Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Yellowstone National Park. While many travel blogs will tell you the fun things to do when visiting Yellowstone, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Yellowstone National Park.
Don’t Forget to Make Reservations
Every summer, Yellowstone gets busier and busier. Do not expect to roll in and grab a cabin or a campsite. You need to make reservations months in advance if you want to stay in the park. It’s not just Yellowstone accommodation that fills up way in advance. Tours also book up, so if you have your heart set on an activity, make sure you do your research. If you plan on dining out, make sure you have dinner reservations or plan for a fairly long wait before you are seated. Planning a trip to Yellowstone can start as early as a year in advance for the best accommodations and tours!
Don’t Mess with the Animals
Every summer, we see news reports of someone getting injured by a wild animal in Yellowstone. While it may be tempting to get a selfie with a bear or a moose, they are wild animals and can hurt you. Read the literature they give at the park entrance and make sure you are adhering to all of the wildlife guidelines. You should stay 100 yards away from any bears, and at least 25 yards from any other wild animals in Yellowstone.
Don’t Leave Food Out for Wildlife
This is important whether you are camping or stopping somewhere for a picnic lunch. Bears especially can smell food from really far away and the worst thing you can do for them is to leave food where they can access it. There’s a saying that “a fed bear is a dead bear” because once a bear associates humans with food, they lose their natural fear and wind up getting in trouble. Bears can even break into your car pretty easily, so be careful!
Don’t Leave the Boardwalks
When you visit the geyser areas of Yellowstone, make sure you stay on the boardwalks. This is for your own safety and to protect the natural features. There could be a very thin layer of crust covering a hot pot and if you stepped on it, you could get serious burns. It happens nearly every year in Yellowstone. If you are visiting Yellowstone with kids, make sure they understand this and can stay within the boundaries of the boardwalk.
Don’t Miss the Visitor Centers
When traveling to Yellowstone, a lot of visitors blow by the Visitor Centers, but this is a mistake! They actually have a ton of information inside to help you plan your visit. You can also check in with a ranger to see what’s going on in the park and where the recent wildlife sightings have been. It’s also a great place to download some maps on the free Wifi before you lose service in the park.
Don’t Think Yellowstone is Just Old Faithful
Yes, Old Faithful Geyser is a major Yellowstone attraction. However, there are plenty of other things to see in Yellowstone. There are tons of hikes and waterfalls, as well as the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The Lamar Valley is great for wildlife spotting. And then there are tons of things to do just outside the park as well, like fly fishing or ATV excursions.
11 Tips from A Wander Filled Life on Enjoying Yellowstone Even More: CLICK HERE
Don’t Underestimate the Size of Yellowstone
Some National Parks are easily seen in a quick drive-by, but not Yellowstone. Yellowstone is huge! You probably should break up the park into a few sections and spend a day in each section. Make sure you fill up on gas before you enter the park as well; it may be a while before you see another gas station.
Don’t Drive Faster Than 45MPH
Typically traffic is heavy enough that you won’t be speeding through Yellowstone, but if you find yourself without any traffic, make sure you keep your speed below 45mph. That will keep you and the wildlife safe. The park rangers can, and will, give you a speeding ticket.
Don’t Pass Up a Parking Spot
Parking at many of the best Yellowstone attractions can be tight; if you see a spot, take it! Don’t try to get a better spot or you might not get a spot at all. Old Faithful has huge parking lots but most other spots have a small lot, and you might even have to wait in line for a parking spot. They have been experimenting with shuttle buses in the park, so that might be a viable option that allows everyone to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Don’t Sleep In
When you visit Yellowstone, you want to get up early and beat the crowds in the park. Early morning is also when you’ll probably see the most wildlife as they will be out and about before it gets too hot. Sunrise and sunset also happen to be the best times for photography. Don’t forget to bring a telephoto lens and a good pair of binoculars!
What to know about Tent Camping in Yellowstone by A Wander Filled Life: CLICK HERE
Don’t Stop in the Middle of the Road
For the most part, Yellowstone has only two-lane roads. If you stop in the middle of the road to take pictures, you’re going to hold up traffic and cause an accident. There are plenty of turnouts and overlooks where you can safely stop and get your photos.
Don’t Leave out the Family
Yellowstone is great for all ages. Don’t be afraid to bring the whole family, as kids will love all the cool sights in Yellowstone. There are fun kids activities you can do at the ranger stations and visitor centers, too.
Don’t Expect Cheap Prices
Whether you are gassing up at a gas station or buying food or snacks, nothing is cheap in Yellowstone. Between the remote location and the captive audience, they can basically charge whatever they want for gas, food, and lodging in Yellowstone. Don’t be afraid to stock up on snacks and drinks before you get to Yellowstone.
How to Beat Peak Season Prices
Don’t Count on the Weather
The weather in Yellowstone is all over the place, even on the same day. It can go from hot and sunny to cold and snow in a span of a couple of hours. Always have extra layers that you can add and remove easily. Along with warm layers, make sure you also have sunblock, even if it’s cold out. You’re at a high elevation and the sun is strong.
Don’t Expect Cell Service
Most areas of the park do not have cell service. Make sure you grab a park map and download any other maps you want to have available offline. Most visitor centers will have WiFi but plan on spending most of the day without cell service.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park. It’s a beautiful national park with amazing scenery and tons of cool wildlife. With so many amazing things to do in Yellowstone National Park, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of days in the area. Want more of our Western US travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: