Visit Yellowstone National Park: Bookings and Rates

An adventure in the heart of wild life, is it tempting you? Direction north of the United States to visit Yellowstone National Park!

Situated between the Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, this agripped park with the Rocheuses mountains offers countless breathtaking views. Moreover, it is not for nothing that the geological site is classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site! So to take full advantage of the 8,963 km2 of Yellowstone, we give you a hand on the preparation.

History of Yellowstone National Park

To begin with, it takes more than 11,000 years back to find the first human tracks in Yellowstone. Indeed, archaeological excavations reveal the presence of man-made projectiles at the end of the glacial period.

The Amerindian tribes later sedentified on these lands with lush flora and diversified fauna. The first European settlers arrived in the 19th century and organized a first exploration of the park in 1870. Two years later, in 1872, Yellowstone became the world's first national park. The development of the park is carried out with the installation of the railway lines in 1883, and then roads, which allow easy access to visitors. Thus, after World War II, Yellowstone passed the course of the million visits. The rise of the twentieth century, however, threatens the species of the site, such as bears and wolves. A number of programs are then implemented to protect wildlife.

Since then, more than 4 million visitors have emerged in front of the park’s natural wealth every year!

Our tips to visit Yellowstone National Park

Seasons

Visiting Yellowstone National Park can be very different depending on the seasons. Yellowstone is perched on a plateau of about 2,500 metres above sea level and is therefore quickly found snow in winter . In this case, we recommend that you plan suitable equipment and check the opening of road access to the park. Note, however, that if winter months do not always facilitate the visit of the park, they are also the least populated by tourists!

The time of stay

Count to the minimum 4 full days to visit Yellowstone National Park. However, it is recommended to stay a week to enjoy the different excursions around canyons, geysers and lakes.

Equipment and catering

The vastness of the park requires some precautions. In winter, plan warm and waterproof outfits to visit Yellowstone National Park. As for the summer season, think about an outfit suitable for hiking.

We recommend you with a dildo and a few provisions before the start of each hike. Several restaurants are scattered in the park, but the distances can be longer than expected to reach them.

What to see and what to do at Yellowstone National Park?

There are many routes in Yellowstone. You will be able to explore any corners of the park, and why don't you just go over with a herd of bison.

Hiking around the Grand Canyon

At first, the escapades around the Grand Canyon will offer you exceptional views. Different paths are available to you: hiking through the Mount Washburn for example, which gives a high view of this geological wonder and its cascades. If you prefer to go along the rivers along the Grand Canyon, the ride “ 7 Mile Hole “will meet your expectations. Finally, the “ Howard Eaton Trail “ proposes a walk of 5 to 6 hours across four lakes, fields and forests.

Lake Yellowstone

Walk around the gigantic lake that allowed wildlife to thrive. With an area of 360 km2, the Yellowstone Lake rises to the first place of the largest mountain lakes in North America!

Thus, among the routes, you will find the Storm Point Trail (speak the marmots!), but also the Pelican Creek Nature Trail , where this time we'll have to pound bears... Finally, if you go up the river from the lake to the north, you will fall on the river Mud Volcano . This surprising spot is composed of water and mud that have “cooked” the surrounding vegetation.

Geysers and hot springs

Visiting Yellowstone National Park also means discovering an unpredictable nature. And this is the case of the many geysers, who regularly enter the eruption. The Old Faithful and Steamboat , which entered 32 times erupted in 2018, are the most famous. You can also admire the “hot springs”. These hot water sources contain bacteria that give water an atypical color. Meet the most emblematic sources of the park: the Grand Prismatic Spring , Morning Glory Pool and Mammoth Hot Springs .

Hayden Valley Wildlife

Yellowstone valleys are gigantic. They represent an excellent habitat for the park's wildlife. Located north of the lake, near the Mud Volcano, Hayden Valley is one of these spots to contemplate for hours. Observe the herds of bison that have been there for thousands of years. You will have to go to this valley at dawn to see others wild animals : birds, coyotes but also wolves and bears. Stay tuned, because they like to play cash with tourists.

Winter activities

Ready to brave the cold? Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter is such an exciting and incredible experience. Under its snow coat, the park offers the possibility to test many activities such as skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. You can rent the equipment directly on site, or bring yours. Attention, however, to your safety, because the weather risks are numerous. Prefer the accompaniment of a guide.

How much does a ticket cost to visit Yellowstone National Park?

To explore the wonders offered by the geological site of Yellowstone, several rates are available.

Classical entries

• Individual entrance (15+), valid 1 week: $20
• Entrance with private vehiclevalid for 1 week: $35
• Annual $70

Also, you can visit Yellowstone National Park free during certain holidays in the United States: January 21, April 20, August 25, September 28 and November 11.

Excursions

Finally, you can visit Yellowstone National Park from Jackson or Teton Village, two cities located near the park. Several day trips are available and you will discover the main attractions of Yellowstone. During the winter period, some guides even offer snowmobile tours. Count about 250€ per person for a trip, which includes transportation, food, twins or telescope and the English-speaking specialist guide. However, the park entrance and the guide tip are not included.

How to book an online ticket to visit Yellowstone National Park?

At first, and if you master Shakespeare's language, connect to recreation.gov. Then look for Yellowstone in the search bar. The page will finally propose you to book your pass that you will need to present in printed version or on your phone when you arrive.

Alternatively, you can buy your ticket to visit Yellowstone National Park directly at one of the park’s entrances.

Finally, if you want to book a day trip from Jackson or Teton Village, you will have to book directly on the internet. Different tour and activity platforms offer this type of tour, like Getyouguide, TripAdvisor or BrushBuck Wildlife. You must take several months in advance, because the booking book is filled very quickly.

Schedule

The park is open daily, 24 hours a day .

However, because of the weather in winter, some roads become inaccessible. If you would like to visit Yellowstone National Park from November to April, we invite you to consult Opening calendar of the winter season available on the official website.

How do I access Yellowstone National Park?

You can visit Yellowstone National Park by car or by foot through one of the five entrances:

• North : near Gardiner (Montana)
• Northeast : from Crooke City (Montana)
• East : on the side of Cody (Wyoming)
• West : from West Yellowstone (Montana)
• South : from the Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

The nearest airport to the park is Jackson Hole, 1h30 drive away. For international flights, you can also land at the airport Salt Lake City , from which you have to drive 6 to 7 hours to reach the park. Regardless of your destination, consider weighing the prices of flights in advance on a type comparator Ulysses which lists the most economical offers.

Also, and because visiting national parks requires having a car to enjoy it freely, learn about the different possible rentals upon arrival at the airport.

Are there visits combined with other locations?

Offered by the National Park Service, the pass America the Beautiful offers unlimited access to most national parks in the United States for a year, including Yellowstone. At a price of $80, you can get the pass from your first entry to a protected national park.

I mean, annual $70 proposed by Yellowstone also provides access to the nearby Grand Teton National Park in the Rocky Mountains.

Where to stay near Yellowstone National Park?

• Camping : 12 plots with more than 2000 pitches are available if you choose this option. For 5 of them, reservations are possible via the Yellowstone National Park Lodge website. For the rest, the first arrival will be the first served! You can check the affluence directly online.
• Chalets and hotels : a dozen options come to you to spend a comfortable night inside the park. Stay close to the iconic venues with the Canyon Village, the Old Faithful Inn and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins. The price of one night varies between $200 and $400. However, think about booking enough in advance. Also, note that some facilities are inaccessible from November to May due to the weather.
• Outside the park : more economical, many apartments will open their doors near the five entrances of the park. For example, you will find nights at home in West Yellowstone and Jackson. Several motels also have rooms available outside the park: Super 8 by Wyndham Jackson Hole for 83€ per night, or Miller Park Lodge for 69€ per night.

So we put on the rando shoes, fill the dildo and go!