Yellowstone News & Events

September 18, 2025

Fire danger reduced to HIGH in Yellowstone National Park

• The parkwide fire danger level for Yellowstone is now HIGH and Stage 1 fire restrictions that went into effect August 12 have been lifted.
• At this time, there are no fire restrictions in place or planned in the park.
• Currently, there are no uncontrolled wildland fires in the park.
• Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
• Campfires must always be attended and cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel, repeat.
• The Greater Yellowstone area is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation.
• Stay informed about current fire activity in Yellowstone. 

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September 16, 2025

Solo hiker injured by bear on Sept. 16 in Yellowstone National Park

• Incident details
• On the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 16, a male, age 29, sustained injuries from a bear while hiking on the Turbid Lake Trail, located northeast of Mary Bay in Yellowstone Lake.
• The incident occurred approximately 2.5 miles from the Pelican Valley Trailhead in the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area.
• The male was hiking alone when he encountered the bear near Turbid Lake. The hiker began to deploy bear spray when the bear made contact, and he sustained significant but non-life-threatening injuries to his chest and left arm. National Park Service medics responded to the incident and walked out with the hiker.
• Once arriving to the trailhead, NPS transported the hiker in a park ambulance to the Lake Medical Clinic. He was then flown to a nearby hospital for treatment.
• The hiker thought the bear was a black bear; however, the location, size, and behavior of the described bear suggest it might have been a grizzly bear. Bear management staff will attempt to confirm the species through DNA analysis, if possible.

The Turbid Lake Trail is closed until further notice. 

Bear management staff are sweeping the trail to ensure no other hikers are on the trail.

• Because this incident was a defensive reaction by the bear during a surprise encounter, the park will not be taking any management action against the bear.
• This incident remains under investigation and there are no further details to share at this time.
• This is the first incident of a bear injuring a person in Yellowstone in 2025. The last incident was in May 2021 when a grizzly bear injured a solo hiker on the Beaver Ponds Trail in Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Be bear aware to help avoid surprise bear encounters. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Be alert. See the bear before you surprise it. Watch for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding sites (signs of digging, rolled rocks, torn up logs, ripped open ant hills).
• Make noise.
• Hike in groups of three or more people.
• Stay 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears at all times.
• Stay on trail and don't hike at dawn, dusk, or at night, when grizzlies are most active.
• Don’t run from a bear. 

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September 4, 2025

Yellowstone visitation statistics for August 2025

Yellowstone National Park hosted 881,936 recreation visits in August 2025, up 2% from August 2024 (868,259 recreation visits).

This August’s visitation showed a 4% decrease from August 2021 (921,844 recreation visits). The park’s record-breaking year was 2021, with over 4.8 million recreation visits. So far in 2025, the park has hosted 3,547,967 recreation visits, up 2% from 2024 (3,494,350 recreation visits), and down 1% from 2021 (3,590,609 recreation visits). The list below shows the year-to-date trend for recreation visits over the last several years (through August):

2025 – 3,547,967
2024 – 3,494,350
2023 – 3,308,924
2022 – 2,437,607 (The park was closed June 13 through June 21 due to the historic flood event. Three entrances opened on June 22)
2021 – 3,590,609
2020 – 2,556,528 (The park was closed March 24 through May 17 due to COVID-19. Two entrances opened on May 18 and the remaining three opened on June 1)

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August 27, 2025

Biologists to begin 2025 grizzly bear captures for research purposes in Yellowstone National Park

As part of ongoing monitoring efforts to document recovery of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with Yellowstone National Park, is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific capture operations are once again about to begin within Yellowstone National Park. Agency biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin the field captures Sept. 1 and continue through Oct. 15. Capture operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have major access points marked with warning signs. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.
 
Monitoring of the grizzly bear population is vital to ongoing research and management of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. To attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as recently road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps or foot snares are used to capture bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the capture site. It is important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted. For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts call the IGBST trapping hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website.

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July 22, 2025

Trail Guides Yellowstone Embraces Unity Blaze Certification to Promote Inclusivity in Outdoor Activities

Trail Guides Yellowstone is proud to announce its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all outdoor enthusiasts. Through participation in the Unity Blaze Certification program, our team has gained valuable insights into the barriers that often prevent Black folks and People of Color from fully engaging in outdoor activities.

"We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the beauty and joy of nature."  "By embracing the principles of Unity Blaze Certification, we are better equipped to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all visitors."

The Unity Blaze Certification program provided our staff with a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and social factors that have contributed to lower participation rates among Black folks and People of Color in outdoor activities. Armed with this knowledge, we are committed to:

• Creating a more inclusive environment: We will strive to make our business a place where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their race, age, gender, or abilities.
• Educating our staff: Our team will continue to receive ongoing training and education to ensure they are equipped to provide exceptional service to all customers.
• Partnering with diverse organizations: We will collaborate with organizations that are working to increase diversity and inclusion in the outdoor community.

To learn more about Unity Blaze Certification, please click here.

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March 18, 2025

Projected Road Opening and Closing Dates for 2025

Open year-round: North Entrance to Northeast Entrance

Open April 18 - October 31, 2025: West Entrance to Madison, Madison to Old Faithful, Madison to Norris, Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris, Norris to Canyon Village

Open May 2 - October 31, 2025: East Entrance to Lake Village (Sylvan Pass), Canyon Village to Lake Village

Open May 9 - October 31, 2025: South Entrance to West Thumb, West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass), West Thumb to Lake Village, Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall

Open May 23 - October 31, 2025: Canyon Village to Tower Fall (Dunraven Pass). This is a high elevation pass that generally experiences winter weather earlier than other roads in the park — as with all other roads, the closing date is subject to change.

To Be Determined: Beartooth Highway (US-212), Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY-296)

Winter Season

Open year-round: North Entrance to Northeast Entrance

Open December 15, 2024 - March 2, 2025:  Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris

Open December 15, 2024 - March 4, 2025: Norris to Madison, Norris to Canyon Village, Canyon Village to Washburn Hot Springs Overlook

Open December 15, 2024 - March 9, 2025: Canyon Village to Fishing Bridge

Open December 15, 2024 - March 15, 2025: West, South, and East entrances, and all remaining groomed roads

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October 14, 2024

Last day for visitors to enjoy most of Yellowstone National Park will be Oct. 31

The last day for visitors to drive most of Yellowstone National Park’s roads will be Thursday, Oct. 31. The West, South and East entrances and nearly all roads 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.

Weather permitting, the road from Tower Fall to Canyon Village (Dunraven Pass) will remain open through Oct. 31.

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).

Visitors planning to drive in the park during the fall and winter should:

• Prepare for changing weather conditions.
• Have flexible travel plans.
• Expect limited services. Check Operating Dates for details.
• Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions.
• Check for temporary travel restrictions or closures that can occur at any time without notice.
• Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone: Visit Park Roads.
• Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
• Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.

All communities near Yellowstone are open year-round, with local businesses offering a wide range of fall and winter recreation opportunities.

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September 17, 2024

Fire danger reduced to HIGH in Yellowstone National Park

• The parkwide fire danger level for Yellowstone is now HIGH and Stage 1 fire restrictions that went into effect July 27 have been lifted.
• At this time, there are no fire restrictions in place or planned in the park.
• Currently, there are no active wildland fires in the park.
• Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
• Campfires must always be attended and cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel, repeat.
• The Greater Yellowstone area is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation.

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August 14, 2024

Update: Partial fishing closures on rivers and streams lifted in Yellowstone National Park

Effective immediately, the partial fishing closures on select rivers and streams in Yellowstone National Park have been lifted and are now open. The full closures on rivers and streams that are strongly influenced by geothermal features will remain in effect at this time.

Which rivers and streams have reopened to fishing during normal hours, sunrise to sunset?

Lamar River downstream of Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yellowstone River

Soda Butte Creek (the entire creek)

Slough Creek (the entire creek)

Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary

Gardner River downstream of Osprey Falls north to the park boundary

Snake River from Forest Creek south to the park boundary

Which rivers and streams continue to have full fishing closures?

The following rivers are heavily influenced by geothermal features and do not adequately cool off at night.

Madison River and all associated tributaries

Firehole River and all associated tributaries

Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground

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August 7, 2024

Yellowstone visitation statistics for July 2024

Yellowstone National Park hosted 992,352 recreation visits in July 2024, up 2% from July 2023 (969,692 recreation visits). This July’s visitation showed an 8% decrease from July 2021 (1,080,767 recreation visits).

So far in 2024, the park has hosted 2,626,091 recreation visits, up 7% from 2023 (2,462,535 recreation visits), and down 2% from 2021 (2,668,765 recreation visits).

The list below shows the year-to-date trend for recreation visits over the last several years (through July):

• 2024 – 2,626,091
• 2023 – 2,462,535
• 2022 – 1,855,396 (The park was closed June 13 through June 21 due to the historic flood event. Three entrances opened on June 22.)
• 2021 – 2,668,765
• 2020 – 1,674,699 (The park was closed March 24 through May 17 due to COVID. Two entrances opened on May 18 and the remaining three opened on June 1.)
• 2019 – 2,294,691

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July 25, 2024

VERY HIGH fire danger in Yellowstone National Park beginning July 25, 2024

The parkwide fire danger level for Yellowstone is now VERY HIGH, and Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect Saturday, July 27. Wildfire activity is increasing in Yellowstone as crews have responded to and controlled four lightning-caused fires in the last week.

Fire restrictions include:

Backcountry and trails

Prohibited: Charcoal and all campfires in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings.

Permitted: Smoking only in areas adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area barren of all flammable material. Smokers should ensure that all cigarette butts are extinguished properly.

Permitted: Portable gas stoves and lanterns in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet.

Frontcountry and developed areas

Permitted: Campfires in designated fire rings in frontcountry developed campgrounds (Madison, Mammoth, Slough Creek, Canyon, Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Grant Village and Bridge Bay) and day-use picnic areas. All campfires must be attended and cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel, repeat.

 

Now is the time for visitors to be vigilant about fire safety. Negligently starting a wildland fire may result in fines and/or imprisonment. Fireworks are not allowed in the park.

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July 24, 2024

Update on the July 23 Biscuit Basin hydrothermal explosion

This is an update on the hydrothermal explosion that occurred just before 10 AM on Tuesday, July 23, in Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park.

National Park Service (NPS) field crews have completed a preliminary assessment of the conditions following the hydrothermal explosion at Black Diamond Pool.

What happened?

The July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin resulted from water suddenly transitioning to steam in the shallow hydrothermal system beneath Black Diamond Pool and was not caused by volcanic activity. Seismicity, ground deformation, and gas and thermal emissions remain at their normal background levels, and there were no detectable precursors to this event.

The explosion, which sent steam and debris to a height of hundreds of feet above the ground, destroyed a nearby boardwalk and ejected grapefruit-sized rocks tens to hundreds of feet from the source. Some blocks closest to the explosion site are about 3 feet (1 meter) wide and weigh hundreds of pounds. The explosion was largely directed to the northeast toward the Firehole River, and the largest blocks of debris fell in that direction. The dark color of the explosion was a result of mud and debris mixed with steam and boiling water. Although visitors were present at the time of the event, no injuries were reported.

Black Diamond Pool and Black Opal Pool were affected by Tuesday’s explosion, and while they remain distinct features, the shape of Black Diamond has changed somewhat. Both pools are murky due to debris, and the unstable ground around their edges occasionally slides into the water. Just after the eruption, Black Diamond Pool exhibited minor roiling and water spouting. The water level in the pool rose over the course of the day, and by Tuesday afternoon the roiling transitioned to occasional bursts of hot water that reached about 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height.

What is happening now?

By Wednesday morning, July 24, the levels of Black Diamond Pool and Black Opal Pool had risen enough that both were overflowing and sending murky water into the Firehole River. No water bursts from Black Diamond Pool were witnessed Wednesday morning.

What are ongoing hazards?

Given the recent changes to the hydrothermal plumbing system, small explosions of boiling water from this area in Biscuit Basin continue to be possible over the coming days to months. USGS and NPS geologists will be monitoring conditions, mapping the debris field, and sampling water to assess any changes in the shallow hydrothermal system over the next several days.

Hydrothermal explosions typically occur in the park one to a few times per year, but often in the back country where they may not be immediately detected.

Similar, although smaller, hydrothermal explosions took place in 1989 at Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin, and on April 15, 2024, from the Porcelain Terrace Area of Norris Geyser Basin. A small hydrothermal explosion occurred from Wall Pool, in Biscuit Basin, in 2009. Significant hydrothermal explosions, probably similar in size to that of July 23, 2024, occurred in the 1880s at Excelsior Geyser, in Midway Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone National Park has closed Biscuit Basin for the remainder of the 2024 season for visitor safety. Grand Loop Road remains open to vehicles, and other nearby thermal basins, like Black Sand Basin, are open.

Video: Joshua Sells