What did you wish you knew before visiting Yellowstone? Comment Below! (Also - yes I know I showed an elk and not a moose at 1:17. The speed limits should be respected for all animals!)
Not much. Just that tourists try to get tooooo close to the bisons, etc. People are polluting Yellowstone. And, if you’re not careful, you might go missing. Other than that, it’s amazing.
I worked in Yellowstone for a decade and appreciate your attempt to describe the area but have to say you got so much wrong. If you drive every road in the park you will only experience about 5% of the park. That was an elk not a moose. The maps given at the gates are very good and show the figure eight pattern of the main road system plus the five roads that bring you from the entrance gates to the figure eight loops. There is also an entrance that is in Idaho that leads to beautiful country but does dead end so you have to exit the park and go back to West Yellowstone for the nearest entrance to the rest of the park. Be sure to visit Norris the largest hottest geyser basin in the world and home of Steamboat the largest geyser in the world. Then make the twelve mile drive to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and check out upper and lower falls. For more affordable accommodations try Gardner north entrance or West Yellowstone or stay in the park at Canyon or Old Faithful or Lake Yellowstone.
Please make a video. I am trying to book a trip for Thanksgiving week and I’m so overwhelmed trying to figure out where to stay and what to book. We are planning to stay in Jackson Hole and definitely want to do snowmobiling. We want to stay with more upscale lodging. Will all the highlights to Yellowstone be open? Someone was telling me they got back last week and things were closing. Any tips would be soooo helpful!
We did all those and loved our 6-days stay in GT & YS NPs. We stayed a day at Pinedale (entry), 3 nights at West Yellowstone (our fav & best), a day each at Cody and Livingston (exit).
Fred you sir need to make a video especially so this lady can tell the difference between a moose and an elk. Plus 20 years of knowledge to share is amazing
I’m from Wales and I have had the honer to visit Yellowstone twice. First time on a Skidoo ! Five and quarter hour ride in and five a quarter back, it was absolutely brilliant. A very memorable day. I was back in September on a Bus tour, again to see it without snow, I would say Yellowstone Falls is a must. Love to come again !!
Pro-tip: There are a few restaurants in West Yellowstone MT that still serve dinner later at night. They also have the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center if you want to get an up close view of grizzlies, wolves, and some predatory birds. My kids LOVE it there!
We stay in West Yellowstone two or three times a year. Great Town! The locals are wonderful people. Slippery Otter is a great place to eat and they're open later than 9pm. The Outpost is great for Breakfast!! We haven't been to the Discovery center yet, but will be sure to go in on our next trip in 28days (3rd trip there this year).
Came to say that, do not ever go off the trails. Too many horror stories about some kid tripping off the boardwalk and dying or couples going off the marked trails and dying after falling into boiling acidic water.
I'm glad there was a video that enumerated the basic "need to know" information about seeing the park. Most of these travel videos are big on scenery (which is fine) but sketchy on prices, times to go, what to watch out for, etc. Thanks so much.
Great video. I went to Yellowstone in late October / early November 2020. Basically had the place to ourselves. Saw Old Faithful with 2 other people total. Stores and gas stations closed in the park but wasn’t an issue. Trip of a lifetime.
You have the right idea there, zig while everyone else is zagging. Best to keep an eye on the weather at that time of the year, lest you get stranded in a blizzard but the more steam from the hot springs makes better photos. Hope to get out there in the spring sometime before the rush and the snow is all melted, better bring snowshoes I guess.
All good advice. I lived near Cody for a while and have taken numerous trips to Yellowstone. I would add keeping an eye out for wandering pedestrians who seem to lose focus of how close they are to the road when taking pictures. Also, a few miles outside the East gate heading to Cody is an outdoor Wedding chapel that neat to see.
Have basic first aid and emergency supplies with you at all times, plus understand how to do the basics such as changing a tire, jump starting a battery and knowing how to read a map an compass. There is thousands of people in this park at any time yet one wrong turn and you might as well be on Mars looking for help. If you can’t do the basics don’t leave the main gathering areas for people. And never forget the animals are in charge of everything!
I lived in the park over two summers. I was a cook at Old Faithful. I will not see the park in summer again. Winter camping is my next trip. Thanks for the video.
I live near YNP and Grand Teton NP. The video was showing the Grand Tetons- GT National Park, which has the only airport in a National Park. When people fly into Jackson Hole, you get two parks, if your plan is to also travel to Yellowstone... Both parks are close in proximity.
Ironic that people want to enjoy and take their time, yet the daytime speed limits are 45mph many areas, we visited a few years ago and were tail gated relentlessly when driving. Also failed to mention this is mountain driving and some areas are quite steep and narrow. They really should have speed limit of 30mph in entire park, since this is not much of a hiking park but more of a driving park, so people can take time and enjoy. Better yet, if they had tour buses or shuttles to take people around, driving gets tiring - don't know if they do - we drove the entire park, it is beautiful. Nice video, good points.
I'm glad I came across your video because I was seriously considering doing a Yellowstone vacation for the family soon so your video has helped me considerably, thank you.
We just went to Yellowstone at the end of July. There are big crowds at the main attractions, but if you walk more than a 1/4 mile from a parking lot it thins out a lot. Great place!
I always fly to Bozeman, Montana (cheaper rates etc.) get my rental car, drive to Livingston, wing down to Gardnier, really nice drive as well as going through Yankee Canyon and seeing Devil's slide.
We live just outside of Livingston. Best way to see YNP: fly into Bozeman. Stay at a vacation rental in the Livingston area. Drive south on Hwy 89 thru Paradise Valley to the Park’s North Entrance. This won’t break the bank like flying into Jackson Hole. Plus, you can avoid the super-touristy areas.
This is a great video, but I do want to emphasize on a few points. 1. Do not rush. You are in a national park, relax and enjoy the drive. You don't need to drive 60mph passing everyone in front of you. Your destination will be always be there. I've seen plenty of accidents on these roads due to people rushing. Loose gravel, curvy roads, and animals walk these roads at all times. 2. Lodging is not guaranteed. People book Lodge and hotel rooms in advance. Sometimes a year before they arrive. We understand you want to take your time to thoroughly enjoy the park, but being unprepared isn't doing anyone any favors. Do your research before you arrive. Months in advance is always advised. 3. The animals may look tame but they are WILD. Your "once in a lifetime" insta photo is not worth your life. And staying at a safe distance isn't just good for you, but for the animals. Do not cause undo stress onto these gentle giants. For example, just this last month, there was an elderly woman who was severely injured because she got too close to a bison. She ended up with multiple gore wounds and serious head trauma. Last year a 9 year old girl was flung 10 ft into the air because her parents were throwing caution against the wind. Remember, you're vacationing in their home, were the guests. Be respectful. 4. Be aware that this is federal land which simply means, any crimes you commit are automatically elevated to a federal offense. That includes items like speeding, littering, feeding the animals(even the cute little Chipmunks). Marijuana is not legal here. Do not bring it into the park. You're only asking for problems. 5. Do not stop in the middle of the road. We understand you want to get that great photo to show your family back home. We really do. Just do not stop in the road. The chances of there being a pullout in the next 100ft are very high. 6. Buy bear spray. It's the best investment you can make out here. Yeah it can be pricey and yes you most likely won't use it and yes you can't take it with you if you fly out, but $50 vs yours or your families lives is 100% worth the investment. Bear spray is not just for deterring bears, but also elk and bison. 7. Yes, even covid-19 reaches these corners of the earth. Bring your mask with you everywhere. It is mandatory to wear it inside any lodges, hotels, diners, or inside any building in the park. The staff that runs Yellowstone hospitality services are incredibly hard working. They don't ask for much in return, so just wear your mask. We're all here to enjoy the park for it's stunning beauty. It's incredibly detailed painting-esque scenery. It's amazing community and all it can offer. Be courteous and abide by social distancing guidelines. The line between this park being open and this park being closed is incredibly fine. Please do your part and let's keep everyone safe and healthy. 8. And finally, truly and sincerely enjoy your self here. It's your vacation after all. Just be respectful, follow the rules, and leave a softer footprint. - from just a guy who loves Yellowstone.
Big agree on #7...we used bandanas/buffs a lot of the time because on hikes they are easy to pull up when passing and then can be pulled back down if you don't want to have it on when there isn't anyone around.
Any accommodations in or around Jackson Hole are going to be high Dollar.... very affordable hotels in West Yellowstone (west gate), Cody (east gate), and Gardiner (Northwest Gste). Jackson Hole is super expensive to fly into. Boseman is way more affordable and about the same distance from the Park.
Should be noted that while Cody is by the East Gate, it is still an hour and a half drive from Cody to the main loop. And from there is another 45 minutes to Old Faithful. So it's a ways out there.
Great video! Good recommendations! Except for 2020, we have visited the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone 2-3 times every 5 years since 1986. One word of advice for folks that want to camp in the park: reserve 6 months ahead. You can always cancel. Do not think that you can walk in and score a cancellation. To meet COVID large group gathering restrictions, most NP's will not even let you in, (Yosemite now) without a reservation, even for a day visit. They are trying to keep the number of people in the park under control. Plan ahead. If camping (reservation scored), check where you can shower. There are bathrooms and running cold water in most campgrounds, but no showers. Finally, follow the rules of safety so you can enjoy a great experience in the park, not in the hospital, or worse, the morgue. Yellowstone is not a safe place for kids without adults, loose pets (coyotes and wolves), mindless decisions (selfies on the edge of Yellowstone Canyon), disregard of safety signs, and disrespect for the wildlife. Stay 75 meters from bison, elk and at least twice that from bears. You will never outrun them, as we have witnessed over time. Play it safe and enjoy the scenery.
@@spol1622 I drove through the park in July 2019 in my van. At almost every roadside attraction there were signs reading, "No RV Parking." No problem for us but I would recommend against visiting in an RV.
THIS IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL, to the point & highlights the important parts!!! ♥️ Thank you SO much! We do have a couple of places to stay for a week (timeshare), but it’s when we go out of the resort... 🤷🏻♀️ Need to know more! Subscribed. 😄
All the information given in this video is available on the Yellowstone National Park website and in the brochures they give out. Hotels at popular locations are always expensive.
I think you mentioned the most important thing... take your time. Even if you go for a week, you probably won't even see half of what this park has to offer, so I'd recommend taking your time, trying to visit maybe 3 spots per day. It might take you a few trips there to see everything there is to see, so take your time and don't rush it. Jackson Hole is very nice, but if you're strictly staying around Yellowstone, you may want to fly into Idaho Falls or Bozeman, as they are little closer. If you have time, do Grand Tetons too, as they are not that far away and if you fly into Jackson Hole, you can see Grand Tetons first and then drive up to Yellowstone. I went to YS back in 2015 and am looking forward to going back later this year as well. But as with any national park, take your time. Some parks are larger than others, and some parks have more spots than others (to check out) so take your time. For the most part, national parks aren't going anywhere so even if you have to go back 2-3 times you won't be missing anything and that's the best way to do it. Pick spots you want to visit beforehand and visot those spots, and know that if you can hit 3 spots per day, that's a good pace. If you want to do photography, research how long it takes to get to your locations and arrive about 45 minutes before sunrise or an hour before sunset (also keep in mind that the sun may set earlier as it goes behind mountains and other natural formations -- same for sunrise--sunrise might be later because the sun may have to rise over mountains or land formations). Just do your research so you are in the right place, at the right time if you plan to do some "golden hour" photography.
Most info good, especially regarding temperatures. I was last there in July 2018. It snowed. Animal cautions very good, but I would add mention of the need for extreme caution around geothermal features, watch kids, and NEVER leaving boardwalks!
#4 is very important. Fuel, food, and lodging are ridiculously expensive up there. I also suggest at least 3 days. The southern half is way more saturated with sights and it would take at least 2 days
A lot of your shots come from Grand Teton National Park as well. Those who stay in Jackson Hole before going on to Yellowstone would be amazed at the scenery along Teton Park Road starting in Moose - plus, your receipt from Grand Teton is good for Yellowstone too!
Thank you for an informative video on such a spectacular place. Was there last week of June and first week of July and can't stress the importance of the temperature difference between day and night. Bring a jacket and some winter clothes, especially if camping. Dress in layers like she says. Can't wait for a return trip.
My first trip to Yellowstone was through the NE gate, Cooke City, after driving the Beartooth Hwy from Red Lodge. Giving oneself plenty is tantamount! Our loop through the park, including viewing old faithful, took 18 hours begin/end Billings.
@@RunTheAtlas I used to live about 25 miles north, off US 89, near Emigrant. I loved it...except it is windy and cold. Some of the worst weather was in Yellowstone. BTW - The part about being prepared for hot days and cold eves. is right on !! Thanks for sharing your video.
I’m from South Africa and l visited Yellowstone as well. Great memories- the bison were very close to Old Faithful, the geyser and l was struck by the open holes with scalding hot water. Saw bears too, can’t remember if they were brown or black.
Just got to go see all of Yellowstone and got to see and get beutiful pictures of grizzles, rams, elk, Buffalo, coyote, mule deer, and moose, I felt like we was pretty lucky to see all this in one day, it was a little cold but definitely worth it if you’ve never been.
Thank you 😊 for your guidance on the safety of going about in yellow stone and description of eateries and clothing and pack snacks ,lunch and water so much valuable information i will remember and I must see the airport 😀 sounds like a great place ty and bye
Thank you for giving everyone a heads up to people. I love living here, but I hate seeing the stories where people didn't heed warnings. By the way, that wasn't a moose that you pictured, it was an elk
I've been trying to figure out places to go for my bucket list in the next year or two. Thanks to you sharing. I found it. Greatly appreciate your tour
I liked your video . I’ll tell you even five days aren’t enough to see a lot of that park . Thier are some good short hikes to . I’ve been to Yellowstone twice once in 2010 with my mom and my sister . Then in 2016 with my older brother we stayed in Cody at Buffalo Bill cabins for four day . Every morning we take a nice drive to Yellowstone . Next time hike down to the lower falls and stand at the brink of the falls it’s fantastic . Or go take a scenic drive over beartooth hwy thru the mountains.
Definitely need to spend more than a few days in Yellowstone. If you are tent camping be up early. I have some great shots of a grizzly taking down a bull Mose in the lake last year. So it pays to be up before sunrise. And take a Whistle and blow it if the crowds get to big. They will head back to the Tour busses 🤣 that's a tip I picked up from a local. And yes it works.
@@RunTheAtlas i did I just wish that i had time to get a video of it. The park rangers made me move ASAP if that tells you how close I was. If you have time you should check out Dinosaur National Monument Both sides. Some great hiking. And they let you off trail hike if you want to.
Take your time! Best advice that can sum up most of the points made in the video. Stay in the park (even though it is expensive) or in West Yellowstone or Gardiner, Montana. If you stay in Jackson, you will spend a lot of time driving. The drive is pretty, but takes up a chunk of your day. Cody, Wyoming is about as close a drive from Yellowstone attractions as Jackson, is less expensive, and the drive is also very pretty (minus the Tetons!) If you stay in the park later seeing sights and having dinner, you end up driving later into the night when animals are in the road. Be careful! To really see Yellowstone you need about four days to a week. One or two days will give a sample-overview.
I forgot Cooke City or Silver Gate. These two Montana towns are less expensive, but small and remote. Harder to get to by plane. They are a long ways from Old Faithful, Canyon, or Lake Yellowstone. Silver Gate and Cooke City are situated by the Lamar Valley which is more remote and less visited , which can be nice. This is also a prime wildlife viewing and hiking area of the park. Please please pay attention to the creator’s admonition to slow down, don’t speed, don’t stop on roads. Don’t rush. Relax! Enjoy! Please respect animals! Don’t stress them by getting close. Take pictures of wildlife , not selfies. Peace! Love Yellowstone!
I go there every summer with my family as a little tradition and we always camp. We went to this one camping ground that had big open fields for tents without any trees so it wasn’t much of a surprise when we saw elk laying down or grazing around tents with people sort of sitting there like :0
She is exactly right! We went with our kids earlier this month. We didn’t get very far very fast. We just decided to relax and we would see what we would see. We will go back to see more.
@@TheBruceGday That's the way I've always done it--go different times of the year too--Fall is fantastic, sunny but freezing, windy so wear a warm coat, prepare for snow possib. Winter snow there is stunning, Gardner on north usually is open. Great time to see those sulfur pools with snow all around them and the buffalo out--was there in 17 degrees but blazing sun and blue skies, many feet of snow but open clear roads in the center of the park, the day after a blizzard and it was like a movie--the animals all out after hiding during the blizzard I guess? Spring is pretty as flowers start to bloom. Baby animals cute to watch--w/binoculars! And summer is beautiful but short!
We stayed 5 days and 6 nights in GT & YS NPs, and felt we just touched the surface! It takes several visits in several seasons to experience a pie of it
from the northeast entrance i got dropped off by a van,started hiking through going west,got 8 rides through this park in 2 days.didn't see any animals at all except a moose by a service road sign.on the 2nd day i was at the almost bottom of the park.walked for 6 hours,22 miles,before my last ride picked me up.he took me through teton mtns national park,then he went east toward casper.happened in 2004.
Me and my family are going next year between April-may and I’m so Excited we are going probably for about 3-4 weeks just because we live like a day and a half for the park lol so I can wait to just relax and take lots of pictures
Slow down at night because moose are very dark brown and almost invisible during the night. Don't go in July or August. We go in September and their are no crowds. Take five days or more, it is worth it.
I think you are right, we went in September too and it wasn't as crowded as I expected. Although there was a fire and it was very smoky. I went for only one day and I realized it wasn't enough time. When was the last time you went?
I was just about to go until it just got flooded...I been wanting to go here for 10 years and instead of being at work today I'm supposed to be exploring Yellowstone but next year and going in July..thanks for the video
You need more than a weekend if possible. Be prepared for the strong smell of sulfur. And plan on lots of walking/hiking. Make a trip here, you won't regret it.
Yes we went during Covid in July 2020 and it felt safe. Almost all people had masks, especially in the popular spots like Old Faithful. People did their best to distance on the trails, but some of the trails can get crowded if you go on a holiday weekend.
That’s not just Yellowstone. I lived in Bozeman, Mt which is close to YS and has a similar environment and the weather is similar, we have the same kinds of animals and Yellowstone has the most moronic tourists who get as close to the wild animals as they can. I am a horse person and I’ve never seen so many stupid people in my life. We went in October before they close so they aren’t as crowded. We came in the back way from Bozeman over the bear tooth mountain highway. It’s very beautiful.
endurance rider much , best speech on the net / there is always MORONIC ANY ONES!, SURE READ THE SIGNS YET OF COURSE THE MEAN ZIP_________ um well not really. sure camp with a food filled cooler for that awesome weenie roast of tantalizing marshmallow crisped sweet goop . charcoal clean the guts yet dang those furies have a sweet tooth or several. can not rubber stamp on foreheads of warnings = they should !
It's just as fun in the winter. You need at least a week to see the park. Camping in the park is better than commuting from Jackson Hole. If you really want to enjoy then get a permit and go backpacking and camp. Just be aware of securing your food at night and bears.
Some insights here from what the author is stating: Internet is meant as no Cellular service. Jackson (not hole) is a city well far away from Yellowstone. Jackson is known as a junction between Highway 22 or 191. If you are hauling a trailer like I did, avoid the 22 Teton Pass as it is a 10% grade. I pulled a trailer up that and it was not fun. I think I stopped about 2 times going up and once going down (twice up to let the engine cool and once down to let the brakes cool).Any rig can make it though as I have a Ram 1500 with a 5500 lb trailer but I was doing 25 mph with a 3.92 Torque! Trailer tongue is 750 for those who know what I mean. Anyways, Go up on 191, less hassle and it says it takes longer but it will save you about the same time versus stopping and resting the engine. However, if you are a RVer, I camped in Idaho and spent $240 for 5 days 20 minutes from the entrance to Yellow Stone. My take: Book ahead, stay in another state relative to Yellowstone and see Beehive take off which is 1/4 of a mile from Old Faithful which is better and more Grand! It erupts at least twice a day! Old Faithful is so damn old news! I guess see it just so you said you did but geeez... Much better geysers out there....
What people don't tell you is if you want to see anything at all in the park, you better get your ass up super early (like before dawn) unless you like long lines and huge crowds. Loved my visit, but I'd definitely go later in the year instead of July
That park is bigger than the state I live in. 3 to 4 hours to drive across the park, wow, that is huge. I live in Rhode island. It take about an hour to drive north to south, and vice versa, it takes about 45 minutes east to west. Vice versa. To be out of the state of Rhode Island. It takes me an hour or an a half just to get to New Hampshire from Providence Rhode Island. I am learning that we have a very big country. And have everything we need here in this country to survive. Very good video.👍. One thing I tell people, never move to Rhode Island permanently, because there are not jobs, and taxes are very high, and the state is not business friendly. Not at all. They tax the crap of business and regulate them constantly. But Rhode is a beautiful state to visit. It is beautiful. Newport Rhode Island is Amazing. Misquamicut, Watch Hill and Charlestown is absolutely beautiful. And the Capital City in Providence is beautiful in the summer. With allot of restaurants, and the water fire, at night, on the river. Beside that. If a person moves here for work, they will go into great depression.
