You’re not going to want to miss out on these 10 Insider Tips To Yellowstone National Park! Planning ahead will make the visit so much better!
Yellowstone National Park is a place where wild takes on a whole new meaning. The park is massive and has millions of acres to explore. Yellowstone is diverse and unique making it hard to compare to anywhere else in the United States. These 10 insider tips to Yellowstone National Park will make your visit nothing short of magical and memorable.
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Plan Your Yellowstone Vacation
Best Time To Visit Yellowstone
The best times to visit Yellowstone are spring and fall, known as the shoulder seasons. Summer is the most popular and is considered the peak season. In winter most roads are closed and you are fairly limited to the Lamar Valley area. The exception is if you do a winter tour, which includes snowmobiles and snowcoaches, how fun is that?
1. Have A Plan
Yellowstone is huge! It’s millions of acres with hundreds of things to see and do. Many first-time visitors underestimate the size of the park. If you don’t have a plan then you will likely spend most of your trip driving around aimlessly.
2. Book Lodging In Advance
Yellowstone is the 2nd most visited National Park in the United States. Peak season is short at just 3 months (June-August). If you want to stay at Yellowstone during the summer months, book your lodging a year in advance. During most other seasons 6-9 months is enough time to book lodging.
3. Be Flexible
When it comes to Yellowstone the best plan is a flexible one. Don’t overschedule your days. Nature is one of the main attractions at the park, and nature doesn’t care about your schedule. You need to be flexible in case of a bison jam, or an expected wildlife encounter. Be sure to pack your patience.
4. Fuel Up
Fuel up your vehicle before entering the park. There are a few fuel options within the park, but you will pay for that convenience, and it’s a small fortune. Also, pay attention to the amount of fuel you have because cell phone reception is spotty and running out of gas is not fun.
5. Get An Early Start & Stay Out Late
Start your days early to avoid crowds and see the most wildlife. Visit the popular attractions early in the day, places like Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs are crowded by 10 am. You have to experience a golden hour and at least one sunset while you are at Yellowstone, so stay out late for at least a few days.
6. Bring Snacks, Drinks, And A Picnic Lunch
The best and most budget-friendly food tip is to bring food to the park with you. And Yellowstone has many amazing picnic areas for you to relax and enjoy nature while you eat. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks, extra water, and a picnic lunch or dinner (or both).
7. Dress In Layers
The temperatures at Yellowstone can change quickly. This is due to the high elevation and surrounding mountain ranges. Even during the summer months, the nighttime temperatures can hover somewhere around freezing. Dress in layers, bring your hiking boots and don’t forget a rain jacket.
8. Get Out There
Most of Yellowstone’s millions of acres can’t be seen by the road or from your car. Getting out on the trails is another great way to avoid the Yellowstone crowds. You’ll find that even the easier hikes are quiet. Did you know that 80% of the park’s visitors don’t walk more than 10-15 minutes from their car? Get out there!
9. Respect Wildlife & Be Bear Aware
Yellowstone is home to some amazing wildlife but there are risks when people and wildlife mingle. Never approach the wildlife, this is their home and you are a visitor. Make sure to bring a good pair of binoculars and a telephoto lens to view wildlife from a distance.
To be bear aware – don’t hike alone, make noise, be alert, and carry bear spray (and know how to use it).
10. Respect Nature & Leave No Trace
Yellowstone can be a dangerous place if you don’t respect nature and follow the rules. The rules are meant to protect the nature and wildlife in the park from visitors. Don’t litter, don’t speed on the roads, and don’t approach or feed wildlife.
These insider tips for visiting Yellowstone should make your visit a memorable one. Don’t forget to take your time and really enjoy everything the park has to offer.
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