Current Drone Rules for Yellowstone National Park
Launching, landing, or operating a drone from within Yellowstone National Park boundaries is prohibited under federal law. The National Park Service bans drones in all units of the park under 36 CFR 1.5 and 36 CFR 2.17, with limited exceptions for official agency use. Violators can face fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and equipment seizure under federal park regulations. Commercial drone operators must also comply with FAA Part 107 rules, including remote pilot certification and airspace authorization, even when operating near the park. The park's superintendent can impose additional flight restrictions during wildfires, search-and-rescue operations, or wildlife management activities. For the latest order, see the NPS superintendent's compendium page Yellowstone Superintendent's Compendium.
FAA controlled airspace around Yellowstone includes Class E and G airspace, with some areas near airports requiring prior authorization through LAANC or DroneZone. The park's official website and the FAA's B4UFLY app provide real-time airspace status for the Yellowstone region. In 2024, the FAA updated low-altitude authorization procedures for drones operating near national parks, emphasizing remote identification and geofencing compliance. The NPS coordinates with the FAA on temporary flight restrictions during emergencies and special events within the park. Operators who violate these rules may be referred to federal law enforcement and face civil penalties under 14 CFR Part 89 and park-specific regulations.
Penalties, Enforcement, and Recent Incidents
Yellowstone rangers and federal law enforcement actively monitor for unauthorized drone flights using visual observation and, in some areas, radar and radio frequency detection. Fines for illegal drone operations in Yellowstone can include civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation under the Code of Federal Regulations. In recent years, the park has documented multiple incidents where drones interfered with wildlife, including bison and elk, and disrupted visitor experiences near thermal features. The NPS can confiscate drones, issue citations, and pursue criminal charges when operators endanger people or park resources. The park's law enforcement division coordinates with the U.S. Marshals Service and other federal agencies on enforcement actions. For penalty details, see the NPS law enforcement page Yellowstone Law Enforcement.
Commercial drone operators who conduct unauthorized flights face additional liability under FAA enforcement orders and potential revocation of their remote pilot certificate. The FAA can issue cease-and-desist orders and pursue civil penalties for unauthorized commercial drone operations in restricted national park airspace. Yellowstone's 2024 incident log includes cases where drones damaged thermal formations and startled wildlife, leading to increased patrols in sensitive areas. The park also shares enforcement data with the FAA and the Department of the Interior to refine drone policies. Operators are advised to review the FAA's guidance on unauthorized drone flights near national parks FAA B4UFLY before planning any flight near Yellowstone.
Commercial Drone Opportunities and Authorized Use
Authorized commercial drone operations in and around Yellowstone require a Part 107 remote pilot certificate, a valid waiver where needed, and coordination with the park superintendent. Companies such as park contractors, researchers, and media crews must submit a Certificate of Authorization or Special Use Permit application through the NPS permit office. The park prioritizes drones for official purposes including wildlife surveys, search-and-rescue coordination, wildfire monitoring, and infrastructure inspection of park facilities. In 2024, Yellowstone expanded its use of drones for thermal area mapping and wildlife population counts under research permits issued by the NPS