Activities in Yellowstone National Park

Adventure awaits in Yellowstone's mountain wilderness. The Yellowstone backcountry entices fishermen to streams, and hikers to trails winding through meadows filled with wildflowers.

Whether fishing on the Madison River, taking a guided walk, riding horseback or taking a snowcoach through the park you will enjoy exploring Yellowstone.

Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of challending opportunities in Yellowstone. Native cutthroat trout abound in Yellowstone's crystal-clear lakes, rivers, and streams and fly fishing is popular throughout Yellowstone.

Fishing permits ($10 for 10 days or $20 for the season) are required and may be obtained at ranger stations, visitor centers, general stores and marinas. Varying limits and restrictions apply. You are asked to limit your fishing to catch and release whenever possible.

Boating

The Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake is at the heart of boating activities. Scenic cruises, boat rentals, guided charters, boat slips, marine supplies, and ranger services are all available here. One-hour narrated scenic cruises of Yellowstone Lake depart daily from early June to late September.

You also can rent a rowboat or motorboat or charter a guided boat to take up to six passengers to the hottest fishing spots. Fishing rods and tackle are provided on charters. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

No boats, canoes, kayaks, or rafts are allowed on park rivers and streams, with the exception of the waterway between Lewis and Shoshone lakes, where only hand-propelled vessels are permitted. Launching facilities are located at Lewis Lake and on Yellowstone Lake at Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Village campground. All boats must have a permit, which can be obtained from the Bridge Bay Marina or at park ranger stations in the lake area.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife is abundant in Yellowstone Park and can be viewed all year 'round. In summer, moose, bison, and coyotes are often seen in Hayden Valley, while mule deer inhabit the Geyser, Lake, and Canyon countries. Elk often wander through meadows in Mammoth Hot Springs, the Upper and Midway geyser basins, and the Lewis River area. Bighorn sheep sometimes congregate in the Mount Washburn area. You can also see bison, beavers, weasels, foxes, and marmots, among other animals.

Horseback Riding

In summer, horseback riding is offered daily by different corrals. You can make reservations at any lodging front desk or activities desk.

Bicycling

Biking through Yellowstone can be a memorable event, however biking requires extra caution. Few bike paths exist, there are no bicycle lanes along roadways, and bikes are prohibited on boardwalks and backcountry trails. Check at visitor centers for further information. Wear safety gear, including a helmet and high-visibility clothing. Because park roads are narrow and winding, be especially watchful of mirrors projecting from campers and RVs that pass you from behind. A rear-view mirror on your bike and a helmet are life-saving essentials.

Snowshoeing

Miles of backcountry trails await visitors to Yellowstone. Short trails are located in the Blacktail Deer Plateau, Tower, and Indian Creek areas. Forty miles of trails wind through the spectacular Old Faithful area, where you can see hot springs, geysers, elk, and bison.

Snow coach tours

Snowcoach tours are a great way to see Yellowstone National Park. The snowcoach allows visitors to view the natural wonders while sitting back and relaxing in an enclosed heated cab while your driver delivers park information as you cruise along the scenic routes. Many of the Yellowstone Snowcoach operators offer guided tours that include skiing, snowshoeing and lunch.

Snowmobiling

Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places in the world to snowmobile due to an extensive trail system. You can experience a "winter wonderland" of un-paralleled beauty. Yellowstone Park and the surrounding area are comprised of many geologic and geothermal wonders such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Old Faithful. In addition, there is a wide variety of wildlife including eagles, bison, wolves, elk, swans and much more. You can see these animals and other natural wonders up close when snowmobiling in and around Yellowstone Park.

Cross-country Skiing

In the winter, Yellowstone offers a variety of trails for the cross country skier. You can find yourself gliding through frigid air, then suddenly become engulfed in hot steam escaping from deep within the Earth. You can surround yourself by the vast open spaces, wildlife and landscape of Yellowstone.

All trails are marked, but new snow may make them a bit more difficult to find when untracked. Stop at a visitor center or ski shop for more information on trails in Yellowstone. The Yellowstone staff are very helpful and provide current information on weather, trail, snow conditions, and alert you to any special winter hazards.

Photos courtesy of the National Park Service, Yellowstone Digital Slide File