A SLOW TRAVELER'S GUIDE IN 3 EASY STEPS!
Break Free of your Checklist: Scratch off half of your "must see" stops and Leave time for Serendipity!
Choose Quality over Quantity: Adopt a mindset that allows you to be more open to experiences that are unique, immersive and focused on connection.
Include Self-Imposed Rest Days or "Stay Close to Home" Days. This does not mean you're being lazy or inactive--Replenish, Go for a Walk nearby, Talk to the Locals and Be Present.
Each year the actions of visitors have resulted in the injury and death of both humans and wildlife.
Stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas
Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. Keep your children close and don’t let them run.
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife
Yellowstone provides millions of visitors one of the greatest wildlife viewing displays in North America. In recent days, some actions by visitors have led to the endangerment of people and wildlife and resulted in the death of numerous animals. We are calling on visitors to protect wildlife by understanding how their actions can negatively impact wildlife.
The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car.
Maintain distance: Keep at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from other animals. If an animal approaches, back away to maintain a safe distance.
Use binoculars or a spotting scope: These are the safest ways to view wildlife.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it: Bear spray is an effective way to stop aggressive behavior and prevent attacks.
Never touch wildlife
Please understand that Yellowstone is not a petting zoo. These animals are wild and sensitive to human interference. Each year, visitors try to touch the animals, especially the babies, resulting in the abandonment of the young by its parents and Park managers are forced to put the animal down.
Never feed wildlife
Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use.
Never park in the road or block traffic
Use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass. Stay with your vehicle if you encounter a wildlife jam.
Navigating Bison Herds
Bison jams can hold up traffic for hours and prevent emergency vehicles from getting through.
Keep your wheels moving slowly and maintain the same speed as the bison, and you will be able to safely get through the herd. When you have a chance to get by, take it and do not allow traffic to back up behind you while you take photos.
Human-related Concerns: Driving
Approaching Yellowstone: The roads that lead to the five gates of Yellowstone National Park are some of the most dangerous highways in the United States.
Traffic-related accidents are the leading cause of injury and death here.
Animal collisions cause the death of thousands of animals and loss of human life.
Don’t let the scenery distract you: drive cautiously and watch for animals. If you need to stop for any reason, use a pullout: do not block traffic.
The speed limit inside Yellowstone is 45 mph (73 kph) unless posted otherwise. Pack your patience: winding roads and traffic often make drive times much longer than expected. Other road hazards include soft shoulders, potholes, and frost heaves. If you have detachable side mirrors, please remove them when you're not pulling a trailer.
To Learn More:
https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/23018.htm
It can snow any day of the year in Yellowstone, even in July, so be prepared for quickly changing weather and road conditions!
Clothing for a Summer Visit to Yellowstone
Insulating underwear: Even a pair of sweatpants to put under your jeans will help in the cold of an early morning wildlife watching. Or a pair of rain pants to put over your clothes to keep the heat in and the rain and wind out.
Mid-weight insulating layer: A light synthetic fleece or wool shirt/pullover. Or a heavy sweatshirt to put under your outer jacket.
Heavyweight insulating layer: Wool, down or heavy-weight fleece jacket.
Waterproof and windproof outer layer. If you do not have that, a rain poncho and rain pants can make all the difference on a cold day.
Two Hats: A brimmed one for sun protection and possibly for rain and an insulating one for cool weather or early mornings.
Gloves: Lightweight glove liners, and possibly even a pair of heavier wool/fleece gloves or mittens.
Socks: Light wool or synthetic socks. Cotton socks are not recommended. Make sure you have enough room in your shoes if you double layer your socks. The less room you have to wiggle your toes, the colder your feet will be.
Footwear: Hiking boots, hiking shoes or a pair of athletic shoes depending on what you plan on doing. Any shoes must provide stability, traction and comfort. Sandals, athletic shoes or other leisure footwear can be used for relaxing or easy walking.
Equipment
Daypack with enough capacity to carry extra clothes, water, lunch, camera, binoculars, field guides, etc.
Water bottle: One quart/liter is the minimum recommended.
Camelback or similar hydration systems work well in Summer, but not as good in Winter.
Thermos for hot liquids
Snacks
Sunglasses
Sunscreen/lip protector: Sun at high altitude can burn unprotected skin quickly.
Insect repellent (summer)
Camera, memory/film and batteries
Binoculars and/or spotting scope and tripod
Notebook/pencil
Non-electric alarm clock: Recommended if you want to be sure to be someplace on time.
Phone chargers, plugs and an extension cord
Any prescription medications
Clothing for a Winter Visit to Yellowstone
See the above list for your body, but bring more layers than you think you will need. You can always leave stuff in the vehicle.
For Winter Travel Add:
Synthetic or wool neck warmer or neck gaiter or scarf.
Gaiters: Knee-high ones to keep the snow out of your boots and to keep your socks and pants dry. Or Rain Pants to put over top of your regular pants.
Footwear: Insulated boots must have water repellent layers outside, thick insulation inside, and be large enough to fit over thick socks. (Tight boots are the surest way to get painfully cold feet.)
General hiking boots will not provide adequate insulation in most cases.
Look for something with a -40 degree temperature rating or more.
Winter Equipment
Bring all of the gear listed on the Summer list, but add:
Pocket hand and foot warmers. I actually carry these year-round!
This double-sided map includes both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
It is 11" X 17", so you'll need to set your printer accordingly.
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/YELL-GRTE-Tear-Off-Map-2023-web.pdf
This is my favorite book to buy BEFORE coming to the park. It is filled with gorgeous photography and tons of information about Yellowstone. It is a great gift for friends or family and it makes a beautiful coffee table book when you get home!
by Janet Chapple
Bring this one with you!
And you might want to get out the post-it tabs, because this book will be your favorite travel buddy in Yellowstone!
Covering everything there is to know about the world's first and most diverse national park, this bestselling guide to Yellowstone boasts more facts, anecdotes, history, and travel tips than ever before. Mile-by-mile road logs document every approach to the park and every interior road. It has a little bit of everything!
This book has great suggestions and wonderfully detailed descriptions of over 100 great hikes in the park.
These amazing topographic maps are a must-have if you are planning to go for a hike away from the boardwalks.
Everywhere you see color in the runoff channels of a geyser or a hot spring- it is typically not minerals you are seeing, but thousands of microscopic organisms living in the water. This book is a great introduction to Yellowstone's microbes.
Don't forget to bring along a temperature gun! This will keep the kids and even the adults engaged as they walk the boardwalks around the geyser basins. It is the best way to safely test the temperatures of the hot springs in Yellowstone.
This Handbook is available on-line for free, and it is updated every year. It has everything imaginable if you're looking for a deeper dive into all things Yellowstone.
Once you arrive, stop by any visitor center in the park to pick up a whole set of their amazing Area Brochures. Carry them along as you walk the boardwalks and you'll be surprised at how much you'll learn, plus they are a great way to keep the kids engaged!
Pro-Tip: One of the best companions for the car is the Guide Along App: it's like having a personal tour guide in your car at all times!
Be sure to load it before you get here.
Bring along some watercolor paints, pencils and paper. The take some time to enjoy putting some of Yellowstone's magnificent colors on paper.
By the way, it's NOT just for kids!
The best way to really experience Yellowstone is to slow down. Take the time to sit along the edge of a river, go for a walk, sit quietly and paint or draw for a while. You never know who might walk by!
Lamar Valley Sunset
Having a little fun with a Bison drawing
Geysers are my favorite thing to "try" paint!
...with personalized trip planning sessions
Including:
45 minutes to talk with an expert local guide.
Answers to your Yellowstone questions, like where to stay, what not to miss, and how to keep the whole family engaged.
After our session, you'll receive:
A personalized itinerary, including suggestions and links to activities and lodging.
Exclusive access to our Yellowstone Resource Library with extensive pre-planning guides, packing lists, and more!
Only $175