Planning a trip to Yellowstone?

You’re in for something wild—literally.

You’re not just visiting a national park—you’re stepping into a story millions of years in the making. One with exploding geysers, herds of bison, boiling rivers, and enough jaw-dropping views to max out your camera roll.

But before you dive headfirst into this geothermal wonderland, there are a few things you should know. This isn’t your average road trip—Yellowstone is huge, unpredictable, and completely unforgettable. A little prep goes a long way.

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 (or before) 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.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone

Wondering when to go? Every season in Yellowstone brings something different—wildlife, weather, and crowds included.

Spring (April–June):
Snow melts, waterfalls roar, and baby animals abound. Roads may still be closed, and snowstorms aren’t unheard of, but wildlife watching is prime.

Summer (July–August):
The most popular—and busiest—season. Expect warm weather, full access to roads and services, and lots of people. Go early to beat the crowds.

Fall (September–October):
Cooler temps, golden foliage, and active wildlife make this a favorite. Services start shutting down by late October, and snow can come early.

Winter (November–March):
Quiet, stunning, and wild. Most roads close, but guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours offer access to a truly unique Yellowstone experience.

Writer’s Tip:
For fewer crowds and great wildlife sightings, visit in late May or early September. Just pack for all four seasons—Yellowstone weather changes fast.

Safety Information

hot spring with white terraces Shutterstock Image

Just a couple friendly reminders about the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park:

1. they're wild, and 2. they like 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 they can be deadly if not treated with respect. 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!

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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

Bathrooms, Gas & Cell Service

Bathrooms

Yellowstone offers approximately 90 public restrooms—mostly flush toilets—at major hubs like Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Old Faithful, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge, and Tower Junction.

Gas Stations

Yellowstone has seven full-service gas stations located at:

Mammoth Hot Springs
Canyon Village
Old Faithful (two stations)
Grant Village
Fishing Bridge
Tower–Roosevelt Junction

They offer 24/7 credit-card fueling, and most provide unleaded, diesel, and propane options.

Cell Service & Wi‑Fi

Cell signal is very limited and mostly available only near developed areas:

Mammoth Hot Springs
Old Faithful
Canyon Village
Grant Village
Fishing Bridge
Tower Junction

Service often gets overwhelmed during peak times. Verizon tends to perform best, followed by AT&T; expect minimal coverage elsewhere.

Wi‑Fi is available at the Albright Visitor Center (Mammoth) and in some lodges or visitor centers.

Courtesy Phones

For emergencies (e.g., to call 911), courtesy phones are located at:

Tower Junction
Tower Campground
Madison Junction restroom

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.

Meet the Writer:

Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. When she first visited Yellowstone, she was captivated by the steaming geysers, thundering waterfalls, and wild, wide-open spaces. Now, she’s on a mission to share the stories that live in the land—and the places that make us feel small in the best way.

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.