Yellowstone is beautiful, but it’s a wild place with some hazards that catch visitors off guard. The main ones:
Wildlife
- Bison injure more people than any other animal in the park. They look calm but can sprint at around 30 mph. Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from them and other large animals.
- Bears (grizzly and black): stay 100 yards (91 m) away, carry bear spray where you can reach it, hike in groups, and make noise on trails. Never leave food or scented items unattended.
- Elk, moose, and wolves also warrant distance, especially elk during fall rut and females with young.
Thermal features
- Ground around geysers, hot springs, and mud pots is often thin crust over scalding water. Water in many springs is near or above boiling and can be acidic.
- Stay on boardwalks and marked trails. Never touch thermal water, and keep kids and pets close.
- Some areas release toxic gases, which can be a problem in low, enclosed spots.
Weather and altitude
- Much of the park sits above 7,000 ft (2,100 m), so altitude sickness and sunburn are real concerns.
- Weather swings fast. Snow is possible nearly any month, and summer afternoons bring thunderstorms and lightning.
- Hypothermia can happen even in summer, especially if you’re wet.
Water hazards
- Rivers and lakes are very cold. Yellowstone Lake can cause hypothermia within minutes, and boating accidents are a leading cause of fatalities.
- Strong currents make wading risky, and swimming is prohibited in most areas.
- Don’t drink untreated water, as giardia and other pathogens are present.
Roads and driving
- Traffic accidents are a significant risk: winding roads, stopped “wildlife jams,” distracted drivers, and animals crossing.
- Pull fully off the road to watch animals rather than stopping in the lane.
Geologic hazards
- The park sits on a supervolcano, but a major eruption is extremely unlikely in the foreseeable future, and the USGS monitors it closely. Realistic geologic risks are earthquakes, hydrothermal explosions, and rockfall or landslides.
Practical tips
- Check current conditions, closures, and alerts on the NPS Yellowstone site before you go.
- Cell service is spotty, so carry a map and tell someone your plans.
- Follow ranger guidance, as most injuries happen when people ignore the posted rules.
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