Four Yellowstone tourists getting an interpretive talk from a Yellowstone Vacations guide

Yellowstone Trip Planner


Seasonal Closure Announcement

All Yellowstone National Park entrances and park roads are now temporarily closed in preparation for spring plowing, EXCEPT for the road between the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance (open year-round, weather permitting).

The North Entrance is OPEN! Visitors can enter through the historic Roosevelt Arch, then take Old Gardiner Road directly into Mammoth.

Conditions permitting, other entrances and roads are projected to begin opening to wheeled vehicle travel at 8:00 AM on April 21.

For additional information, please visit the National Park Service website


Yellowstone National Park Service Trip Planner Guides

Read this section for travel tips and expert advice. And when you're done, start planning your trip.
Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park can be quite intimidating at first. It's a huge area, there are a ton of potential attractions to visit, and for most visitors, this is all brand new information to have to learn and think about. Fortunately, there is a great resource to make this task a little easier. The National Park Service has assembled a collection of convenient trip planning guides, now available in 11 different languages!

Take a few minutes to read through the trip planner information below to learn more about Yellowstone National Park, including maps, information about transportation, weather, entrance fees, park safety and more. A little knowledge will help make your adventure safe and memorable for all the right reasons.

Pet-Friendly Activities

Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas at Yellowstone, but there are plenty of activities just outside the park for you and your pup.

If you are planning on bringing your dog with you to the park, make sure to check out these regulations from NPS.

  1. Take a lap around Earthquake Lake.
  2. Go for a stroll through West Yellowstone. You'll find various pet-friendly coffee shops and retailers to visit.
  3. Hike Coffin Lakes Trail, a moderate hike with stunning views and stream crossings.
  4. Don't miss out on the popular Old Faithful geyser. Dogs are allowed on the sidewalks around the visitor center with a leash.
  5. Have a picnic at Yellowstone Lake and let your dog dip their paws in the chilly water.

Take the Yellowstone Pledge!