Yellowstone National Park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, is a National Park located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, though it also extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone was the first National Park in the world, and is known for its wildlife and its many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most popular features in the park.It has many types of ecosystems, but the subalpine forest is dominant.
Native Americans have lived in the Yellowstone region for at least 11,000 years. The region was bypassed during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century. Aside from visits by mountain men during the early-to-mid-19th century, organized exploration did not begin until the late 1860s. The U.S. Army was commissioned to oversee the Park just after its establishment. In 1917, administration of the Park was transferred to the National Park Service, which had been created the previous year. Hundreds of structures have been built and are protected for their architectural and historical significance, and researchers have examined more than 1,000 archaeological sites.
Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,468.4 sq mi (8,983 km2), comprising lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges.Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America and is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest supervolcano on the continent. The caldera is considered an active volcano. It has erupted with tremendous force several times in the last two million years. Half of the world's geothermal features are in Yellowstone, fueled by this ongoing volcanism.Lava flows and rocks from volcanic eruptions cover most of the land area of Yellowstone. The Park is the centerpiece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining, nearly intact ecosystem in the Earth's northern temperate zone.
Hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have been documented, including several that are either endangered or threatened.The vast forests and grasslands also include unique species of plants. Yellowstone Park is the largest and most famous megafauna location in the Continental United States. Grizzly Bears, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk live in the park. The Yellowstone Park Bison Herd is the oldest and largest public bison herd in the United States. Forest fires occur in the Park each year; in the large forest fires of 1988, nearly one third of the Park burnt. Yellowstone has numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, fishing and sightseeing. Paved roads provide close access to the major geothermal areas as well as some of the lakes and waterfalls. During the winter, visitors often access the Park by way of guided tours that use either snow coaches or snowmobile.

Weather Information

Yellowstone National Park is at high altitude. Most of the Park is above 7,500 feet / 2,275 meters. High altitude means cooler temperatures.
Yellowstone's weather is unpredictable. In summer, it may be warm and sunny with temperatures in the high 70s / 25° C. At night in any given month, the temperature may drop close to freezing (32° F / 0° C). So it is best to come prepared for cold evenings and mornings, especially if you are camping or hiking. When you leave your campsite, please leave it prepared for possible thundershowers and wind.
A sunny warm day may become fiercely stormy with wind, rain, sleet and sometimes snow. Without adequate clothing and gear, an easy day hike or boat trip can turn into a battle for survival. Exposure to wind, rain, or cold can result in hypothermia. Be prepared!
Spring Weather
Cold and snow linger into April and May, although temperatures gradually climb. Average daytime readings fall in the 40s to 50s / 5 - 15° C, reaching the 60s and 70s / 15 - 25° C by late May and June. Overnight temperatures fall below freezing and may plunge near 0° F / -20° C. These are statistical averages; actual conditions can be vastly different from long term "norms." At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather. Storms in late May and early June may result in significant accumulations of snow--up to a foot of snow in 24 hours is not uncommon.
We recommend that you bring a warm jacket and rain gear. Spring visitors should be prepared for any type of weather. Call ahead for current weather and road information since sudden storms may result in cold temperatures, snow and/or temporary road closures. Yellowstone's weather is always unpredictable. Carry extra clothing when hiking. Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year.

Summer WeatherAverage maximum summer temperatures are usually in the 70s / 25° C and occasionally in the 80s / 30° C in the lower elevations. Nights are cool and temperatures may drop into the 30s and 40s / 0 - 10° C. Depending on the elevation, temperatures may even fall into the 20s / -5° C with a light freeze. June can be cool and rainy; July and August tend to be somewhat drier, although afternoon thundershowers and lightning storms are common. During lightning storms get off water or beaches and stay away from ridges, exposed places, and isolated trees. At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather.
We recommend that you bring a warm jacket and rain gear even in the summer. If you plan to visit Yellowstone during spring or fall, call ahead for current weather and road information since sudden storms may result in cold temperatures, snow and/or temporary road closures. In summer, stop at visitor centers or ranger stations for weather forecasts. Always carry extra clothing when hiking. Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year.

Fall Weather
Fall weather can be pleasant, although temperatures average 10 to 20 degrees lower than summer readings--highs in the 40s to 60s / 5 - 20° C. Over night temperatures can fall into the teens and single digits / -10° to -20° C. Snowstorms increase in frequency and intensity as the weeks go by. At any time of year be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather.
Sudden storms can cause a drop in temperature or result in precipitation. Always carry extra clothing when hiking. Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year. If you plan to visit Yellowstone during spring or fall, call ahead for current weather and road information since sudden storms may result in cold temperatures, snow and/or temporary road closures.

Winter Weather
Winter temperatures often hover near 0° F / -20° C throughout the day but may reach highs in the 20s / -5° C. Subzero over night temperatures are common. Occasionally, warm "chinook" winds will push daytime temperatures into the 40s / 5 - 10° C, causing significant melting of snowpack--especially at lower elevations. Yellowstone also typically experiences periods of bitterly cold weather. The lowest temperature recorded in Yellowstone was -66° F / -54° C near West Yellowstone on 09 Feb 1933. Annual snowfall averages near 150 inches / 380 cm in most of the park. At higher elevations, 200-400 inches / 5 - 10 meters of snowfall have been recorded. At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather. Snowmobilers and skiers should always check on temperatures and wind chill forecasts; subzero weather can make travel dangerous even with proper gear. Always carry extra clothing when hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling. Take advantage of the warming huts (heated shelters) provided in some Park areas. Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year, but in the winter you'll also need warm boots. Cross-country skis or snowshoes are a 'must' in winter if you plan to go beyond the main roads and boardwalks.

Road Info
The East, South and West entrances close at 8:00 am. All interior Park roads from these entrances will close to vehicle traffic. These entrances will reopen in mid December for over-snow use by over-snow vehicles (skiis, snowshoes, snowcoaches and snowmobiles).
The North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana is Open Year Round for Park visitors and normal vehicle traffic. The road from the North Entrance to Mammoth and from Mammoth to the Northeast Entrance is open to normal vehicle traffic and travel. These roads are plowed, but may require snow tires and/or chains. Please note that you CANNOT travel east of Cooke City, Montana. The road is snow covered and not plowed in the winter. Travel east of Cooke City closes in October due to snow.
During the winter, from the North Entrance, you can visit the Mammoth Terrace thermal area, the Albright Visitor Center (open year round seven days a week), go on a winter ranger activity or program, cross country ski, snowshoe or ride a snowmobile or snowcoach to Canyon or Old Faithful. The campground at Mammoth is open year round. You can also view wildlife in Lamar Valley. You can view antenlope, bison, elk, mule deer, and other wildlife, and wolf viewing during the winter is fantastic.

Entrance Fees

Both parks means Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks - Keep Your Receipt! These Prices Change. Be sure to contact The National Park Service for current fee information

• Private Non-commercial Vehicle : $ 25.00 (valid for 7 days in both parks)
• Motorcycle, Snowmobile (Individual) : $ 20.00 (valid for 7 days in both parks)
• Single Entry (foot, bike, ski, etc.) : $ 12.00 (valid for 7 days in both parks)
• Annual Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) : $ 50.00 (valid in both parks)
• America the Beautiful Pass--Annual Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) : $ 80.00 (valid for admission to all public lands that require admission fee)
• America the Beautiful Pass--Senior Pass (one-time purchase) : $ 10.00 (valid in all Natl Parks & Fed Rec Areas)
• America the Beautiful Pass--Access Pass (blind or permanently disabled) : Free (Lifetime - valid in all Natl Parks)
• America the Beautiful Pass--Volunteer Pass : Free for volunteers who log more than 500 hours on a cumulative basis. Good for a year from the date of award

Restaurants
Canyon Lodge Dining Room
Grant Village Restaurant
Grant Village Lakehouse Restaurant
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room
Old Faithful Inn Dining Room
Old Faithful Snow Lodge Restaurant
Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room

Cafeterias
Canyon Lodge Cafeteria Lake Lodge Cafeteria Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria

Fast Food
Canyon Snack Bar
Canyon General Store
Canyon Nature Store
Fishing Bridge General Store
Grant Village: General Store Lake Hotel Deli
Lake General Store
Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Grill
Old Faithful BAC
Old Faithful Basin Store Old Faithful Four Seasons Snack Bar
Old Faithful Pony Express
Old Faithful Snack Shop
Old Faithful Lodge Snack Shop
Old Faithful Snowlodge Geyser Grill

Snacks
Bridge Bay Marina Store
Canyon Photo Shop
Grant Village General Store and Mini Store
Mammoth Hot Springs General Store Old Faithful BAC Store
Old Faithful Basin Store
Old Faithful Photo Shop
Tower Fall Store

Postal Address and Phone Number for Information or Inquires
PO Box 168
Mammoth, WY 82190-0168
Phone: 307-344-7381
Fax: 307-344-2005
TDD: 307-344-2386
Lost and Found: 307-344-2109
Email: yell_visitor_services@nps.gov (yell_visitor_services@nps.gov)

Phone Numbers:
911 - For Emergencies while at Yellowstone
307-344-7381 - For Park information, Road Info and Emergency contact - staffed 24 hours / 7 days a week
307-344-2005 - Fax
307-344-2386 - Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)
307-344-2109 - Lost and Found


some photos
Mammoth Hot Springs


Tower-Roosevelt Destination


Roosevelt Arch, Yellowstone North Entrance


Artists Paintpots trail








Bison Herd