2016-10-22 00:35:58
Yellowstone National Park boasts the widest array of geothermal features in the world, legendary wildlife and a glimpse into what the continent was like before civilization. Here we’ve gathered answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting America’s first national park. WHERE SHOULD I STAY? There are nine wonderful lodging options in the park, ranging from rustic simplicity to historic opulence. If you prefer to camp, five campgrounds operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts allow reservations (call 307-344-7311 or visit ***yellowstone nationalparklodges.com***). Meanwhile, seven campgrounds are run by the National Park Service on a first-come, first-served basis and often fill up by mid-morning. Most campgrounds operate from mid-June through mid-September, while Mammoth Campground is open year-round. Camping in the backcountry requires a permit. You can also stay nearby in Jackson (60 miles south), Cody (50 miles east) and Dubois (80 miles southeast). Options range from ranches and cabins to vacation rentals, historic hotels and B&Bs. Most offer daily transportation to and from Yellowstone. It’s advised to book your lodging up to eight months in advance, particularly if you’d like to stay inside the park. HOW DO I GET TO YELLOWSTONE? Although much of Yellowstone’s appeal is its unspoiled seclusion, it’s easily accessible for travelers. If you’re planning to fly, the Yellowstone Regional Airport is about 3 miles outside of Cody near the park’s East Entrance and offers service from Salt Lake City, Denver and Chicago. Jackson Hole Airport is about 50 miles south of the park and offers service from different cities depending on the season (see a full fly list at ***jacksonholeairport.com***). Car rentals and shuttle services to the lodges inside the park, nearby towns and hotels are available from all of the airports. If you plan to drive, go to p. 58 to choose a driving itinerary that leads to the park from four different Wyoming entry points. WHAT IS THERE TO DO? With more than 1,000 miles of backcountry trails for hiking, 67 species of mammals to spot, more than 300 active geysers and about 290 waterfalls to admire — there’s so much to do within the park’s 2. 2 million acres. Get more ideas at nps.gov/yell. DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO FISH INSIDE THE PARK? All anglers over the age of 15 must have a permit, and Yellowstone’s fishing season stretches from Memorial Day weekend to early November. Fly-fishing in the park’s rivers and streams is popular; take a guided tour on a cabin cruiser or rent an outboard or rowboat. WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND THE PARK? While you can drive to most of Yellowstone’s biggest attractions, non-motorized transportation is also a great way to see the park. One-and two-hour guided horseback rides are offered at Mammoth, Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon. Bay Bridge Marina on Yellowstone Lake rents rowboats and motorboats, and scenic cruises leave from there regularly in the summer. If you have your own boat, motorized or not, you must have a permit. KEEP IN MIND DRIVING: t’s hard to predict how long it will take to get around — it often depends on traffic and weather. YELLOWSTONE IS BIG: You won’t be able to see it all in a single visit. WEATHER: Temperatures vary by elevation. Be prepared for anything from warm summer temperatures to snow as late as June. ENTRANCE FEES: Passes are good for seven days for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. nps.gov/yell OFFICIAL YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP
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