Drones are becoming an increasingly important part of daily operations in Yellowstone National Park, helping park staff complete critical tasks in some of the most rugged and challenging terrain in the United States. While visitors are prohibited from flying drones inside the park, trained National Park Service employees are using the technology to improve safety, support emergency response, and assist with conservation and infrastructure projects.
A new video released by Yellowstone National Park highlights how unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, are expanding the park’s operational capabilities while emphasizing the extensive training required before employees can operate them.
A Valuable Tool For Park Operations
Certified drone pilots use unmanned aircraft systems for a wide variety of missions that would otherwise be more difficult, time consuming, or hazardous. Among the most important applications are search and rescue operations where drones can quickly survey large areas and help responders locate missing visitors. The aircraft are also used for avalanche forecasting, allowing crews to gather information in hazardous terrain without putting personnel at unnecessary risk.
Beyond emergency response, drones assist with mapping, scientific research, structural fire response, and wildland fire operations. The technology is also playing a growing role in documenting and planning infrastructure improvements throughout the park. Drones have become especially valuable for projects funded through the Great American Outdoors Act by helping staff collect accurate aerial imagery and monitor work more efficiently.
Extensive Training Required
Operating drones inside a national park requires far more than simply learning to fly. The Yellowstone program combines classroom instruction with hands on field training led by experienced instructor pilots. Employees from multiple park divisions participate, including visitor and resource protection, facility management and operations, and cultural and resource management.
Training focuses on safely operating aircraft in Yellowstone’s demanding environment where changing weather, mountainous terrain, wildlife, and complex missions require careful planning and professional oversight.
Why Visitors Cannot Fly Drones
Although park employees regularly use drones for official purposes, recreational drone use remains prohibited throughout Yellowstone National Park. The restriction helps protect wildlife, preserve the visitor experience, and reduce safety risks in one of America’s busiest national parks. Certified National Park Service pilots operate drones only when they support the park’s mission of protecting resources, improving public safety, and managing critical projects.
As drone technology continues to evolve, park officials expects unmanned aircraft systems to play an even larger role in helping park staff safely manage one of the world’s most iconic national parks.