By Act of Congress on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park was "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of
the people" and "for the preservation, from injury or spoilation, of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities, or wonders. . . and their retention in their natural condition." Yellowstone is the first and oldest national park in the world.

The commanding features that initially attracted interest,and led to the preservation of Yellowstone as a national park, were geological: the geothermal phenomena (there
are more geysers and hot springs here than in the rest of the world combined), the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, fossil forests, and the size and
elevation of Yellowstone Lake.

The human history of the park is evidenced by cultural sites dating back 12,000 years. More recent history can be seen in the historic structures and sites that represent
the various periods of park administration and visitor facilities development.


Ninety-nine percent of the park's 3,400 square miles (2.2 million acres) remains undeveloped, providing a wide range of habitat types that support one of the continent's largest and most varied large mammal populations. Yellowstone is a true wilderness, one of the few large, natural areas remaining in the lower 48 states of the United States. Here, you meet nature on its terms, not yours. Park regulations exist for your safety and for the protection of natural and cultural resources. Please obey all park rules and regulations.

VISITATION:
Highest in June, July, August

LOCATION:
Located primarily in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, with portions extending into
southwestern Montana and southeastern Idaho.

ADDRESS:
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park WY 82190-0168

TELEPHONE:
(307) 344-7381; TDD (307) 344-2386

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Summer: Season runs from mid-April to late-October. Once a road/entrance opens, it is open 24 hours. (Exceptions: road construction and weather-caused restrictions.)

Winter: Season runs from mid-December to mid-March. The road from the North Entrance at Gardiner, MT to the Northeast Entrance and Cooke City, MT is open to wheeled vehicle use year round. Only oversnow vehicles are allowed on other park roads.

DIRECTIONS: There are five entrances to Yellowstone National Park.
North Entrance: U.S. Hwy 89 from I-90 at Livingston, Montana
Northeast Entrance: U.S. Hwy 212 from I-90 at Billings, Montana or Hwy 296 from Cody, Wyoming
West Entrance: U.S. Hwy 191 from Bozeman, Montana or U.S. Hwy 20 from Idaho Falls, Idaho
East Entrance: U.S. Hwy 16 from Cody, Wyoming
South Entrance: U.S. Hwy 89 from Jackson, Wyoming

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
The entrance fee is $20 for a private, noncommercial vehicle; $15 for each snowmobile or motorcycle; or $10 for each visitor over 16 years of age entering by foot, bike, ski, etc. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Remember to keep your admission receipt in order to re-enter the parks. Snowmobile operators must posess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Advance reservations are not needed to enter the park. Annual Area, Golden Access, Golden Age, and Golden Eagle Passports are possible alternatives to the above fees.

Annual Area Pass

A $40 Annual pass for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks is available. It is valid one year from date of purchase.

 
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Acreage: 3,400 square miles (2.2 million acres)

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Visitor Centers, Museums, Information Stations, and Bookstores  Exhibits

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Campground / Lodging / Dining - Reservations are strongly recommended for all concession operated facilities. Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. For reservation information, call (307) 344-7311. For listings, see Facilities and Opportunities above.

Backcountry Camping - Yellowstone has a designated backcountry campsite system, and a permit is required for all overnight stays. For more information, see Backpacking in Recommended Activities/Park Use above.

Fishing / Boating - Permits are required. See Fishing or Boating in Recommended
Activities/Park Use above.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Check at Visitor Centers for current information on road closures, weather forecasts, ranger-led activities, park regulations, and permits. Visitors should keep in mind that, due to high levels of visitation, travel through the park can be slow, especially during July and August. Make Lodging and Camping reservations as early as possible. Yellowstone is large and its major scenic attractions are widely dispersed. You will get more from your visit by limiting your travels to one or two areas if you have one day or less to spend in Yellowstone. Allow at least two days or more if you wish to see most major park attractions.