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The sun sets behind the sharp point of a snow-covered mountain; pink clouds are reflected in a pond
NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Park Closure

Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion

The parking lot, boardwalk, and Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024.

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Information

Traffic Delays - Gardner River High Bridge

Expect a single lane of traffic with up to 15-minute delays, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 through late October 2026. Oversized/overweight vehicles (8'6"+ wide, 75'+ long, 80,000 lbs+ gross vehicle weight) will not be able to cross the bridge during this time.

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Information

Vehicle Entrance Reservation Not Needed

Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.

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National ParkHorse trailsHorses provided

Yellowstone National Park

ID · MT · WY · West Yellowstone

Riding guide

Horses provided

Highlights

Yellowstone National Park offers vast, wild terrain for riders seeking true backcountry adventure.

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 700 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. Yellowstone National Park offers vast, wild terrain for riders seeking true backcountry adventure. With hundreds of Miles of designated stock trails winding through alpine meadows, river valleys, and mountain passes, Yellowstone is built for prepared equestrians. Overnight trips require backcountry permits, and stock use is carefully regulated to protect this iconic ecosystem. For experienced riders with solid planning, Yellowstone delivers big country, open skies, and unforgettable wilderness Miles.

Rideable terrain

700 miles

Trailer parking

Tower Ranger Station One of the most popular equestrian staging locations in Yellowstone. Why riders use it Large parking area suitable for trailers Direct access to northern Yellowstone backcountry trails Good starting point for rides into Lamar Valley and the northern range This area is frequently used by riders exploring wildlife-rich regions of the park. Nine Mile Trailhead Benefits Large staging area designed for stock users Access to trails leading into Specimen Ridge and northern wilderness routes Generally easier trailer maneuverability than many smaller trailheads Bechler Ranger Station Why it works well Gateway to the Bechler region, known as Yellowstone’s “Cascade Corner” Access to extensive backcountry trail networks Quieter and less crowded than many northern entrances South Boundary Trailhead Why riders use it Access to the Thorofare region, one of the most remote wilderness areas in the continental U.S. Used for long multi-day pack trips

Horse regulations

Day Rides & Overnight Use Before day riding in Yellowstone, private stock users must obtain a free day ride permit. Only one permit is needed per group per day, but a separate permit is required for each day. Group size is limited to 20 people and 20 stock animals, but there are no limits on the number of permits issued for a given area. Overnight stock use is not permitted before July 1 due to trail conditions and range readiness. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight trips and must be obtained before entering the backcountry. Each backcountry campsite has a limit on the number of people and stock allowed, so reserve campsites in advance for overnight stock trips. Some sites do not allow stock, so use the backcountry trail map to check individual campsite details, including stock limits.

Getting here

Use 30 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, Montana as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Tower Ranger Station One of the most popular equestrian staging locations in Yellowstone. Why riders use it Large parking area suitable for trailers Direct access to northern Yellowstone backcountry trails Good starting point for rides into Lamar Valley and the northern range This area is frequently used by riders exploring wildlife-rich regions of the park. Nine Mile Trailhead Benefits Large staging area designed for stock users Access to trails leading into Specimen Ridge and northern wilderness routes Generally easier trailer maneuverability than many smaller trailheads Bechler Ranger Station Why it works well Gateway to the Bechler region, known as Yellowstone’s “Cascade Corner” Access to extensive backcountry trail networks Quieter and less crowded than many northern entrances South Boundary Trailhead Why riders use it Access to the Thorofare region, one of the most remote wilderness areas in the continental U.S. Used for long multi-day pack trips

Planning your visit

A free day ride permit is required for all stock day rides in Yellowstone. Check current Backcountry Conditions to confirm trails are open to stock. Submit the form below no earlier than one week before your ride; only one person per group needs to apply.

Where to stay

West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center & Chamber of Commerce is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Guided or concession-based riding support is noted here, so riders who are not hauling their own horses may still find an access path into the experience. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near West Yellowstone before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Entrance fees & passes

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Webcams

Hours of operation

All Park Hours

Yellowstone is open daily, year-round, although activities and services are limited at night and certain times of year. The park has five entrance stations, but not all entrance stations are open year-round. Make sure to carefully read about access at each station at different times of year. And remember, all dates are weather-dependent. Please note that camping is possible only in designated campgrounds.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

West Entrance

Adjacent to the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, the West Entrance is usually open (weather-dependent) to wheeled vehicles from the third Friday in April through early November, and to tracked-oversnow (snowmobiles and snowcoaches) vehicles from December 15 to March 15.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

North Entrance

Near the gateway community of Gardiner, Montana, the North Entrance is the only park entrance open to wheeled vehicles all year. November through April, the North Entrance provides the only access to Cooke City, Montana. US Highway 212 east of Cooke City is closed to wheeled vehicles November through April. The road from Mammoth to Norris opens to wheeled vehicles the third Friday in April through early November, and to tracked-oversnow vehicles, conditions permitting, from December 15 to early March.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

East Entrance

Depending on the weather and conditions, this entrance usually opens to wheeled vehicles the first Friday in May and to tracked-oversnow vehicles December 22 through March 15.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

South Entrance

Open (weather-dependent) to wheeled vehicles from the second Friday in May through early November and to tracked-oversnow vehicles from December 15 to March 15. Limited services are available near the South Entrance.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

Northeast Entrance

Near the gateway communities of Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana, this entrance is open year around for wheeled vehicle access to Cooke City through Gardiner, Montana. US Highway 212 east of Cooke City is closed to wheeled vehicles November through April. Opening dates for roads east of Cooke City vary from year to year, depending on the weather. The Beartooth Highway is open from late May/early June (weather dependent) to mid October.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

Activities

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoBus/Shuttle Guided TourBoat TourHands-OnArts and CraftsVolunteer VacationHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingPaddlingCanoeingCanoe or Kayak CampingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnow PlaySnowmobilingSnowshoeingSwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Weather

Yellowstone's weather can vary quite a bit, even in a single day. In the summer, daytime highs can exceed 70°F (21°C), only to drop 20 or more degrees when a thunderstorm rolls through. It can snow during any month of the year, and winter lows frequently drop below 0°F (-18°C), especially at night. Bring a range of clothing options, including a warm jacket and rain gear, even in the summer.

Contact

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Yellowstone National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

List your property

Directions

Yellowstone National Park covers nearly 3,500 square miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming (3% of the park is in Montana and 1% is in Idaho). Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and several are closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive.

Source: nps.gov