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.
a park ranger giving an interpretive talk on a boardwalk near a thermal feature
Tips for visiting Yellowstone National Park this Fourth of July
Leave fireworks at home – it's wildfire season! If you will visit Yellowstone National Park this Fourth of July, plan ahead to protect yourself and this wild and awe-inspiring place. Summer is the busiest time in the park, so please pack your patience. Expect crowds at popular areas and lines at entrance stations, construction areas, and roadside wildlife sightings. Follow our tips enjoy your visit and protect the park for generations to come.
A man fly fishing in a river
Warm water temperatures and low river flows prompt fishing closures on select rivers after 2 p.m. in Yellowstone National Park
Effective Thursday, June 19, 2025, select Yellowstone National Park rivers and streams will close to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to warm water temperatures and low river flows.
People exploring the boardwalks in Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone visitation statistics for May 2025
Yellowstone National Park hosted 566,363 recreation visits in May 2025, up 8% from May 2024 (522,450 recreation visits).
Bison, Blacktail Deer Plateau
Man gored by bison June 10 in Yellowstone National Park
On June 10, a 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park.
fire danger sign
First confirmed 2025 wildland fire in Yellowstone National Park
On Monday May 26, the first confirmed wildland fire of the season in Yellowstone National Park was detected by hikers on the Bighorn Pass Trail.
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