Yellowstone Insider Your Complete Guide to America's First National Park
Thinking about some Yellowstone backcountry riding this summer? The Park is returning the free day-ride permits program, designed for individuals who take stock on park trails without an overnight stay.
Launched in 2017, the free permit system helps park managers understand where, when, and how many stock users visit the park. Rangers may ask to see people’s permits during rides on trails. Stock users can obtain their free permits on the park’s website, by calling the central backcountry office at (307) 344-2160, or at any of Yellowstone’s backcountry offices. Yellowstone’s stock packing regulations remain in effect:
- Overnight stock use is not allowed until July 1. Check the backcountry situation report to see what trails are open for day use.
- Stock users who plan overnight trips must obtain a backcountry permit.
- Stock users must possess certification of a negative Coggins Test performed within the last 12 months for all equine stock entering Yellowstone.
Yellowstone is not limiting the number of individual stock users on trails.
Image from the Yellowstone photo archives: Visitor with horses enjoying the meadows of Astringent Creek; RG Johnsson; 1965.
