---
title: "Yellowstone: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Yellowstone? Read on for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/TrovaTrip-Yellowstone-Falls.jpg
---

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# Yellowstone: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Yellowstone: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/TrovaTrip-Yellowstone-Falls.jpg)

### About Yellowstone

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/yellowstone#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/yellowstone#packing)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/yellowstone#funfacts)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/yellowstone#weather)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/yellowstone#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/yellowstone#faq)
- [Other if Needed](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/yellowstone#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

In 1872 Yellowstone National Park was declared the first national park in the United States and the world. This rugged area has an abundance of spectacular geysers, hot springs, wildlife and hiking trails offering breathtaking vistas. Lace up your hiking boots and take in all the beauty of Yellowstone National Park.

 

**For Camping Itineraries, **please note, this is a participatory camping trip, where all travelers will assist in setting up camp and cooking meals. Guides will teach you the best methods for quick set up and take down of tents and will lead the cooking, providing clear instructions and oversight. If you’ve never set up camp or cooked outdoors before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn under expert supervision!

 

**Established:** March 1, 1872

**Area:** 2,219,791 acres (3,471 sq mi)

**Elevation:** 5,282 ft (low) & 11,358 ft (high)

**Time Zone:** Mountain Daylight Time (GMT-6)

**Emergency Number:** 911

**Outlet:** Type A

![TrovaTrip-Traveler-Yellowstone](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/TrovaTrip-Traveler-Yellowstone.jpg)

![trovatrip-yellowstone-buffalo](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-yellowstone-buffalo.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active shoes** - Great for exploring off the beaten paths, hiking trails and more! For hiking, we recommend sturdy and supportive hiking boots.

**Active Sandals** - Like Tevas® or Chacos®, or lightweight closed-toe sandals/ shoes are great for camp comfort or after hikes.

**Layers, layers, layers!** - Yellowstone can get very cold so warm layers of all kinds will be your best friend. Base layers, wool socks, warm gloves, hat, snow pants, puffy coats, and rain jackets are all essential! Wool is a better material than cotton for warmth and quick drying, so choose your layers carefully. We highly recommend Gore-tex pants and jackets for the winter.

**Lightweight Jacket ** - Temperatures can get chilly even in the summer, so something warm, lightweight and packable will be great for layering. A fleece jacket or a coat insulated with synthetic material is perfect.

**Rain Shell** - Waterproof/breathable jacket.

**Swimwear** - You may be swimming in rivers, so make sure to pack a swimsuit.

**Sunblock With SPF** - The sun shines bright in Yellowstone and nothing ruins a vacation like a lobster sunburn.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

**Day Packs** - Great for long adventure days.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

**Packing Cubes** - With frequent moving from place to place, these will help keep you organized.

**Hand Sanitizer ** - Need I say more?

**Bug Spray ** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Portable Chargers ** - Great for charging batteries while on the go. Access to outlets will be limited and we highly recommend packing a power bank.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Sleeping bag and pillow** - If you're camping you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. We recommend at least a 30-degree sleeping bag, and a lightweight, packable pillow. Your guide will plan to stop at a big store on the first day of the trip in case you forget anything.

**Laundry Soap ** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes!

**Always pack extra underwear!**

![Thermal Pools Yellowstone](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/laminda-nickla-JKTkNHZiJ8Y-unsplash-1.jpg)

#### Weather

[YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/44d43n110d59/yellowstone-national-park/?unit=us)

 

Temperatures in Yellowstone vary greatly from season to season, but it is always best to come prepared with layers, even in the summer. Better safe than sorry! Always check the weather forecast before your visit. The below chart shows average temperatures per month.

| **Month** | **High** | **Low** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **January** | 24°F | 1°F |
| **February** | 30°F | 3°F |
| **March** | 37°F | 10°F |
| **April** | 46°F | 20°F |
| **May** | 58°F | 29°F |
| **June** | 68°F | 36°F |
| **July** | 78°F | 41°F |
| **August** | 76°F | 39°F |
| **September** | 65°F | 30°F |
| **October** | 51°F | 22°F |
| **November** | 34°F | 12°F |
| **December** | 24°F | 2°F |

 

 

#### Fun Facts

- Yellowstone National Park is the United State's first national park. President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone Park Act in 1872, making it the first national park in the world.
- Yellowstone sits on top of one of the world's largest volcanoes. The Yellowstone caldera is about the size of Rhode Island, which is 1,000 square miles.
- There are four different types of geothermal features in Yellowstone - geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.
- Old Faithful is the most famous geyser on earth! But, it's actually not the tallest geyser in the park, Steamboat Geyser is. However, the eruptions are unpredictable so it's really up to luck to be able to see its nearly 400-foot high blast. Old Faithful's eruptions stick to a pretty predictable schedule, hence its name!
- Yellowstone is home to the nation's oldest heard of bison. According to the National Park Service, this is the only place in the United States where bison have continuously roamed since the prehistoric era.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $8-10 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $8-10 per person/per day |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety?** Check out the National Park Service's [website](https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How should I prepare for mosquitoes? **Tight-weave cotton shirts and pants work better than more porous synthetics. Wear khaki or other neutral colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, especially blue. Stay away from scented soaps, lotions and shampoos. 

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please take a look at our luggage restrictions below.

 

**Will there be charging ports? **There will be limited outlets around showers to charge devices, but power banks are recommended.

 

**Do you provide any gear?** All your camping equipment (other than a sleeping bag and pillow) will be included. This includes tents, chairs, sleeping pads, stove, canopy, lanterns and all cooking equipment (pots, pans, dishes, etc).

 

**What tents will we be using? **Tents will be 4-person camping tents, double occupancy. You’ll use camping pads on the ground beneath your sleeping bags.

 

**Will there be WiFi? **Wifi and cell service are usually non-existent or very limited at the campgrounds. Some campgrounds may offer free wifi, although it may be unreliable.

 

**What facilities are available? **Please be aware that not all campsites have shower facilities. If that is the case, your Guide will take the group to a place to shower. Please have cash or spare change on hand as you may need to purchase shower tokens.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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