If there's anything I want to know before a trip, it's how I can do it for less money. In the beginning of June, I set out to Wyoming to visit some of the coolest national parks in the country. During my trip, I learned some of the best ways to save a dollar while national park hopping. This week I'm talking about the greatest ways to save in Yellowstone. Whose ready to do Yellowstone on a budget? Here's Five Money-Saving Tips for Yellowstone You Need to Know...
1. Where to stay:
To save money, I would definitely consider camping inside the park or staying at a hotel in a nearby town. Lodging inside the park starts at $200 a night on weekdays and this is booking one year in advance. Camping would be the cheapest route. Their nightly rate starts at $25.25 on a weekday and this is booking a month in advance as well. As much as I love camping, I went to the park alone so I wasn’t gonna try to do that lol!Although, my hotel was SUPER close to the park and BEYOND what I expected. I stayed at
Sawtelle Mountain Resort in Island Park, ID for $191 (with tax), which is about 35 minutes from the West Yellowstone Entrance. I did choose the deluxe room option because it wasn’t much more! Damn though, it was the perfect room to relax and crash. AND HOW ABOUT THIS BATHROOM?! Kinda felt like I was at a Ritz.
2. Entry:
If you plan on visiting three or more national parks this year, I’d purchase an America the Beautiful pass. The pass is $80, so if you think about it, you’d spend $90 to visit three national parks for full price. With this pass, you have access to ALL national parks. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a better deal. *I bought mine with cash at the Moran Entrance Station in Grand Teton.
3. What to eat:
If you’re camping, try to bring as much food as possible. The park does have a few general stores, but buying the bulk of your groceries here may be overwhelming and expensive. If you’re staying outside of the park, I would bring along a few meals as well.There isn’t a super great selection of hot food, unless you can live off of hotdogs and cold pretzels. Inside their lodges, they have a few restaurants, so eating one meal in the park could be manageable.
4. Map out your itinerary:
If you only have 24-48 hours, map out your day’s itinerary. I GET IT. Let’s just show up and be flexible. Trust me, I thought that too. I JUST WANNA GO WHERE THE ROAD TAKES ME. If you have a week to spare, go ahead, do that. If not, you need a plan. This isn’t a theme park, everything is spread out. And by spread out I mean MILES apart. Therefore, collect your “must sees” and form an itinerary based on every site’s location. I wasted SO much gas. Don’t be me.
*Click here to download the map.
5. Skip Tower Fall
Skip Tower Fallif you aren’t ready to hike. I arrived here around midday (after been hiking since 6am) and I was not about to use the rest of my energy to walk to the bottom of this thing. I walked to the observer deck and after the hourish drive, I was kind of disappointed.If you’re in town for 24
hours, don’t waste gas on the drive there, it’s pretty out of the way. For 48 hours, decide if this is gonna be your “hiking” site, because going to get a glimpse, isn’t worth it.
Extra tips:
- There is A LOT of construction, especially: Norris to Mammoth and Beartooth Highway. Take this into account when you're mapping your itinerary. For example, I spent roughly three hours in construction up and back from Mammoth Springs. You may have to cut things out of your trip. I almost missed Old Faithful!
- Go at sunrise guys. On a weekday. Like a Monday. To avoid the crowds. By noon, you'll be around swarms of people no matter what day it is.
- Hike to the brink of Lower Falls. This spot is UNBELIEVABLE. Takes like 30-45 minutes down and back. Don't wear sandals like I did lol. Yes, I am an idiot.
- The very first photo in this post is West Thumb Geyser Basin at sunrise. I maybe saw two families when I was there?!? Basically had it all to myself. Wonderful experience. Won't ever forget it. If your itinerary allows, go there first!
- I would definitely download podcasts, movies, and music before you leave your hotel. There are very FEW radio channels and connection when you're in the park. Screenshot directions back to your hotel too, if it is outside of the park. I had to drive around aimlessly to find service to download mine! Learn from my mistake lol.
- I took this trip ALONE and it was one of the best things I've ever done. I felt SO safe here. It was exhilarating. Don't wait around for someone else to come along, GO! :)
Whose ready to go to Yellowstone and NOT BREAK THE BANK? All y'all better be raising your hand. I hope these tips help you plan a crazy fun trip that's REASONABLY priced! :)
*If you have a money-saving tip I didn't mention, DROP IT BELOW! I know I'll be going back.
*What's your favorite Yellowstone site and WHY?
FAQs
Save Money in Yellowstone by Preparing Your Own Food
For the really budget conscious, pack dishes, a camp stove, pans and a picnic blanket before you leave home. Preparing your own meals at Yellowstone's designated picnic areas will save you a ton of money.
What not to miss in Yellowstone National Park? ›
The Best 12 Things to Do in Yellowstone
- Grand Prismatic Spring. A popular attraction, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hydrothermal pool in the United States. ...
- Old Faithful Geyser. ...
- Old Faithful Inn. ...
- Yellowstone Lake. ...
- Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. ...
- Artist Point. ...
- Wildlife Watching at Lamar Valley. ...
- Mammoth Hot Springs.
Whether you're heading to Yellowstone National Park to go hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply to take photographs, it is critical that you carry bear spray (and know how to use it!) The video below shows you the best practices when carrying and using bear spray.
How much do you tip Yellowstone guide? ›
However, we greatly appreciate that the majority of our clients enjoy recognizing the exceptional service our Naturalist Guides provide. As such, it is worth noting that a “standard” gratuity for private one or two day experience is generally 15-20% of the total tour cost.
Is it safe to backpack in Yellowstone? ›
All of Yellowstone is bear country, from the trails in the park's backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy. Give bears space.
What are the big five of Yellowstone? ›
Yellowstone has its own Big Five: the gray wolf, bison, bear, elk, and moose.
What should people look out for at Yellowstone? ›
Visitors to Yellowstone National Park are required to stay at least 25 yards away from bison, elk, and other wildlife, and at least. It's important to respect the animals' space and not to touch, feed, tease, or chase them.
Is Yellowstone bigger than a state? ›
Yellowstone is bigger than two U.S. states.
At 3,472 square miles—over 2.2 million acres—Yellowstone is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. The vast majority of its territory is situated in Wyoming, but it also creeps into neighboring Montana and Idaho.
Why can't you swim at Yellowstone? ›
Swimming is not recommended in Yellowstone, and is occasionally prohibited, because most lakes and streams are dangerously cold. Firehole Canyon, near Madison Junction, has a swimming area in summer.
What is the number one attraction at Yellowstone? ›
Old Faithful is one of the most iconic symbols of Yellowstone and is likely to be at the top of your itinerary. This world-renowned geyser erupts every hour and a half, so make sure you plan accordingly and get a good viewing spot.
It's one of the best places in the world to observe wild bears. Inhabited by both black bears and grizzly bears, Yellowstone is a bear-watcher's paradise. For many people, seeing bears is one of the main reasons they come to Yellowstone. It's possible to see ten or fifteen bears in one day in this vast preserve.
Can you shoot a bear in self defense in Yellowstone? ›
It's illegal to even so much as point a firearm at a wild animal in Yellowstone Park, so bear spray would be the only allowable defense in case of a bear attack. While it's legal to carry firearms both open and concealed in Yellowstone, it's not legal to brandish, aim or shoot them — at animals, people or even targets.
What to do if chased by bear in Yellowstone? ›
Remain calm. Slowly back away from the bear. Say, "It's okay bear, or "I'm leaving bear," to let the bear know you are a human.
How much money should I bring to Yellowstone? ›
You should plan to spend around $147 per day on your vacation in Yellowstone National Park.
What is the most cost effective way to visit Yellowstone National Park? ›
If you're visiting Yellowstone on a budget, camping is a great way to save money. The park offers 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 campsites and fees start as low as $15 per night. Five of Yellowstone's campgrounds can be reserved ahead of time, and the rest are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What is the most affordable way to watch Yellowstone? ›
The cheapest way to watch "Yellowstone" is through a Peaco*ck subscription. A Peaco*ck subscription starts at $4.99.
How do the Duttons save the ranch? ›
In the Duttons' case, they protect their way of life and ranch through the easem*nt, and keep their property whole, as John intends. The family can continue to live there, and the land can be sold or passed on to heirs.
