Packing for Yellowstone in Spring (List + Mistakes to Avoid)

ByDarcy Vierow Updated:

Discover what to pack for Yellowstone in spring to ensure you’re comfortable during a season of unpredictable weather and enjoy your visit completely. In this article, I provide a comprehensive packing list, including clothing and gear, to make your Yellowstone adventure unforgettable.

Key takeaways

  • Pack versatile layers such as long and short-sleeved shirts, hiking pants, a waterproof jacket, and warm accessories like gloves and a beanie.
  • Bring waterproof hiking shoes, a daypack, bear spray, binoculars or a spotting scope for wildlife, and basic first-aid items.
  • Avoid these mistakes: 1) overpacking, 2) underestimating the weather variability, and 3) failing to pack for wildlife viewing.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclaimer.

How I’ve approached this topic for this article

This article is based on my experience packing for a spring trip to Yellowstone National Park.

  1. We spent four days in Yellowstone during a two-week road trip. We began our road trip in Denver, passed through western South Dakota and Wyoming. Our trip included a visit to Grand Teton National Park, before finally arriving in Yellowstone.
  2. We flew to Denver from Charlotte, North Carolina, with carry-on luggage only. I did not check my luggage. Everything for our two-week road trip had to fit into a backpack (which I used as my personal item) and my small rolling carry-on suitcase.
  3. My goal for packing for this trip was to keep it as light as possible while also making sure I had everything I needed for two weeks on the road as far as clothing and toiletries.
  4. In this article, I’ll list the essential items that I think every traveler should pack for Yellowstone. Then, I’ll cover the most common Yellowstone packing mistakes to avoid. At the end of this article, I include my actual packing list from this trip.

Tip: use an editable digital packing list so that you can easily make changes to your packing list and duplicate lists for future trips.

Man with white hair walking on a wooden boardwalk at the edge of a lake. He is wearing hiking shoes, trekking pants, and a warm hooded sweatshirt.
Pack warm layers for spring in Yellowstone National Park. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.

Overview of packing essentials for Yellowstone in spring

Remember that Yellowstone National Park is at a high elevation. Spring comes late there, and the weather can be unpredictable.

  • Clothing: Layer up with a couple of long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, hiking pants (with sun protection and a roll-up or zip-off option), baselayer bottoms, a waterproof/windproof jacket, warm gloves, and a knit beanie.
  • Footwear: Choose waterproof hiking shoes or boots, warm moisture-wicking socks, and one additional pair of shoes (optional) suitable for whatever other activities you have planned.
  • Gear: A daypack, reusable water bottle, camera/smartphone, portable charger, and binoculars 
  • Suggestions for safety and first aid:
    • A few basic first-aid items
    • Bug spray
    • Sunscreen
    • Paper maps (cell service in Yellowstone is extremely limited to nonexistent)
    • Personal medication
    • Bear spray (you cannot fly with bear spray)

I recommend that people traveling to Yellowstone download the GuideAlong app and purchase the Yellowstone audio tour.

Woman standing on a bridge at the edge of a lake. She is wearing hiking shoes, hiking pants, and a 3-in-1 coat with a waterproof outer layer and a hood. The inner layer of the coat is pink fleece.
Variable weather in spring at Yellowstone means you may need a warm coat even at the end of May. Photo: David Vierow.

Mistake #1: Overpacking

One common mistake when packing for Yellowstone in the spring is overpacking since Yellowstone’s weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and lightweight gear, and stick to the essentials to avoid problems.

Consider leaving these items at home

  • Extra clothing: Pack versatile clothes like a 3-in-1 coat and roll-up or zip-off pants that can be used as shorts or long pants. Versatile clothing saves space and provides more outfit options.
  • Bulky winter gear: While it’s important to bring layers for warmth, you likely won’t need really heavy gear like a heavy winter coat or snow boots. Opt for lightweight jackets that feature performance materials and fleece instead. I love the Columbia Bugaboo II fleece interchange coat because it functions as three coats in one.
  • Large umbrellas: A small collapsible travel umbrella should be sufficient in case of rain. Or do what I do and leave the umbrella at home and pack only a waterproof jacket with a good hood to keep you dry.
Woman standing on a wooden boardwalk with railings. She is wearing jogger-style hiking pants, hiking shoes, a short-sleeve T-shirt over a long-sleeve base layer and a day hiking backpack.
A long-sleeve base layer is handy when the day is a little cooler than expected but you don’t want to wear a jacket. Photo: David Vierow

Mistake #2: Ignoring weather variability

Yellowstone’s spring weather in spring can change quickly, from near-freezing and wet one day to sunny and up to 70 degrees the next. To be well-prepared, it’s essential to account for these changing conditions in your packing list.

Packing some insulating base layers for both your top and bottom. These will help keep you warm even if the weather takes a surprising turn or if you’re out after sunset. I stayed warm in the windy, post-sunset conditions by wearing baselayer bottoms under my hiking pants.

In addition to warm clothing, make sure to bring lightweight, breathable, waterproof rain gear. This should include a rain jacket with a hood.

To keep your feet dry and comfortable, I highly recommend waterproof hiking shoes or boots be the “main shoes” you pack for this trip.

Lastly, consider a waterproof backpack cover or a dry bag to protect your belongings from getting wet during rainstorms especially if a lot of rain is in the forecast during your trip.

Mistake #3: Not preparing for wildlife viewing

Yellowstone National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. It is important to be prepared. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your experience.

  1. Bring or rent a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope to help you spot distant animals. Wolves slinking through the sagebrush in Hayden Valley can be difficult to spot with the naked eye.
  2. Photography enthusiasts, bring your favorite telephoto or zoom lens and consider packing extra batteries and memory cards. 
  3. Since Yellowstone is home to many bears, carry bear spray for safety and learn how to use it. Please note that you cannot fly with bear spray period. Plan to buy one can per adult when you arrive. It’s readily available at shops in and around Yellowstone.
White-haired man holding a DSLR camera and focusing the lens. He is standing at a wooden railing at the edge of some river rapids.
Make sure to pack your photography gear for Yellowstone National Park. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.

Things you may want to purchase after you arrive

If you are flying to Yellowstone, there are some things you will need to hold off on purchasing until after you arrive. And there are some things that you may just want to wait to buy for convenience.

  1. Styrofoam cooler (we grabbed one for less than $5 at Walmart) to keep your food cool on the road.
  2. Snacks, drinks, and picnic lunch items. Yellowstone travel tip: Don’t interrupt your day of exploring to go off in search of food in Yellowstone. Bring your lunch and snacks with you.
  3. Bear spray (since you can’t fly with it). And learn how to use it.
  4. Sunscreen
  5. Insect repellant

My actual packing list for Yellowstone in spring

A few notes about this packing list:

  • This packing list was for a two-week road trip that included four days in Yellowstone National Park. You may need fewer items for a shorter trip, to just Yellowstone.
  • Even with being outdoors essentially all day every day, I managed to get through our trip only having to do one load of laundry plus two small sinks full of handwashing (hence the Tide sink packs).
  • ​For my personal item on the plane, I used my Osprey Daylite Plus backpack. This is a great backpack that works well for both hiking and general travel. There’s a slim pocket inside that fits my laptop perfectly.
  • A few of these items were packed by my husband who accompanied me on this trip. Those are noted with an asterisk.

For more help with packing light, check these out:

A medium blue Osprey Daylite Plus backpack setting on top of a small, black rolling carry-on suitcase. There is a plastic, re-usable water bottle in one of the backpack outer pockets.
Everything packed and ready for our road trip that ended at Yellowstone National Park. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.

What I wore on our flight

  • Jeans
  • Short-sleeve T-Shirt
  • Lightweight cardigan sweater
  • Columbia Bugaboo II fleece interchange jacket
  • Keen hiking shoes
  • Wool socks

Here’s what was in my backpack/personal item

  • Wristlet wallet
  • Prescription medications
  • Laptop and charger
  • Spill-proof re-useable water bottle
  • Printed copies of all reservation confirmations
  • Bluetooth earbuds w/ charging cable
  • Phone and charger
  • Portable charger
  • Small paper notebook
  • Pen and pencil
  • TSA 3-1-1 liquids bag (see detail below)
  • Snacks
  • Wet wipes
  • Tissue travel packs

Here’s what I packed in my rolling carry-on suitcase

  • 3 tank tops
  • 3 pairs hiking pants (2 that roll up to capri length)
  • 2 base layer bottoms
  • 2 long sleeve base layer tops
  • Sweatshirt
  • 2 sets pajamas
  • Joggers
  • 4 pairs of Merino wool hiking socks
  • 4 pairs of athletic footie socks
  • Dietary supplements
  • Hairbrush
  • 1 pack of Olay 5-in-1 daily facial cloths
  • Facial cotton rounds
  • 2 long sleeve T-shirts
  • 3 short sleeve T-shirts
  • 5 pairs underpants
  • 2 bras
  • Knit beanie
  • Gloves (did not wear these even once, but I was glad I had them)
  • Other toiletries/personal care items (see detail below)
  • Flip-flops (used as shower shoes)
  • Rand McNally Road Atlas*
  • Re-sealable plastic storage bags in a variety of sizes

TSA liquids bag

  • Travel-size toothpaste
  • Concealer
  • Travel-size sunscreen (SPF 70)
  • Night cream
  • Daytime moisturizer (SPF 35)
  • Toner
  • Lip balm
  • Travel-size hair care products
  • Tide sink packs
  • Antibiotic ointment*

Other toiletries/personal care items

  • Compact makeup mirror
  • Dental floss
  • Toothbrush
  • Travel-size stick deodorant
  • Disposable razor
  • Emery board
  • Tweezers
  • Eyebrow pencil/gel
  • Eyeliner
  • Mascara
  • Loose setting powder
  • Powder brush
  • Elastic headband
  • Hair claw
  • A few adhesive bandages in various sizes*

More help with planning your trip to Yellowstone

Pin this post!

Pinterest image that includes two photos. The first is of a Yellowstone National Park sign, the second is of a woman in hiking attire standing on a wooden boardwalk trail amid many geothermal features. The text overlay says "What to pack for Yellowstone. List for spring and mistakes to avoid."

Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow.