MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Next week on August 21, a partial solar eclipse will turn day to night for a few short minutes. If you plan to visit the park before, during, and after the eclipse, develop a plan, and keep the following facts in mind.
Yellowstone National Park is not in the path of totality, but Grand Teton National Park is. Yellowstone does not recommend traveling in or out of the South Entrance on August 21. That entrance borders Grand Teton National Park where the center-line of the solar eclipse will pass. August 21 is anticipated to be the busiest day in the history of Grand Teton National Park.
Roads, Parking, and Facilities
Check road conditions online and by phone at (307) 344-2117 before and during your visit.
Do not block emergency vehicles or traffic flow. Yellowstone will ticket or tow vehicles that obstruct traffic.
Do not park on roadsides.
Park only in designated pullouts and parking lots.
Watch for park staff at popular attractions, entrances and congested road junctions who will provide visitor information and manage traffic.
Expect temporary entrance or road closures if the park experiences gridlock.
Access restrooms at all visitor centers and most picnic areas.
Bring plenty of food and water for everyone in your group for the entire day. Make sure your vehicle is filled with fuel.
Camp only in designated campsites.
Yellowstone National Park will not waive entrance fees on August 21, 2017.
Communication
Expect limited cellular voice and data service due to high demand.
Read electronic information signs along park roadways for traffic information.
Get information at visitor centers and entrance stations, as well as on our website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Emergency
Find a ranger or call 911 if you experience an emergency. All emergency requests will be prioritized and responded to as quickly as is feasible.
Anticipate long emergency services response times due to eclipse-related traffic congestion.
Expect an increased law enforcement and emergency services presence before, during, and after the eclipse.
Green & Clean
Consider packing out your recyclables and trash on eclipse day.
Discard trash and recyclables in bear-resistant trash and recycle containers if you leave them in the park.
Keep the air clean. Do not idle your car.
Get required Aquatic Invasive Species inspection and appropriate permits if you intend to watch the eclipse on park waters.
Safety
Bring appropriate eclipse viewing glasses (available in park general stores and bookstores) and solar filters for cameras, binoculars, or telescopes.
Supervise young children carefully.
Build campfires in designated fire rings only. Campfires must be extinguished and cold to the touch after use. Fire danger in Yellowstone is currently high.
The next solar eclipse visible from the continental United States will be April 8, 2024.
