Yellowstone 101
Travel Tips for America's First National ParkGateway Communities & Entrances: 5
Miles of road: 466
Miles of boardwalks: 15
Miles of backcountry trails: ~1000
Visitors: 4+ million per year
With so much to see and do in Yellowstone and the surrounding areas, how do you navigate it all and make your vacation the best visit to America’s west?
This section of the website is here to help you. With an insider’s view of the park and gateway communities, you’ll find tips and trip reports ranging from activities to lodging and dining recommendations as well as information on how to get the best out of your vacation while protecting this amazing location.
Recent Blog Posts
Where to stay in an RV outside the East Entrance
We already see some RVs here in Cody. It's likely more people will choose to camp this summer given the circumstances. Cody is already opening up more, with most of the downtown stores opening their doors this week. It wouldn't surprise me to see the East Gate open...
Where do you find wildlife in Yellowstone?
Wildlife watching is a huge draw in Yellowstone, but if you're not familiar with the park, how do you find them? This post covers some of the basics of wildlife watching in Yellowstone. This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you follow a link and...
What’s May like in Yellowstone?
What is it like during May in Yellowstone? When is the best time to see Yellowstone? These questions regularly arise when people plan their vacation to Yellowstone. This post is the first of a series that will cover what it’s like in the park during different months....
Where to find groceries in Yellowstone
[UPDATED April 2024] Whether you're camping in a tent or an RV, you'll likely need groceries when you're in Yellowstone. This article goes through what you'll find in the way of grocery stores in the park and the surrounding gateway communities. This post may contain...
Traveling with dogs in Yellowstone
While planning your trip to Yellowstone, if you’re a dog person, you’ll naturally want to bring your friend with you. I understand that. I traveled to Yellowstone for many years with a small pack of Samoyeds (usually five, but occasionally six if a rescue dog tagged...
The difference between a Grand Teton vacation and a Yellowstone vacation
Many people confuse Grand Teton National Park as being a part of Yellowstone. However, they are two completely separate parks giving vastly different experiences. In this post, I’ll go through the differences to help you understand what to expect while visiting each....
Top Travel Tips for Yellowstone
1. Give yourself a time buffer
Everything takes longer than you’ll expect. From traveling at a slower pace to wildlife jams to wanting to see it all, you’ll need more time.
2. Know one trip may not be enough
To really “see Yellowstone” you might need multiple trips. For your first trip, just hit the highlights. Then later on, visit again to dive in a bit deeper.
3. Each Gateway Community can be a trip unto itself
Five different entrances each have five uniquely different communities. Each has much to offer. Consider spending a few extra days to explore the areas just outside of Yellowstone as well.
4. Hire a Tour Guide
Consider starting your trip with a guided tour to give you an overview of the park and the gateway community the tour originates from (or within the park itself). Then spend the rest of your trip revisiting what you want to explore further.
5. Get in Shape
Vacations in general require quite a bit of walking. Yellowstone vacations are no exception. The amount of walking you can handle each day will have a direct impact on how much you can see and experience in the greater Yellowstone area.
