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Your Guide to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is where the West still feels wild. Geysers rise from the earth with startling force. Waterfalls carve deep into ancient rock. Bison move slowly through wide valleys where silence stretches for miles. With more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, including over half the world’s geysers, it’s no wonder this place was named America’s first national park.

This guide will help you plan your visit, covering iconic landmarks, outdoor activities, lodging options and tips for first-time visitors, so you can experience the very best of Yellowstone.

 
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Map Your Yellowstone Adventure.

With more than 2.2 million acres to explore, Yellowstone offers boundless natural beauty. Within its borders are over 10,000 hydrothermal features, 466 miles of road and 92 trailheads that lead deep into the backcountry. Five entrances provide access, though some close in winter and distances between them are long, so check road status before you go. Most of Yellowstone National Park lies within Wyoming, with the gateway towns of Jackson and Cody serving as perfect starting points for exploration. Use this map to find lodging, camping, iconic landmarks, and the towns that connect you to it all.

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North Entrance

Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and several are closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive.

North Entrance

Northeast Entrance

Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and several are closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive.

Northeast Entrance

East Entrance (Cody)

Cody, Wyoming, lies 52 miles east of Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Founded by the legendary William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the town brims with Western character. Visitors can enjoy nightly summer rodeos, cowboy music and the renowned Buffalo Bill Center of the West. From the East Entrance, it’s about a 40-minute, 17-mile drive to the Bridge Bay Campground on Yellowstone Lake.

East Entrance (Cody)

West Entrance

Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and several are closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive.

West Entrance

South Entrance (near Jackson)

Jackson, Wyoming is located just 57 miles south of Yellowstone’s South Entrance, offering incredible dining, shopping, and Western spirit with the striking Teton Range as its backdrop. Entering here takes you through Grand Teton National Park, giving you the rare chance to explore two national parks in one trip. While an additional fee is required, the scenery and adventure are unmatched. Continue north about 40 miles from Jackson to reach Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin.

South Entrance (near Jackson)

Mammoth Campground

Open year-round, this 85-site campground is the only one in the park available all year. It is located close to fishing, hiking and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Wildlife, including elk and bison, can often be seen passing through the area.

Mammoth Campground

Indian Creek Campground

This campground sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains at an elevation of 7,300 feet. With easy access to fishing and hiking, it offers a quieter, more primitive experience. There are 70 individual campsites here, each providing space for tents or RVs along with basic amenities.

Indian Creek Campground

Slough Creek Campground

Tucked at the end of a two-mile dirt road, this campground is close to some of Yellowstone’s best wildlife-watching spots and known for its authentic camping experience. It’s ideal for tents and smaller RVs, with nearby trails and streams offering excellent hiking and fishing. At night, the sky opens to dazzling stars and you may even hear wolves howling in the distance.

Slough Creek Campground

Madison Campground

This partly wooded campground sits at an elevation of 6,800 feet and accommodates both tents and RVs. Popular with anglers, it offers easy access to fishing and is located close to Old Faithful. Visitors will find more than 270 individual campsites along with three group sites.

Madison Campground

Lewis Lake Campground

Sitting at an elevation of 7,800 feet, this campground sits just a short walk from Lewis Lake, where visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking and motor boating. A boat ramp is conveniently located near the information and registration area. The campground offers 85 individual campsites.

Lewis Lake Campground

Grant Village Campground

Grant Village includes six two-story buildings, each with 50 rooms. The complex offers a full-service restaurant, a casual lakeside eatery, a lounge and a gift shop. Conveniently located near Yellowstone Lake, it is also the closest lodging area to Grand Teton National Park.

Grant Village Campground

Bridge Bay Campground

Named for its location beside Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake, this scenic campground offers more than 400 standard campsites and 4 group sites for tents and RVs. Sitting at an elevation of 7,800 feet with stunning views of Yellowstone Lake, it’s a favorite among boaters and anglers.

Bridge Bay Campground

Fishing Bridge RV Park

This RV park takes its name from the historic Fishing Bridge, once a popular spot for anglers. While fishing is no longer permitted, walkways still provide excellent views of waterfowl along the river. The park includes 310 campsites designated for hard-sided recreational vehicles.

Fishing Bridge RV Park

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Named after nearby Mammoth Hot Springs, this historic hotel has welcomed guests since 1936 and is open in both summer and winter. It offers a range of accommodations, two restaurants and a bar, with elk often seen grazing just outside.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Roosevelt Lodge

Built in 1920 near Yellowstone’s Tower Falls area, these rustic cabins and family-style dining have long been favorites of families and anglers. A large fenced stable area, offers horseback trail rides, stagecoach adventures and the popular Old West Dinner Cookout, an evening where guests travel by horseback or wagon to a scenic spot for a hearty Western-style meal served under the open sky.

Roosevelt Lodge

Canyon Lodge

As Yellowstone’s largest lodge, this expansive retreat offers more than 500 rooms and cabins, giving guests a comfortable base in the heart of the park. Beyond its accommodations, the lodge welcomes guests to enjoy casual meals at the café or grill and to indulge in sweet treats at the ice cream shop.

Canyon Lodge

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge is the newest hotel in the park, open to guests in both summer and winter. With its log columns and cedar-shingle roof, it stands as a striking example of classic “parkitecture.” Visitors can choose between full-service dining or a casual meal at the Geyser Grill.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Grant Village

Grant Village features 6 two-story buildings each containing 50 rooms; none have elevators. The lodging complex features a full-service restaurant, a lakeside restaurant with a casual menu, lounge and gift store. The village is also nearest to Grand Teton National Park.

Grant Village

Mammoth Hot Springs

If you’re looking to see a lot of hot springs in one place, Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park is the place for you. This must-see feature at Yellowstone includes upper and lower terrace boardwalks with around 50 individual hot springs.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Lamar Valley

Located in the northeast corner of the park, Lamar Valley is renowned for its rich wildlife, including elk, bison, wolves, moose and bears. The Lamar River also draws anglers with its healthy trout population. From Hayden Valley, it’s about 73.5 miles, or just over two hours, to reach Lamar Valley.

A herd of bison walking across Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Carved by the Yellowstone River, this dramatic canyon is best known for its iconic Lower Falls, where the river plunges more than twice the height of Niagara Falls into the canyon below. From Bridge Bay on Yellowstone Lake, it’s about 20 miles, or a 45-minute drive, to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

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Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone and the third largest in the world. Its brilliant colors come from heat-loving bacteria that thrive in the steaming, mineral-rich water. Visitors can admire the spring from boardwalks at ground level or hike to the overlook for a sweeping view of this iconic geothermal wonder.

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Old Faithful

Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most famous geyser, erupting with remarkable consistency for centuries. Its predictable bursts helped inspire the creation of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872. Today, it remains one of nearly 500 geysers in the park and one of the few rangers can reliably predict.

Onlookers viewing Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone National Park during the summer.

Yellowstone Lake

Sitting at 7,733 feet, Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude mountain lake in North America. Spanning 20 miles by 14 miles with over 100 miles of shoreline, it reaches depths of 320 feet. Anglers come for native cutthroat trout, while boaters and visitors enjoy its vast scenic beauty.

a boat on Yellowstone Lake's surface

Wildlife Safety

For the safety of wildlife and visitors, please keep your distance from all animals. It’s recommended to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other wildlife. Learn more about how to explore the park safely by following WY Responsibly guidelines.

Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Family Wildlife Viewing

*Not for navigational purposes

Tips for First-Time Visitors

A first journey into Yellowstone stays with you forever. To make the most of your visit, plan at least three days to explore the park without feeling rushed, and book lodging or campsites well in advance. Cell service is limited inside the park, so download maps in advance or carry a printed guide with you. Pack sturdy footwear, layered clothing and plenty of water. If you plan to explore beyond the boardwalks, hikers are encouraged to carry bear spray. Above all, WY Responsibly: respect the land, give wildlife space and leave Yellowstone as wild as you found it.

Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is a place made for discovery, with countless things to do and places to see. The park holds some of the nation’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Geyser basins, hot springs and travertine terraces showcase its geothermal power, while the Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake and Lamar River, remain iconic places to see nature at its most dramatic. The Grand Loop ties many of these landmarks together, guiding visitors on a scenic drive that connects the park’s most awe-inspiring sights.

Trails like the Upper Geyser Basin and the Elephant Back Mountain Trail wind through valleys, forests and geothermal basins, giving hikers the chance to see the park’s landscapes up close. For those who prefer a guided perspective, wildlife tours provide opportunities to spot bison, elk, bears and even wolves in their natural setting. Partners such as Jackson Hole Eco Tours and Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris bring the land to life, guiding travelers to the region’s most remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities.

For even more outdoor fun, Yellowstone’s rivers and lakes provide excellent trout fishing, while horseback rides carry you through wide meadows and quiet backcountry paths. Families can also enjoy ranger-led programs that explore Yellowstone’s geology, wildlife and history through hands-on learning experiences like the Yellowstone National Park Junior Ranger Program.

 

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Where to Stay in Yellowstone

Where you stay shapes how you experience Yellowstone. Keep in mind that bookings fill months in advance, so reserve your stay as early as you can! Inside the park, nine lodging complexes include everything from rustic cabins and historic inns to modern hotels. Old Faithful Inn and Canyon Lodge & Cabins are among the best-known places to wake up surrounded by Yellowstone’s beauty.

Camping is another way to experience Yellowstone. The park offers 12 campgrounds, some reservable through Yellowstone National Park Lodges—including Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village and Madison. 

Beyond the park, Wyoming's welcoming gateway communities provide even more options. Towns like Cody, Jackson and Dubois, each offer their own unique charm and easy access to Yellowstone’s entrances.

 

How to WY Responsibly

In Wyoming, exploration always comes with care. WY Responsibly encourages visitors to be informed, smart and prepared so the park stays wild and welcoming. Give wildlife space, stay on boardwalks in thermal areas and follow park rules to protect both yourself and the landscape. Take the #YellowstonePledge and join the National Park Service in protecting the park for future generations. Then, post your photos of the park to inspire others to take the pledge too. To learn more, visit our WY Responsibly page and the National Park Service’s Yellowstone guidelines.

 

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