How can I save money at Yellowstone?

For the really budget conscious, pack dishes, a camp stove, pans and a picnic blanket before you leave home . Preparing your own meals at Yellowstone's designated picnic areas will save you a ton of money. You'll save even more by buying your food at a grocery store outside of the park.

What is the best way to see Yellowstone for the first time?

One of the best ways to see Yellowstone is to hit the trails . Walking even a ½ mile on a boardwalk or trail offers you a more complete sense of Yellowstone's features and landscape. So dust off your hiking shoes, park the car, and see the wonders of Yellowstone that lie beyond your car window.

How many days do you need in Yellowstone?

To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days . But if you only have one day to spend in the park, you want to get the most out of your time here. The park is immense (nearly 3,500 square miles) with five entrances, and there is a lot to see.

Why should we save Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park has one of the most incredible ecosystems in the world. It's home to more than 10,000 thermal features, the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, and endless rivers, lakes and trails .

What's the best time to go to Yellowstone?

Winter and spring are the best time to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds.

Do you need water shoes in Yellowstone?

If you plan to do any water activities while at your stay water shoes are a must . Activities could include swimming in the Boiling River in Yellowstone, rafting in Glacier, or kayaking on the many lakes in the area. Make sure your water shoes are secure and won't fall off (flip-flops are not recommended).

Where should I start with Yellowstone?

Summary. Choose your viewing order: You can watch Yellowstone in chronological order starting with 1883 and 1923 , or start with Yellowstone and then move on to the prequels. It's all about personal preference. Loose connections: While the Yellowstone series are loosely connected, each show stands on its own.

What is the most scenic way to enter Yellowstone?

Meet Montana's Beartooth Highway (US 212) , an almost 69-mile stretch of highway that connects the mountain town of Red Lodge, Montana, with Yellowstone National Park. Yes, the route is as beautiful as you've heard, garnering nicknames like the “Highway to the Sky” and “The Most Beautiful Roadway in America.”

How long does it take to drive the Grand Loop in Yellowstone?

The Grand Loop takes between 4 to 7 hours to drive in full. During the summer season, cars are the best option for taking a trip around Yellowstone unless you are riding with a bus tour or concessionaire that provides transportation.

What is the difference between the Upper Loop and the Lower Loop in Yellowstone?

Attractions on the Upper Loop are Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Falls, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Norris Geyser Basin. The Lower Loop is slightly larger and can be traveled in 2 hours and 45 minutes not including time to see the attractions .

Is Yellowstone an expensive trip?

This Yellowstone day tour starts at about $335 per person. A Yellowstone vacation package costs from $900/person for four nights to $5,000 or more per person . Not including tax and tips.

Does it cost money to go through Yellowstone?

You are required to pay an entrance fee in order to access Yellowstone National Park . Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, many national parks are allowed to keep 80% of all fees collected and use that money to fund critical projects that improve services and protect resources.

Is it better to stay in the park at Yellowstone?

Staying here is the best way to experience the park . Lodging in Yellowstone offers a unique glimpse into the park that will live with you for a lifetime.

Five Money-Saving Tips for Yellowstone You Need to Know (2024)

If there's anything I want to know before a trip, it's how I can do it for less money. In the beginning of June, I set out to Wyoming to visit some of the coolest national parks in the country. During my trip, I learned some of the best ways to save a dollar while national park hopping. This week I'm talking about the greatest ways to save in Yellowstone. Whose ready to do Yellowstone on a budget? Here's Five Money-Saving Tips for Yellowstone You Need to Know...

1. Where to stay:

To save money, I would definitely consider camping inside the park or staying at a hotel in a nearby town. Lodging inside the park starts at $200 a night on weekdays and this is booking one year in advance.

Camping would be the cheapest route. Their nightly rate starts at $25.25 on a weekday and this is booking a month in advance as well. As much as I love camping, I went to the park alone so I wasn’t gonna try to do that lol!

Although, my hotel was SUPER close to the park and BEYOND what I expected. I stayed at

Sawtelle Mountain Resort in Island Park, ID for $191 (with tax), which is about 35 minutes from the West Yellowstone Entrance. I did choose the deluxe room option because it wasn’t much more! Damn though, it was the perfect room to relax and crash. AND HOW ABOUT THIS BATHROOM?! Kinda felt like I was at a Ritz.

2. Entry:

If you plan on visiting three or more national parks this year, I’d purchase an America the Beautiful pass. The pass is $80, so if you think about it, you’d spend $90 to visit three national parks for full price. With this pass, you have access to ALL national parks. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a better deal.

*I bought mine with cash at the Moran Entrance Station in Grand Teton.

3. What to eat:

If you’re camping, try to bring as much food as possible. The park does have a few general stores, but buying the bulk of your groceries here may be overwhelming and expensive. If you’re staying outside of the park, I would bring along a few meals as well.

There isn’t a super great selection of hot food, unless you can live off of hotdogs and cold pretzels. Inside their lodges, they have a few restaurants, so eating one meal in the park could be manageable.

4. Map out your itinerary:

If you only have 24-48 hours, map out your day’s itinerary. I GET IT. Let’s just show up and be flexible. Trust me, I thought that too. I JUST WANNA GO WHERE THE ROAD TAKES ME. If you have a week to spare, go ahead, do that. If not, you need a plan. This isn’t a theme park, everything is spread out. And by spread out I mean MILES apart. Therefore, collect your “must sees” and form an itinerary based on every site’s location. I wasted SO much gas. Don’t be me.

*Click here to download the map.

5. Skip Tower Fall

Skip Tower Fallif you aren’t ready to hike. I arrived here around midday (after been hiking since 6am) and I was not about to use the rest of my energy to walk to the bottom of this thing. I walked to the observer deck and after the hourish drive, I was kind of disappointed.

If you’re in town for 24

hours, don’t waste gas on the drive there, it’s pretty out of the way. For 48 hours, decide if this is gonna be your “hiking” site, because going to get a glimpse, isn’t worth it.

Extra tips:

There is A LOT of construction, especially: Norris to Mammoth and Beartooth Highway. Take this into account when you're mapping your itinerary. For example, I spent roughly three hours in construction up and back from Mammoth Springs. You may have to cut things out of your trip. I almost missed Old Faithful!
Go at sunrise guys. On a weekday. Like a Monday. To avoid the crowds. By noon, you'll be around swarms of people no matter what day it is.
Hike to the brink of Lower Falls. This spot is UNBELIEVABLE. Takes like 30-45 minutes down and back. Don't wear sandals like I did lol. Yes, I am an idiot.

The very first photo in this post is West Thumb Geyser Basin at sunrise. I maybe saw two families when I was there?!? Basically had it all to myself. Wonderful experience. Won't ever forget it. If your itinerary allows, go there first!
I would definitely download podcasts, movies, and music before you leave your hotel. There are very FEW radio channels and connection when you're in the park. Screenshot directions back to your hotel too, if it is outside of the park. I had to drive around aimlessly to find service to download mine! Learn from my mistake lol.
I took this trip ALONE and it was one of the best things I've ever done. I felt SO safe here. It was exhilarating. Don't wait around for someone else to come along, GO! :)

Whose ready to go to Yellowstone and NOT BREAK THE BANK? All y'all better be raising your hand. I hope these tips help you plan a crazy fun trip that's REASONABLY priced! :)

*If you have a money-saving tip I didn't mention, DROP IT BELOW! I know I'll be going back.

*What's your favorite Yellowstone site and WHY?