There are almost too many reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park. The dramatic landscape tells a story about the planet's evolution over hundreds of thousands of years with its dramatic canyons, dense forests, and rushing rivers. Beneath the surface, an active volcano expresses itself through geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Exploring the sprawling wilderness home to hundreds of species of animals is something everyone should experience at least once, and this list of tips ensures parkgoers stay safe while doing so.
10 Listen To Your Body
Upon first sight of the stunning landscapes in Yellowstone National Park, visitors might be overcome with the desire to take in as much as they can, as fast as they can. However, because the park sits at an average of 8,000 feet above sea level, it may be necessary to acclimate the body to the change in elevation.
Too often, parkgoers push their bodies despite warning signs of elevation sickness. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. If travelers move through their feelings of illness, they can develop mountain sickness, which amplifies the symptoms and can last several days.
9 Dress Appropriately
Dressing for the weather is one of the most important things a visitor can do to ensure their safety and enjoyment of the park. Most people visit during the summer months, and though it might be tempting to throw on a pair of shorts and a tank top, visitors need to remember the park's elevation and prepare for temperatures to vary.
Long sleeves and hats not only keep the body warm but protect the skin from the ever-beating sun. A good pair of socks and comfortable shoes are always a good idea. Make sure to check the weather forecast for best preparedness, but keep in mind that weather can sometimes be unpredictable.
8 Carry A Navigational Device
Carrying a navigational device is especially important for folks who are hitting Yellowstone's incredible backcountry. The open wilderness stretches out in every direction, and it can be easy to get turned around. Whether it's a traditional compass or phone app with a reliable navigational tool, knowing where one is at all times while in the park is vital for visitor safety.
7 Bring More Water Than You Think You'll Need
Water is the elixir of life, and staying hydrated is one of the most important things a person can do, no matter where they are. For shorter days, visitors should carry a minimum of one liter of water. Longer adventures require more water, so consider packing up to four liters for extended stays outside. Backpackers and backcountry campers often utilize water filtration systems to lighten their loads, though Yellowstone park officials advise drinking only from designated safe water areas.
6 Don't Hotpot
One thing that makes Yellowstone's landscape unique is its saturation of geothermal areas. There is, of course, Old Faithful, but there are also hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. While it may be tempting to take a dip in or get a closer look at these special features, doing so is illegal and dangerous.
Hot potting could result in arrest, severe bodily injury, and even death. For the visitor's safety and the environment, one should always stay on designated boardwalks and trails in the park's geothermal regions. Additionally, people need to read, understand, and abide by the signs in these areas that are there to keep them safe.
5 Bring Your Sprays
It is second nature for adventurers to have a can of bug spray at hand when heading out into the wild. Bug spray is a layer of protection against bites from mosquitos, ticks, chiggers, and biting flies, some of which can lead to lifelong illnesses like Lyme Disease.
However, a can of bug spray isn't the only aerosol a parkgoer should pack. Yellowstone is bear country, and while it is rare to encounter bears who want anything to do with humans, animals can be unpredictable, and it's better to be safe than sorry. There are many precautions travelers can take to protect themselves from bears, and having a can of bear mace is at the top of the list.
4 Keep Distance From Wildlife
It's a magical experience to witness wildlife existing in a natural habitat, free to roam a landscape unimpeded by fences and other manufactured barriers. Parkgoers may come across many animals during their visit, and it's safest for both humans and animals to maintain a safe distance from each other.
The safest place to view wildlife in Yellowstone is from the car, though it's likely travelers will encounter animals while exploring the landscape. When outside a vehicle, the National Park Service recommends visitors maintain a distance of 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals. Some animals people can expect to see are elk, bison, moose, weasels, cougars, river otters, and mountain goats.
3 Hike In Groups
The adage that there is safety in numbers rings especially true in Yellowstone National Park. Solo hikers are at a higher risk of dangerous animal encounters. Anyone exploring the region's backcountry should do so with at least one other person, though groups of three or more are best.
Accidents like sprained ankles can and do happen, and there are portions of Yellowstone with little or no cellular service. In these situations, a group of three would allow one person to seek help while another stayed behind with the injured party. In addition, two or more people on navigation are better than one.
2 Avoid Areas With Lots Of Dead Trees
Wildfires are a common and natural feature at Yellowstone. Park officials often let these fires burn and go out on their own, as they play an important role in clearing debris on forest floors, nourishing the soil beneath, and opening areas to sunlight so new grown can flourish.
However, fires that burn through trees can be dangerous to trek through. It might appear that the trunks are intact, but it's not uncommon for trees to fall without warning, especially after a fire. Though it's rare, falling trees have injured visitors. If there is no way around a burnt area, parkgoers should tread lightly and avoid touching or leaning on dead trees.
1 Test The Waters
There are several rivers and streams snaking through Yellowstone. Some popular backcountry trails involve traversing the waters, and it's essential to test them before crossing. During all seasons, but especially in springtime, the waters can be dangerously cold and powerful.
There is a risk of hypothermia, and strong currents can knock hikers right off their feet. Before crossing, people should test the water's temperature and strength. In addition, hikers can check the park website for information about dangerous conditions before they hit the trails.