The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Guide to Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States due to its diversity of landscape and geothermal features attracting millions of visitors each year. Luckily, it also has fairly good accessibility, which allows people of all abilities to enjoy this wonder of mother nature. In this wheelchair accessible guide to Yellowstone National Park, I’ll give you all of the information you need to know to plan your trip.
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Is Yellowstone National Park Handicap Accessible?
One of the first and most frequently asked questions for people with disabilities is whether Yellowstone National Park is handicap accessible. The answer is yes! US national parks strive to make parks accessible to everyone and Yellowstone is no exception.
However, although the park is handicapped accessible, it does come with some challenges. Many of the boardwalks leading to the geothermal areas have steep inclines. Manual wheelchair users will most likely need assistance in these parts.
For people that use motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters, you’ll want to know the capabilities of your equipment and make sure you have plenty of battery power. If you are someone with limited mobility or get tired easily, I recommend you consider renting a mobility device for this trip. It will allow you to see and experience more without taking as much of a toll on you.
Important Information About Yellowstone National Park
Where it’s located: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
Elevation: 7,000 to 8,500 feet with an average of 8,000 feet
Size of the Park: 2.22 million acres
Getting to Yellowstone National Park
There are two main ways to get to the park. First, is by driving or doing a road trip. This option is great for those who have a longer period to visit the area and who may want to combine their trip with other national parks. The other option is to fly to a nearby airport and tour the area from there.
The closest airports to Yellowstone National Park are Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montanna, West Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in Montanna near the west entrance, and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah.
Choosing the right airport for you will depend on flight schedules, cost, and whether you plan to combine other national parks with your trip to Yellowstone. For example, you could easily add Grand Tetons National Park, Glacier National Park, any of the mighty 5 national parks in Utah, or Dinosaur National Monument to your itinerary.
Getting Around Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is HUGE. So, unless you are part of an organized tour, you will need to rent a vehicle to get around the area and explore the park. This will also be beneficial if you are combining visits to more than one national park.
Where to Rent an Accessible Vehicle Near Yellowstone National Park
There are a couple of options depending on which airport you will be using.
Salt Lake City Airport
When flying into Utah, you can use Wheelchair Getaways to rent a wheelchair-accessible van. They have been serving the disabled community for 19 years and will make sure you have what you need.
All Other Locations
AMS Van Rentals is in Georgia but can offer accessible van rentals in almost every state. Call their nationwide number to request a quote.
Where Can I Rent Mobility Equipment Near Yellowstone National Park?
If you are looking to rent medical equipment during your visit, these are the local companies that can meet your needs.
Western Medical
Located in Jackson, Wyoming, Western Medical offers powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, hospital beds, patient lifts and more. Check online or call for availability and pricing.
Price Rite
Located in Bozeman Montanna, Price Rite offers rentals of manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, hospital beds, and patient lifts. If you are flying into Montanna, this may be a good option for you. Call or check online for pricing.
Wheelchair Accessible Places to Stay When Visiting Yellowstone National Park
When deciding where to stay during your visit, you can choose to stay within the park or outside of the park. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. While it may cost more to stay within the park, it can save you time traveling from site to site. Staying outside of the park can sometimes be cheaper, however, you will need to factor in driving distance and traffic to determine if the cheaper price is worth it.
Wheelchair Accessible Lodging within Yellowstone National Park
If you are looking to stay with in Yellowstone National Park, there are a couple of lodges with accessible rooms and a campground that could meet your needs. Just be aware that none of the hotel rooms or lodges have tv’s or radios in the rooms. Cooking is also not allowed in either the hotel rooms or cabins.
Pro TIp: There are accessible properties to stay at throughout the park and it may make sense to switch properties during your stay to cut down on driving time.
Old Faithful Inn
This is a bucket list worthy lodge as it overlooks the Old Faithful geyser. It has a rustic, but classy feel and the lobby is popular for taking photos. They offer ADA rooms with one queen-sized bed. Amenities are few and include grab bars, heat, telephone, coffee maker, hairdryer, alarm clock, and fan.
Yellowstone Hotel
This hotel is located on Yellowstone Lake and is between the West Thumb Geyser region and the Fishing Bridge area. There are two options for people who want to stay here, the standard hotel room (some with lake views) or a cabin that is located on the property. There are ADA-accessible choices for either option.
ADA Cabins at the Yellowstone Hotel
The cabins are the most affordable option for staying at the hotel. There is a ramp to enter, and it has one queen-sized bed. Amenities include heat, coffee maker, hairdryer, alarm clock, and fan. Some specify that they have a roll-in shower, and some do not, so be mindful when booking to choose the one for your needs.
Hotel Rooms at the Yellowstone Hotel
Rooms have the option of either 2 queens or 1 king-sized bed. Some of the ADA rooms have lake views and specify roll-in showers. Other amenities include wired internet, an iron/ironing board, a safe, heat, telephone, coffee maker, hairdryer, alarm clock, and fan. There is no air conditioning, TV, or radio so plan accordingly.
Canyon Lodge
This lodge is located on the East side of the park near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Staying here is a great option for families where one or more of the members is physically disabled as rooms have options for a queen and twin bed combo or even an accessible suite with two separate bedrooms. Some ADA rooms specify roll-in showers when booking and some do not.
Grant Village
Located in the Southern area of the park, this hotel-style room has a queen bed and a roll-in shower. Other amenities include a telephone, mini-refrigerator, heat, coffee maker, hairdryer, alarm clock, and fan.
Mammoth Hotel
Located in the northern area of the park by Mammoth Hot Springs, this hotel has the option of a traditional hotel room with 2 queen beds or a frontier-style cabin with 1 queen bed and accessible porch.
Old Faithful Lodge
Located near but separate from the Old Faithful Inn, this one-story lodge is similar in style to its neighbor. It houses a bakery and cafeteria-style buffet and offers ADA cabins for guests. These cabins have the choice of 2 double beds or 1 double bed and 1 twin bed. Roll-in showers are available.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge
The newest lodge in the park features a full dining room as well as a quick-service grill. It has hotel-style rooms with 1 queen and 1 twin bed as well as a roll-in shower.
Lake Lodge Cabins
Located near Yellowstone Lake, the ADA cabins offer a roll-in shower as well as 1 queen and 1 twin bed. There is a ramp to the shared porch so you can enjoy views of the lake.
Fishing Bridge Campground
This campground is located in the Fishing Bridge area (hence the name) and is the only campground in the park with electric hookups. There is a newer and an older section of the facility. The newer section offers paved sites with picnic tables, while the older part is in a more wooded area. They do have ADA sites that are wider in width in the newer section of the campground.
*****Please note that only hard-sided RVs can camp here due to a big bear population in the area. No tents are campers with soft sides are allowed.*****
To check pricing and availability or to book lodging within the park, go to this website.
Wheelchair Accessible Places to Stay Outside of Yellowstone National Park
Cody, Wyoming
Located east of Yellowstone National Park, this nearby town makes a great option for those wishing to stay outside of the park. It has close proximity, making for less driving time, and has plenty of fun attractions right in town. Here are my hotel recommendations for Cody, Wyoming.
Comfort Inn at Buffalo Bill Village Resort
This clean and comfortable room offers free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. It is located about 2 miles from Yellowstone Regional Airport and is close to all the major attractions in Cody. Accessible rooms have roll-in showers with fold-down seat and grab bars in the bathroom. You can choose between a room with a queen- or king-sized bed.
AmericInn by Wyndham Cody
This property has a pool onsite, free breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. Yellowstone National Park is approximately 52 miles away (but this will be true of most hotels in Cody). Accessible rooms have a roll-in shower with fold down bench and come in several room choices such as basic and suites.
The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort
Located an hour away from Yellowstone National Park, this campground is set in a scenic wooded area with compacted dirt and gravel pads. Some sites have river views. While there are no designated ADA sites, there may be sites that could accommodate a lift-equipped RV. Full hook-ups are available as well as fishing and hiking opportunities. Military, senior, AAA, and Good Sam’s Club discounts are available.
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner is located north of Yellowstone National Park in Montana with the closest airport being Bozeman. Staying here may mean a lot of driving to popular spots like Old Faithful if you don’t plan to move during your visit.
Yellowstone Hot Springs RV, Campground and Cabins
If you want to splurge a little and stay in a cabin during your visit to the park, then this campground has an option that could work for you. Their wheelchair-accessible cabin has grab bars in the bathroom and a small roll-in shower (but it does not have a fold-down seat). Free parking and Wi-Fi are included.
Wheelchair Accessible Tours of Yellowstone National Park
Honestly, I do not recommend doing an organized tour of Yellowstone National Park. While I’m sure that they are good (I haven’t done one) they are on a set schedule and do not allow you to go at your own pace. They are also very costly, and it will be cheaper for you to rent your own vehicle and explore on your own.
An alternative that I do recommend is to get an audio driving tour. The one I used during my stay was the Gypsy App. This app is free to download, and you only pay for the tours you want (which are reasonably priced). They even have combination tours available for parks next to each other. For example, you can get a combination of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has plenty of wheelchair-accessible things to do. From watching geysers erupt, admiring the beautiful colors of a thermal pool, and seeing Yellowstone’s numerous waterfalls, there is something here for everyone. I’ve broken down accessible things to do in Yellowstone National Park by region or area within the park to help you when you make your itinerary.
Canyon Village Area
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
The canyon in Yellowstone offers visitors two scenic drives with pull-offs to see its two most famous waterfalls, upper and lower falls, as well as the canyon. A third waterfall can also be seen with a short walk.
South Rim Drive
There are two scenic overlooks on this drive and both are worth a stop. At Upper Falls Overlook, there are accessible parking and bathrooms available. A short sidewalk path leads you to the accessible view of Upper Falls. The trails here are not wheelchair accessible.
It is also at the Upper Falls Overlook where you can see another waterfall, Crystal Falls. This 129 ft waterfall can be accessed by rolling to the far end of the parking lot and away from the trail going to the Brink area. There is a paved path to the right of the road that you should take and then follow the brown directional signs for Crystal Falls.
Continue the drive to Artist Point. This famous viewing area will give you Instagram-worthy pictures of the Lower Falls. A short, paved trail leads you to the overlook. A ramp makes the lower area fully accessible. On one side of the overlook, you will see the falls, while on the opposite side is the canyon, however, trees obstruct much of the canyon view.
North Rim Drive
There are several accessible viewpoints along this drive, most of which highlight the canyon. Each of the overlooks I mention here have accessible pathways (although they may be different from the main viewing area) and designated parking. The viewing spots you should check out are Lookout Point and Inspiration Point.
Pro Tip: If you only have time to do one of the scenic drives, the South Rim Drive has the best views of the falls. Both drives are worthwhile if time is available.
Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley is not only scenic to drive through, but it is also a very popular wildlife-watching area. It is common to see herds of Bison in the valley or even along the road. Bison jams are a real thing, so take caution driving through here and remember to always keep a safe distance from wildlife, respecting that you are in their territory.
Yellowstone Lake Area
Yellowstone Lake is a large and beautiful area to spend some time whether for a scenic drive or even for a picnic. Here are some popular wheelchair-accessible things to do in the Yellowstone Lake area.
Take a Scenic Cruise
If you would like to get out on the lake, head to Bridge Bay Marina for a one-hour scenic cruise on the lake. Reservations should be made well in advance for this popular tour. It is fully wheelchair accessible and you’re sure to have a wonderful time. Check times and availability here.
Fishing Bridge
This area is popular for watching fish (fishing is no longer allowed), keeping an eye out for Grizzly Bears (and other wildlife) as well as a scenic drive up a mountain. This is also where the only campground with electrical hook-ups is. There are pull-offs for popular viewing areas and accessible parking near the bridge.
Natural Bridge
In full disclosure, I would consider the natural bridge partially accessible. There is a mostly paved 2.5-mile path to the stone bridge, but at the end where you would need to view this structure, it turns to compacted dirt with large rocks. When I attempted the hike, I only got a partial view before I had to stop due to the large rocks. The slopes and cross slopes can be steep at times, but you can usually avoid the worst parts.
Mud Volcanoes
Although quite stinky, smelling of sulfur, these unique features of the park are not to be missed! Accessible parking and a boardwalk will allow you to see the lower features. To see the best mud volcanoes however, you will need to ascend a steep paved pathway, which is to the left of the parking lot. Manual wheelchair users will need assistance. If using a powered wheelchair, know your device’s capabilities.
Once atop the hill, a boardwalk will take you around to these fascinating features. You will have to turn around and go back the way you came as the last part of the boardwalk is steps.
Madison Area
This is a smaller section of the park when you compare it to others, but the attractions here are worth a visit. Just quickly driving through Madison to get to the next big feature would be a big mistake. Here’s what you should check out.
Firehole Canyon Drive
This short but pretty drive takes you along Firehole Canyon. Towards the end of the drive, you can see Firehole Falls right from the road. There is a small pull-off area if you want to stop for pictures, so you don’t block traffic. There is no designated parking, but like I said, you can see this beautiful waterfall right from the road. This is a short but worthwhile detour.
Terrace Springs
An accessible boardwalk takes you around the thermal hot springs in this small but pretty area. There is a steep section in the middle of the boardwalk loop that manual wheelchair users should be aware of.
Mammoth Area
In the Northernmost section of Yellowstone National Park, this area has the iconic Mammoth Hot Springs and a few other less-visited gems you should consider adding to your itinerary. Here’s what you need to know.
Fort Yellowstone National Historic Landmark
There was a time when the US Army managed Yellowstone National Park. Since then, it has been put under the care and supervision of the national park system. Today, you can tour the buildings that acted as a fort during the period that the Army took care of the park. The sidewalks throughout this area vary in condition, and some have buckled and or have steep cross slopes of 10%.
Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces
Hot Springs are one of the four unique geological features that Yellowstone has to offer, and Mammoth is one of the most iconic places to view them. There are two terraces within the Hot Springs area, and both have some level of accessibility.
Lower Terraces
There are three parking lots for this area. You’ll want to start at the lot by Liberty Cap. From the parking lot, there is an accessible boardwalk that will take you to the iconic and most photographed feature in this area. That is where the accessibility at this portion ends.
For an accessible pathway to view the palette spring located just above the main feature, head down two parking lots. There is a ramped section of the boardwalk here that will take you past steps and to the spring. After the spring, the trail becomes very steep and eventually turns into steps.
Upper Terraces
A short drive from the lower terraces is the upper terrace scenic loop drive. This drive is closed to trailers and RV’s. At the start of the drive, there is a parking lot on the left. Across from the lot is an accessible boardwalk trail to see some of the thermal pools and hot springs that were inaccessible at the lower terraces.
Continue the loop drive to see additional hot springs and features. Some areas have designated parking and some are just pull-offs (where the feature is visible from the vehicle). This short drive is a nice way to see some of the less visited areas in Mammoth.
Forces of the Northern Range Trail
This .5-mile accessible boardwalk trail travels through the grasslands in northern Yellowstone. There are 11 stops along the trail with exhibits and information. It is a popular wildlife viewing area as it houses one of the largest and most diverse communities of large free-roaming animals.
Please remember to always respect wildlife. Do not approach, try to feed or in any way make them feel threatened. Animals will attack and people have been injured. The general rule is to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from other animals.
Norris Area
On the west side of the park, the Norris area is home to its own geyser basin which is packed with thermal pools, fumaroles, and geysers. Visiting these features will be a bit challenging due to steep slopes and mixed surfaces, however, I was able to see the majority of them in my mobility scooter.
Frying Pan Spring
This spring got its name because of spots where gas escapes from moist soil in what looks and sounds like grease sizzling on a hot frying pan. This is a unique spring that is worth a stop. An accessible boardwalk leads to the spring and designated parking is available.
Norris Geyser Basin Trails
This area is divided into two basin trails, Back Basin and Porcelain Basin. I’ll talk about each section individually and tell you the best ways to visit them while avoiding the most challenging areas.
Back Basin
This loop is a combination of boardwalk and compacted dirt and gravel that contains tree roots and larger rocks (which can generally be avoided).
To avoid the worst parts of the trail, at the trailhead “Y”, stay left to visit Emerald Springs, Steamboat Geyser, and Echinus Geyser, and then go back the way you came. At the trailhead again, stay right and follow the sign for Back Basin where the dirt path will eventually lead to a mostly flat boardwalk. Stay on this trail until you find that it gets too tough and then turn around and go back the way you came. This will allow you to see most of the features at Back Basin.
Porcelain Basin
This area has better accessibility than Back Basin, although it may not appear that way initially. At the trailhead there are steps, and the ranger may well-meaningly tell you that the trail is completely inaccessible.
To access Porcelain Basin, head to the trailhead for Back Basin and at the “Y”, stay to the right, and then when you get to the “T” in the trail, stay right again. This will take you below the steps on the Porcelain Basin trail. The boardwalk trail is ramped and can be steep at times so manual wheelchair users may need assistance in these parts.
Geyser Basins Area
The Geyser Basin area of the park is probably the most visited area in Yellowstone. It is home to Old Faithful, the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring as well as numerous other geological features. Be prepared for traffic and crowds when visiting. If you can, do not visit on a weekend and get here as early in the day as possible to avoid as many people.
Old Faithful Geyser and Upper Geyser Basin
Home to many more geysers than just Old Faithful, many people make the mistake of doing a quick visit to see the famous geyser erupt and then leave. Instead, you could easily spend a whole day just in this one area and see several geysers erupt. When I was here, I saw nine.
Get here early in the day and head directly to the visitor center to see predicted eruption times for Old Faithful as well as five other geysers. Some of these only erupt once or twice a day. Just remember that these are estimated times and there is a cushion (which is also displayed) when the geyser may erupt before or after the predicted time.
Pro Tip: Take a picture of the eruption schedule on our phone so you don’t have to try to remember all the details.
This is a large area, so be sure to have a fully charged battery and be prepared for the distance. Pathways are a mixture of pavement and boardwalks. They are mostly flat, but there are some steep sections when getting to and around the geysers on the hill behind Old Faithful.
There is a large boardwalk viewing area around Old Faithful, but it fills up quickly, so plan to get there well before the predicted eruption. Old Faithful consistently erupts every 90 minutes, making it the most reliable geyser to view in the park. Just make sure wherever you are watching from (there are several excellent viewing areas) that you are not downwind as it will blow all the mist in your direction, and you won’t get the best views or photos.
Black Sand Basin
This small area has an accessible boardwalk to take you to the Opalescent Pool, Cliff Geyser, Rainbow Pool, Emerald Pool, and Sunset Lake. A somewhat steep paved path leads to the flat boardwalk.
Biscuit Basin
This is the spot to see the Saphire Pool, Mustard Springs, Avoca Spring, Shell Geyser, and Jewel Geyser. There is a flat, looped boardwalk that makes all these sights easily accessible.
Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring)
A ramped boardwalk section leads to a plateau where the boarded path becomes a flat and circular loop. Along this route, is the famous Grand Prismatic Springs. This colorful pool has a blue center with edges that are yellow and reddish brown. There are several other geothermal features here as well.
It is important to realize that Grand Prismatic will look very different when you are on the boardwalk compared to photos you may have seen of it, which are usually taken from a higher overlook that is not accessible due to rocky terrain and a grade of 20%. Have realistic expectations on what you will see.
Fountain Paint Pot
At Fountain Paint Pots, there is a mostly flat boardwalk that has one steep section to reach the paint pots and fumaroles. There are also several geysers here as well as Silex Spring and Celestine Pool. This is quite a diverse area with unique features.
Firehole Lake Drive
For a short but scenic detour, head off the main road to the Firehole Lake drive. There is an accessible boardwalk here as well so you can get out of the vehicle and get a closer look.
Kepler Cascades
As you’re driving around the park, don’t miss the opportunity to stop to see this gorgeous waterfall. There is a small parking area with accessible parking. From there it is a very short, flat walk to get to the boardwalk overlook for the falls. While this is a quick stop, it’s also a very pretty one.
Tower Roosevelt Area
Located between the Canyon and Mammoth Hot Springs areas, this section of the park makes for a beautiful drive and is a very popular area for wildlife watching. Here are the places you should add to your bucket list.
Lamar Valley
A popular hangout for wolves and other animals, this valley is where most of the wildlife can be seen. Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chances of spotting animals. Go to one of the pull-offs, set up your camera gear, and then use binoculars to scan the valley.
Mount Washburn and Dunraven Pass
This scenic drive takes you through the mountains with the option for a brief detour up a well-maintained dirt road up Mount Washburn. There are several pull-offs where you can take in the views and snap pictures. Watch for elk, pronghorn, and other animals in the valleys that you pass.
Tower Fall
Be sure not to miss Tower Fall. There is a parking area with designated handicap spots, accessible restrooms, and a short paved mostly flat path to get to the viewing area. This 132-foot waterfall is a highlight that you shouldn’t miss. In fact, it was pictures of this waterfall that led Congress to declare Yellowstone America’s first national park.
West Thumb Area
Located in the southern area of Yellowstone, this picturesque area has geysers and other thermal areas situated next to Yellowstone Lake. You’ll want to make sure you check this place out.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Home to springs, pools, geysers, paint pots, and cones, this area has a little bit of everything. There is an accessible boardwalk with two different leveled loops. On the lower level, manual wheelchair users may need some assistance as there are sections where the grade is up to 10%.
Lewis Falls
Near the southern entrance to the park, this roadside waterfall can be easily seen and accessed from the designated pull-off area. There is no designated parking, but wheelchair users may be able to manage and the waterfall can be easily seen.
➡️ Help yourself or someone you love remember this trip by choosing an item from my list of gifts for national park lovers.
Tips for Visiting Yellowstone National Park as a Wheelchair User
Plan Your Trip as Early as Possible
With Yellowstone being one of the most popular national parks in the US, it is critical that you start planning your trip there as early as possible. In fact, a year or more in advance is not too early. Reserve your lodging as soon as you know your travel dates, as bookings for accommodations within the park are available 13 months in advance.
Places to stay outside but near the park also book quickly, and when you require an accessible room, it is even more vital to book as soon as possible as these rooms are limited in availability.
For more tips on planning your national park trip, check out this post.
You can also subscribe to my email list to get your free trip-planning template!
Get Your Access Pass
The Access Pass gives United States residents with permanent disabilities free lifetime access to all the national parks and other sites under the national park system (such as national historic sites, national lakeshores, and more). To get your pass, have your doctor document that you have a permanent disability (they don’t need to disclose what that disability is) and submit the letter either online or in person at any park.
If you are a Veteran, you can also qualify for a separate free pass when you show proof of service.
Consider Renting a Mobility Device
Yellowstone is a HUGE national park and there is quite a bit of distance to cover even within one area to see popular features. If you get tired easily or have poor endurance, consider renting a mobility device such as a scooter or wheelchair. This will allow you to see more and save your energy.
Make Sure to Charge Your Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter Every Night
There are a lot of inclines (many of which can be steep) which can drain the batteries to your wheelchair or scooter faster. It is important that you charge them fully each evening so you can maximize what you are able to see each day. It’s really a bummer when you’re in the middle of sightseeing only to find out your battery died.
Check the Visitor Center for Ranger Programs
Each park has several educational and informative ranger-led programs and Yellowstone is no different. Check each visitor center for the programs that they offer and when. Talks can include topics such as geology, wildlife, and the history of the park.
Download and Use the Gypsy Guide App for Your Own Private Tour
I used the Gypsy Guide App for my visit to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park and absolutely loved it. It was like having my own personal tour guide. The app even led us to places we would’ve otherwise missed.
The app offered great information on the history of the park, how it was formed, and the geologic features as well as suggestions on how to spend your time in the park. I plan to use the Gypsy App for all of my future national park visits.
Pace Yourself
As I mentioned before, this park is enormous. It can be easy to want to try to fit everything in in just a few days’ time. Doing so will likely lead to exhaustion. If you only have two or three days to visit the park, understand that you may not see everything and will just have to come back.
I find that traveling at a slower pace allows you to enjoy what you are experiencing rather than feeling rushed to fit it all in, leaving the park with a quick picture but limited memories. Travel mindfully, taking time to be aware of the sights, smells, and what it feels like to be there. This will lead to more lasting and vivid memories of your trip.
Also, keep in mind that the elevation at Yellowstone ranges from 7,000 and 8,500 feet with an average of 8,000 feet. If you are not used to these heights, it can easily take its toll on you. Keep hydrated by drinking tons of water and plan to allow yourself more time to do things that typically don’t bother you.
Make Sure to Visit Some of the Less Popular Areas
Everyone wants to visit Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs, but there are other areas of the park that are just as interesting and worth seeing. My must-see recommended areas include:
- Mud Volcanoes
- Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Tower Falls
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Geysers other than Old Faithful
- As Many Waterfalls as You Can
Don’t Just Watch Old Faithful Erupt and Then Leave
When visiting the upper geyser basin (where Old Faithful is) many people take a quick walk around, watch Old Faithful erupt, and then move on to the next attraction. This is a big mistake that visitors make. There are so many other really cool geysers in this area, and you could easily spend an entire day here watching various ones erupt.
When you first arrive, head to the visitor center to check the eruption times. Some geysers only erupt once or twice a day, so get here early and plan your time here around the predicted eruptions. Just be sure to remember that these are estimated times and there is a cushion of time before or after the prediction when each geyser may blow.
Make Sure to Visit the Many Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park
Prior to visiting Yellowstone, I had no idea just how many waterfalls were within the park! There are several, and most of them are wheelchair accessible! Make sure to take time to visit as many of these falls as possible as each one is pretty and different.
When to Visit Yellowstone National Park
While everyone has their favorite time of year at Yellowstone, each season has pros and cons for visiting the park.
Winter
Some people love visiting in the winter as the park is less crowded and it can lead to great photo opportunities of wildlife. There are also winter activities such as snowmobiling. On the flip side, many of the park roads are closed in winter which allows for limited access. Temperatures can also get very cold with highs in the low to mid-twenties to mid-thirties.
Spring
Roads will begin to open in the spring (but exactly when often depends on weather conditions so check the park website) and bears will start waking up from their hibernation. If you are hoping to see some young wildlife, this is the time to visit. Spring can also be slightly less crowded than the popular summer months. Temperature highs will range from the upper thirties to the lower fifties.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit, which means the largest crowds. It also means, however, that seasonal road closures are done, and the weather is quite nice for exploring the park.
Fall
Traveling to the park after Labor Day can lead to slightly fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. You can also enjoy the fall foliage as you take in the iconic sites. Late September to mid-October is also mating season for both Elk and Moose which means they will be more active during these months. It also means they will tend to be more aggressive, so keep your distance and give them plenty of room (at least 2 school bus lengths).
How Long to Visit Yellowstone National Park
Honestly, you could easily spend a whole week visiting Yellowstone National Park, however many people don’t have that much time to dedicate to one park. I suggest spending at least three to four days here to get the most out of your visit. That being said, many people cram as much as they can in one or two days with the plan of coming back.
If you only have one or two days, it is still worth making a stop to visit, just know that you will not see it all but can see some of the highlights.
Packing List for Yellowstone National Park
Make sure you have all of the essentials for your wheelchair-accessible Yellowstone National Park trip! Be prepared for all types of weather and situations. Remember, at higher elevations, the sun is more intense so it’s important to protect yourself by using sunscreen and staying hydrated. I’ve also listed the camera that I personally use to take all of the photos you see on my blog.
Here are the items I suggest you have.
For a complete list of my national park essentials, check out this post!
Wheelchair Accessible Guide to Yellowstone National Park: Recap
When you are visiting Yellowstone National Park as a wheelchair user, there are plenty of accessible things to do, places to stay, and amazing things to experience within the park. Whether you decide to drive or fly to Wyoming, you’re sure to have an incredible trip. If Yellowstone wasn’t on your bucket list already, it should be now. So get planning, and enjoy your trip!
