Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States, is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. While the park’s entrance fees can add up, there are several opportunities throughout the year when you can visit Yellowstone for free. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the free entrance days, the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, and other options to help you plan your Yellowstone adventure without breaking the bank.
Yellowstone National Park Free Entrance Days in 2024
Yellowstone National Park offers free admission on specific days throughout the year. Here are the free entrance days in 2024:
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| January 15 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| April 20 | First day of National Park Week |
| June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| August 4 | Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act |
| September 28 | National Public Lands Day |
| November 11 | Veterans Day |
Mark these dates on your calendar and plan your Yellowstone visit accordingly to take advantage of the free admission days.
America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
If you’re an avid national park enthusiast, the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass might be the perfect option for you. This pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that normally charge an entrance fee, such as Yellowstone.
The pass costs $80 and is valid for one year from the month of purchase. This means that if you plan to visit Yellowstone and other national parks throughout the year, the pass can save you a significant amount of money compared to paying the individual entrance fees.
Other Options for Free Admission to Yellowstone National Park
In addition to the free entrance days and the America the Beautiful pass, there are a few other ways to enjoy Yellowstone National Park for free:
- Active Military: Active military members and their dependents receive free annual parks passes with a military ID.
- Fourth Graders: Families with a fourth grader can get a free pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program.
- Seniors and Disabled Citizens: Seniors (62 and older) and citizens with a permanent disability can get a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass.
Standard Entrance Fees for Yellowstone National Park
If you don’t have any of the free or discounted options, the standard entrance fees for Yellowstone National Park are as follows:
- Private Vehicle: $35 for a 7-day pass
- Motorcycle/Snowmobile: $30 for a 7-day pass
- Pedestrian/Bicycle: $20 for a 7-day pass
- Annual Pass: $70 for a year
Where to Get a National Park Pass
You can purchase your national park pass in several ways:
- Entrance Gates: You can buy passes at the park entrance gates.
- Online: You can purchase passes online at recreation.gov or usgs.gov.
- Participating Retailers: You can also buy passes at participating retailers like REI.
Important Considerations
- Grand Teton National Park: If you plan to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, consider purchasing an Interagency annual pass, as each park charges separate entrance fees.
- Other Fees: While entrance fees are waived on free admission days, other fees such as timed entry or reservation fees may still apply.
Yellowstone National Park is a true gem of the United States, and with the help of free entrance days, the America the Beautiful pass, and other discounts, you can explore this magnificent park without breaking the bank. Plan your Yellowstone adventure today and take advantage of these money-saving opportunities.
References:
- National Park Service. (2024). Free Entrance Days in the National Parks. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm
- National Park Service. (2024). Fees & Passes – Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fees.htm
- Yellowstone Park. (2021). Entrance Fees and Where to Get Your Park Pass for Yellowstone. Retrieved from https://www.yellowstonepark.com/park/faqs/fees/.