What the ALPS?! - Alternating License Plate System Guide

By Emma Heller

The new system that the Park Service has developed to enter Yellowstone National Park might have you a bit confused. We hope this guide helps clear up some of your questions!

The Park Service has implemented an Alternating License Plate System to reduce the number of vehicles entering Yellowstone each day.  This is to ensure that the Park doesn’t get overloaded with the reduced services and overcrowded with the northern section of the Park not initially open. You will get turned away if your license plate doesn’t correspond with the odd or even calendar date for entrance. If you have a tour with Yellowstone Scenic Tours or plan on booking a tour, this visitor regulation system does not apply to tour companies licensed to operate in the Park which includes us. Below is a list of what you should know and consider.

  • The license plate on your vehicle will be used to determine which days you are allowed to enter into Yellowstone.

  • License plate numbers that have an even-numbered last digit are allowed to enter on an even-numbered calendar day.

  • License plate numbers that have an odd-numbered last digit are allowed to enter on an odd-numbered calendar day.

  • For personalized plates with a mix of numbers and letters and end with a letter, the last numerical digit on the plate will be used to determine which day you can enter the Park.

  • If you have a personalized plate without numbers, you will be allowed to enter on odd days of the month.

Graphic showing examples of the Alternating License Plate System.

For more information please visit, https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/flood-recovery.htm

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.