Yellowstone National Park

About

Yellowstone National Park sprawls across nearly 2.2 million acres of volcanic terrain, straddling the borders of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It's a place where the earth itself puts on a show - geysers erupt on schedule, mud pots bubble and hiss, and prismatic hot springs glow in colors that don't seem real. Old Faithful remains the star attraction, shooting thousands of gallons of boiling water skyward roughly every 90 minutes, but the park holds more than 10,000 thermal features waiting to be discovered.

Wildlife viewing here is world-class. Bison herds numbering in the thousands roam the Lamar and Hayden valleys. Elk graze near the historic Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. Wolves, grizzly bears, and black bears are regularly spotted, especially at dawn and dusk. You don't need to hike deep into the backcountry to see them - many of the best sightings happen right from pullouts along the Grand Loop Road.

The park's road system forms a figure-eight loop covering 142 miles, connecting major attractions and making it possible to experience Yellowstone's highlights from your vehicle. Boardwalks wind through the most spectacular thermal areas, including the Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers dramatic views of the 308-foot Lower Falls from several lookout points.

Visitor centers at Old Faithful, Canyon Village, and Mammoth Hot Springs provide exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs. Lodging options range from the grand Lake Yellowstone Hotel to rustic cabins and campgrounds. The park's summer season runs from late April through early November, though some roads and facilities open later and close earlier depending on snowfall.

Plan for crowds during July and August. Early mornings reward visitors with thinner traffic and better wildlife sightings. Pack layers - temperatures can swing 40 degrees in a single day, and afternoon thunderstorms are common at elevation.

Accessibility

Yellowstone is widely regarded as one of the most accessible national parks in the country. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and surrounding boardwalks are fully ADA-compliant, providing wheelchair access to views of Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. The lower portion of the Artists Paintpots Trail, south of Norris Junction, is also wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchairs are available for rent at medical clinics in Mammoth, Lake, and Old Faithful (Mammoth is open year-round). Rentals cost $10 per day with a $300 refundable deposit. Many boardwalks throughout the park's thermal areas are paved and accessible, though some older sections may have uneven surfaces or steep grades.

Visitor centers at Canyon, Old Faithful, and Grant feature captioned films. The Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth Hot Springs includes open captions on exhibits. Sign language interpreters for ranger programs can be arranged with at least three weeks' notice by calling 307-344-2251 or emailing the park.

The free America the Beautiful Access Pass provides lifetime entry and fee discounts for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Passes are available at park entrances and visitor centers.

The official NPS app offers audio descriptions for outdoor exhibits and visitor center entrances, along with alt text for images - a helpful resource for visitors with visual impairments. Download it before your trip. For specific questions about accessible lodging, trails, or services, contact the park directly for the most current details.

More accessible places in Idaho

• Discovery Center of Idaho (Boise)
• Museum of Idaho (Idaho Falls)
• World Center for Birds of Prey (Boise)
• Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (Hayden)
• Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park (Idaho Falls)
• Japanese-American WWII history (Minidoka National Historic Site)

Photo credits

• Hot spring thermal feature at Yellowstone National Park: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Sunset over the Lamar River and Valley in Yellowstone: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Bison cow and calf wildlife at Yellowstone National Park: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)