Yellowstone National Park

Great Fountain Geyser erupts against a blue summer sky.
On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal wonders. Today, millions of people come here each year to camp, hike, and enjoy the majesty of the park.
Map showing location of park.
Fish crews head out at sunrise
Body of kayaker found on Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park
On the morning of June 8, occupants of a vessel on Yellowstone Lake discovered the body of a 41-year-old male, Brandon Rhea of Denver, Colorado, floating in the water near Rock Point on the northwest shore of the lake near Bridge Bay.
People on a wooden boardwalk looking at a terraced thermal feature
Yellowstone visitation statistics for May 2026
Yellowstone National Park hosted 570,272 recreation visits in May 2026, up 1% from May 2025 (566,363 recreation visits).
A snow plow moves snow on the road
Update: Beartooth Highway (US-212) from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, is now open for the season
The Beartooth Highway (US-212) from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, is now open for the season.
A map showing closure areas
Update: Yellowstone lifts several trail, backcountry campsite and fishing closures near Old Faithful following May 4 bear incident
On the afternoon of May 4, two hikers sustained injuries by one or more bears on the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.
People walking on a wooden boardwalk through a hydrothermal area on a sunny summer day
Top 10 things to know about visiting Yellowstone National Park during the 2026 summer season
This summer, visitors to Yellowstone National Park are being urged to plan ahead – both to stay safe and to help protect one of America’s most iconic wild landscapes.
Brilliant blues and greens of a hot spring ringed by oranges, yellows, reds, and browns.
Photo by NPS/Jim Peaco
A crowd of people standing along a wooden boardwalk watches a geyser erupt.
Photo by NPS/Jim Peaco
A visitor stands on a boardwalk near a hot spring and a lake.
Photo by NPS/Diane Renkin
People on a wooden boardwalk watch a geyser erupt.
Photo by NPS/Jim Peaco
A wolf howls while standing on a snowy field.
Photo by NPS/Jim Peaco
Visitors walk into a rustic, log and stone building.
Photo by NPS/Jim Peaco
A geyser erupting in the middle of a large pool.
Photo by NPS/Diane Renkin
A crowd in front of an erupting geyser during a snowy winter day.
Photo by NPS/Jim Peaco
Visitors walk in front of a brightly colored, terraced landscape.
Photo by NPS/Jim Peaco
Two bighorn sheep laying on the ground.
Photo by NPS/Peggy Olliff
A river plunges into a steep, barren canyon.
Photo by NPS/Diane Renkin
A herd of bison grazing through a barren and steaming thermal area.
Photo by NPS/Diane Renkin
A grizzly bear standing on a fallen tree.
Photo by NPS/Jim Peaco
A greenish river meanders through a hilly river valley.
Photo by NPS/Dave Krueger