenta and blue—the colors used in this mid 1800s, explorers and artists Geyser Basin, the Old Faithful area, West planner—hint at the vibrant wildflowers brought Yellowstone’s wonders to Thumb Geyser Basin, and Mud Volcano. that brighten Yellowstone in summer. the attention of the federal govern- ment. The park was established in 1872. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs Read more about park highlights at www.nps.gov/yell V C & m ISITOr eNTerS USeUmS Open All Year Albright Visitor Center, Open late May–late September Open May–early October Mammoth Fishing Bridge Visitor Center Canyon Visitor Information, bookstore, exhib- its on wildlife and history and Information, bookstore, and exhibits on Education Center films on the national park idea, the park’s birds, wildlife, and lake geology. Enter the new Canyon Visitor Education Yellowstone, and artist Thomas Grant Visitor Center Center (shown below) and the world of Moran. Yellowstone’s supervolcano—an idea that Information, bookstore, exhibit and video Open April–November has captured the minds and imaginations on fire in Yellowstone. & Winter of people around the world. For the first Madison Information Station time, you can see, hear, and learn how the Old Faithful Visitor Center Information and bookstore. Yellowstone volcano, its geysers and hot Mid April–early November springs, and geologic history influence all Information, bookstore, geyser Museum of the National Park life found here. Ranger, Norris eruption predictions, and a film about hydrothermal features. Exhibits at this historic soldier station on oyce R Also open late December through the history of the park ranger profession. oto/ h early March. Access only via over- Norris Geyser Basin Museum S p P snow vehicle. N Information, bookstore, and exhibits on the hydrothermal features of Yellowstone. West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center West Thumb Information Station Late April–early November Information and bookstore. Information and publications. Also open mid December through early March. 3 W hAT TO dO For current schedules of activities, consult the park website (www.nps.gov/yell) or the park newspaper when you arrive. PrOgrAmS & TOUrS ON yOUr OWN Junior Rangers Bicycling is allowed on public Yellowstone’s Junior Ranger Program, roads, parking areas, and desig- for young people ages 5–12, promotes nated routes; it is prohibited on involvement in and understanding of boardwalks and backcountry Yellowstone; ask about it at visitor centers. trails. Yellowstone Association Institute Boating is allowed on most of Yellowstone Lake and on The park’s official educational partner o Lewis Lake. Only non-motor- ac offers affordable wildlife watching tours, Pe ized boating is allowed on most o/ backpacking trips, and short courses on ot other lakes and one river: the ph the wonders of Yellowstone. Most pro- S Lewis River between Lewis and NP grams are based at the Lamar Valley field Shoshone Lakes. All boats and campus or park hotels. Call 307-344-2294 float tubes require permits. Interpretive or visit www.YellowstoneAssociation.org. Park Ranger Programs Climbing isn’t recommended Other Activities Rangers lead activities and programs— due to loose, crumbly rock; it’s from short walks to evening campfire Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers motor- illegal in the Grand Canyon. programs—during the summer and coach tours, boat rentals and tours, fishing Contact the backcountry office winter seasons. They also rove through trips, cookouts, horseback and stagecoach for information. rides, and special excursions. Visit www. major park feature areas to answer your TravelYellowstone.com; call 307-344-7311 Fishing is allowed in certain questions and help you understand the or toll-free 866-Geyserland (866-439- areas and with permits. See many wonders of Yellowstone. 7375). “Permits” for more information. d P Road construction occurs each year; Hiking takes you far from roads rIVINg The Ark check at a visitor center upon arrival. and crowds. Check trail condi- The Grand Loop Drive to major features Winter All roads and entrances, with one tions at visitor centers or ranger stations. on this narrow, winding road. Allow plen- exception, are closed to motor vehicle ty of time for driving. travel; most are groomed for over-snow Picnic areas exist throughout Summer Park roads are generally open for vehicles. The North Entrance road from the park. They usually have pit Gardiner to Cooke City, MT, is open only toilets, but no drinking water. travel, barring accidents, rock/mud slides, to wheeled vehicles and may close due to Fires are legal in areas with fire or road construction. storms. Mud/Snow tires are recommended grates; inquire when you arrive. Autumn Storms may cause temporary and often required. You must return to the Self-guiding trails explore restrictions (chain or snow tire require North Entrance to leave the park. Mammoth Hot Springs, Fort ments) or closures of roads. Park roads Spring Park roads open by sections Yellowstone, Norris Geyser close on the first Monday of November, beginning the third Friday in April. Basin, Fountain Paint Pot, Upper except the road from Gardiner to Cooke Storms may cause restrictions or Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of City, MT, which is open all year. closures. the Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Mud Volcano. AddITIONAl INfOrmATION Stock use depends on trail conditions. Contact the back- country office for information. The Deluxe Trip Planner from the nonprofit Hay restrictions enforced; see Yellowstone Association includes everything “Regulations.” you need to plan a fun and educational visit to Yellowstone: Yellowstone: The Official Guide Swimming, bathing, and to Touring America’s First National Park, wading are discouraged due to Yellowstone Trails: A Hiking Guide, National extremely cold water. They are Geographic Yellowstone Park Map, Yellowstone illegal in hydrothermal features and Grand Teton Road Guide, and Large Mammals or streams flowing from hydro- of Yellowstone. Package Price—$29.95 ($41.30 if purchased separately). To order, call thermal features. 877-967-0090 or visit www.YellowstoneAssociation.org. 4 m AP RoAd ConSTRuCTion locations and schedules can change. Check at a visitor center upon arrival. To Livingston, MT 52 mi/84 km To Bozeman, MT 84 mi/134 km To Gardiner, MT Northeast B9o0z memi/1a4n4, kMmT North Entrance MONTANA Entrance Cooke City, MT 212 5 mi/8 km Beartooth Highway Mammoth Hot Springs To Billings, MT 18 mi/29 km Slough Creek Pebble Creek 125 mi/200 km ? or Tower Junction North To Cody, WY 191 68 mi/109 km Indian Creek Roosevelt Yellowstone Association ? ⁄ Institute 29 mi/47 km Tower Fall 21 mi/34 km 19 mi/31 km Chittenden Road Road Work Dunraven Pass Portions of North Rim Road at Canyon Village will be closed. ? Norris Canyon ? Inquire Locally. 12 mi/19 km Other road work likely. Village Inquire at entrance 14 mi/23 km stations or visitor centers West for updates upon Yellowstone, MT 14 mi/23 km your arrival. 16 mi/26 km To Idaho Falls, ID West Madison ? 100 mi/160 km Entrance ? ? Fishing Bridge ? Lake Village Bridge Bay ? 16 mi/26 km To Cody, WY 21 mi/34 km Yellowstone East 53 mi/85 km Lake Old Faithful 17 mi/27 km 27 mi Entrance 43 km ? West Thumb ? Grant Village IDAHO ? Road Openings & Closings 2008 22 mi/35 km Spring Road Openings, weather permitting: Lewis Lake April 18—Mammoth to Old Faithful; Madison Junction to West Entrance; Norris Junction to Canyon Bechler Ranger Station? June 1–Nov. 1; 8–4:30 May 2—Canyon to Lake to East Entrance South Entrance ? May 9—Old Faithful to South Entrance, Lake to To Ashton, ID To Grand Teton National Park To Jackson, WY West Thumb, & Tower Junction to Tower Fall 26 mi/42 km 8 mi/13 km 57 mi/91 km May 23—Tower Fall to Canyon (Dunraven Pass), Beartooth Highway Full service (lodging, food service, Fall Road Closures general store, restroom) General store October 14—Beartooth Highway, Tower Fall to Visitor Center or Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass) information station Food service November 2—All park roads close for the season at 8 am except the North Entrance to Cooke City Clinic Restrooms road, which is open all year. RoAd WoRK occurs every year. Gasoline/fuel Campground Locations and schedules on this map are Campground: tentative and can change. For updates, Marina Hard-sided units only check at a visitor center upon arrival. 5 S erVICeS es p AT M Auto/RBVa cRkceopBauoinrattr yC BruOuifs sfiTecsoeFiusrshinFg uPeelrmiGtesneraHl oSrtsoerbeHa/octGkre lo/RciLLiedoirgidnhtgg e LMoGeidfaltg is/SnShMgnaoraicnkasPublic PLuabulinc dRrSayhnogwerRe reSssttaatiuVroiasnintto/rC aCfeentteerira Bridge Bay June–Sept. Canyon May–Sept. Fishing Bridge May–Sept. Grant Village May–Sept. Lake Village May–October Mammoth Hot Springs May–October Old Faithful May–October Roosevelt June–early Sept. Tower Fall May–September Dates and hours of operation vary and are subject to change. For more information, see “Useful Phone Numbers and Websites” below. Nearby Parks, Forests, & Chambers of Commerce O S Ther erVICeS National Parks Montana Chambers of Commerce Grand Teton NP Big Sky 406-995-3000 Medical Services In summer, outpatient medical ser- 307-739-3300 Billings 406-245-4111 vices are offered at Lake, Mammoth, and Old Faithful. Glacier NP Bozeman 406-586-5421 Ambulances, 24-hour emergency service, laboratory, 406-888-7800 Gardiner 406-848-7971 pharmacy, and radiology services are available. Mammoth National Forests Livingston 406-222-0850 Clinic is open year-round. The park is on 911 service. Shoshone West Yellowstone 406-646-7701 Worship Services Worship services take place in the 307-527-6241 Cooke City–Silver Gate 406-838-2495 park and in communities adjacent to the park, and include Gallatin Red Lodge 406-446-1718 most major denominations and interdenominational 406-587-6701 Wyoming Chambers of Commerce services during the summer. Check at visitor centers for Bridger–Teton Cody 307-587-2297 information. 307-739-5500 Jackson 307-733-3316 Accessibility Visitors Guide to Accessible Features Caribou–Targhee Dubois 307-455-2556 in Yellowstone National Park, available free at 208-624-3151 E. Yellowstone/Wapiti Valley 307-587-9595 Custer entrance stations and visitor centers in the park, Idaho Chambers of Commerce 406-657-6200 describes facilities judged to be negotiable for wheelchair Idaho Falls 208-523-1010 users. Additional facilities are being made accessible as Eastern Idaho Visitor Info 800-634-3246 quickly as possible within funding limitations. For more information, write to: Useful Phone Numbers & Websites Park Accessibility Coordinator • Yellowstone National Park: P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 307-344-7381; TDD 307-344-2386; www.nps.gov/yell TDD only: 307-344-2017 • Lodging & activities: 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-Geyserland Sign Language Interpreters (866-439-7375); TDD 307-344-5395; www.TravelYellowstone.com • Yellowstone Association (maps, books, classes): 307-344-2293; If you need a sign language interpreter for www.YellowstoneAssociation.org National Park Service interpretive programs, please call three weeks in advance: 307-344-2251. 6 y . . . OU ShOUld kNOW AbOUT r Fish hooks must be barbless. 100 feet (30.5 m) from a road or parking area. egUlATIONS Leaving a pet unattended and/or tied to an Fishing requires permits (see below). object is prohibited. Bicycling is allowed on established public Fishing tackle must be non-toxic. Leaded Seat belts must be worn by all occupants roads, parking areas, and designated routes; it split-shot sinkers, soft lead-weighted ribbon, and when the vehicle is in motion. is prohibited on boardwalks and backcountry other toxic tackle are not allowed. Service animals are allowed on trails trails. Food must be attended at all times while not and boardwalks in major areas; they require Boaters must have a Coast Guard approved in storage. Never leave food outside your vehicle permits in the backcountry (see below). “wearable” personal flotation device for each or around your campsite—not even inside a person boating. cooler—when you are away or asleep. Slow-moving vehicles must pull over to let others pass. Never stop or pause in Calling to attract wildlife— Hay & stock feed are allowed only if the middle of the road—use pullouts. bugling to elk, howling to wolves, etc.—is illegal. certified weed-free hay and processed feed; hay must be baled and covered. Trailers must be Speed limit is 45 mph (73 kph) or less. Disturbing park features— clean and empty of manure, loose hay, or feed. Spotlighting—viewing animals with possessing, collecting, removing, defacing, or destroying any natural or archeological objects Littering is illegal, unsightly, destroys hydro- artificial light—is illegal. or plants, animals, or minerals—is prohibited. thermal features, and injures wildlife. Weapons and firearms, including Driving while intoxicated Motorcycles, motor scooters, and motor state-permitted concealed weapons, are not or under the influence is illegal. bikes are not allowed off-road or on trails. Ope- allowed in Yellowstone. Unloaded firearms may rators must carry a valid state driver’s license; be transported in a vehicle when the weapon is Feeding animals is against the law. vehicles must display valid state license plates. cased, broken down or rendered inoperable, Fires are permitted only in designated camp- Pets must be leashed. They are prohibited on and stored in a manner that prevents ready use. grounds, in picnic areas with fire grates, and in Ammunition must be placed in a separate any trails, in the backcountry, and in hydro- some backcountry campsites. compartment of the vehicle. thermal basins. Pets are not allowed more than P first Sunday of November. Fishing season opens Northeast entrances, and West Yellowstone ermITS later around Yellowstone Lake and between the Visitor Information Center. lake and the Grand Canyon. For additional Overnight backcountry Anglers 16 years or older require permits information, check park fishing regulations or camping requires a permit, free 48 hours to fish in Yellowstone National Park; no state www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/todo/fishing. or less in advance or for a fee by mail begin- license is required. Younger children can fish for Motorized boats require permits: ning April 1. For more information, request a free under certain conditions. For these and all purchase at South Entrance, Lewis Lake Camp- backcountry trip planner from the Backcountry other fishing regulations, refer to the park web- ground, Grant Village backcountry office, and Office, Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY site (www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/todo/fishing) Bridge Bay Ranger Station. 82190. or inquire upon your arrival at ranger stations, visitor centers, or general stores. Non-motorized boats & float Service animals are allowed in the Fishing season generally begins on the tubes require permits: purchase at Old backcountry, but must have permits. Contact the Faithful, Mammoth, and Canyon backcoun- Backcountry Office (address above) for more Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (usually the try offices, Bechler Ranger Station, West and information. last weekend in May) and continues through the The New Pass Program e f NTrANCe eeS The new “America the Beautiful—the Private, noncommercial automobile $25 (7 days, both Yellowstone and Grand Teton) National Parks and Federal Recreational Motorcycle $20 (7 days, both parks) Lands Pass” program provides several pass options for the public to use at federal rec- Single entry (foot, bike, ski, etc.) $12 (7 days, both parks) reation sites—including national parks and Yellowstone–Grand Teton Pass $50 (valid one year from date of purchase) wildlife refuges—where entrance fees are America the Beautiful Pass—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass charged. Purchase the new pass at one of $80 Valid for one year from month of purchase. Yellowstone’s entrance stations or http:// Senior Pass $10—for U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the store.usgs.gov/pass. U.S. who are 62 or older. All currently valid passes will be accepted Access Pass Free—for citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. until expired, including the National Parks who have been determined to be blind or perma- Pass, Golden Eagle Pass, Golden Age nently disabled and present such documentation. Passport, and Golden Access Passport. 7 C AmPINg Fees & dates are subject to change; updates at www.nps.gov/yell How Long Can You Camp? Dates Fees Sites Elev (ft) Features 14 days July 1–Labor Day (first Bridge Bay* 5/23–9/14 $17 >425 7,800 A, F, DS, G Monday in September) and 30 Canyon* 6/20–9/9 $17 >250 7,900 A, F, S/L, G days the rest of the year; no limit at Fishing Bridge. Fishing Bridge RV* 5/16–9/28 $35 >325 7,800 F, S/L, DS, G, hookups Group Camping Grant Village* 6/21–9/21 $17 >400 7,800 A, F, S/L, DS, G Available at Madison, Grant, and Bridge Bay campgrounds for large Madison* 5/2–10/26 $17 >250 6,800 A, F, G, DS organized groups with a designated Indian Creek 6/13–9/15 $12 75 7,300 V leader such as youth groups or educational groups. $51–$81 (plus Lewis Lake 6/15–11/3 $12 85 7,800 V tax) per night, depending on group Mammoth All year $14 85 6,200 A, F, G size. Reservations are required. Contact Xanterra Parks and Norris 5/16–9/29 $14 >100 7,500 F, G Resorts: P.O. Box 165, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190; 307-344- Pebble Creek 6/13–9/29 $12 >30 6,900 V 7311 or toll-free 866-439-7375. Slough Creek 5/23–10/31 $12 29 6,250 V Attention RV Drivers Tower Fall 5/16–9/29 $12 32 6,600 V Few campsites exist in the park longer than 30 feet. Reservations * Price does not include tax; reserve these sites by calling Xanterra Parks & A Accessible sites available recommended for these large Resorts: 307-344-7311; toll-free 866-Geyserland (866-439-7375); TDD 307- F Flush toilets sites in Yellowstone and in 344-5395. V Vault toilets campgrounds outside the park S/L Pay showers/laundry near Holders of Golden Age, Senior, Golden Access, and Access passes receive (map on center pages). DS Dump station approximately 50% discount on camping fees, except at Fishing Bridge RV Park where no discounts apply. G Generators OK 8 am–8 pm W T C eATher rIP heCklIST Spring Plan itinerary around road Cold and snow linger into June, although temperatures gradually climb. Early in spring, construction. daytime temperatures average in the 40s and 50s; by late May and June, they may reach Make lodging reservations early. the 60s and 70s. Nighttime lows fall below freezing. Reserve campsites or plan to Summer secure campsite early in the day. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 70s, occasionally the 80s, and sometimes in the Review park safety, regulations, 90s. Nights are generally cool, dropping into the 40s and 30s, sometimes the 20s; but and permit information. may remain warmer during periods of extreme heat. June can be cool and rainy; July and Pack clothes you can layer; be August tend to be somewhat drier, although afternoon thunder showers are common. prepared for rain or snow, cool conditions, heat. Autumn Prepare day packs with snacks, Weather can be pleasant, although temperatures average 10–20 degrees lower than water bottles, maps, sunscreen, summer. Nighttime lows can fall into the teens and lower. Snow increases in frequency compass. and intensity as the weeks go by. Call ahead for up-to-date road Winter and weather information. Daytime temperatures range from near zero to above freezing; night temperatures may For more trip planning materi- fall well below zero. Annual snowfall averages nearly 150 inches in most of the park, als or to take a class, visit www. except in the northern range. At higher elevations, 200–400 inches of snow have been YellowstoneAssociation.org. recorded. You might also want: camera, binoculars, notebook, field WINTer IN yellOWSTONe NATIONAl PArk guides You can find in the park: Yellowstone is open in the winter. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/ Everything listed above, plus yell/planyourvisit/winteract.htm or call 307-344-2116 and ask for Yell 165, “Visit basic camping gear, books, the Park in Winter.” It’s free. groceries, souvenir clothing.
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