What should I pack to get ready for Yellowstone?

Question

On Wednesday 6/13, I am going to Yellowstone National Park with my family for ONE FULL WEEK. I heard that the park is full of sulfur. How do I prepare for that? Also, I heard that it is really hot during the day and really cold at night? If anyone has any tips or suggestions for a 13-year-old girl on her way to Yellowstone for ONE WEEK, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

Oh yeah, I forgot. We are going with a tour group. The company set up all our hotels, dinners, hikes, etc. So we are NOT "roughing it" with tents and stuff like that.

I also forgot to add that I am not looking for a list of different bug repellents and things like that. I am looking for what kind of clothes to bring or nose plugs for the sulfur. Please try to suggest things that people have around their houses so that I don't have a long shopping list to complain to my mother about. Thank you!

And please, I know enough to bring cameras and camcorders, etc. Do you think that it's a good idea to bring my Macbook Pro?

Answer 1

Don't forget to pack your camera and bear repellent.

Answer 2

Our family spent a week in Yellowstone-if you enjoy nature you are in for a wonderful week! I am not sure what you were told about the sulfur, but I think someone made it into much more than it is. While it does not smell good, I can't imagine anyone needing nose clips or anything like that. I would say the most important thing are GOOD HIKING SHOES that you break in before hand. The only way to really see the sights is to walk -and you will do a lot of walking. As far as the weather goes, take something for every condition. We travelled there in September and had everything from temperatures in the high 90's to enough snow to close the roads for a morning and everything in between. Another important thing will be some sort of WATER CARRIER. There are all sorts of things on the market that don't cost a lot, but will insulate a water bottle. Make sure the strap is long enough to go across your body - if you put it over one shoulder like a purse, you'll spend all of your time pushing it back up. Lastly, FOLLOW THE RULES REGARDING ANIMALS. It is amazing to walk by a herd of bison, but don't think that the rangers are just trying to scare you with their talk of danger. These really are wild animals and will harm you if you get into their area.
I am a mom of three girls- 12, 8, and 5 yrs. We spend a lot of time hiking and camping and have visited many National Parks. With the exception of Arches National Park, Yellowstone was our favorite.
Have a wonderful week-and don't worry about the smells! :)

Answer 3

I have been to yellowstone many times. First of all you want to wear clothes that are warm for the evenings and nights as it gets cool, but not necessarily cold. You need to have long sleeves, especially if you plan to hike or be outdoors. The long pants and sleeves will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes, and from brush and bushes on the trails. You need good walking shoes; sneakers will do, you don't need to get hiking boots unless you want. Most trails and paths to attractions have gravel but some have decking.

You don't need to worry about the sulfur smell as its not that bad and only on that part of the park that's called the geyser basin. That's the part of the park where Old Faithful and the thermal pools are located (the southwest side of the park).

Be sure to stay on the marked paths and stay away from the animals as they are wild and will hurt you if they take a mind to. You will see bison, maybe moose, elk, and if you are lucky a bear or two.

After dark there is little or nothing to do so take your music player and maybe a video game if you have it. It gets really dark at night so take a flashlight and extra batteries.