Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Regulations
Carefully read park regulations listed here, in park newspapers and posted at visitor centers and ranger stations.
Firearms
Firearms, including state-permitted concealed weapons, are not allowed in Yellowstone. Unloaded firearms may be transported in vehicles if they are cased, broken down or rendered inoperable, and stored in a manner that prevents ready use. Ammunition must be placed in a separate compartment of the vehicle.
Fires
Campfires are restricted to designated campgrounds and picnic areas with permanent fire grates. Backcountry campfires require special permits. You may use any dead, downed and detached material as firewood, but chainsaws are prohibited. Some campgrounds sell firewood as well. Please use extreme caution with all fires and smoking materials. Fires must be completely extinguished before leaving an area.
Permits
Permits are required for boating, fishing, or overnight hiking or camping in the backcountry. Permits are available from visitor centers or ranger stations. To ensure safety, read the accompanying information you receive with the permit. Talk to park rangers about trail conditions, bear sightings, wildlife migrations, weather warnings and stream crossings.
Pets
Owners must assume complete responsibility for their pets, which must be leashed at all times. For the safety of your pet and the wildlife, pets are prohibited on trails, in the backcountry and all thermal areas. Pets are allowed in campgrounds and in cabin units of the park's lodging facilities, but may not be left unattended. There are no kennels in the park.
Swimming
Bathing, wading or swimming in any thermal feature or stream whose waters flow exclusively from thermal features is prohibited because it can damage the hydrothermal system. The NPS discourages swimming in park rivers, streams and lakes.
Technical Climbing
Park mountains are not well suited for this sport due to loose and broken rock. For your safety, climbing is discouraged. Climbing in Yellowstone's Grand Canyon is illegal.
Vandalism
It is illegal to deface, damage or remove any plants, animals or minerals. With your help, Yellowstone can be protected for future generations.
Wildlife
Respect the wild nature of park animals. Feeding them is strictly prohibited. Do not tease, crowd or frighten them. Startled animals may charge— bison can sprint 37 miles per hour! Keep at least 25 yards from all animals, except bears—you must stay 100 yards away from bears.
STAYING SAFE
In wilderness areas, remember that you will experience the land on its own terms. Talk with park rangers before you leave on a trip to learn all you can about survival and seasonal hazards. Always be alert and know your limits. For hiking safety tips, see pages 68—72; for tips about avoiding bears, see pages 81—82. Note: Staying overnight in the backcountry requires a permit.
Blisters
To prevent blisters, wear comfortable shoes or boots that suit your needs and the terrain. Likewise, wear quality outdoor socks to cushion and protect your feet.
Falling Trees
Avoid areas with dead trees, including areas that have burned. They may fall without warning, especially on windy days. Heed park rangers' warnings about areas to avoid and be alert, even in your car and especially on windy days.
Giardiasis
Giardia lamblia is present in streams and lakes at Yellowstone, making the water unsafe to drink unless boiled or treated. If you develop symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps and bloating, consult a physician. Carry adequate filtered or bottled water for short hikes and, on longer trips, boil water from streams or lakes for at least one minute before drinking or cooking with it.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when you are so cold your body can no longer warm itself. Surprisingly, you can even experience hypothermia if you are tired and wet on a breezy summer day. If you find yourself shivering and feeling disoriented, seek shelter and drink warm liquids. This serious condition may require medical assistance.
Lightning
If you are hiking and see a storm developing, retreat to a lower location to reduce your risk of being struck by lightning. Avoid water, ridges, isolated trees and boulders. If you feel the tingle of an electrical charge building up, crouch down, lean forward and place your hands on your knees. Do not seek refuge under rock overhangs.
Scalding Water
All thermal pools are near or above boiling temperature. Venturing off marked trails or boardwalks is hazardous and prohibited; the thin crusts around thermals may suddenly break. Scalding hot water inflicts serious, and possibly fatal burns. Always keep small children safe in these areas.
Ticks and Mosquitoes
To lessen your risk of being bitten by ticks, stay on trails and avoid going into grassy, brushy areas. After hiking, do a "tick check" to ensure that no ticks have attached themselves to your body. Ticks carrying Lyme Disease have not been found in Yellowstone. There have been cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, an illness transmitted by the Rocky Mountain wood tick. Note: Visitors should take precautionary measures against the West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes.
Yellowstone In Depth
News from the Parks
Gettysburg Address to Return for Visitor Center Grand Opening
August 21, 2008 - 5:04pm
There are only five known manuscripts of the famous Gettysburg Address, penned by President Abraham Lincoln — one of those original documents is scheduled to appear in Gettysburg, during the grand opening celebration of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.
August 21, 2008 - 5:04pm
There are only five known manuscripts of the famous Gettysburg Address, penned by President Abraham Lincoln — one of those original documents is scheduled to appear in Gettysburg, during the grand opening celebration of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.
Anglers Wary of North Cascades Plan to Limit Fishing
August 21, 2008 - 10:51am
Not much comes easy in the precipitous ice-and-rock geography of North Cascades National Park -- not the hiking, not the high-lakes fishing, and across the park's 40 years of existence, not even fish management. This is what I'm thinking during the sweaty hike out of the stunning cirque that embraces Monogram Lake, where I've spent a couple hours catching and releasing dozens of pretty cutthroat trout with two mountain anglers who fear that soon there will be no fish in the park's high lakes. Whether trout should be in these lakes at all has been an issue since the park was created in 1968, and it is coming to a head with the release in July of the park's voluminous "Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan."
August 21, 2008 - 10:51am
Not much comes easy in the precipitous ice-and-rock geography of North Cascades National Park -- not the hiking, not the high-lakes fishing, and across the park's 40 years of existence, not even fish management. This is what I'm thinking during the sweaty hike out of the stunning cirque that embraces Monogram Lake, where I've spent a couple hours catching and releasing dozens of pretty cutthroat trout with two mountain anglers who fear that soon there will be no fish in the park's high lakes. Whether trout should be in these lakes at all has been an issue since the park was created in 1968, and it is coming to a head with the release in July of the park's voluminous "Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan."
Bison Advocates Go for Space
August 21, 2008 - 10:48am
As rancher Rick Knobe slowly guides his pickup around the iconic American bison on the prairie here, he reflects on a time when they roamed freely. "I figure the buffalo were there first, the elk were there first, the wolves were there first," he says, looking over his herd of 28 American bison, on his Lazy RRse Buffalo Ranch. "I figure these animals should be given more the right of way to roam."
August 21, 2008 - 10:48am
As rancher Rick Knobe slowly guides his pickup around the iconic American bison on the prairie here, he reflects on a time when they roamed freely. "I figure the buffalo were there first, the elk were there first, the wolves were there first," he says, looking over his herd of 28 American bison, on his Lazy RRse Buffalo Ranch. "I figure these animals should be given more the right of way to roam."
Rapid Climate Change Threatens to Thaw Icy Wonderland of Alaska
August 21, 2008 - 10:43am
I was in Alaska for 10 days in August, on a fellowship with Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Union of Concerned Scientists, to see firsthand the effects of global warming. I didn't have to look far. I watched massive chunks of glacial ice breaking off into the sea.
August 21, 2008 - 10:43am
I was in Alaska for 10 days in August, on a fellowship with Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Union of Concerned Scientists, to see firsthand the effects of global warming. I didn't have to look far. I watched massive chunks of glacial ice breaking off into the sea.
Park Seeks Construction Comment
August 21, 2008 - 10:38am
The National Park Service proposes to construct new housing, operations and recreation facilities in Big Bend National Park. The public, organizations and other agencies may review and comment upon a draft environmental assessment (EA) describing the proposal. The new construction would occur at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village and Castolon. The proposal is to construct 27 structures, of which 15 would serve new purposes and 12 would replace temporary or inadequate facilities.
August 21, 2008 - 10:38am
The National Park Service proposes to construct new housing, operations and recreation facilities in Big Bend National Park. The public, organizations and other agencies may review and comment upon a draft environmental assessment (EA) describing the proposal. The new construction would occur at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village and Castolon. The proposal is to construct 27 structures, of which 15 would serve new purposes and 12 would replace temporary or inadequate facilities.
