Yellowstone National Park: Know Before You Go

Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Yellowstone National Park, where nature's grandeur unfolds like a captivating story.

With Shaka Guide's thrilling audio tour app as your trusty companion, prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through this iconic wilderness.

Hear the tales of erupting geysers, encounter majestic wildlife, and marvel at the vivid hues of hot springs that seem straight out of a painter's palette.

From the legendary Old Faithful to the dramatic Yellowstone Canyon, let Shaka Guide whisk you away on an immersive adventure, unveiling hidden gems and untold wonders along the way.

Get ready to experience Yellowstone like never before, with excitement and awe at every turn. Let the adventure begin!

You’re about to go on an epic adventure at America’s first national park! Yellowstone is massive - and so is our Yellowstone National Park Tour!

Review this need-to-know information before you hit the road and you’ll be all set!

Start Planning

This tour is completely customizable. No matter where you start or what direction you’re taking, the tour will work.
We recommend you get an early start - around 8 a.m. to avoid crowds and make the most of your day.
The tour has four starting points:
- West Entrance
- Northeast Entrance
- East Entrance
- South Entrance
The North Yellowstone entrance is currently closed.
Park entry is $35 per vehicle.
The park is open 24/7 but the visitor centers are open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
It’s impossible to complete the entire tour in one day (or even the entire park for that matter). We recommend picking a segment and focusing on those highlights.
Plan to have little to no signal in the park. Download (Google or Apple) everything you need and check all schedules (like for Old Faithful eruptions), before you enter the park.

The above map shows Shaka Guide's Yellowstone National Park Tour's starting points.

Budgeting

While on the tour, the only things you need to budget for are food, souvenirs, fuel, and the park’s entry fee.

$35 per car: Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
$10-20 per person: Food and snacks in the park

Hours of Operation

Entrances

Yellowstone National Park has five entrance gates: north, northeast, east, south, and west.

They are typically open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

However, weather-related road closures may affect access through specific gates on occasion.

Visitor Centers

Yellowstone National Park has several visitor centers with informative exhibits.

The hours of operation vary depending on the season, but they are generally open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Services and Facilities

Yellowstone has several facilities like lodges, restaurants, gift shops, gas stations, and grocery stores.

Operating hours vary, especially during shoulder seasons or winter months when some services may be limited.

Generally, expect hours around 9-5, although some locations may open later or close earlier.

Please keep in mind that hours of operation can change due to weather, road conditions, or other factors.

Safety Information

hot spring with white terraces Shutterstock Image

Just a friendly reminder about the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park: they're wild and prefer their personal space.

So, it's absolutely critical to keep a safe distance… for everyone's sake.

Now, let's talk about those hydrothermal areas. They're beautiful, sure, but deadly. Stick to the designated paths and resist the urge to chuck stuff in there.

Also, keep an eye on the kiddos to avoid any wandering adventures.

And oh, one last thing: leave your furry pals behind when exploring the hydrothermal areas, they're not invited.

By sticking to these guidelines, you'll be keeping yourself safe and helping to preserve the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park.

Start Packing!

Shutterstock Image

Here’s our packing list. What you take depends on what you plan to do on the tour.

Phone charger/mount (very important!)
Sneakers or hiking shoes
Hiking clothes
Rain jacket or poncho
Hat/sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Canteen/ refillable water bottle
Snacks
Credit card
Picnic lunch
Bear spray

Leave No Trace

buffalo at the grasslands Shutterstock Image

Here at Shaka Guide, we promote ways we can preserve special places, like our national parks, for future generations.

Please pick up your trash, leave plant and animal life as you find it, and stick to marked trails.

In this way, generations to come can enjoy Yellowstone National Park.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.