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.
Whiteout conditions on park roads
UPDATE: Yellowstone National Park entrances and roads scheduled for opening April 17 delayed due to winter storm
Yellowstone entrances and roads scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Friday, April 17 will instead open at noon due to a significant winter storm with heavy snow, low temperatures and strong winds.
ranger fills out paperwork during boat inspection
Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park reminds boaters and anglers to clean, drain and dry all boats, trailers and equipment prior to arriving in the park to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into park waters. In 2026, boating season begins May 23 and extends through Oct. 31.
People enjoy a view of Old Faithful from the outside deck at the Inn
Yellowstone National Park Sees 4,762,988 Visits in 2025
Yellowstone National Park welcomed 4,762,988 recreation visits in 2025.
Grizzly bear on bison carcass
Yellowstone National Park’s first grizzly bear sighting of 2026
On March 9, Yellowstone biologists working in the northern part of the park reported seeing the first grizzly bear of the spring season. The bear was observed in the backcountry scavenging on a bull bison carcass.
2026 Yellowstone Fishing Season Map: Madison, Gibbon, and Firehole Rivers
Yellowstone National Park to extend fishing season on three rivers
Starting this year, Yellowstone National Park will extend the fishing season on three rivers in the park.
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