Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park
various
Yellowstone National Park,
Wyoming
307-344-7381


Map

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 and is America's first national park. Most of the park is at a high altitude of 7,500 feet or greater. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, deer, coyotes and more. Yellowstone is also host to many natural scenic attractions including the popular Old Faithful geyser. There are numerous other geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles which are all evidence of ongoing volcanic activity. Included in this park is Yellowstone Lake, which is the largest high-altitude lake in North America. While the lake looks stunning with its brilliantly blue water, it does have many hot hydrothermal spots, so people are advised not to swim in most of the lake areas and pets are prohibited from swimming. Traveling to Yellowstone Park with a pet can be pretty restrictive, but you will still be able to view most of the popular sights that tourists without pets usually come to see. While pets are not allowed on the trails, in the backcountry, in thermal areas, or on the boardwalks, you will still be able to view Old Faithful from about 200 feet back. Even at that distance, Old Faithful can look pretty spectacular. And if you drive the Grand Loop Road, you will be able to view some points of interest and perhaps see some wildlife including black bears, grizzly bears, bison and elk. Dogs are allowed in parking areas, campgrounds and within 100 feet of roads. Pets must be on a 6 foot or less leash or crated or caged at all times. Pets are not allowed to be left unattended and tied to an object. However, they can remain in your car while you view attractions near roads and parking areas. The park officials do require that you provide sufficient ventilation in the car for your pet's comfort and survival. For accommodations within the park, dogs are welcome in some of the park's cabins. There are some dog-friendly cabins within easy walking distance of Old Faithful. If you are looking for some dog-friendly hiking trails, there are numerous dog-friendly trails in the nearby Shoshone National Forest, located between the town of Cody and Yellowstone National Park.