Regulations
All visitors and users of Yellowstone National Park are subject to Federal Regulations. These regulations are described in detail in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and are on file at any ranger station and the Superintendent's office.
Bison in the Hayden Valley
© Vertical Media
Park Regulations
All wildlife are dangerous. Never approach, feed or harass any animal. It is
unlawful to approach within 100 yards of bears, and within 25 yards of other
wildlife.
Pets must be leashed, and are prohibited on trails and in the backcountry.
You may camp and build fires only in designated areas.
Hot Springs and geyser areas are unstable and fragile. Stay on trails and
boardwalks at all times. Throwing of coins and other debris destroys thermal
features, and is illegal. Swimming or bathing in thermal pools is prohibited .
Boating and fishing permits are required and available at ranger stations.
Boating is allowed only on lakes.
Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips and can be obtained at
ranger stations.
The maximum speed limit for the park is 45 miles and hour. Many of the roads
need structural improvements. Drive defensively, and always be alert for
pedestrians and cyclists.
Superintendent's Orders
The following is an unabridged copy of the Superintendents Orders. It contains
rules and regulations that apply to Yellowstone National Park in addition to the
applicable rules in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING 82190
DESIGNATIONS, CLOSURES, PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER
THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
Fly Fishing a Creek
© Vertical Media
TITLE 36, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 1, SECTION 1.7(B)
Under the provisions of 16 U.S.C., Section 3, and Title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, the following Superintendent's Orders
(compendium) are established for Yellowstone National Park. Unless otherwise
noted, these orders apply in addition to the regulations contained in Parts 1-7
of Title 36 CFR and will remain in effect until amended.
As approved by Superintendent Michael V. Finley on August 18, 1998.
SECTION 1.2 APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE
(d) Grizzly Bear Management: The administrative activities conducted by
Yellowstone National Park, or its agents, relative to the management and
handling of grizzly bears, Ursus arctos horribilis, will be in accordance with
guidelines, procedures and rules described in the "Yellowstone National Park
Annual Bear Management Plan."
SECTION 1.4 DEFINITIONS
Boiling River - That section of the Gardner River from the uppermost point at
which Boiling River enters the Gardner River to 100 yards downstream.
Catch and release - All fish caught shall be carefully and immediately returned
to the water from which they were taken.
Core camp - That area of a designated campsite within a 100 foot radius of the
fire ring, or when no fire ring exists, that area within a 100 foot radius of
the cooking area.
Drainage - The area drained by a river and its connecting tributaries and lakes.
Dropper or drop fly - A second fly attached to a leader.
Fly fishing - Only artificial flies may be used to attract and catch fish,
regardless of the type of rod or line.
Geothermal area - Any area where surface manifestations of hot springs, geysers,
mud springs, fumerols or warm ground are present.
Post Fire Growth
© National Park Service
Lead fishing tackle - Prohibited: Leaded split-shot sinkers, weighted jigs (lead
molded to a hook) and soft lead-weighted ribbon. Permitted: Lures containing
lead such as roostertails and Panther Martins, cannonballs or downriggers and
flies with lead tied to their bodies.
Learner or Instruction Driver's Permit - License or permit secured by a person
from his State motor vehicle division which grants the privilege to drive or
operate a motor vehicle on the public roadways of the State. Restricted licenses
are not valid for snowmobile operation.
Madison Campground Thermal Area - The stream and several geothermal features in
and along the banks and bed of the secondary channel of the Madison River
adjacent to H loop of the campground.
Pack animals - Horses, burros, mules, ponies and llamas only.
Tributary - Any stream which flows into a river or lake.
Upgrading - The practice of substituting captured fish for fish in possession;
usually to keep larger or different fish species.
SECTION 1.5 CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS
(a) Consistent with applicable legislation and Federal administrative polices,
the superintendent has established the following rules, designations, conditions
and restrictions on the following park activities:
Upper Basin Geyser
© National Park Service
• Willfully approaching on foot or on stock within 100 yards of bears or within
25 yards of any other wildlife or nesting birds or within any distance which
disturbs or displaces wildlife or nesting birds is prohibited. Park personnel,
acting within the scope of approved management or research activities are
excepted. This rule does not apply to inadvertent or casual encounters with
wildlife in developed areas where normal foot traffic is required or essential
or in other areas where there is no reasonable alternative travel route.
• Public use of the Boiling River section of the Gardner River will be as
follows:
- October 1 until Spring high water closure: Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Spring high water period: Closed to swimming/bathing/entry 24 hours per day.
- End of high water closure to September 30: Open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is closed to off-trail travel, including
climbing, between the Chittenden Bridge and Silver Cord Cascade.
Entering into caves, pits or sink holes which are the result of thermal and/or
seismic activity is prohibited without permission from the Superintendent, due
to the prevalence of noxious and harmful gases in these places and for the
protection of fragile resources.
Dog sledding is prohibited.
Climbing, diving or jumping from the cliffs or from trees in the area known as
the Firehole Swimming Area is prohibited. Closed areas and closure dates are
posted with appropriate signs.
The possession of glass beverage containers in the Firehole River swimming area
is prohibited.
• The possession or use of food and beverages, except when contained in a
pack-like container for carrying purposes, is prohibited in all geothermal
areas. Water is not considered a beverage.
• Frank Island (except the picnic area on the south point) and the south end of
Stevenson Island are closed to public use between May 15 and August 15 to
protect nesting osprey and bald eagles.
Mud Pot
© National Park Service
• Areas closed to the general public because of resource management or research
activities may be entered by persons or groups led by authorized park employees
or park agents, as approved by the Chief ranger, if such entry and use does not
compromise safety, environmental, scenic, natural or cultural values.
• Jet skis and similar personal water craft are prohibited on park waters.
• The Firehole River is closed to swimming, bathing and fishing 200 yards
upstream and 200 yards downstream from the bridge connecting Midway Geyser Basin
and the adjacent parking area.
• Quiet hours in all campgrounds, backcountry campsites, developed areas and
parking areas (including cabin, hotel and employee areas) are from 8 p.m. to 8
a.m. The use of generators (allowed only in Mammoth, Canyon, Fishing Bridge,
Bridge Bay, Grant Village and Madison campgrounds), portable or fixed motors or
any type of noise producing machine or activity which creates unusual noise or
unreasonably disturbs other visitors or residents is prohibited during quiet
hours.
• SCUBA diving or snorkeling is prohibited in the Yellowstone River from the
Yellowstone Lake outlet downstream for one mile.
• The following roads are closed seasonally to wheeled vehicles: Grand Loop Road
(except from the Mammoth Terraces parking lot to Tower Junction), Fishing Bridge
to East Entrance, West Thumb to South Entrance and Madison Junction to West
Entrance approximately November 1 to May 1. Actual closure dates will depend on
weather and road condidtions.
• Roads closed to non-official vehicle use: All service and administrative roads
designated by signs and/or locked gates.
• The maximum speed limit for all vessels on lakes open to boating is 45 mph or
as otherwise posted by markers or as specified in boat permit rules.
Midway Basin Geyser
© National Park Service
Boats are prohibited from anchoring to the Yellowstone Lake bottom within 300
yards of the shoreline between Bridge Bay Lagoon channel and the Lake Hotel.
• The Grand Loop Road between Washburn Hot Springs and Tower Falls is closed to
snowmobile traffic when snowmobile use is allowed in the park.
• Wildlife management areas: Visitor use may be limited in areas and on trails
identified by the Superintendent for safety, research or as sensitive or high
density wildlife habitat where specific species are allowed to pursue natural
behavioral patterns free from human disturbance and for human safety. Area use
may be adjusted on a seasonal basis and at varying restrictive levels depending
on wildlife activity and/or available food. All areas shall be identified by
on-site signs and/or by maps posted in the Superintendent's office.
• Designated bicycle routes include:
Mammoth area:
- The abandoned railroad bed paralleling the Yellowstone River between Gardiner
& the park boundary at Reese Creek. Five miles.
- Golden Gate service road between Golden Gate and Joffee Lake. 1.5 miles.
- Mammoth service road beginning at the top of the hill on the Old Gardiner Road
above Mammoth running northwest to the telephone microwave station. 1.5 miles.
- The Bunsen Peak road. Six miles.
- Swan Lake gravel pit road, six miles south of Mammoth. Approximately one mile.
- Obsidian creek campground road, adjacent to the entrance to the Indian Creek
campground.
0.4 mile.
- Two-way bicycle traffic is allowed on the Bunsen Peak road and the Old
Gardiner Road.
Old Faithful area:
Hot Spring
© National Park Service
- Lone Star Geyser road from the Grand Loop Road to the geyser parking lot
turnaround.
Two miles.
- The paved trail beginning in front of the Lower Hamilton store to Morning
Glory pool. One mile.
- The lighted employee trail from Bitterroot dorm to the Fire Road. 0.4 miles.
- Daisy Geyser cut-off to Biscuit Basin. Abandoned service road. 1.4 miles.
- Fountain Freight road.
Lake area:
- Natural Bridge road near Bridge Bay. One mile.
- The old roadbed between the Lake fish hatchery building and the transfer
station. One mile.
Tower-Lamar areas:
- Mount Washburn service road, from the Chittenden Road parking lot to the
summit of Mt. Washburn. Three miles.
- Old Chittenden service road, between the Grand Loop Road and the Tower Fall
campground.
Two miles.
- Rose Creek service road behind the Lamar Ranger Station. One mile.
West Entrance area:
- Riverside trail from entrance area to Barns road. 1.4 miles.
1.5(f) Violation of above closures, designations, uses or activity restrictions
or conditions, schedules of visiting hours, or public use limits of this section
is prohibited. Fine $25.00
SECTION 1.6 PERMITS
(g) The following are prohibited:
(1) Engaging in an activity subject to a permit requirement imposed pursuant to
this section without obtaining a permit; or Fine $50.00
(2) Violating a term or condition of a permit issued pursuant to this section.
Fine $25.00
A Waterfall in the Bechler River Area
© National Park Service
• As authorized in section 2.4(d)(4), a permit may be issued to individuals to
possess weapons on the trail over Eagle Pass known as the Mountain Creek trail
as far as, and including, the Dike Creek Cutoff trail and the Skyrim trail for
purposes of access or egress from lands outside the park boundaries. On these
sections of trail, all weapons must be unloaded and broken down and/or cased and
packaged. Off trail travel is prohibited while possessing weapons.
• As authorized in section 2.2(d), game animal carcasses or animal parts may be
transported through the park on park roads in or on a motor vehicle when the
carcass is wrapped or otherwise covered so as to not be visible, when
accompanied by a park permit and marked a valid state tag as evidence that the
animal was taken legally outside the park. Carcass(s) must be transported from
the entrance gate to the exit gate in the most direct route and are not allowed
overnight in the park.
• Game animals or animal parts may not be transported through backcountry areas
or on backcountry trails anywhere in the park; with the exception of the
Mountain Creek and Skyrim trails as described in the section above, when a
permit has been issued.
• Transporting or hauling plant products, plant by-products and plant waste
products into or through the park is prohibited, except that State certified
weed free hay or hay pellets, hay cubes or grain may be transported or used when
permitted by the superintendent.
Algae
© National Park Service
• Park trails and backcountry areas shall not be used by individuals or parties
packing, carrying or hauling materials or supplies for commercial or private
hunting camps or other commercial activities based outside the exterior park
boundaries without a written permit from the superintendent - irrespective of
weather, trail condition, distance or user convenience.
• Pursuant to section 2.10(a), a permit is required to camp within Yellowstone
National Park.
• Cooke City area residents are required to display a decal issued by the
Superintendent on their personal vehicles to allow convenient non-fee entrance
into the park. This decal will be issued at the Northeast Entrance Station and
will allow travel only between the North and Northeast Entrances.
• Persons 16 years of age or older must purchase and possess a Yellowstone
National Park fishing permit to fish in the park. The permit is valid only when
signed by the permitee and is non-transferable.
• Persons 12 to 15 years of age must possess a non-fee fishing permit to fish in
the park and must be under the supervision of a responsible adult . The permit
is valid only when signed by the permitee and is non-transferable.
• Persons 11 years of age and younger may fish without a permit under the
supervision of a responsible adult. The adult is not required to purchase a
fishing permit, (deleted: nor be present while the child is fishing.) is
responsible for the child's actions, and may be issued a violation notice under
this section if the child violates fishing regulations.
• Snowmobiles and oversnow vehicles must display a valid State registration
sticker.
• Boating permits pursuant to Section 3.3:
- A general boating permit, issued by the superintendent, is required for all
vessels operated upon the park waters. These permits must be carried on the
vessels at all times when any person is aboard and shall be exhibited upon
request to any person authorized to enforce the regulations of this chapter.
- A boatINTER ACTI
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