Park Essentials

Park Fees and Permits

Entrance fees of $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or snowmobile, or $20 per visitor 16 and older entering by foot, bike, ski, and so on, are good for seven days. See Activities for details on boating, camping, fishing, and horseback permits and fees.

Park Hours

At least some part of Yellowstone is open year-round, with 24-hour access. But many areas and entrances are closed in winter or during fall and spring shoulder seasons, and the exact times can vary depending on the weather, so it's important to check the park website for the latest details if you're planning to visit anytime from mid-October to early May. Conventional vehicles can always access the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, to Mammoth Hot Springs, and from Mammoth Hot Springs to the Northeast Entrance and the town of Cooke City (with no through-travel beyond Cooke City). Only over-snow vehicles can travel other parts of the park in winter. The park is in the Mountain time zone.

Cell Phone Reception

Most of the park's developed villages have (sometimes spotty) cell service, including Mammoth Hot Springs, West Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Grand Village, Lake Village, and Mt. Washburn. However, especially in the summer, crowds can overwhelm cellular capacity and greatly slow things down. Don't expect cell service on roads between these main developed areas or in the backcountry. There are public phones near visitor centers.