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Recreate Responsibly

Do Your Part to Recreate Responsibly

Recreate Responsibly

Here in Yellowstone Country, we're committed to keeping Montana's outdoor spaces, communities, residents and visitors safe. As you explore all that our region has to offer, please join us in following these guidelines for responsible recreation.

It's time to get back to adventure. We're just asking you to Recreate Responsibly. To learn more about responsible recreation in Montana, go to visitmt.com/montana-matters or recreateresponsibly.org.

Do Your Part to Recreate Responsibly

Here in Yellowstone Country, we're committed to keeping Montana's outdoor spaces, communities, residents and visitors safe. As you explore all that our region has to offer, please join us in following these guidelines for responsible recreation. It's time to get back to adventure.

Know Before You Go

Before arriving, check the status of the place you'd like to visit. It's good to have a backup plan if your destination is closed or crowded. You can also check in with lodging, attractions and tour companies you may have reservations with in order to see if they have any specific guidelines or recommendations you can follow. If you're concerned about large crowds, consider adjusting the time of day you plan to explore—arriving early can often mean shorter lines and reduced crowds for a more enjoyable experience!

Practice Physical Distancing

Indoors or outdoors, be prepared to encounter others with different social distancing comfort levels. Give people (and wildlife!) as much space as possible. On trails, move over to let stock (horses and mules) pass, yield to other hikers and be respectful of other users. If you know you'll be in an area with other people, have a mask on hand. Keep your group small and if you are sick (have a cough, cold, fever, etc.) or have been in contact with individuals who have been sick, stay home and plan to visit when you're feeling better. Lucky for us, there's plenty of fresh air and room to breathe in Yellowstone Country, so getting some extra distance is a breeze.

Plan Ahead

Check on local regulations for the latest safety measures before visiting Yellowstone Country. Some facilities might be closed, so consider packing a lunch and bring essentials like extra water, food/snacks, bug spray and a first aid kit. Both weather and terrain can change quickly, so we recommend packing clothing layers to add or remove as weather changes. The more you plan ahead, the better the adventure.

Play It Safe

Have fun, but know your limits. Take it slow and choose lower-risk activities to stay safe and reduce the strain on search and rescue operations and health care resources. Remember that Yellowstone Country is home to bears, mountain goats, mountain lions, elk, deer and more. If you plan to spend time outside, be prepared to have an encounter with our abundant wildlife and appreciate them from a safe distance. Give wildlife their space, do not approach them and do not feed them. If you plan to hike, be sure to go with a friend, make noise on the trail (talking or clapping), carry bear spray and know how to use it. Wildlife sightings are an incredible experience to have in our region as long as you play it safe.

Explore Locally

Yellowstone Country is full of local parks, trails and public spaces. Enjoy these outdoor amenities while being mindful of your impact on our surrounding communities. Checking in with local Chambers or Visitor Information Centers is a great way to find travel guides and maps, and get local suggestions for things to do, places to go and insider travel tips.

Leave No Trace

Our region is rich with vast landscapes and virtually untouched nature, and we want to keep it that way for generations to come. Always pack your garbage out with you and clean up properly. When recreating on public lands, be sure to take care of them by staying on trails. If you plan to camp while you're here, be sure to do so in an existing campsite or pick a site where vegetation is absent. It's important to respect public lands and waters, as well as Native and local communities.

Build an Inclusive Outdoors

Yellowstone Country's breathtaking outdoor landscapes are here for all who wish to enjoy, explore and respect them. Do your part to help make our outdoor spaces safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

Recreate Responsibly infographic: Know Before You Go - Practice Physical Distancing
Recreate Responsibly
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