Off-road vehicles are prohibited in Yellowstone and most national parks. In spite of these restrictions, it is easy to get off-the-beaten track into the backcountry. My favorite is on foot… you'll quickly escape the crowds of the frontcountry a mere one or two miles off the loop road. The hike to Slough Creek in Tower country has breathtaking landscapes, lots of opportunities to see wildlife and great flyfishing. For more hikes, check out

 If you are eager to cover more ground and want to spend an extended period in the backcountry, consider taking a guided stock trip. Guided stock trips into the backcountry (on horse or llama) may be arranged with one of the stock outfitters licensed to operate in Yellowstone (see http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/stockbusn.htm).

You may also bring private stock into the park. PLease note that overnight stock use is not permitted prior to July 1, due to range readiness and/or wet trail conditions. Horses are not allowed in frontcountry campgrounds, but are permitted in certain backcountry campsites.

For information on planning a backcountry trip with stock please see the online Backcountry trip planner (available at http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountrytripplanner.htm) or call the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160.