Insiders Guide to Yellowstone: Best Places to Scatter Ashes
BEST YELLOWSTONE ASH SCATTERING SPOTS
I Guided Hundreds Through Yellowstone’s Backcountry. These Are the Secret Places I’d Choose to Say Goodbye.
INSIDER TIPS FOR VISITING YELLOWSTONE: There are also insider bonus tips at the bottom to check out to save money, be safer, and have a better experience.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Here are my tips for Yellowstone, along with the best secret spots in the park to scatter ashes:
I first started working in Yellowstone in 2011—wide-eyed, 20-something, hauling bear canisters and topo maps into the wilderness. Later, I led hundreds of people into the backcountry, teaching them how to move through grizzly country with reverence, how to read a sky before the lightning strikes, how to listen for the silence that means elk are near.
After all this time, I can tell you: Yellowstone still holds secrets. Places where the crowds thin, the wind softens, and the land seems to open itself to memory. If you're here to scatter ashes, these quiet corners offer something rare—solitude, beauty, and a sense of forever.
The Best Secret Places to Scatter Ashes in Yellowstone by Season
Sarah-Marie hiking along Jenny Lake in Tetons National Park. We just completed a scouting mission here.
Spring: The Old Yellowstone Trail (Near Gardiner)
Follow the foottrail just opposite the Roosevelt Arch, and you’ll find the Old Yellowstone Trail—once used by President Teddy Roosevelt himself. This is my favorite springtime walk: wild, historic, and bathed in some of the best sunset light you’ll find anywhere on earth.
Wildlife: There’s a bison heard that calls this home, and it’s where the pronghorns spend their summer grazing under the Gallatin Mountain chain.
It’s also one of the more reliable springtime options since it sits at lower elevation. Weather in Yellowstone’s spring is famously unpredictable, but this stretch gives you a fighting chance. And while you're there, take a dip in the Firehole River—one of the two legal hot spring swimming areas in the park.
Why it’s special: History. Sunset light. The sense that someone important walked here before you—and someone important is being remembered now.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
HELL’s ROARING CREEK: This hike is gorgeous! It’s near Roosevelt for reference— there are roots along the trail, but it’s very flat in terms of hiking in with family.
Summer: Hellroaring Creek Trail
This trail feels cinematic. Picture wildflowers, berry bushes, and massive boulders flanking a glassy creek. You cross a suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River to get there, and as you move deeper in, it starts to feel like the world has stepped back in time.
As a farewell site, it’s nearly perfect—private, poetic, and surrounded by wildness.
Pro tip: Bring bear spray and know how to use it. This is Yellowstone, and summer is wildlife season. It’s also really thickly wooded so it’s easy to surprise a bear, unless you make a lot of noise as you hike along.
Fall: Specimen Ridge
If your loved one adored wildlife, this is the place. Elk, bison, bears, eagles—all pass through Specimen Ridge. In fall, the aspens flare gold and the air turns crisp.
Safety note: Elk rut in the fall, and they can be aggressive. Keep a safe distance, and bring binoculars if you want to watch without getting close.
Why it’s powerful: The whole ridge feels alive with transition. A fitting place for a final chapter.
Winter: The Yellowstone River (Near Canyon)
Even in the coldest months, the Yellowstone River flows—dark water edged in snow, hundreds of trumpeter swans drifting white against the icy-black river. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot otters playing in the eddies.
To get here in winter, you’ll need to book a snowcoach. Make sure to tell the company in advance if you’re planning to scatter ashes; not all drivers are equipped to support that kind of ceremony, but many will go out of their way to help you find the right spot.
What makes it unforgettable: There’s something about swans in snow that feels eternal.
Planning a Memorial That Echoes Forever
You don’t have to do this alone. BONAVENTURE’s Yellowstone Package helps you honor your person with clarity, reverence, and peace.
Let the farewell be as beautiful as the life it celebrates.
Ash Scattering in the Wild: Prepare Like It’s a Backcountry Trip
Bring the Ten Essentials
I’ve seen a sudden storm flip plans on their head in minutes. I once slipped down a scree slope on Mount Rainier while mountaineers were fleeing a whiteout—nothing humbles you faster than the wild.
Please pack seriously. Hypothermia, sun exposure, dehydration—they’re real threats, especially when you're navigating grief. Even if your ceremony is short, treat it like a backcountry expedition.
Arrive Early If You Can
Altitude affects everything—your energy, your emotions, your ability to think clearly. Grief already takes so much. Give yourself a day or two to adjust. Slow down. Let your body and spirit catch up to this moment.
Get Permits in Advance from the NPS
Yes, scattering ashes is allowed in Yellowstone—but only with a special use permit. Don’t wait until the last minute. We’ve heard from families who waited weeks to hear back or got denied outright.
If you’re overwhelmed, BONAVENTURE can take care of permitting on your behalf. Our Yellowstone ash scattering package includes all the logistics—so you can focus on what matters most.
Consider Seasonality Carefully
Timing is everything in the Parks. September is my top recommendation—cooler temps, fewer crowds, golden landscapes. It’s peaceful and practical.
Avoid peak tourist season if you can. In summer, even the most beautiful ceremony can get swallowed up by traffic, noise, and packed parking lots. In winter, it can be -50° in the canyon. That’s not an exaggeration—I’ve been there.
My advice: Choose your season the way you’d choose a prayer: carefully, honestly, and with heart.
Planning a Memorial That Echoes Forever
You don’t have to do this alone. BONAVENTURE’s Yellowstone Package helps you honor your person with clarity, reverence, and peace.
Let the farewell be as beautiful as the life it celebrates.
INSIDER TIPS FOR VISITING YELLOWSTONE: Save money, be safer, and have a better experience.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
After years of guiding in Yellowstone, I’ve collected the kind of wisdom you only gain from long seasons on the trail, meals eaten from a cooler, and sunsets watched from the edge of the wild. Whether you’re coming to scatter ashes, hike, or simply stand in awe—these tips will help you make the most of your time.
1. Old Faithful Inn at Dusk Feels Like a Woodland Fairytale
If you can, wander into the Old Faithful Inn at night. As the sun sets, the three-story lodge—built from native pine and stone—glows with bouquets of electric candlelight. There's often live music drifting through the rafters—piano or violin—and the whole place feels touched by magic.
Pro tip: You don’t need a reservation to enjoy the lobby. Step inside, take a seat, and let time slow down.
2. Don’t Miss the Sunsets—They’re a Show in Themselves
Yellowstone sunsets are nothing short of spiritual. If you’ve never seen golden light pour across a bison-dotted plain or reflect off the steaming mist of a geyser—you’re in for something unforgettable.
Where to watch: Specimen Ridge, Hayden Valley, and the Old Yellowstone Trail all offer stunning views. Time your day around golden hour.
3. Food Is Eye-Wateringly Expensive—Plan Ahead
Prices inside the park can feel like highway robbery. Think $8 for a small cup of oatmeal. If you’re traveling as a family or on a budget, bring a cooler and pack your own meals.
Inside tip:
Don’t use the microwaves in park lodges—they trigger the smoke alarms and staff will fine you hundreds of dollars, no exceptions. Stick to cold eats like sandwiches, fruit, or pre-made grain bowls.
4. Camp for Free on BLM Land (and Save Hundreds)
Want to stay near Yellowstone without paying $500 a night? Look into Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the park. Camping is free, the views are breathtaking, and you’ll have a real backcountry experience.
Favorite spot: Shadow Mountain, near the Tetons. You’ll wake up to a million-dollar sunrise—for free.
5. Tap Into Trail Reports with YCERP Staff
The Yellowstone Conservation and Education Research Program (YCERP) is a goldmine of insider knowledge. While they only take park employees on hikes, their staff are out on the trails daily and know exactly where wildlife has been spotted, which paths are safe, and what’s worth seeing right now.
Ask at the visitor center or lodge front desk if a YCERP guide is nearby. They’re often happy to share tips.
6. Bison Jams Are Real—and Can Last Hours
If you hear the term “bison jam,” brace yourself: it means a bison is in the road, and traffic can be backed up for miles. I’ve sat in my car for three hours waiting for someone to stop taking photos.
Plan with margin. Always build buffer time into your itinerary—you’re in the wild now. Or plan to visit during the shoulder season when the park is less busy!
Hiking near Electric peak— they say lightning strikes the mountain every day.
7. Elk Do Often do More DamageThan Bears
Yes, Yellowstone is bear country. But it’s elk that have sent people to the hospital. During rut (especially in fall), male elk become aggressive and territorial. I’ve had coworkers charged—antlers and all.
Keep your distance. A long lens is your friend.
8. Ditch the Bear Bells—They Don’t Work
Despite their popularity, bear bells are often worse than useless. Some bears—especially young ones—may actually investigate the sound out of curiosity.
Better strategy: Talk while you hike. Sing loudly if you’re solo. The goal isn’t to sneak up on a bear—it’s to make your presence known well in advance.
Planning a Memorial in Yellowstone?
If you’re coming to Yellowstone to honor someone you love, know that you’re not alone. At BONAVENTURE, we’ve guided families through ash scatterings in every corner of this wild park. If you need help navigating permits, trail access, or how to plan something that feels sacred, our Yellowstone scattering package offers a way to do it with care, clarity, and reverence.
Let the farewell be as beautiful as the life it honors.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah-Marie Sherbon is a writer, mother, and a co-founder of BONAVENTURE, a destination ash scattering service devoted to helping families say goodbye in places that still feel sacred.
Her reverence for the wild was shaped over years in the national parks—kayaking through the rugged archipelago of Isle Royale, hiking beneath the emerald ballet of light in Mount Rainier’s rainforest, and breathing in the wildflower-sweetened stillness of Yellowstone’s hidden places. Today, she draws on those experiences to guide families toward tributes rooted in beauty, memory, and return—because some goodbyes deserve a view that takes your breath away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scattering Ashes in Yellowstone
Q: Can I scatter ashes in Yellowstone National Park?
A: Yes—with a special use permit from the National Park Service.
special use permit from NPS here
Q: Do I need a guide or service to scatter ashes in Yellowstone?
A: It’s not required, but many families find it helpful to work with a service like BONAVENTURE to manage permits, weather, and remote access. Our Yellowstone package includes all of that—and more.
Q: When is the best time to scatter ashes in Yellowstone?
A: September offers mild weather and fewer crowds. Spring and winter can be stunning but require more advanced planning and gear.
Q: How long does it take to get a scattering permit in Yellowstone?
A: Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks—especially in peak season. Apply as early as possible to avoid delays. If you're short on time, BONAVENTURE can help expedite the process as part of our service.
Q: Where are you allowed to scatter ashes in Yellowstone?
A: Scattering is typically allowed in undeveloped areas at least 100 yards from water sources, roads, trails, and developed visitor areas. The NPS will provide location-specific guidance when they issue your permit.
Q: Can I bring ashes in through the airport or ship them?
A: Yes. TSA allows you to carry cremated remains in your carry-on luggage, but not all urns are scannable. Use a temporary plastic or cardboard container when flying. If you're shipping ashes for a service like BONAVENTURE’s, you must use USPS’s Cremated Remains Kit, which complies with federal regulations. Q: Can I bring or ship ashes to Yellowstone?
For flying, use a TSA-approved plastic or cardboard urn. For shipping, use USPS’s Cremated Remains Kit.
Q: What do I need to bring for a safe and respectful scattering?
A: At minimum: your permit, GPS or map, bear spray, proper footwear, and the Ten Essentials (including layers for sudden weather changes). Many families also bring a journal, flower petals, or a photo for a simple private ceremony.
Q: What should I bring for a safe, meaningful scattering?
A: Your permit, 10 Essentials, bear spray, map, and any personal tokens (petals, journal, photo). Treat it like a sacred backcountry hike.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Respecting the Environment, Honoring the Memory
At Bonaventure, every farewell is more than a goodbye—it’s a promise to the earth as well as to the one we’ve lost. With a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, we work hand-in-hand with park rangers, local conservationists, and ecological experts to ensure that every ash scattering ceremony honors both memory and the natural world.
Whether the ashes are released into alpine air, sunlit waters, or wildflower fields, our team follows strict eco-conscious protocols, including:
No synthetic materials or invasive species
Adherence to all EPA and National Park Service guidelines
Site-specific timing to protect native flora and fauna
Sustainable, low-impact practices at every destination
We plant 10 trees for every scattering
We partner with park rangers to ensure the safest, most eco-friendly scattering possible
By protecting the sacred spaces where we scatter, we ensure they remain untouched and awe-inspiring—for your family, for future generations, and for the earth itself.
A Tribute to Remember, A Legacy to Cherish
From the snow-capped majesty of the Grand Tetons to the wildflower meadows of Mount Rainier, Bonaventure helps families craft a farewell that is as breathtaking as it is heartfelt. Imagine saying goodbye under the golden light of a monarch butterfly migration, or with whales breaching along the Puget Sound Whale Trail.
These aren’t just ceremonies—they are moments of connection. They are acts of reverence. They are legacies written on the wind, the water, the wild.
Bonaventure’s unaccompanied ash scattering services make these moments possible by:
Handling every logistical detail with grace and care
Ensuring legal compliance and environmental harmony
Providing optional memorial plaques and GPS tracking for your family’s peace of mind
Curating locations chosen not just for beauty, but for meaning
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Why Timing Enhances the Tribute
By thoughtfully aligning each ceremony with nature’s calendar, BONAVENTURE ensures:
Unmatched Beauty: Your loved one’s farewell unfolds in nature’s finest hour—when wildflowers bloom, the light turns golden, or the sea glows with bioluminescence.
Peace and Privacy: We schedule scatterings to avoid crowds, closures, and extremes—ensuring a quiet, undisturbed experience.
Environmental Integrity: Seasonal timing helps protect delicate ecosystems and habitats, preserving these sacred landscapes for generations to come.
Seasonality is more than practical—it’s poetic. BONAVENTURE honors not just where your loved one rests, but when. Each ash scattering is timed with care to unfold in a moment of natural grace—offering a farewell that is reverent, resonant, and profoundly connected to the rhythms of the earth.
FAMILY LEGACY IN THE NATIONAL PARKS
Bonaventure was born from generations spent walking the wild edges of this country—serving as park rangers, guides, and stewards of America’s most sacred landscapes. Together, we’ve planned ceremonies for royalty, navigated avalanches with radios slung over our shoulders, and stood beneath the northern lights waiting for the hush before dawn.
Our family has nearly a century of combined experience in the National Parks. We've climbed peaks, captained sailboats, and led thousands of guests through these extraordinary places. BONAVENTURE is our way of passing that reverence on—crafting custom tributes that honor each life with beauty, excellence, and care.
But through it all, what’s endured is story. The stories of those who came to these places to remember. To return. To let go.
We created BONAVENTURE to offer something worthy of that final chapter: a farewell not rushed or transactional, but reverent. Custom tributes crafted with intention. Ash scatterings carried out with park permission, environmental care, and deep personal respect.
We are foremost a family of storytellers. And in the story, the ending is what matters most.
For National Park Scattering: Permits & Resources
If you're considering a National Park as your scattering site, be sure to follow proper procedures. BONAVENTURE handles permits for our services, but families should be aware of:
