Park Essentials

Accessibility

Yellowstone has long been a National Park Service leader in providing for people with disabilities. Restrooms with sinks and flush toilets designed for those in wheelchairs are in all developed areas except Norris and West Thumb, where more rustic facilities are available. Accessible campsites and restrooms are at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grant Village campgrounds, while accessible campsites are found at both Lewis Lake and Slough Creek campgrounds. Ice Lake has an accessible backcountry campsite. An accessible fishing platform is about 3½ mi west of Madison at Mt. Haynes Overlook.

If you need a sign-language interpreter for NPS interpretive programs, arrange for it by calling 307/344-2251 three weeks in advance. For details, contact the accessibility coordinator at 307/344-2018 or pick up a free copy of Visitor Guide to Accessible Features in Yellowstone National Park.

Admission Fees and Permits

Entrance fees of $25 per car, $20 per motorcycle, and $12 per visitor (16 and older) arriving on a bus, motorcycle, or snowmobile provide visitors with access for seven days to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. An annual pass to the two parks costs $50.

Fishing permits (available at ranger stations, visitor centers, and Yellowstone general stores) are required if you want to take advantage of Yellowstone's abundant lakes and streams. Live bait is not allowed, and for all native species of fish, a catch-and-release policy stands. Anglers 16 and older must purchase a $15 three-day permit, a $20 seven-day permit, or a $35 season permit; Those 12 to 15 need a free permit or must fish under the direct supervision of an adult with a permit; those 11 and under do not need a permit but must be supervised by an adult.

All camping outside of designated campgrounds requires a free backcountry permit. Horseback riding also requires a free permit. All boats, motorized or nonmotorized, including float tubes, require a permit, which are $20 (annual) or $10 (seven days) for motorized boats and $10 (annual) or $5 (seven days) for nonmotorized vessels. Permits from Grand Teton National Park are valid in Yellowstone, but owners must register their vessel in Yellowstone.

Admission Hours

Depending on the weather, Yellowstone is generally open late April to November and mid-December to early March. In winter, only one road, going from the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City to the North Entrance at Gardiner, is open to wheeled vehicles; other roads are used by over-snow vehicles. The park is in the mountain time zone.

Cell-Phone Reception

A comprehensive cell-phone coverage plan is in process, but currently reception in the park is hit or miss and generally confined to developed areas like Old Faithful and Canyon. In general, don't count on it. Public telephones are near visitor centers and major park attractions. Try to use inside phones rather than outside ones so your conversation doesn't distract you from being alert to wildlife that might approach you while you're on the phone.

Emergencies

In case of emergency, dial 911 or 307/344-7381. There are ranger stations in Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, Lake Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithful Village. There are also three clinics in Yellowstone

Shops and Grocers

A dozen Yellowstone General Stores are located throughout the park. Each offers basic souvenirs and snacks, but several are destinations unto themselves. The 1950s-inspired Canyon General Store, the 100-year-old "Hamilton's Store" at Old Faithful and the Fishing Bridge store are three of the largest, combining architectural significance with a broad variety of groceries, books, apparel, outdoor needs, and soda-fountain-style food service.

Hours vary seasonally, but most stores are open 7:30 am to 9:30 pm from late May to September; all except Mammoth General Store close for winter. All accept credit cards.

Store Contacts

Bridge Bay Marina Store (Bridge Bay Marina, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/242-7326.)

Canyon General Store (Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/242-7377.)

Fishing Bridge General Store (Fishing Bridge, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/242-7200.)

Grant Village General Store (Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/242-7266.)

Grant Village Mini Store (Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/242-7390.)

Lake General Store (Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/242-7563.)

Mammoth General Store (Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/344-7702.)

Old Faithful General Store (Old Faithful Village, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/545-7282.)

Roosevelt Store (Tower-Roosevelt, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/344-7779.)

Tower Fall Store (Tower Fall, Yellowstone National Park, WY. 307/344-7786.)

Religious Services

Religious services are held at several park locations during the summer and on religious holidays. For times and locations of park services, check at visitor centers or lodging front desks.

Park Contact Information

Yellowstone National Park (P.O. Box 168, Mammoth, WY, 82190-0168. 307/344-7381. www.nps.gov/yell.)