What to pack for Old Faithful Inn and Yellowstone
Pack layered clothing for variable mountain weather, sturdy walking shoes for geyser basin boardwalks, and basic toiletries — note that guest rooms at Old Faithful Inn intentionally lack TVs, air conditioning, and Wi‑Fi. Also bring charged devices (cell service is limited), a refillable water bottle, and any medicines or paperwork you need; reserve dinner in the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room ahead if you want an evening table.
In this guide
Clothing and layering
Yellowstone weather changes quickly: mornings can be cool and afternoons warm in summer, while spring and fall can include snow and wind. Pack layers you can add or remove.
Choose fabrics that dry quickly and work for both hiking and casual dining in the Dining Room or Bear Pit Lounge.
- Light fleece or insulated midlayer
- Light waterproof shell or rain jacket
- Short- and long-sleeve shirts
- Hiking pants and a casual outfit for dinner
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Layered tops | Adjust to sun, wind, or sudden showers |
| Waterproof jacket | Afternoon storms and geyser-spray areas |
| Warm hat & gloves (spring/fall) | Cool mornings or sudden cold snaps |
Footwear and outdoor gear
You’ll be walking boardwalks and trails near geothermal features; closed-toe shoes with good traction are safest. Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners are recommended.
Bring a daypack for water, snacks, camera, and a lightweight rain layer. If you plan longer hikes or cycling, include appropriate footwear and a small first-aid kit.
- Sturdy walking/hiking shoes
- Socks (wool or synthetic)
- Daypack with water and snacks
- Sunglasses and sunhat
| Optional | When useful |
|---|---|
| Trekking poles | Long hikes or uneven trails |
| Binoculars | Wildlife viewing in meadows |
| Reusable water bottle | No in-room bottled water guaranteed |
Room expectations and toiletries
Rooms at Old Faithful Inn are intentionally 'unplugged': guest rooms have no televisions, radios, air conditioning, or in-room internet. Cell service is limited. Bring chargers and any entertainment you need.
Some historic Old House rooms have shared bathrooms. If you need a private bath or a specific layout, confirm your room type when booking. Room types include Junior Suite / East Wing; Deluxe Geyser Basin View Hotel Room 2 Queen / East Wing; Deluxe Geyser Basin View Hotel Room 1 Queen / East Wing; Deluxe Hotel Room 2 Queen / East Wing; Deluxe Hotel Room 1 Queen / East Wing; Standard Hotel Room 1 Queen / West Wing; Standard Hotel Room 2 Queen / West Wing; Deluxe Hotel Room / West Wing; and Basic Room, Shared Bathroom.
- Travel-sized toiletries (hotel-provided items vary)
- Extra phone power bank and charging cables
- Small bedside lamp or reading light if you prefer more light
| If you need | Do this |
|---|---|
| Private bathroom | Request/confirm room type at booking |
| Air conditioning | Not available — plan layers for sleeping |
| Elevator access | Most rooms accessible; first floor West Wing has limited access |
Dining, reservations, and snacks
The Old Faithful Inn Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner requires reservations and in-park overnight guests can book up to 60 days before arrival. Bear Paw Deli and Old Faithful Inn Espresso offer quicker options near the lobby.
Because the property doesn’t include an all-inclusive meal plan, bring snacks if you have picky eaters or will be out for long days. The Bear Paw Deli provides grab-and-go sandwiches and snacks.
- Dinner reservation confirmation or plan to book early
- Credit card for meals (property accepts cards)
- Nonperishable snacks for hikes and geyser viewing
| Dining spot | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Old Faithful Inn Dining Room | Full-service meals; dinner by reservation |
| Bear Paw Deli | Quick sandwiches, snacks, coffee |
| Old Faithful Inn Espresso (2nd Floor) | Coffee and espresso drinks |
Documents, payments, and practical notes
Bring your reservation confirmation, a credit card for the required deposit, and ID (check-in minimum age is 21). The property charges a deposit equal to one night at booking and accepts credit cards.
Free self-parking is available in the main lot near the lobby, but the lot is shared with visitors to the geyser and can fill; you may need to park slightly farther away on busy days.
- Reservation confirmation and photo ID
- Credit card used to guarantee reservation
- Printed or offline map if you rely on directions (cell service limited)
| Need | Tip |
|---|---|
| Early dinner booking | Book up to 60 days before arrival for dinner |
| Deposit | One-night charge taken at time of booking |
| Parking | Expect to use the main lot; it may be crowded |
Family travel and pet rules
Old Faithful Inn welcomes children of all ages and is family-friendly. If traveling with extra people, note rates cover up to two adults; an additional fee applies per person aged 12 and older.
Pets are not permitted in guest rooms, but service animals are allowed. Bring any documentation you need for service animals and child-specific items like boosters or preferred snacks.
- Children’s favorite snacks and small comforts
- Extra person fee applies for guests 12+ (confirm at booking)
- Service animal documentation if applicable
| Policy | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Children welcome | Kids' clothes, snacks, entertainment |
| Pets | Pets not allowed in rooms (service animals welcome) |
| Extra guest fee | Plan for additional charge for ages 12+ |
