Phone reception / Internet

Phone reception in Yellowstone is limited throughout most of the park, so it’s important to make sure you have any essential information saved on your phone before you enter. This includes things like driving directions, trail maps, campground reservations, weather forecasts, and any alerts from the National Park Service.

While the lack of reliable signal can be a welcome chance to disconnect and enjoy the scenery, it also means you may not be able to access online maps, live trail conditions, road closures, or park updates once you’re inside. Many of Yellowstone’s most popular areas — including valleys, canyons, geothermal basins, and backcountry trails — have little to no coverage.

To prepare, consider downloading offline maps, saving key information in screenshot form, and using the official Yellowstone or NPS app’s offline features. This ensures you stay informed and safe even when your phone can’t connect.

National Parks Services app and website also provides details on cell service with a printable or downloadable guide (PDF) with service maps showing where cell coverage is more likely.