No. You can't launch, land or operate a drone anywhere in Yellowstone National Park. The National Park Service ban covers Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley and every road, trail and campground in the park. There is no recreational permit.
Why drones are banned in Yellowstone
Since 2014, every national park has prohibited drones under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR 1.5. Yellowstone has more reasons than most to enforce it:
- Wildlife. Bison, elk, wolves and grizzlies are protected, and harassing or disturbing wildlife is a separate violation (36 CFR 2.2). A drone can stress animals or push them toward people and roads.
- Thermal features. Drones have crashed into hot springs, including a well-known 2014 crash into Grand Prismatic Spring. A drone in a thermal pool can't be safely recovered.
- Rescue and fire aircraft. Helicopters work the park for rescues and wildfires. Any drone near them can stop operations.
Penalties
Violating the drone ban is a federal misdemeanor with a maximum of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Rangers can add citations for disturbing wildlife, and they can seize the drone.
Do small drones count?
Yes. Sub-250 g drones like the DJI Mini 5 Pro, Mini 4 Pro and Neo are covered. The NPS rule applies to all uncrewed aircraft, no matter the weight or purpose.
Where you can fly near Yellowstone
Yellowstone is surrounded by national forests: Custer Gallatin, Shoshone, Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton. National forests generally allow recreational drones, with limits:
- No launching or landing in designated wilderness. Several large wilderness areas border the park, so check the boundary on a forest map.
- No flying near wildfires or inside any TFR. Summer fire TFRs are common in the region.
- Respect wildlife. The same animals roam outside the park. Keep your distance and never chase or hover over them.
Gateway towns such as West Yellowstone, Gardiner and Cody are outside the park, but town rules, private property and airport airspace still apply. There's an airport at West Yellowstone, so check LAANC or B4UFLY before any flight there.
Before you fly anywhere in the region
- Pass the TRUST test and carry proof.
- Register your drone if it weighs 250 g or more.
- Check B4UFLY or Aloft for TFRs and park boundaries.
- Stay at or below 400 ft and keep the drone in sight.
Headed to Grand Teton on the same trip? It has the same ban; see can you fly a drone in Grand Teton. For other parks, read our national park drone guide and the NPS page on uncrewed aircraft in national parks.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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