Infos zum Yellowstone NP

Flood Recovery Updates: Northeast Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park to open Oct. 15

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Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance Road (Tower Junction to the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana) will open to regular visitor vehicle traffic Saturday, Oct.15 at 8 a.m.

Visitors should keep the following details in mind when driving the road:
All flood damaged sections on the Northeast Entrance Road will be paved by Oct.15, except for the section of road near the popular trailhead to Trout Lake, which will be paved in the upcoming 10 days. Traffic will be permitted on this segment of road while repairs continue. Anticipate traffic control in the area and short delays to facilitate one-way traffic through this section.
A short section of road in Lamar Canyon will remain a paved, single lane through the winter season. A temporary stop light will be in place for traffic control and delays will be minimal.
There will be no restrictions on the Northeast Entrance Road.
After opening to the public, this road will continue to be an active construction zone. Drivers will need to use caution and watch for crews and heavy equipment.
Repair efforts will continue beyond Oct. 15 for as long as weather permits. Additional repairs and clean-up will continue in the spring.
“We are very pleased to be restoring public access to the northeast corridor just four months after the June flood event,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “I commend the collective efforts of the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration and Oftedal Construction, Inc. to complete this monumental task in such a short amount of time.”
The Northeast Entrance Road has been closed since the historic flood event in June which caused significant damage to approximately five sections of the road. Reopening this section effectively opens 99% of the park’s roads.

This project is being completed with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and funded largely by FHWA Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO). Oftedal Construction, Inc. is the primary construction company under contract to complete this project.

Crews are completing extensive work on the Old Gardiner Road (a limited-access road between Gardiner, Montana, and Mammoth Hot Springs). Paving is currently being completed over the entire 4-mile road and over 5,000 feet of guardrail is being installed. This road remains closed to regular traffic and will open no later than Nov. 1.

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Nearly all entrances and roads in Yellowstone National Park will be closed Nov. 1; Last day to enjoy most of the park will be Oct. 31

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The West, South and East entrances and nearly all roads in Yellowstone National Park will be closed to regular vehicle traffic Nov. 1. The park annually closes roads at this time of year to prepare them for the winter season and snowmobile and snowcoach travel, which will begin Dec. 15. The last day for visitors to drive most roads will be Monday, Oct. 31.

Mehr Infos hier

Early photos of 'world's first national park' Yellowstone

Link zu den historischen Bildern

Yellowstone National Park 2023 road improvement projects

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There will be four major road improvement projects in Yellowstone National Park in 2023. All four projects will cause delays (Lewis River Bridge, Old Faithful to West Thumb, Yellowstone River Bridge and Northeast Entrance Road). It’s important that visitors plan accordingly for these delays located along the park’s southern and northern road corridors.

The park's North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana) are open to all traffic with no restrictions. Both road corridors were repaired after last year's historic flood event.

The National Park Service (NPS) began the Old Faithful to West Thumb and Lewis River Bridge project simultaneously in 2022 to complete both projects in a three-year window. Otherwise, impacts to visitors would have occurred over four to five years.

Addressing the maintenance backlog is part of the National Park Service’s core mission to preserve national parks and provide a world-class visitor experience. Yellowstone has an asset inventory totaling $4.1 billion, with an estimated $1 billion in deferred maintenance and repairs associated with this inventory. The park also has an estimated $54 million in annual routine maintenance requirements. To further Yellowstone's investing in infrastructure strategic priority, the park is committed to developing a cogent deferred maintenance reduction plan, improving the quality of data and prioritization processes, and taking better advantage of current and future funding to improve asset conditions and protect investments.

1. Lewis River Bridge

Location: Nearly 10 miles north of the South Entrance on the South Entrance Road

Access: Beginning summer 2023 until fall 2024, expect up to 20-minute delays while roads are open to wheeled vehicles (May-Oct.31). Nearby pullouts and the trail to Lewis River Falls will be closed during construction.

2. Old Faithful to West Thumb

Location: Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb

Access: Beginning summer 2023 until fall 2023, expect up to 30-minute delays along this segment of road while roads are open to wheeled vehicles (May-Oct.31).

3. Yellowstone River Bridge

Location: Near Tower Junction along the Northeast Entrance Road

Access: Beginning summer 2023 until fall 2026, expect occasional and short traffic delays. The Northeast Entrance Road is open year-round to wheeled vehicles. Hiking trails in the area may temporarily close during the duration of the project. Visit the Backcountry Situation Report for details.

4. Northeast Entrance Road (Flood Recovery)

Location: East of Tower Junction between Lamar Canyon and the Northeast Entrance

Access: Beginning early summer 2023 until fall 2023, expect up to 30-minute delays. The Northeast Entrance Road is open year-round to wheeled vehicles. Night work will occur (without overnight closures).

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Select Yellowstone National Park roads open to public April 21

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Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2023, select roads in Yellowstone National Park will open to the public, weather permitting. Roads routinely open this time of year and remain open until Nov.1, when they close in preparation for the winter season.

On Saturday, April 22, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.

Roads open April 21

West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction)

Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction)

Norris Junction to Canyon Village

Additional park roads will open throughout May, weather permitting.

The park's North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana) are open to all traffic with no restrictions. Both road corridors have been repaired after last year's historic flood event.

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Weitere Infos zu den Current Conditions gibt es hier.

Yellowstone Tourist Gets Jail Time For Venturing Off Boardwalk

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A man from New York found out the hard way that Yellowstone National Park doesn’t play around when it comes to preserving their geothermal areas.

K2 Radio reports Cory L. Skinner pleaded guilty to walking in an off-limits thermal area in Yellowstone National Park two weeks ago and has been sentenced to a short stint in jail for the offense.

Skinner was charged with two violations related to the April 12th. The first: “including knowingly and unlawfully enter a thermal area in Old Faithful District on the Path to the Upper Geyser Basin.” The second: “knowingly and unlawfully possess, destroy, injure, remove, dig, or disturb from its natural state a mineral resource or cave formation or the parts thereof.”

Both offenses are punishable by up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Skinner pleaded guilty to the first count, admitting he disobeyed the Yellowstone guideline which states“foot travel in all thermal areas and within the Yellowstone Canyon between the Upper Falls and Inspiration Point must be confined to boardwalks or trails that are maintained for such travel and are marked by official signs.”

As part of a plea agreement, the second count was dismissed. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick handed down the 7-day jail sentence (with credit for three days served) and Skinner will have two years of unsupervised probation after his release from custody. He is also banned from Yellowstone for two years.

Skinne was also assessed a $500 fine and $1,250 in community service to the Park’s nonprofit partner Yellowstone Forever Geologic Resource Fund in Bozeman, Montana.

Word to the wise for anyone planning a trip to Yellowstone this summer…follow the rules and stay on the boardwalks or you may end up in the slammer.

HERE’S A QUICK LIST OF PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES IN YELLOWSTONE:

These regulations help us protect park resources while also providing you a safe and enjoyable experience. The following activities are prohibited in Yellowstone:

Willfully remaining near or approaching wildlife, including nesting birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal. Hunting or feeding wildlife. Traveling off boardwalks or designated trails in hydrothermal areas. Throwing anything into thermal features. Swimming in hot springs. Removing or possessing natural or cultural resources (such as wildflowers, antlers, rocks, and arrowheads). Leaving detachable side mirrors attached when not pulling trailers. Traveling off-road by vehicle or bicycle. Camping outside of designated areas. Spotlighting wildlife (viewing with lights). Imitating elk calls or using buglers. Imitating wolf howls. Using electronic equipment capable of tracking wildlife Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) on lands and waters. Smoking is prohibited in geyser basins or on trails. There is no smoking in buildings or within 25 feet of building entrances.

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Morning Glory Pool – Touristen haben beliebtes Naturwunder wohl zerstört

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Der Morning Glory Pool ist einer der bekanntesten Geysire im Yellowstone-Nationalpark. Doch gerade seine Beliebtheit hat ihm arg zugesetzt, denn in der Vergangenheit warfen Touristen immer wieder achtlos ihren Müll hinein. Und dieser hat das Naturwunder beschädigt – wahrscheinlich mit irreparablen Folgen.

Der Ausbruch eines Geysirs gehört wohl zweifelsohne zu den beeindruckendsten Naturwundern, die man sich vorstellen kann. Im Yellowstone-Nationalpark in den USA befinden sich besonders viele dieser Wasserfontänen, und eine der berühmtesten ist der Morning Glory Pool. Seinen Namen erhielt er einst nach der Prunkwinden-Blume. Denn genau wie die Pflanze zeigte sein Wasser eine einzigartige blaue Färbung. Doch das war einmal.

Wer den Morning Glory Pool heute besucht, wird dennoch beeindruckt sein. Sein Wasser ist an vielen Stellen immer noch blau, allerdings schimmert es an den Rändern des Beckens mittlerweile immer stärker in Gelb- und Orange-Tönen. Und so schön diese Farben auch anzusehen sind, erzählen sie doch die Geschichte einer beispiellosen Umweltverschmutzung. Und diese hält bis heute an. Schuld daran sind die Menschen, wie die offizielle Seite des Yellowstone-Nationalparks berichtet.

Demnach warfen die zahlreichen Besucher, die den Morning Glory Pool jeden Tag bestaunten, jahrzehntelang einfach achtlos ihren Abfall in das blaue Wasser. Doch nicht nur das, auch Münzen, Steine und Äste wurden mutwillig von Touristen in den Pool geschleudert. Die Verschmutzung erreichte derartige Ausmaße, dass der Geysir in den 1950er Jahren auch verächtlich als „Mülleimer“ verschrien war. Doch zu diesem Zeitpunkt konnte sich wohl noch niemand vorstellen, welche Umweltkatastrophe der Abfall hervorrufen würde.

Derartige Mengen Unrat landeten im Morning Glory Pool, dass sie irgendwann begannen, dessen unter Wasser liegende Luftschächte zu verstopfen. Dazu muss man folgendes wissen: Der Geysir hat eine durchschnittliche Temperatur von 70.7 Grad Celsius, wobei heiße Luft aus dem Erdinneren das Wasser aufheizt. Und in eben diesem heißen Wasser gediehen einst die Bakterien, die das Wasserbecken so einzigartig blau färbten. Als die Luftschächte verstopft wurden, kühlte dadurch auch das Wasser im Pool ab.

Dies wiederum führte dazu, dass sich andere Mirko-Organismen anzusiedeln begannen. Und diese färbten den Pool nach und nach in den Farben, die wir heute sehen. Denn die gelb- und orange-gefärbten Bakterien bevorzugen eben kühleres Wasser. Jene Bakterien aber, die für das Blau des Morning Glory Pools verantwortlich waren, sind seitdem immer stärker auf dem Rückzug.

Wie das vulkanische Observatorium des Yellowstone-Nationalparks auf der Seite „National Park Traveler“ berichtet, war an der Verschmutzung vor allem die Tatsache schuld, dass der Geysir früher bequem mit dem Auto erreichbar war. In den 1970er Jahren waren die Park-Ranger derart besorgt um den Zustand des Morning Glory Pool, dass sie ihn teils trocken legten, um ihn vom Müll zu befreien. Ihre Bemühungen waren jedoch vergeblich, und konnten die Verfärbung des Wassers nicht wieder rückgängig machen.

Und auch heute ist das Müllproblem weit davon entfernt, unter Kontrolle zu sein. Im Gegenteil: Laut der offiziellen Tourismusseite „Visit the USA“ setzt man mittlerweile sogar Hoffnungen darauf, dass der Geysir sich selbst „heilt“ – indem er nämlich bei seinen unregelmäßigen Ausbrüchen einfach Unrat wieder ausspucken könnte. Die Wissenschaftler vom vulkanischen Observatorium befürchten allerdings, er könne nie mehr so blau erstrahlen wie einst. Und laut der Seite des Nationalparks gibt es weiterhin Vandalismus am Morning Glory Pool. Nach wie vor werfen Menschen hier demnach Müll ins Wasser.

Jeder, der eine solche Untat beobachte, solle dies einem Ranger melden. Doch so lange ein Nationalpark eben auch Profit bringt, steht zu befürchten, dass auch zukünftig Müll in dem Geysir landen wird. In der Zwischenzeit weisen lediglich Schilder auf die dramatische Lage um Amerikas Naturwunder hin. Auf ihnen steht: „Bitte werfen Sie keine Objekte in den Pool“. Alleine dass man das überhaupt erwähnen muss, ist schon ein wahrhaft trauriges Zeugnis.

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Bison-Kalb muss wegen Park-Besucher eingeschläfert werden

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In den USA wollte ein Mann einem Bison-Kalb helfen, das von seiner Herde getrennt wurde. Was er nicht wusste: Das bedeutete für das Tierbaby ein Todes-Urteil.

Wilde Tierbabys sollte man nicht anfassen. Das bringt man schon kleinen Kindern bei. Einem Mann in den USA war das aber offenbar nicht bewusst: Er wollte einem Bison-Jungen aus dem Fluss helfen, nachdem es von seiner Herde getrennt wurde.

Bilder des Yellowstone National Parks im US-Staat Wyoming zeigen, wie der Mann das Tier vergangenen Samstag das Flussbett emporschiebt.

Damit besiegelte er das Schicksal des Neugeborenen – denn nach der Berührung wurde es von der Herde abgelehnt. Die Park-Ranger versuchten vergeblich, es wieder mit seiner Familie zu vereinen.

Deshalb lungerte es später alleine auf der Strasse herum und näherte sich Park-Besuchenden. Wie der Park schreibt, sorgte es so für eine «gefährliche Situation». Schliesslich beschlossen die Verantwortlichen, das Tier einzuschläfern.

«Die Annäherung an wilde Tiere kann ihr Wohlbefinden drastisch beeinträchtigen. Und in diesem Fall ihr Überleben», warnt der Park in der Mitteilung. Besuchende sollen stets mindestens 22 Meter Abstand zu Bison-Herden halten.

Es wurde eine Untersuchung eingeleitet. Die Identität des Mannes, der das Junge berührt hat, ist unbekannt. Klar ist aber: Wird er erwischt, droht ihm eine Busse von umgerechnet bis zu rund 4500 Franken. Das sagt Park-Sprecherin Morgan Warthin zum US-Portal «NPR».

Es ist nicht das erste Mal, dass ein Bison-Junges im Yellowstone Park wegen eines Besuchers eingeschläfert werden muss.

Bereits im Jahr 2016 ereignete sich ein ähnlicher Vorfall: Zwei Touristen packten ein Kalb in ihr Auto und fuhren es zu einem Parkgebäude in der Nähe. Sie glaubten, das Tiere leide unter der Kälte.

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Woman gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park

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Always stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from bison

A 47-year-old female from Phoenix, Arizona, was gored by a bison near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone the morning of July 17.

The female was walking with another individual in a field in front of the Lake Lodge when they saw two bison. Upon seeing them, the visitors turned to walk away from the bison. One of the bison charged and gored the woman.

The woman sustained significant injuries to her chest and abdomen and was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

It is unknown how close the individuals were to the bison when it charged.

This incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share, including the woman’s condition.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes - and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in proximity.

During mating season (rut) from mid-July through mid-August, bison can become agitated more quickly. Use extra caution and give them additional space during this time.

Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.

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Woman found dead near Yellowstone National Park after 'an encounter' with grizzly bear

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A woman was found dead near Yellowstone National Park in Montana after "an encounter" with a grizzly bear, officials with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) announced Monday.

The agency said a hiker discovered the woman's body Saturday morning along Buttermilk Trail, which is not far from West Yellowstone.

The agency said the Custer Gallatin National Forest issued an emergency closure of the area as a safety precaution, while FWP alerted nearby residents and visitors of the bear activity. They also searched for the bear but said "no bears have been captured to date."

The woman, the agency said, was likely alone when she encountered the bear.

FWP also advised the public to be "bear aware" and offered to following tips to avoid negative bear encounters:

Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately

Travel in groups whenever possible and make noise, which can help alert bears to your presence

Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears

Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency

If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so

Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas

Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana

Yellowstone National Park is a wilderness recreation area located mostly in Wyoming, however, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, the agency also noted.

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Bison takes stroll through small town in Yellowstone National Park

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Tourists watched in awe as a huge bison nonchalantly strutted through the world-famous Yellowstone National Park.

Sightseers were stunned when the huge animal wandered through the streets without a care in the world.

Andrew Pittman, 18, was touring Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming when his party came across the gargantuan animal.

He said: "Everybody was so excited to see it."

Andrew, from Jefferson, Louisiana, added: "We were driving through Yellowstone when we watched the whole thing occur and could do nothing but watch in awe.

"The bison came down from the mountain and took a stroll through the little Yellowstone town just wandering around, walking on roads checking out the town.

"Nobody was really scared. It was potentially dangerous, but we made sure we stayed at a safe distance."

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Spooky Season: The ghost of Old Faithful Inn

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There are many spooky stories that have unfolded in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, but one of the most notorious is the tale of the Headless Bride, who haunts the Old Faithful Inn.

The story begins back in 1915 in New York City. The daughter of a wealthy shipping company owner rejected her arranged marriage for a man who worked in the family’s home as a servant.

While her father attempted to talk her out of the marriage to the much older man, threatening her inheritance, the young woman went ahead and married the servant. Her father gifted the new couple a large dowry on the condition that they would leave New York forever.

The newlyweds traveled to Yellowstone National Park for their honeymoon and booked a room at the Old Faithful Inn. The bride realized quickly that she made a terrible mistake. In just one month’s time, her new husband had spent all of the money gambling.

The bride’s father denied his daughter’s request for more money. The marriage began to crumble.

As legend has it, hotel staff allegedly heard the couple arguing one night. The husband stormed out of the room, never to be seen again.

After a few days, the staff began to worry about the young woman.

One of the maids entered the room to find the bride in the bathroom, covered in blood. Missing her head.

After days of searching for the woman’s head, the staff began to panic. Finally, it was found in the Crow’s Nest, where the band played.

Guests have reported seeing a form in a white dress descending from the Crow’s Nest with her Head tucked under her arm.

Other ghost stories have been told about the historic Yellowstone Hotels. Old Faithful Inn opened in 1904, Lake Yellowstone Hotel opened in 1891 and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel opened in 1937, making them the perfect settings for ghost stories.

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Als Falschwanderer im Yellowstone-Nationalpark unterwegs? Pierce Brosnan plädiert auf "nicht schuldig"

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Bei einem Besuch des Yellowstone-Nationalpark im November soll Pierce Brosnan gegen dort geltende Beschränkungen verstoßen haben. Vor Gericht plädiert der Schauspieler jetzt auf "nicht schuldig".

Bereits Ende Dezember wurde Schauspieler Pierce Brosnan in Wyoming angezeigt, Begehungsverbote im Yellowstone-Nationalpark missachtet und geschützte Thermalgebiete auf dem Gelände betreten zu haben. Laut der damals veröffentlichten Strafakte soll der 70-Jährige am 1. November zu Fuß und außerhalb der Wanderwege "in Thermalgebieten und im Yellowstone Canyon" unterwegs gewesen sein. Damit habe er "gegen Sperrungen und Nutzungsbeschränkungen" in zwei Fällen verstoßen.

Brosnan selbst plädierte bereits Anfang Januar auf "nicht schuldig", wie es nun in einem Bericht der "New York Times" unter Berufung auf entsprechende Dokumente eines Bundesgerichts im US-Staat Wyoming heißt. Die für den 23. Januar angesetzte Anhörung des Schauspielers soll laut Angaben des US-Senders "KBZK" zudem verschoben worden sein und nun erst am 20. Februar stattfinden. Unklar sei jedoch, wie die Anschuldigungen gegen Brosnan zustande kamen. Brosnans Anwalt und das Rechtsbüro für Wyoming sowie der National Park Service verweigerten die Aussagen.

In den genannten Gebieten des Yellowstone-Nationalparks können heiße Quellen, Geysire oder Travertinterrassen besichtigt werden. Das Verlassen der gekennzeichneten Wanderwege, das Baden in den Thermalquellen sowie der Aufenthalt in den Gebieten nach Einbruch der Dunkelheit wird jedoch aufgrund der Gefahrenlage vom Park selbst strengstens untersagt. So könne der Boden "nur eine dünne Kruste über kochend heißen Quellen" sein und die Becken säurehaltig genug, "um sich durch Stiefel zu brennen", heißt es auf der Webseite. Brosnan habe sich diesen Warnungen widersetzt und die Gebiete trotzdem betreten. Nun erwarten ihn zwei Vorladungen, die als Bagatelldelikte einzustufen sind.

In den letzten Jahren kam es im Zuge der Missachtung jener Regeln bereits zu zwei Vorfällen im Nationalpark, einer davon endete tödlich. 2016 starb ein 23-Jähriger, nachdem er auf den unbefestigten Wegen rund um die Quellen ausrutschte und in diese stürzte. 2022 erlitt ein betrunkener Wanderer starke Verbrennungen, als er im Thermalgebiet außerhalb der gekennzeichneten Zonen unterwegs war.

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Pierce Brosnan fined for foot travel in a thermal area in Yellowstone National Park

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News release from the U.S. Department of Justice District of Wyoming

Pierce Brosnan, 70, of Malibu, California, was fined $500, and required to pay a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund, a $30 court processing fee, and a $10 special assessment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on March 14, in Mammoth, Wyoming.

Mr. Brosnan pleaded guilty to foot travel in a thermal area. According to court documents, on or about Nov. 1, 2023, Brosnan uploaded pictures to his Instagram page of himself standing on a Yellowstone National Park thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs. There are signs posted in the area that warn visitors of the dangers of thermal features and state that visitors must remain on the designated boardwalks and trails.

The United States Attorney’s Office asked the court to sentence Brosnan to 2 years’ probation and the maximum fine of $5,000.

The National Park Service (NPS) reminds Yellowstone visitors that the ground in thermal areas is fragile and thin, and scalding water is just below the surface. Therefore, trespassing on thermal features is dangerous and can harm delicate natural resources within the park. Additionally, the park was established primarily to protect these hydrothermal areas. NPS encourages visitors to exercise extreme caution around thermal features by staying on boardwalks and trails.

NPS also urges people to protect themselves and the fragile environment by taking the Yellowstone Pledge: act responsibly and safely and set a good example for others. If you see someone, in person or online, whose behavior might hurt them, others, or the park, tell a ranger. If you’re in the park, dial 911.

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Select Yellowstone National Park roads open to public April 19

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Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, select roads in Yellowstone National Park will open to the public, weather permitting. Roads begin to open annually this time of year for the summer season.

On Saturday, April 20, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.

Roads opening April 19

West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction)

Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction)

Norris Junction to Canyon Village

Additional park roads will open throughout May, weather permitting.

The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley).

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Yellowstone National Park 2024 road improvement projects

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mproving safety, access and experience on park roads

There will be two major road improvement projects in Yellowstone National Park in 2024. The Lewis River Bridge and Yellowstone River Bridge projects will cause traffic delays. It’s important that visitors plan accordingly for these delays located along the park’s southern and northern road corridors.

1. Lewis River Bridge

Location: Nearly 10 miles north of the South Entrance on the South Entrance Road

Access: In 2024, expect up to 20-minute delays while roads are open to wheeled vehicles (May-Oct. 31). Nearby pullouts and the trail to Lewis River Falls will be closed during construction.

Improvements: This project began in 2022 and will conclude fall 2024. It includes the removal and replacement of the Lewis River Bridge. The existing bridge will be removed, and a new bridge will be constructed immediately downstream. The project includes additional parking and viewing opportunities.

2. Yellowstone River Bridge

Location: Near Tower Junction along the Northeast Entrance Road

Access: In 2024, expect up to 30-minute delays. The Northeast Entrance Road is open year-round to wheeled vehicles. Hiking trails in the area may temporarily close during the duration of the project. Visit the Backcountry Situation Report for details.

Improvements: This project began in 2023 and will conclude fall 2026. It includes the replacement of the structurally deficient Yellowstone River Bridge built in 1961. A new 1,285-foot-long, 175-foot-high steel girder bridge upstream will replace the existing 604-foot-long bridge to preserve year-round access to/from the Northeast Entrance and communities of Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana. New pullouts, paved parking areas, and dedicated route across the new bridge will increase access to trails, fishing and viewpoints. The Yellowstone River Picnic Area will be enlarged to accommodate increased visitor use.

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Und immer wieder:

Man approached bison too closely in Yellowstone National Park and was injured

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A 40-year-old male, Clarence Yoder, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, approached a bison too closely (within 25 yards) on the afternoon of April 21, 2024, and was injured by the bison.

The incident occurred on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge, located 7 miles east of the park’s West Entrance.

Rangers responded to the area after receiving a report of an individual who harassed a herd of bison and kicked a bison in the leg. They located the suspect's vehicle near the West Entrance and stopped it in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.

Yoder was arrested and charged with 1) being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, 2) disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition, 3) approaching wildlife, and 4) disturbing wildlife.

The driver of the vehicle Yoder traveled in, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was also arrested and cited for 1) driving under the influence, 2) interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation, and 3) disturbing wildlife.

Yoder sustained minor injuries from the encounter with the bison.

Rangers transported Yoder to a nearby medical facility where he was medically evaluated, treated and released from medical care. He then was transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Yoder and Bass appeared in court on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. At this point, these are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Each violation can result in fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail.

This is the first reported incident of a visitor being injured by a bison in 2024. The last reported incident occurred on July 17, 2023. There was one reported incident in 2023 and three in 2022.

Visitors: It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot or in a developed area, give it space. Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.

Read more about safety in the park, including how to behave around wildlife. The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules.

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Weather-permitting, Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance opens Friday, May 3

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Delayed opening possible due to expected winter conditions

Weather-permitting, the road from the East Entrance (near Cody, Wyoming) to Lake Village (via Sylvan Pass and Fishing Bridge Junction), and Canyon Village to Lake Village, will open Friday, May 3 at 8 a.m. to public motor vehicle traffic.

Many areas of the park are still experiencing winter conditions, and snow and ice may cover sections of road.

Come prepared. Services in the spring are limited. Visit Operating Dates for area-specific season opening dates.

Bison, elk, bears and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Roadside snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the roads. Do not crowd, harass or push wildlife. Be mindful as wildlife endure this difficult time of the year.

Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.

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Knallhartes Urteil für 21-Jährigen! Dabei kletterte er nur über einen Zaun

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Besucher von Nationalparks haben sich an strenge Regeln zu halten. Wem das egal ist, dem winken harte Strafen.

So erging es auch Viktor Pyshniuk. Der 21 Jahre alte US-Amerikaner war im berühmten Yellowstone-Nationalpark (US-Bundesstaat Wyoming) auf Tour und war dabei wohl etwas zu neugierig.

Denn Pyshniuk wurde kürzlich wegen Hausfriedensbruchs zu einer Woche Gefängnis, inklusive 1500 US-Dollar (rund 1400 Euro) Geldstrafe sowie zwei Jahren Yellowstone-Verbot verurteilt, das teilte die Parkverwaltung mit.

Aber was war überhaupt passiert? Der junge Mann habe laut National Park Service den Steamboat Geysir, den aktuell größten aktiven Geysir der Welt, aus unmittelbarer Nähe sehen und Fotos machen wollen. Pyshniuk sei von einem Parkangestellten gesehen worden, wie er trotz Verbotsschildern über einen Zaun geklettert war.

Zwischen gefährlichen Schlammtöpfen und heißen Dampf hindurch stapfte der 21-Jährige furchtlos in Richtung Steamboat Geysir. So lange, bis er zum Umkehren bewegt werden konnte. Danach flatterte ihm eine Anzeige ins Haus.

Bei der Urteilsverkündung kannte die zuständige Richterin kein Pardon und brummte Pyshniuk für seinen Leichtsinn eine satte Strafe auf.

"Wenn jeder Besucher des Yellowstone-Nationalparks gegen die Regeln verstoßen würde, wäre der Park zerstört und niemand könnte ihn mehr genießen", so ihre Begründung.

Besucher mit gesundem Menschenverstand schauen sich den Steamboat Geysir aber sowieso lieber aus sicherer Entfernung an. Denn laut National Park Service sei der Geysir nicht nur der höchste der Welt, sondern auch der gefährlichste.

Seine unregelmäßigen und aus dem Nichts auftauchenden Ausbrüche könnten heißes Wasser bis zu 90 Meter in die Luft schießen. In den vergangenen vier Jahren hätten die Abstände zwischen den Eruptionen zwischen drei und 89 Tagen betragen.

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Yellowstone National Park statement about white bison calf

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Confirmation

At this time, Yellowstone National Park can confirm, based on multiple creditable sightings, that a white bison calf was born in Lamar Valley on June 4, 2024.

Yellowstone’s Center for Resources Bison Management Team received numerous reports and photos of the calf taken on June 4 from park visitors, professional wildlife watchers, commercial guides and researchers.

To date, park staff have been unable to locate the calf.

To our knowledge, there have been no confirmed sightings by park visitors since June 4.

Photos provided to park biologists indicate the calf is leucistic (black eyes and hooves with some pigmentation), rather than an albino animal.

Significance

The birth of a white bison calf was a rare natural phenomenon that once occurred before the near extinction of bison in the late 19th century, when bison numbered in the tens of millions.

The birth of a white bison calf may reflect the presence of a natural genetic legacy that was preserved in Yellowstone’s bison, which has revealed itself because of the successful recovery of a wild bison population of 3,000-6,000 animals.

The birth of a white bison calf in the wild is a landmark event in the ecocultural recovery of bison by the National Park Service (NPS).

The NPS has never reported a white calf being born within Yellowstone National Park.

The birth of a white bison calf in the wild is believed to occur in 1 in 1 million births or even less frequently.

The NPS acknowledges the cultural significance of a white bison calf for American Indians.

Bison Population

The bison population fluctuates from 3,000 to 6,000 animals in two subpopulations, defined by where they gather for breeding. The northern herd breeds in the Lamar Valley and on the high plateaus around it. The central herd breeds in Hayden Valley.

The NPS estimates the 2024 pre-calving bison population around 4,550. Calving occurs in a single pulse during late spring and early summer.

The NPS will complete annual post-calving counts this August.

Each spring, about 1 in 5 bison calves die shortly after birth due to natural hazards.

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