What can you not do at Yellowstone National Park at night?

Yellowstone National Park, with its vast wilderness and unique geothermal features, transforms into a mysterious and serene place after sunset. But while the park is open 24 hours a day, there are specific rules and restrictions in place for nighttime activities. These regulations are designed to protect both visitors and wildlife, and to preserve the natural environment. If you plan to be in Yellowstone after dark, it's essential to understand what you cannot do at night to ensure your safety and compliance with park regulations.

1. No Hiking on Unmarked Trails or Backcountry After Dark

Yellowstone's vast wilderness is breathtaking, but it becomes dangerous at night. Hiking on unmarked trails or in the backcountry after dark is not recommended and often discouraged by park authorities. With limited visibility, visitors are at greater risk of getting lost or injured, and nighttime wildlife encounters can pose serious threats. Bears, bison, wolves, and other animals are more active during the night, increasing the chances of dangerous confrontations. Additionally, navigating Yellowstone’s rugged terrain in low light can lead to accidents, especially in areas with steep cliffs, thermal features, or dense forests.

2. No Camping Outside Designated Campgrounds or Without a Permit

Camping in Yellowstone is an incredible experience, but there are strict regulations to follow, particularly at night. Visitors are prohibited from setting up camp outside designated campgrounds or without the proper permits. Backcountry camping requires a special permit, and campers must follow specific guidelines to avoid disturbing wildlife and ensuring their safety. Camping near thermal areas is especially dangerous due to the unpredictability of geysers, hot springs, and unstable ground, making unauthorized night camping in these regions strictly forbidden.

3. No Off-Road Driving

Driving off established roads is prohibited at all times in Yellowstone, and this rule is especially important at night. The park’s roads are designed to minimize impact on the environment and provide safe passage for visitors. Driving off-road can damage fragile ecosystems, disturb wildlife, and lead to accidents. At night, with limited visibility, off-road driving becomes even more hazardous. Wildlife frequently cross roads or rest near them, making it easier to accidentally harm animals or cause vehicle collisions.

4. No Use of Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Drones are prohibited throughout Yellowstone National Park, and this restriction applies at night as well. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can disturb wildlife, especially nocturnal animals. Drones can also interfere with the natural sounds of the environment, which many visitors come to Yellowstone to experience. Furthermore, flying drones at night increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, potentially causing damage to park resources or endangering other visitors.

5. No Fires Outside Designated Areas

Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Starting a fire outside of these areas, especially at night, is illegal. Yellowstone’s landscape is highly susceptible to wildfires, particularly in dry seasons, and an unattended fire at night can quickly spread, threatening both human life and wildlife. Visitors should always ensure their fires are completely extinguished before leaving the site.

6. No Disturbing Wildlife

Yellowstone is home to a wide range of wildlife, including species that are more active at night, such as wolves, bears, and nocturnal birds. Park regulations prohibit the disturbance of wildlife at any time, but it is especially important at night when animals are more vulnerable. Flashlights, camera flashes, and loud noises can startle or agitate wildlife, potentially leading to dangerous encounters. Approaching or feeding animals is strictly forbidden and could result in fines or injury. Always maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other animals.

7. No Entering Thermal Areas After Dark

Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. While these natural wonders are fascinating to explore during the day, they are extremely dangerous at night. The park prohibits entering or walking near thermal areas after dark due to the risk of falling into scalding hot waters or breaking through the thin crust that surrounds many geothermal features. Without proper lighting, it is easy to misstep in these areas, leading to severe injuries or even death.

8. No Disturbing the Peace or Excessive Noise

Quiet hours in Yellowstone’s campgrounds and lodges generally begin at 10:00 p.m. and last until 6:00 a.m. Visitors are expected to be considerate of others by keeping noise levels down during these hours. Loud music, shouting, or other disruptive behavior is not allowed. Excessive noise not only disturbs fellow campers but can also frighten wildlife and disrupt their natural behaviors. Nighttime is a peaceful time in the park, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the natural sounds rather than create disturbances.

9. No Flashlight or Headlamp Use Around Wildlife

While it may be necessary to use a flashlight or headlamp at night, visitors are strongly discouraged from shining lights directly at wildlife. Bright lights can disorient animals, especially nocturnal species that rely on low light for navigation. Shining a flashlight in the direction of large mammals like elk, deer, or bison can provoke a defensive reaction. Always be cautious of your surroundings and avoid startling wildlife with sudden lights.

10. No Collecting Natural or Cultural Artifacts

Yellowstone protects its natural resources and cultural heritage with strict rules against collecting any objects from the park. This includes rocks, plants, fossils, and artifacts that might be tempting to take home as souvenirs. These rules apply day and night. The park's ecosystems are delicate, and removing even a small amount of natural material can disrupt habitats and ecosystems. At night, it might be harder to identify where you are or what you’re collecting, so it’s best to refrain from handling or disturbing anything.

Conclusion

Yellowstone’s nighttime rules are built around three main goals: protecting you, protecting wildlife, and protecting the environment. While the night brings an extraordinary sense of peace and wonder to the park—think stargazing, the sound of distant wolves, and the glow of steam rising into the moonlight—it's critical to know what is not allowed.

If you’re planning an evening adventure in Yellowstone, follow all posted regulations, stay in designated areas, keep a low profile, and use good judgment. Respecting the rules ensures that Yellowstone remains a safe and magical place after dark—for you and for future generations.