Yellowstone National Park is America's oldest national park, and was established in 1872. It's not only one of America's largest national parks, it contains geologic features that are found few other places on Earth. Yellowstone is also home to a wide variety of animals. Its geology, geography and animal life can make Yellowstone a dangerous place. It's important to follow the rules and regulations for your own safety.
Yellowstone's Geologic Features
In Yellowstone National Park, you will find stunning and incredible geologic features including geysers, hot springs, fumaroles and deep canyons. Yellowstone was formed by the explosion of a massive volcano. When standing in areas of the park, you can see the rim of the ancient volcano on the horizon. You are literally standing in the caldera of this ancient volcano. Although ancient, it's by no means dead. The geologic features that make Yellowstone so famous are evidence that Earth is still heating and rumbling below the surface. And that evidence creates amazing displays when geysers erupt, hot springs show their intense color and mud pots bubble and percolate. All of these displays, however, are hot--in fact boiling--and must be observed with care.
Yellowstone's Fauna
In addition to incredible geology, Yellowstone is also home to an array of animals that may also present certain dangers. The park is filled with American bison. In fact, traffic flow through the park is often slowed or halted by these animals. Seemingly slow and docile, more visitors are injured or killed by these animals than any others in the park. Their powerful bodies and massive heads can be deadly. Additionally, some of North America's top predators call Yellowstone home, including grizzly bears and wolves. All visitors must use care and caution when observing animals in the park. Even elk, deer and moose can be dangerous, especially during the autumn rutting season.
Reasons for Rules and Regulations in Yellowstone
The popularity of Yellowstone National Park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. During peak times, the park is essentially a working city. For that reason, there are rules and regulations in place governing traffic, speeding, parking restrictions, litter, pets, boating and camping as well as specific regulations regarding Yellowstone's thermal features and wildlife. It is important to keep in mind that these are primarily in place for safety reasons. Secondarily, the park's rules and regulations help to ensure park conservation, so that we can all enjoy its wonders for generations to come.
General Park Regulations
There are more than 350 miles of roads in Yellowstone, many of which are steep, winding and busy. The maximum speed limit in the park is 45 mph, with many areas being posted at slower limits. Additionally, seat belt usage is required of all passengers in the park. Because RV use is prevalent, those slow-moving vehicles must use pull-offs to observe wildlife. Use extreme caution when driving in the park. Remember, animals may be on the road at any time, or the driver in front of you may spot something and stop suddenly.
Bicycling is only allowed in designated areas and along roads within the park. Bicycling is prohibited on boardwalk trails and backcountry trails. There are no bike paths on the roadways, and in many instances, roads are without shoulders. It's important to use caution, and proper gear, especially helmets, is strongly recommended. There are some areas in the park designated for bikes only.
Pets must be leashed and may not be more than 100 feet from any road or parking lot. They are not permitted on trails, in thermal basins or in the back country. Leaving them unattended at any time is not only unwise, it's illegal.
Firearms are prohibited in the park, including state-permitted concealed weapons.
Backcountry permits are required for all overnight camping. They can be obtained 48 hours in advance from any ranger station.
Regulations Regarding Wildlife
Wildlife viewing is a huge draw in Yellowstone National Park, and with good reason. Wild animals are unpredictable, so there are regulations in place to protect both visitors and animals. First and foremost, it is "illegal to remain near or approach any animal (birds included) within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal." For your own safety, remember that if any animal reacts to your presence, you're too close.
You must stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves. The required distance from other large animals in the park is 25 yards. This includes bison, elk, coyotes, moose, elk, bighorn sheep and moose.
Feeding wildlife of any kind is also prohibited. Additionally, spotlighting (viewing animals with use of artificial light) is also prohibited at Yellowstone.
Regulations Regarding Thermal Features
Swimming is prohibited in the thermal features in Yellowstone. It's not only illegal, it's dangerous. Water temperatures can switch from warm to scalding in a matter of feet. Conversely, swimming in the park's lakes, streams and rivers is strongly discouraged. Water is generally so cold that hypothermia is a risk year-round.
All visitors must remain on the boardwalks and trails. Again, regulations are in place for your safety. What may appear to be solid ground may be a thin crust that breaks through to scalding water. It's also illegal to throw objects into any thermal feature (geyser, hot spring, fumarole) or to deface one in any way.
In fact, "collecting natural or archaeological objects, or removing, defacing or destroying any plant, animal or mineral" is also prohibited.
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