So you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park – yay! 

Now what? 😅

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone! 

That’s exactly how I felt when we planned our visit. As we decided where to go, I knew we wanted to see lots of geological features and wildlife. 

But then I realized there were many more logistics to plan than I had bargained for…

What’s the best place to stay? Is there cell phone coverage? How long in advance do I need to book accommodations? And so many more. 

I spent a ton of time researching before our trip and have combined what I learned with tips and tricks we picked up during our visit to Yellowstone in this guide to help you plan your own trip. 

I’ll share essential details you need to know during the planning stages of your trip, such as the nearest airports, the best time to visit, and the deets on cell phone coverage.

(Spoiler alert: You’ll find signal at the major campgrounds and villages, but otherwise it’s slim pickings.)

Whether visiting for the first time or planning a family vacation, you’ll find updated information, logistics, and planning tips to help you make the most of your trip. 

My goal is to help you feel prepared and ready to roll so you can relax and enjoy your trip without stressing that you’ve missed something important.

🎧 We loved this self-guided audio tour during our visit!

View of Lower Yellowstone Falls cascading through the rugged Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone surrounded by lush forests under a partly cloudy sky.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Even though you might be ready to get to the fun stuff (lodging and attractions, of course), there are some housekeeping items we need to take care of first. So let’s talk about what you need to know before visiting Yellowstone.

Okay, let’s get to it.

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Where is Yellowstone Located?

When you’re trying to figure out how to visit Yellowstone, one of the things to know is where the park is located so you can plan accordingly.
The park is located in the western part of the United States. The majority of the park lies in northwestern Wyoming. However, portions of the park also extend into Montana and Idaho.

How many entrances does Yellowstone have?

There are five entrances to the park:

  • North entrance (near Gardiner, Montana)
  • Northeast entrance (near Cooke City, Montana)
  • South entrance (near West Yellowstone, Montana)
  • East entrance (near Cody, Wyoming).
  • West entrance (near West Yellowstone, Montana) 

Most of the entrances (and roads) close to automobiles during the winter, except for the North Entrance. However, some roads remain open to over-snow travel on snowmobiles or snow coaches through the winter.

A map screenshot showing the surrounding areas of Yellowstone National Park, with each entrance marked on the map, useful for planning a trip to Yellowstone.screenshot image of google maps with yellowstone park entrances on map

Getting to Yellowstone

One of the most common questions about planning a trip to Yellowstone is how to get there. 

A popular way to visit if you don’t live too far away is to drive. But even if you live further away, you can always make a road trip out of it – that’s what we did! 

However, sometimes the distance is too great, or you don’t have enough time off work, so another option is to fly into a nearby airport and rent a car or book a guided tour to take you into the park.

What are the nearest airports?

If you’re too far away to drive, there are a few airports within driving distance of Yellowstone.

A handful of the closest airports are

  • Bozeman, Montana: about two hours from the North Entrance
  • Billings, Montana: approximately two hours forty-five minutes from the North Entrance
  • Jackson Hole Airport: about a one-hour drive from the South Entrance.
  • Salt Lake City Airport: about a six-hour drive from the South Entrance.

Though the Salt Lake City airport is further away, it could be a great option if you plan to fly in and rent a campervan from somewhere like Wandervans. The drive would also allow you to spend a day in Grand Teton National Park on your way through!

Is Yellowstone really that big? 

Yup.

It really is. Yellowstone is massive and spans across parts of three states – Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It’s over 3400 square miles in size. As a reference, that’s bigger than the entire state of Delaware!

What does that mean for you? Because the park is so huge, it can easily take 2-3 hours to drive from one end of the park to the other – and that’s if you don’t run into any Bison jams. 😉 

If you intend to drive the entire loop, it can be done in a day, but it’s good to note that you won’t have much time to stop at attractions, and the majority of your day will be spent in the car.

I suggest planning your itinerary for Yellowstone carefully and dedicating at least 3 days to your visit. This allows you to break the park into sections each day to maximize what you see and minimize your drive time.

Want a done for you itinerary plus tips, kid activities, and more? Grab a copy of my Yellowstone Trip Guide & Planner. 👇

Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Planner

  • 50+ Pages
  • Yearly Updates for Current Info
  • Tips, FAQ’s, & Things to Know
  • Must-see Attractions & Activities
  • Where to Stay
  • Detailed 3-day Itinerary
  • Alternate Trip Durations (1-7 Days)
  • Trip Planner
  • BONUS: Yellowstone Packing List
  • BONUS: Kid Activities

Where should you stay?

Yellowstone has several options for lodging, both in the park and nearby, including lodges, cabins, hotels, and camping. 

If you’re not interested in tent camping, you can also rent an RV or camper for your vacation for a bit more comfort.

Remember how we talked about how massive Yellowstone is? 

Although having one place to stay for your entire stay can be convenient, we think it’s better to move campgrounds or lodges when visiting Yellowstone due to the park’s vast size.

If you absolutely need to stay in one location, Canyon Village is more centrally located and is our best suggestion.

A few of my top picks for where to stay are: 

When to Book Your Accommodations

Lodging in Yellowstone books up quickly, especially for the summer months. It’s common for things to book out 9-12 months in advance. If your travel dates are set, booking as early as possible is best.

That said, if you’re hoping to go last minute, it’s worth looking! We were able to snag cancellations and book a September trip just a couple of weeks ahead of time a few years ago, so it is possible. Just don’t bank on it. 

What is the best way to experience Yellowstone?

Though there are many ways to visit and see the sights, we think a campervan or a truck bed camper is the way to go when visiting Yellowstone. There are a few reasons for this. 

First, the park has areas where you can’t drive pull-behind campers due to the total length. Also, you may need (or want) to move from one campground to another to minimize your overall drive time during your trip. Having a campervan or truck bed camper makes that just a little bit easier. Plus, you can always have your kitchen with you – a massive bonus with kids! 

We used Wandervans (the closest options are Boise and Salt Lake City) on our Yellowstone trip and could not have been happier. Their booking process is super easy to navigate, and they have done an excellent job ensuring you have all the essentials for your trip. Plus, have I mentioned how comfortable their mattresses were?! I’ve never slept so well on a camping trip in my life!

Another great option we love is Roamerica in Hood River. Or, find an option close to you on Outdoorsy.

🚐 Book your own campervan or RV rental for your Yellowstone adventure!

How Many Days Should You Spend?

When it comes to National Parks, the longer you can spend, the better. That said, 3-5 days is a great time frame to see the park’s highlights without feeling like all you did was simply drive from location to location.
If you have a shorter trip planned, you’ll want to plan your daily park itinerary carefully to maximize your time.

What Should Your Budget Be? 

One of the most significant factors for planning any vacation is how much it will cost. Visiting Yellowstone is no different. 

We were able to budget under $2500 for our entire trip for our family of four, including food! 

We spent two days driving, plus time in Grand Teton (1 day) and Yellowstone (3 days).

We had a campervan, but you could save even more ($800+) if you choose to tent camp instead.

However, if you choose to stay in one of the lodges in the park, such as Old Faithful Inn, you can expect to spend $200-1100 a night. Therefore, you’ll want to consider your lodging preferences as you finalize your budget.

Entrance Fees

In addition, you’ll want to keep Entrance Fees in mind as you plan your budget. Thankfully, there are a few options you can choose from. For example, if you’re only visiting Yellowstone and don’t anticipate visiting any other federally owned lands in the coming year, the least expensive option is the 7-day pass for a private vehicle at $35.

However, we think the America the Beautiful Pass is the best buy. For $80, you get access to national parks, national wildlife refuges, and most national forests. 

Note: If you’re currently in the U.S. Military or have a 4th Grader, you can get an annual America the Beautiful Pass at no cost. You can grab your Every Kid Outdoors Annual 4th Grade Pass here.

🌲 Grab your America the Beautiful Pass now.

What is the best time of year to visit Yellowstone? 

Truth be told, there are perks to visiting every season, so there is no perfect answer. 

But, if you have the option, I recommend visiting in early June or September to avoid the heavy crowds of summer. All the roads are likely to be open (unless there is construction or significant weather), and you’ll have an easier time booking accommodations and finding parking while the weather is still relatively mild. 

To choose the best season for you, consider your fitness level, the activities you want to do most, and whether you’re open to a trip in the snow. 

Here are a few more details to help you decide: 

  • Summer: The weather will likely be best, but everyone knows it (if you know what I mean 😅). You’ll enjoy more sunshine, but you’ll also probably find yourself fighting to get a parking spot at popular tourist attractions, running into more traffic than in other seasons, and having a more significant challenge securing lodging (they often book out 9+ months in advance!)
  • Spring & Fall: Visiting Yellowstone in the Spring or Fall might be your perfect time. You’ll enjoy weather that might be cooler but more availability when it comes to lodging and attractions (likely not as busy!)
  • Winter: Visiting Yellowstone in winter can also be an incredible adventure. The park is beautifully blanketed in snow and is rarely busy. Plus, seeing animals in winter during a snowmobile or snowcoach tour is an adventure you can’t get at any other time of the year. Though certain parts of the park aren’t accessible in winter, it can be a truly unique experience!
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What is the weather like in Yellowstone? 

The weather in Yellowstone can be unpredictable, partially because of the high elevation. Many people don’t realize that Yellowstone Lake actually sits at around 7700 feet in elevation. And some of the roads climb above 8800 feet!

Even during the summer, when the temperatures are in the 70s Fahrenheit during the day, they can still quickly drop into the 40s at night. You can find historical averages here.

Because of the higher altitudes, there can be snow on the ground in the park for much of the year. Many roads don’t open until April or May and can close as early as September or October.

We visited in September, and the weather was in the 50s most days and the 30s at night. During our trip, we also had quite a bit of rain (and even a little hail!).

You’ll want to be prepared for cold weather, especially at night, at any time of the year. It’s also not uncommon for the first significant snowstorm to come in September or October.

In fact, during our early September trip, snow was coming the day we left. Therefore, bringing a rain jacket and warm layers is a good idea, no matter what time of year you’re visiting.

When are Yellowstone Attractions Least Crowded?

The busiest time of day throughout most of the park tends to be mid-day (from around 9 or 10 am until 5 or 6 pm). 

If you can catch the most popular places (Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, etc.) in the early morning or evening, you will have fewer crowds to fight. We recommend keeping that in mind for the places you absolutely don’t want to miss.

Old Faithful geyser eruption reaching high into the sky with thick steam, framed by a blue sky with scattered clouds, a must-see when planning a trip to Yellowstone.
We were so lucky to see Old Faithful erupt within minutes of arriving!

What are the Must-See Attractions in Yellowstone? 

When you think of Yellowstone, one of the first things that comes to mind is Old Faithful Geyser. And bison, of course. 🤪

You’ll definitely want to add that iconic stop to your list, but there are plenty more activities to keep you busy and entertained in Yellowstone. From hiking to waterfall hunting and learning about all the different geothermal features in the park, there is something for everyone.

Geysers & Geyser Basins

Yellowstone is home to over 500 geysers. Some of the most famous are Old Faithful and Steamboat. 

Twilight hues over Yellowstone Lake with tranquil geothermal pools and a wooden boardwalk at West Thumb Geyser Basin in the foreground.
This is the view that greeted us when we arrived at West Thumb Geyser Basin! 😍

However, there are many more throughout the various geyser basins in the park. We really enjoyed West Thumb Geyser Basin and Norris Geyser Basin! 

The vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring with steam rising and a forested backdrop under an overcast sky, a highlight for visitors visiting Yellowstone.
The view of the Grand Prismatic from the overlook.

Thermal Pools and Geothermal Features

One of the most famous thermal pools is the rainbow-hued Grand Prismatic. Located in Midway Geyser Basin, viewing from the boardwalk is incredible. But the best view is actually from the overlook off of Fairy Falls Overlook Trail.

Wildlife

Bison and coyotes and moose – oh my!

During our visit, we saw 15-20 different species of animals. Plan a sunrise or sunset in Lamar Valley or Hayden Valley for the best chances of sightings.

Dramatic view of Lower Yellowstone Falls from Artist Point with the Yellowstone River flowing into the canyon, captured from the overlook under a dynamic sky.
Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Lakes and Canyons

When we first started planning our trip, lakes and canyons weren’t at the top of my list. But, truthfully? These scenic drives and unique stops were some of my favorite parts of the trip.

Sunset from West Thumb Geyser Basin looking out over Yellowstone Lake is incredible. And the views from Dunraven Pass and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone took my breath away.

Planning your daily itinerary 

Once you know what you want to see, you’ll want to decide how to spend each day of your trip. If you’re wondering how to plan your days, we’ve got you covered.

Especially if you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll want a detailed Yellowstone itinerary designed to help you see all the highlights.

As an example, if you have 3 days, we suggest splitting your days by regions of the park: 

  • Day 1: North Yellowstone
  • Day 2: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake
  • Day 3: Geyser Basins and Old Faithful

Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Planner

  • 50+ Pages
  • Yearly Updates for Current Info
  • Tips, FAQ’s, & Things to Know
  • Must-see Attractions & Activities
  • Where to Stay
  • Detailed 3-day Itinerary
  • Alternate Trip Durations (1-7 Days)
  • Trip Planner
  • BONUS: Yellowstone Packing List
  • BONUS: Kid Activities

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Don’t have time to (or don’t want to – no judgment here 😝) plan all the details yourself? No worries. 

Grab a copy of our printable Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Itinerary to take the stress out of planning – it even includes links to our personal Roadtrippers maps already done for you! 

Just download your maps ahead of time, print (or download) the guide, and off you go!

Two kids in green raincoats observing the steamy waters of a hot spring at the Fountain Paint Pot area in Yellowstone National Park.
They were fascinated by all the different thermal features we saw.

Is Yellowstone good for kids?

Yes….and no. Yellowstone is an excellent place for kids, but there are some things to know before you visit with small kids in tow.

One of the most popular national parks, Yellowstone provides excellent opportunities for family travel. And we firmly believe that kids can go anywhere, and adventure doesn’t have to wait just because you have children.

Yellowstone can be a fantastic introduction to geography and natural history. From animals to geysers, there really are things of wonder in Yellowstone.

That said, some trails are close to steam vents, boiling hot pools, and other thermal features. It is also full of animals that roam freely and can present dangers, so it’s important to respect wildlife, follow guidelines, and take precautions to keep you and your children safe.

I share this because we had a stage where one of our kids was a “runner,” and I would have been a nervous wreck! But if your kids are used to listening and paying close attention (or they’re still small enough for you to carry), it’s a great destination.

Will there be cell phone or wifi service?

Kind of. 

We occasionally had spotty cell phone coverage in the park, but mostly, we had none. Cell towers are located around the major villages in the park, and once you drive beyond these areas, you’ll lose signal.

If you’re staying in some of the lodges, you’ll have the best wifi in the park, but it’s still not going to be what you’re used to at home. 

Otherwise, plan on having everything you need to navigate without service. 

Three things that will make this much easier are: 

  • A Premium Membership to Roadtrippers allows you to plan your entire route and download the maps for offline use before you go. (Get $5 off here with code: STOKEFAM)
  • A Pro membership to Gaia GPS. If you plan to do any hiking, explore the National Forests or BLM land near the park, or need more detailed navigation maps and layers, this is the app you want. You can use multiple layers, including weather and snow overlays, land use maps, and more. With the Pro membership, you can also download (or print) these maps for when you don’t have service. Get 20% off here.
  • GuideAlong: This is an audio-based tour, like having a tour guide in your car with you. As you drive, you’ll learn all kinds of cool facts and tips about the park. If you have kids, ours loved it! They would remind me to start it every time we got back in the van!

🤩 We love this app for navigating roadtrips (with signal or without).

A man with binoculars in a bright green jacket observes a peaceful sunset scene with bison grazing in the vast grasslands of Lamar Valley in Yellowstone.
Watching the Bison in Lamar Valley.

Is the wildlife dangerous?

That depends.

We’ve all heard the stories of people who have been charged by an angry bison or moose. Or, we’ve listened to terrifying anecdotes of grizzly bears (or black bears) coming into camps.

The truth is, though, by and large, if you follow the safety recommendations, it’s not likely you’ll have a problem. Most people being harmed in the park are due to people choosing to ignore guidelines or pushing those limits. However, as with any wildlife, there are no guarantees, and these animals aren’t fenced in any way. 

Our advice is to be wise, keep your distance, properly store your food at all times, proceed with caution at your own risk, and carry bear spray where you can easily reach it. Not buried in the bottom of a backpack – bears aren’t going to wait for you to dig it out. 😝

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Are there any nearby places or parks I should know about?

Absolutely! 

If you can tack on a day or two to your visit, plan to swing by Grand Teton National Park for a day. You can be in Grand Teton National Park within an hour from the South Entrance of Yellowstone!

Have longer? Glacier is only around six hours away as well. Visiting all three parks in a row would make for an epic road trip.

What should you do about food?

Yellowstone does have restaurants, snack shops, and more available throughout the park. Dining is located primarily at each major attraction or lodging area, such as Canyon Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithful.

However, taking our own food made things much more manageable. We could stop whenever the kids got hungry (or while we were waiting for crowds to die down). Then, if everyone was ready to eat, we didn’t have to wait to drive across the park for a restaurant or cafeteria.

What do you need to pack?

Before (and during) our trip to Yellowstone, we realized several items are essential to have beyond your basic travel needs.

Binoculars

For instance, binoculars. During a trip to Yellowstone, there will be so many things you’ll want to see in more detail. A pair of binoculars is a good idea to have on hand to help you spot wildlife in the distance and to allow you to see more details while remaining safe.

If you can bring a pair for everyone, that’s ideal. However, having at least two to share with your family is a great idea. Our kids have a pair similar to this, and we have this nicer pair as well.

Camera

In addition, you’ll want to have photos to remember your trip and share with friends and families, so be sure to bring a camera. A cell phone can totally work (it’s what we took along with a GoPro). 

However, if you are hoping for close-up images of wildlife and geothermal features, a camera with a telephoto lens will be extremely beneficial.

On our next visit, I plan to take my current camera, a Sony a7iv, and a zoom lens.

More Things to Pack for Yellowstone

A few more essential items you’ll want to add to your complete Yellowstone packing checklist are:

Best Apps to Make the Most of Your Yellowstone Trip

GuideAlong 

GuideAlong is essentially an audio tour that you pick up wherever you start your day. It automatically plays as you drive through the park. 

Plus, it works like magic, even when you don’t have a cell signal. (They use satellites, but magic sounds more fun.😉) 

We learned so much more about the park’s history and different geological features that we would have missed without this app. “Secret school” for the win!

🤩 This self-guided tour automagically knows picks up where you are as you move through the park.

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is a road trip planning app. It’s one of our favorite apps for planning camping (or any kind of) road trips. You pop in your destinations, and it lays out the order that makes the most sense to minimize your drive time. 

You can try it for free here. The Premium tier lets you plan longer trips (up to 150 stops), share with friends, and access maps offline…this is super beneficial when you’re in the park as service is limited. 

Check out the sample of the Yellowstone Roadtrippers map and itinerary we created below. If you love it and decide to sign up, be sure to use code: STOKEFAM for $5 off your membership!

A road trip planner map from Roadtrippers with marked destinations around Yellowstone National Park, an essential tool for organizing and planning a Yellowstone adventure.

Yellowstone National Park App

The Yellowstone National Park App is especially beneficial when you want more information about a particular area to find information on road closures, schedules, and more. 

However, the thing we liked the most was the live Geyser Prediction. When you are in a service area (the main campground areas, Old Faithful, etc.), you can pull up predictions to help you plan your timing for the day.

Final Thoughts about Planning a Yellowstone Vacation

Planning a trip to Yellowstone is exciting, but there are a lot of details you need to be aware of. 

Now that you have all of these tips and tricks in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to having the best Yellowstone adventure with less stress! 

As you continue planning your trip, be sure you find a great place to stay in or near the park well in advance and that you’re aware of these crucial tips and things to know about visiting Yellowstone!

Want All Our Tips & Tricks to Plan Your Trip?

Grab a copy of our printable Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Itinerary and get our best tips, itineraries, and suggestions to make your trip easier – it even includes links to our personal Roadtrippers maps already done for you! 

Just download your maps ahead of time, print (or download) the guide, and off you go!

Yellowstone National Park Trip Guide & Planner

  • 50+ Pages
  • Yearly Updates for Current Info
  • Tips, FAQ’s, & Things to Know
  • Must-see Attractions & Activities
  • Where to Stay
  • Detailed 3-day Itinerary
  • Alternate Trip Durations (1-7 Days)
  • Trip Planner
  • BONUS: Yellowstone Packing List
  • BONUS: Kid Activities

Additional Resources for Planning Your Yellowstone Vacation

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