Yellowstone National Park Rules

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most extraordinary protected natural landscapes in the world, home to powerful geysers, fragile thermal formations, vast wilderness, and an abundance of wildlife. Preserving such a unique environment requires a strong legal framework that balances resource protection with public safety and enjoyment. 

Laws in Yellowstone National Park are established and enforced through both federal regulations and park-specific rules created to address the challenges and conditions unique to the region. At the foundation of this legal structure is Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which governs all National Park Service lands. In addition, Yellowstone’s superintendent issues a compendium—a supplemental document tailored specifically to the park. Together, these regulations form the backbone of park protection and ensure that one of America’s greatest treasures remains intact for future generations.

The following regulations are among the most commonly enforced rules in Yellowstone National Park. Understanding and respecting them is essential for every visitor, as violations can result not only in safety risks but also in fines, legal action, or permanent environmental damage.

Yellowstone National Park

Quick Reference: Yellowstone National Park Rules

Rule / Regulation	Description	Regulation Code
Firearms Restrictions	Firearms are prohibited in certain facilities such as visitor centers and administrative buildings marked at entrances.	18 USC §930(a)
Drone Use Prohibited	Launching, landing, or operating drones anywhere in the park is not allowed.	36 CFR §1.5(f)
Approaching Wildlife	Staying near or approaching wildlife at distances that disturb or displace animals is prohibited.	36 CFR §1.5(f)
Wildlife Tracking Devices	Using electronic equipment to track or locate wildlife is not permitted.	36 CFR §1.5(f)
Smoking Restrictions	No smoking in geyser basins, on trails, in buildings, or within 25 feet of entrances.	36 CFR §2.21(a)
Removing Natural or Cultural Resources	Taking rocks, wildflowers, antlers, bones, or historical objects is illegal.	36 CFR §2.1(a)(1)
Throwing Items into Thermal Features	Throwing objects into hot springs or geysers is strictly prohibited.	36 CFR §2.1(a)(3)
Hunting or Feeding Wildlife	Hunting and feeding animals are not allowed inside the park.	36 CFR §2.2(a)
Spotlighting Wildlife	Viewing wildlife using artificial lights is not permitted.	36 CFR §2.2(e)
Camping Only in Designated Areas	Camping must take place only in locations officially designated for camping.	36 CFR §2.10(b)(10)
Off-Road Vehicle Use	Driving vehicles off designated roads is prohibited.	36 CFR §4.10(a)
Off-Road Bicycle Use	Riding bicycles off designated routes or trails is not allowed.	36 CFR §4.30(h)(1)
Leaving Boardwalks in Thermal Areas	Walking off boardwalks or marked paths in geyser and hydrothermal areas is not allowed.	36 CFR §7.13(j)
Swimming in Hot Springs	Entering or swimming in thermal hot springs is strictly prohibited.	36 CFR §7.13(m)

1. Bringing Firearms into Certain Facilities

Federal law 18 USC §930(a) prohibits the possession of firearms inside specific facilities within the park, such as visitor centers, ranger stations, and administrative offices. These locations are clearly marked at public entrances. While firearms may legally be possessed in other areas of the park under state and federal law, they cannot be discharged and must always be used responsibly. This rule protects public safety and maintains order in heavily visited indoor spaces.

2. Restrictions on Drones and Unmanned Aircraft

Under 36 CFR §1.5(f), operating, launching, or landing unmanned aircraft such as drones is prohibited anywhere in Yellowstone. This rule exists because drones disturb wildlife, threaten visitor safety, and interfere with the natural quiet and scenic integrity of the landscape. The rule also protects airspace used for emergency operations including wildfire response and medical airlifts.

3. Approaching or Disturbing Wildlife

Yellowstone enforces strict guidelines under 36 CFR §1.5(f) prohibiting visitors from willfully approaching wildlife or remaining near animals at distances that disturb or displace them. This includes nesting birds and large mammals such as bison, bear, elk, and wolves. Maintaining distance keeps both people and animals safe. Even seemingly calm wildlife can become dangerous quickly, and human contact can permanently alter natural behavior.

4. Using Wildlife Tracking Electronic Equipment

Yellowstone prohibits the use of electronic equipment capable of tracking or locating wildlife under 36 CFR §1.5(f). Devices such as telemetry receivers can interfere with scientific research and encourage improper interaction with animals. The rule ensures that wildlife can live freely without harassment or unnatural monitoring by visitors.

5. Smoking Restrictions

Smoking is prohibited in sensitive areas such as geyser basins and park trails under 36 CFR §2.21(a), and it is not allowed in buildings or within 25 feet of building entrances. These rules protect the fragile thermal landscapes, reduce fire risk, and ensure a clean and healthy environment for all visitors.

6. Removing Natural or Cultural Resources

Under 36 CFR §2.1(a)(1), it is illegal to remove or possess natural or cultural resources from Yellowstone. Items such as rocks, wildflowers, bones, antlers, and archaeological artifacts must remain untouched. Even small disturbances can disrupt wildlife habitats and degrade scientific and cultural research. The rule reminds visitors that the park is a protected museum of natural history, not a place to collect souvenirs.

7. Throwing Objects into Thermal Features

Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features are exceptionally fragile, and under 36 CFR §2.1(a)(3), throwing anything into hot springs or geysers is strictly prohibited. Objects can alter water flow, damage formations, and cause dangerous explosions. Items tossed into thermal features also become impossible to remove without significant damage.

8. Hunting or Feeding Wildlife

Hunting and feeding wildlife are prohibited under 36 CFR §2.2(a). Feeding animals may seem harmless, but it causes wildlife to become aggressive or dependent on humans, often resulting in injury or death to both animals and visitors. Yellowstone’s wildlife must remain wild and self-sufficient.

9. Spotlighting Wildlife

Viewing animals using artificial lights, known as spotlighting, is not allowed under 36 CFR §2.2(e). Artificial illumination disrupts natural behavior patterns, disturbs sleep cycles, and can provoke aggressive responses from wildlife.

10. Camping Outside Designated Areas

Camping is restricted to designated campgrounds and backcountry permit sites under 36 CFR §2.10(b)(10). This regulation protects vegetation, prevents overcrowding, limits human impact on wildlife habitat, and ensures that proper waste and food-storage protocols are maintained to prevent bear conflicts.

11. Off-Road Vehicle Travel

Motor vehicles are not permitted off designated roads under 36 CFR §4.10(a). Yellowstone’s landscape is extremely delicate, and off-road driving can cause long-lasting soil erosion, damage vegetation, and disrupt wildlife breeding areas. Visitors must remain on marked roadways at all times.

12. Off-Road Bicycle Travel

Bicycles are similarly restricted under 36 CFR §4.30(h)(1), which prohibits riding off-road or on non-designated trails. This rule protects nesting grounds, fragile surface areas, and pedestrian safety on narrow pathways.

13. Traveling Off Boardwalks in Hydrothermal Areas

The rule cited in 36 CFR §7.13(j) prohibits visitors from leaving boardwalks and marked trails in thermal zones. Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features are unpredictable and extremely hot, with thin crusts that can break without warning. Staying on boardwalks prevents fatal accidents and protects fragile geological structures.

14. Swimming in Hot Springs

Swimming or bathing in thermal hot springs is strictly forbidden under 36 CFR §7.13(m). Water temperatures can fluctuate instantly from warm to scalding, creating life-threatening conditions. In addition, mineral and bacterial compositions vary and can be hazardous to human health. Approved swimming areas exist elsewhere in the park but never in hydrothermal pools.