YellowStone Travel

Climate
Unpredictable weather can be experienced during its four full seasons. Summer is the warmest time to visit, thunder and lightning storms can happen at anytime, and there's even a chance of snow in June. Spring and fall are pleasant, albeit a bit cooler, times to visit, with temperatures averaging between the 30s and 60s, with regular accumulations of snow reaching 12 inches in a 24-hour period. Winter can be cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from zero to 20 degrees in the day and sub-zero temperatures at night, and with an annual average of 150 inches of snow in most of the park.

How to pack
Clothing: If you are not planning on doing any real hiking, comfortable walking shoes will suffice on most walks in the park. Wear synthetic layers for the very changeable weather in Yellowstone. Remember this park averages 8000 feet and is generally a cool if not cold place.

Photo Equipment: A wide angle lens helps you bring the foreground into your landscapes, making them more interesting but this is a place you will want the biggest, fastest zoom you can afford.  A tripod is needed for low light situations which you encounter often with wildlife photos. They are also great for cute couple shots.

Camping: This is a great park for camping so bring your tent, mats and warm sleeping bags. The latter will be necessary if coming after summer and in this neck of the woods, that can mean late August!

Restaurant

Generally you'll find burgers and sandwiches at cafeterias and full meals (as well as a kid's menu) at restaurants. There is a good selection of entrées, such as free-range beef and chicken; game meats such as elk, venison, and trout; plus organic vegetables. At the several delis and general stores in the park you can purchase picnic items, snacks, sandwiches, and desserts like fudge and ice cream. Considering you are in one of the most remote outposts of the United States, selection and quality are above average—but expect to pay more as well. Note that reservations are often needed for dinner at the dining rooms during the busy summer season.

Hotels

Park lodgings range from two of the national park system's magnificent old hotels to simple cabins to bland modern motels. Make reservations at least two months in advance for July and August for all park lodgings. Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are the only accommodations open in winter; rates are the same as in summer. Ask about the size of beds, bathrooms, thickness of walls, and room location when you book, especially in the older hotels, where accommodations vary and upgrades are ongoing. Telephones have been put in some rooms, but there are no TVs. All park lodging is no smoking. There are no roll-away beds available.