Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom are eager to explore the park’s stunning lakes and waterways. However, to ensure the protection of the park’s delicate ecosystem and the safety of its visitors, the National Park Service has implemented a comprehensive boat permit system. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of Yellowstone National Park’s boat permits, including the types of boats allowed, the permit requirements, and the importance of these regulations.
Types of Boats Allowed in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has a diverse range of lakes and waterways, each with its own set of regulations regarding the types of boats that are permitted. Here’s a breakdown of the allowed vessels:
| Boat Type | Permitted Areas |
|---|---|
| Motorized Boats | Allowed only on Yellowstone Lake and Lewis Lake |
| Non-Motorized Boats | Permitted on all park lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon. This includes canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and float tubes. |
| Float Tubes | Considered non-motorized boats and subject to the same regulations. Allowed in areas open to fishing. |
It’s important to note that certain activities, such as water-skiing, jet skis, and related activities, are strictly prohibited on any of the park’s waters.
Yellowstone National Park Boat Permit Requirements
To ensure the responsible use of the park’s waterways, Yellowstone National Park requires all boaters to obtain a permit before launching their vessels. Here are the key details about the permit system:
Permit Types
- 7-day permits
- Annual permits
Permit Locations
Boat permits can be obtained at the following locations:
– Backcountry Office
– Snake River Ranger Station
– Grant Village Backcountry Office
– Bridge Bay Ranger Station
– Other designated locations
Inspection and Fees
- All boats, including float tubes, must undergo an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection before launching in the park.
- Permit Fees:
- Non-Motorized Vessels: $20 for 10 days, $30 annually
- Motorized Vessels: $40 for 10 days, $60 annually
Safety Considerations for Boating in Yellowstone National Park
Boating in Yellowstone National Park comes with its own set of unique challenges and safety considerations. Visitors should be aware of the following:
Cold Water Temperatures
The park’s lakes are extremely cold, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s Fahrenheit in June to the low 60s Fahrenheit by late summer. Hypothermia is a significant risk for boaters, and proper safety gear and precautions are essential.
Sudden Weather Changes
Yellowstone’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden strong winds that can produce waves up to 5 feet in height. Open-water crossings can be particularly dangerous in these conditions.
Additional Boating Resources in Yellowstone National Park
For those interested in exploring Yellowstone’s waterways, there are several additional resources available:
Dock Slip Rentals
The Bridge Bay Marina offers nightly, monthly, and full-season dock slip rentals for visitors who bring their own boats.
Guided Trips and Rentals
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides boat rentals and guided boat trips on Yellowstone Lake. Other companies also offer guided services for canoeing, kayaking, and motorized boating.
By understanding the Yellowstone National Park boat permit system and the safety considerations, visitors can enjoy the park’s stunning lakes and waterways while helping to protect this natural wonder for generations to come.
References
- Yellowstone National Park – Boating Regulations. (PDF) Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/Yell-Boating-Regs_3-17.pdf
- Dock Slip Rentals – Yellowstone National Park Lodges. Retrieved from https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/adventure/water-adventures/dock-slip-rentals/
- Boat on a Lake – Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/boating.htm
- Yellowstone National Park Boating. Retrieved from https://www.yellowstone.co/boating.htm
- Guided Motorized Boating CUA – Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service). Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/getinvolved/cua-for-guided-motorized-boating.htm