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Yellowstone National Park
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And that's a wrap! Another peak season has come to an end. Most park roads are now closed to vehicles as we prepare for the upcoming winter season. Interior roads will open to snowmobiles and snowcoaches on Dec. 15! go.nps.gov/YELLseasons
When Yellowstone was established in 1872, the National Park Service did not yet exist (and wouldn't until 1916). The park's first civilian superintendents lacked experience, funds, and a workforce to protect the park from exploitation. Eventually, Company M, First U.S. Cavalry of Ft. Custer, Montana Territory, answered the call to come to Yellowstone in 1886. This started the 30+ years of military protection of Yellowstone National Park.
From the beginnings of Yellowstone to modern day, and all the time in between, we thank those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue to serve in the in a different uniform for the NPS. #VeteransDay
Take a walking tour of the Fort Yellowstone Historic District or check out our virtual tour to learn more: nps.gov/thingstodo/yell-tour…
Photos (from the NPS Historical Archive and Jacob W. Frank):
1. Mounted cavalry drill on Fort Yellowstone's Parade Ground in Mammoth Hot Springs (c. 1910)
2. View of buildings and roads of Fort Yellowstone in Mammoth Hot Springs (c. 1910)
3. NPS rangers speak to visitors at the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs
ALT Historic black and white photo of a large building with a crowd gathered outside and horse riders performing in front of it.
ALT Early 20th-century residential area with rows of uniform houses and large buildings set against rolling hills in the background.
ALT Historic stone visitor center building with a red tile roof under a blue sky and people standing near the entrance.
It's #NationalBisonDay, and we've got some bison facts!
1️⃣ Bison are the largest land mammal in North America
2️⃣ Bison may be big, but they're also fast and can run up to 30 mph!
3️⃣ When a bison's tail hangs down and swishes naturally, the bison is usually calm. If the tail is standing straight up, watch out! It may be ready to charge.
4️⃣ Bison love a good salad and are typically foraging for grasses, weeds, and leafy plants for 9–11 hours a day.
5️⃣ Called wallowing, bison roll in the dirt to deter biting flies and help shed fur.
6️⃣ Yellowstone is the only place in the U.S. where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times.
7️⃣ Bison have been integral to Tribal culture, providing them with food, clothing, fuel, tools, shelter and spiritual value. The InterTribal Buffalo Council, established in 1992, works with the NPS to transfer bison from national park lands to Tribal lands. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
ALT A large bison walking forward through deep snow with snow clinging to its fur and face.
You've likely heard of geysers and hot springs, but what about fumaroles?
Fumaroles (or steam vents) are the hottest hydrothermal features in Yellowstone, with temperatures up to 280 F (138 C)! 🔥 Because they are so hot and contain very little water, the water boils away before reaching the surface. Then, steam and other gases emerge from the feature's vent, sometimes making hissing or whistling sounds.
Roaring Mountain is a wonderful place to enjoy the sights and sounds of fumaroles, especially on cooler days!
👉 Learn more about fumaroles at: go.nps.gov/YELLhydrothermalf…
Photo (NPS / Ashton Hooker): Roaring Mountain on a chilly winter day.
ALT Steamy geothermal vents releasing mist over a frosty, rocky hillside with sparse trees in a cold landscape.
Have you ever wondered how birds stay warm during winter?
Chickadees grow feathers that can keep them up to 100 degrees F warmer than the surrounding air temperature. Waterfowl exhibit counter-current heat exchange in their limbs, which enables them to stand in cold water. Other adaptations include roosting with heads tucked into back feathers to conserve heat and staying active by retrieving food stored during the autumn months.
👉 Learn more at: nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/wi…
Photos (NPS / Jim Peaco & Jacob W. Frank): (1) Mountain chickadee (2) Mallards on Alum Creek
ALT Small chickadee perched on fresh white snow with a blurred winter background.
ALT A partially frozen river winding through a snowy landscape with a flock of ducks swimming near the open water.
Yellowstone National Park retweeted
One of the densest concentrations of geysers in Yellowstone can be found in the remote Shoshone Geyser Basin, on the west side of Shoshone Lake. We visit the area in the latest Yellowstone Volcano Observatory monthly video update.
youtube.com/watch?v=tLzsNOh6…
Shoshone Geyser Basin is one of the most spectacular in all of Yellowstone National Park. Located deep in the backcountry along the west side of Shoshone Lake, the area has one of the densest concentrations of geysers, second only to the Upper Geyser Basin (where Old Faithful is located). There are over 100 geysers in this region and 40 or 50 might be active at any given time. A trail takes you right by Minute Man geyser (always at the ready!), so it is quite easy to watch the frequent eruptions there.
During the month of October 2026, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, which monitors and operates the Yellowstone seismic network, located 66 earthquakes. The largest was a Magnitude 2.0. Throughout 2026, there has been very little change in ground deformation—neither uplift nor subsidence. Steamboat Geyser had minor activity. Echinus Geyser erupted on October 26. Giant Geyser, in Upper Geyser Basin, erupted on October 5, 13, and 22. Yellowstone volcano remains at normal, background levels of activity.
@YellowstoneNPS
When Halloween is over, look for Dracula in a hibernaculum!
A hibernaculum is a place like a cave, den, or burrow, where animals seek shelter for the winter. At least 10 of Yellowstone’s 13 species of bats are winter hibernators. In the greater Yellowstone area, there are few known hibernacula, though researchers have identified some within the park. More surprising is that researchers have documented bat activity in Northern Yellowstone throughout the winter, despite little insect activity, and freezing cold temperatures. #BatWeek
ALT Close-up of a small brown bat resting on weathered wooden planks with its wings folded.
In a place like Yellowstone that has over 400 miles of roads, 1,100 miles of trails, and millions of visitors each year, unexpected things are bound to happen. When people need help, our team of first responders are ready! #NationalFirstRespondersDay
It's pumpkin season! 🎃
If you're looking for some pumpkin-carving inspiration, check out these stencils from our friends at @ynpforever. Carve a bison, geyser, wolf, or bear - or make up your own Yellowstone-themed pumpkin. Be sure to share your creations with us!
👉 View and download more stencils at: yellowstone.org/pumpkin-sten…
Photos (YF / Steve Hickman): Bison stencil and carved pumpkin
ALT Silhouette of a bison designed as a pumpkin carving stencil with carving tips included.
ALT Glowing pumpkin carved with the silhouette of a bison, placed on a stone step at night.
Yellowstone National Park retweeted
Is Giant Geyser back???
▶️ Giant Geyser is the second tallest geyser in Yellowstone National Park (behind only Steamboat Geyser)
▶️ Located not far from Old Faithful in Upper Geyser Basin
▶️ It can go many years between eruptions but then enter a period of frequent eruptions
▶️ The boiling water and steam plume can go up to about 200 feet (60 meters) above it's cone
▶️ Was very active in 2018-2019, but there were only single, isolated eruptions in 2023 and 2025
Giant Geyser sprang to life in summer 2026, with an eruption on June 26, and then settled into a pattern of having eruptions every 1-2 weeks during August, September, and October (most recently on October 13).
Hopefully the geyser continues to put on a show throughout the coming winter and into next summer!
@YellowstoneNPS
While monitoring bat populations this summer, park biologists found the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) on 28 little brown bats from two colonies in the northern area of the park. This was the first detection of Pd in Yellowstone since our bat population monitoring began in 2019 with support from @ynpforever.
Pd is a fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease that has been killing millions of bats across North America. WNS damages bats’ skin and disrupts hibernation, causing bats to wake more frequently and deplete their fat reserves needed to survive winter.
Pd spreads mainly through physical contact between bats or contact with contaminated surfaces in their hibernation sites. Although the fungus does not harm humans, people can spread Pd from their clothing or gear after visiting affected caves. Park visitors can help Yellowstone bat populations by reporting any odd bat behavior to a park ranger and avoiding direct contact with bats since they can also carry diseases like rabies.
Though rarely seen, bats play an important role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds.
👉 Learn more about bat monitoring in Yellowstone at: go.nps.gov/YELLbats
Photos (NPS): (1) A bat sleeping on a building overhang in the park; (2) Damage to a bat tail membrane, which is characteristic of the WNS disease.
ALT Close-up of a small brown bat resting on a rocky surface with its wings folded.
ALT Close-up of a gloved hand gently holding a translucent bat wing showing fine veins and delicate structure under blue light. On the tail membrane is a small hole/damage, characteristic of the WNS disease.
(News Release) Most Yellowstone National Park roads and entrances close Nov. 1 for winter season. Oct. 31 is final day for visitors to drive most park roads. Read more at: go.nps.gov/26026
ALT Snow-covered entrance sign for Yellowstone National Park with mountains and a colorful sunset sky in the background.
The National Park Service, together with its official nonprofit and philanthropic partner, @ynpforever, and @Blackstone Infrastructure portfolio company Tallgrass, announces the establishment of a $105 million Conservation and Stewardship Fund, creating a permanent source of support for the long-term stewardship of the world’s first national park. This is the largest single private gift in National Park Service history.
The fund will direct resources toward three priorities essential to Yellowstone’s long-term stewardship: advancing conservation and research to extend the reach and impact of the park’s scientific work; enhancing access and visitor experience through investments in infrastructure; and expanding opportunities for Wyoming students and community members to experience Yellowstone.
This latter effort will include the establishment of the Tallgrass WYld Yellowstone Initiative, named for the long-time Wyoming energy infrastructure operator with more than a decade of operations in the Cowboy State.
The National Park Service will retain full authority over park management decisions, and projects supported through the fund will be consistent with applicable laws, policies and park priorities.
Photo credit: Blackstone
ALT Officials seated at a table outdoors with Yellowstone's Old Faithful geyser erupting in the background during a formal event.
Yellowstone National Park retweeted
A two-fer! This morning visitors were treated to Beehive Geyser and Lion Geyser erupting at the same time.
Help us welcome our new acting superintendent, Barclay Trimble, and deputy superintendent, Kristen Kosick!
👉 Learn more about our new leadership team at: nps.gov/yell/learn/managemen…
ALT Smiling male park ranger in uniform and a wide-brimmed ranger hat standing outside a historic stone building.
ALT Smiling female National Park Service ranger wearing a wide-brimmed ranger hat and uniform with a badge and patch on her sleeve.
Yellowstone National Park retweeted
We finished up another successful season at the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center having hosted 33 presenters from 19 associated Tribes of Yellowstone. Thank you to all presenters, partners, and visitors who stopped by this year! #IndigenousPeoplesDay youtu.be/tJGJOQbayzE
Yellowstone National Park retweeted
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stops the engineers who service Yellowstone’s monitoring networks. Today's Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles follows field engineers in the varied forms of transportation they use to reach stations in every corner of the park!
usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/n…
📷1: EarthScope intern Lexi Kenis (left) and field engineer Lia Lajoie (right) hike through Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park on their way to GPS Station HVWY. Photo by Brendan Hodge, EarthScope Consortium, September 2025.
📷2: Brendan Hodge, Field Engineer with EarthScope Consortium, cross-country skiing from the “oversnow” road to arrive at the Madison Junction GPS monitoring station (P711). All necessary tools and parts used for repairs and upgrades are carried on his back. Photo by Lia Lajoie, EarthScope Consortium, winter 2025.
📷3: Helicopter landing near GPS site WLWY to deliver personnel and equipment to repair the station’s damaged antenna cable. Photo by Lia Lajoie, EarthScope Consortium, September 2025.
📷4: Horses carried batteries to the Slough Creek GPS station (P720) in their saddle bags. The GPS station itself is shown in the left foreground, including the box that houses the receiver and solar panel mounted up against it. Photo by Brendan Hodge, EarthScope Consortium, 2025.
@YellowstoneNPS
ALT Two hikers with backpacks and trekking poles walk through a vast grassy field under a cloudy sky.
ALT A lone skier trekking through a snowy landscape with pine trees under a cloudy sky.
ALT Red and white helicopter flying low above a forest clearing with tall pine trees under a partly cloudy blue sky.
ALT A person leading a group of pack horses through a sunlit forest clearing with rocky outcroppings.
It's that time of year! The forecast calls for a chance of snow over the next couple of days. Although most park roads don't close for the season until Nov. 1, temporary road closures can occur due to hazardous driving conditions. Always check the current status of park roads before you venture to the park:
✅ View our live road status map at: go.nps.gov/YELLroads,
✅ Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded road information, or
✅ Sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting 82190 to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
Photo (NPS / Jacob W. Frank): Grand Loop Road through Golden Gate at sunset.
ALT Winding road curves through rocky cliffs and dense pine forests under a dramatic sunset sky.
Yellowstone National Park retweeted
🌳 Do you dream of working in the first national park?
Come join @yellowstonenps’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) staff as a YCC Director, Park Ranger, or Recreation Ranger.
View all positions at nps.usajobs.gov
📸 NPS
#FindYourPark #YouthConservationCorps #NPSYouth
ALT Two workers wearing yellow hard hats and beige uniforms share a high-five while handling a large, sharp saw blade outdoors in a wooded area with fallen logs and green grass.
ALT Five people wearing yellow safety helmets and work uniforms are collaboratively lifting a large brown metal box in a forested campsite area near a fire pit and grill.
ALT Two workers wearing yellow hard hats and outdoor gear work on a wooden boardwalk near a steaming geothermal hot spring surrounded by forest, handling safety barriers and equipment.
ALT Two workers wearing yellow hard hats, gloves, and face masks mix concrete in a blue wheelbarrow outdoors in a forested area.
Heads up! The Beartooth Highway (US-212) between Red Lodge and Cooke City/Silver Gate, MT will temporarily close starting at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 in preparation for winter weather and anticipated hazardous driving conditions.
The weather forecast calls for ice and snow this Saturday through Monday. Depending on conditions, the Beartooth Highway may not reopen until next spring (the highway is scheduled to close Monday, Oct. 12 for the season).
👉 Before you venture that way, be sure to check for road status and updates on both the Montana (511mt.net/) and Wyoming (map.wyoroad.info/511-map/) departments of transportation websites.
Photo (NPS / Jacob W. Frank): Spring snow plowing operations on Beartooth Highway (US-212).
ALT Yellow snow grooming machines smoothing a snowy mountain slope with rugged peaks in the background under a cloudy sky.