7 Reasons To Visit Yellowstone in the Summer
Summer is one of the best times of the year to visit Yellowstone National Park. Sure, it’s crowded, and prices are at their peak, but summer is quite possibly the best time of the year to see Yellowstone in its fullest, most colorful glory.
Summer is not just prime tourist season, but it’s also prime park season, meaning summer is when all park roads, facilities, trails, and services are open and available for you to explore. Plus, colors in Yellowstone are generally at their brightest during warm summer months, from the wildflowers along the trails to the vibrancy of the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Here are 7 reasons it’s worth visiting Yellowstone in the summer, plus how to navigate crowds to make your trip during peak season even better!
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1. Roads, trails, and park facilities are open.
Summer in Yellowstone is “open season”. Meaning that you are able to explore more during the summer months than at any other time of the year. This is because roads, trails, and park facilities are at their peak.
Sure, this peak season comes with more crowds, but it’s also the best time of the year to see as much of Yellowstone as possible. Summer months bring more ranger programs, more trail openings, more roads to drive, and more facilities for lodging, restaurants, and rest areas.
West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake in August
2. The Grand Prismatic Spring is its most colorful.
Summer is the best time of year to see the vibrant blue, green, and orange hues of one of Yellowstone’s most beautiful sights: the Grand Prismatic Spring.
In fact, July is generally when the Grand Prismatic Spring is at its peak vibrancy, making it the perfect month for a visit to Yellowstone National Park. Walk the boardwalk in the morning, then make your way to the Fairy Falls Trail for a bird’s eye view in the afternoon.
Note: Plan to hike the relatively short and easy Fairy Falls Trail on a calm and hot summer afternoon. This is when the colors are at their most vibrant, and there’s less fog obscuring your view. Avoid cooler mornings, as a lot of steam rising from the spring will mute the colors.
In addition to the Grand Prismatic Spring, hot temperatures allow all the hot spring pools to appear their most vivid blue!
Grand Prismatic Spring from the boardwalk in July
3. The Grand Loop and Beartooth Highway are open.
Yellowstone’s Grand Loop is an approximately 140-mile scenic drive through some of the park's most iconic landscapes and attractions. Along the way, you'll see geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and many pull-offs to enjoy the park's vast wilderness.
The Grand Loop is actually made up of two loops: (1) The Upper Loop, connecting Canyon Village, Tower-Roosevelt, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris, and (2) The Lower Loop, connecting Norris, Madison, Old Faithful, West Village, Lake Village, and Canyon Village.
One of the great things about visiting Yellowstone in the summer is that the Grand Loop is generally entirely open, and the nearby Beartooth Highway, which you can access from Cooke City, is open, as well.
The Beartooth Highway is often considered one of the most scenic drives in America. But due to high elevation and snow, it’s generally closed until Memorial Day and only open until mid-September, meaning summer months are the best time of year to predictably drive Beartooth Highway and avoid unexpected closures.
Driving the nearby Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone’s Grand Loop is a great way to experience the area and one of the best ways to see Yellowstone’s iconic landmarks, such as Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Artist’s Point, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Click here for an up-to-date schedule for road openings the year of your visit. Generally, all park roads are open around May 24th and close around October 31st.
And know that even when crowds are heavier, Yellowstone is a huge park, and there are plenty of places along the Grand Loop that offer more solitude and a chance to get away from it all!
Driving Yellowstone’s Grand Loop in the summer
4. Hiking trails are open (and people are on them).
This one might seem counterintuitive since most of us head out into nature to get away from crowds. But since Yellowstone is bear country, sharing the trail is not such a bad thing during summer months when bears are also out and about. More people means more safety hiking. (It’s best to hike in groups of 4 or more when possible!)
Summer not only provides better safety in numbers but also offers the best conditions for exploring the park's backcountry, with many trails and campsites accessible and snow-free.
Here are five hikes to consider in Yellowstone National Park during the summer.
Storm Point Loop Trail: This moderate 2.5-mile loop trail leads to Storm Point, a peninsula jutting into Yellowstone Lake. Along the way, enjoy stunning lake views, wildflowers, and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as bison and waterfowl.
Clear Lake Artist Point Loop Trail: Beginning near Canyon Village in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area, this 3.9-mile loop trail winds past Clear Lake to Wapiti Lake, finally culminating at Artist Point, one of the most beautiful views in all of the park. (You can also drive to Artist Point, though!)
Bunsen Peak Trail: This moderately challenging 4.4-mile out-and-back hike ascends Bunsen Peak, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys at the top.
Avalanche Peak Trail: With a challenging ascent, this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail leads to the summit of Avalanche Peak, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding Absaroka Range and Yellowstone Lake.
Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn Trail: With sweeping views of the park, this moderately strenuous 6.8-mile out-and-back trail leads to the summit of Mount Washburn, one of Yellowstone's prominent peaks.
Hiking Wrangler Lake Trail in Yellowstone in July
5. Summer weather is best for boating, swimming, fishing, and rafting.
Yellowstone’s boating and fishing season begins the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and extends through October 31.
Although Yellowstone National Park offers limited opportunities to swim or soak due to cold lake temperatures and boiling hot springs, there is one area open for swimming in the park around mid-summer. The Firehole Swim Area is located on the Firehole River, two miles south of Madison Junction on Firehole Canyon Drive. While it generally opens around mid-summer, always check ahead of time, as opening dates are subject to change based on snowmelt. Learn more here.
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. During warm summer months, it offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing. Fishing permits are available to purchase online via Recreation.gov. You can plan your fishing trip and see where exactly you can fish in Yellowstone here.
If you’re interested in boating, there are many places in Yellowstone to get on the water. Just remember that Yellowstone National Park requires all watercraft to have an Aquatic Invasive Species inspection and boat permit before launching. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-motorized boats are allowed on all lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides boat rentals and guided boat trips at Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake. Other companies offer guided services for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and motorized boating.
If you’re visiting Gardiner during your trip (which we highly recommend!), consider a fly fishing trip along the Yellowstone River, or go whitewater rafting. Check out local excursions at Flying Pig Adventures, Wild West Rafting, or Parks' Fly Shop.
Yellowstone boasts pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Summer is the ideal time for water activities like kayaking, fishing, and rafting.
6. Temperatures are great for camping (and longer days are great for exploring).
Summer in Yellowstone generally brings warmer temperatures, making it the most comfortable time of year to stay in the park. Plus, the days are longer, allowing for plenty of time to sightsee and make the most out of your trip!
Summer is also when all campgrounds and facilities within the park are open, providing a wide range of options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about visiting Yellowstone in the summer but you’re worried about crowds, it’s absolutely still worth the trip. If you can visit in June before peak crowds in July and August, that’s great. Everything will be open, plus you might get to see baby animals in the park!
But even if you can only (or prefer to) visit in July or August, there are plenty of pros for a summer trip to Yellowstone. Vibrant colors, clear hiking trails, comfortable weather, and longer daylight hours are a few of those pros. Take advantage of long summer days by getting up early and staying out late to avoid peak crowds and have the best chance of spotting wildlife!
Mammoth Hot Springs terraces in August
7. The bison rut is at its peak.
If you’re visiting Yellowstone to see wildlife, you’re in luck. The bison rut, or bison mating season, takes place each year between June and September, with most activity happening in July and August.
This means the famous bison of Yellowstone National Park will be the most active and exciting to watch during these summer months! Of course, that does mean you have to be even more careful when observing wildlife because mating season is angry season as male bison compete with one another for mating opportunities.
During the bison rut, male bison, known as bulls, become more active and competitive as they compete for the attention of female bison. You might see bulls charging at each other, pushing, and even head-butting. Some bulls roll in dust or mud to appear larger and more impressive, and it’s this time of the year when the deep bellows of bulls can be heard across the park.
The summer is one of the best times of the year to view bison (from a distance!), especially if you want to see them at their most active.
Bison grazing in Yellowstone in early August
When to Visit Yellowstone in the Summer
June is one of the best months of the year to visit Yellowstone National Park. The weather is pleasant, roads and trails are opening up, wildlife is in abundance (and the babies have been born!), and crowds tend to be lighter compared to peak summer months.
However, mid-July is best if you want to take advantage of all summer activities in Yellowstone and see the park in its most colorful glory. This is generally when the hot springs are their most vibrant, the Firehole Swim Area is open, boating and rafting adventures are happening, and hiking conditions are best for high-elevation trails like Mount Washburn and Avalanche Peak.
Is it Crowded in Yellowstone in the Summer?
Yes, it’s crowded in Yellowstone during the summer, particularly in popular areas such as Old Faithful, Canyon Village, and Mammoth Hot Springs. The summer season attracts a lot of visitors thanks to pleasant weather, school vacations, and an abundance of outdoor activities. As a result, popular attractions, parking areas, park dining, and visitor centers often experience congestion, and popular hiking trails and viewpoints become crowded, especially during peak hours.
During summer months, your best bet for avoiding crowds is to visit the most popular places earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday rush.
And while Yellowstone is busy in the summer, it’s a large park. Go hiking or explore quieter and more remote attractions to find some solitude during this season!
Where to Stay in Yellowstone in the Summer
You have many options for where to stay to visit Yellowstone National Park in the summer. Here are some popular choices:
Lodges and Hotels: Yellowstone offers several lodges and hotels located in key areas throughout the park, including Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Lake Yellowstone. These accommodations range from historic lodges with rustic charm to modern hotels with comfortable amenities, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. These often book out well in advance. Browse lodging in the park here.
Campgrounds: Yellowstone features numerous campgrounds situated in scenic locations, providing opportunities for both tent and RV camping. Some of the most popular campgrounds include Madison Campground, Canyon Campground, Grant Village Campground, and Bridge Bay Campground. Reservations are highly recommended, as campgrounds fill up quickly during the summer months. Browse camping in the park here and here.
Backcountry Camping: For those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience, backcountry camping is available in designated areas throughout the park. Permits are required for backcountry camping, and campers should be prepared for primitive camping conditions, including carrying in all necessary supplies and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. Learn more about backcountry camping in Yellowstone here.
Lodges and Cabins Outside the Park: Additionally, there are lodging options available in gateway communities surrounding Yellowstone, such as Gardiner (north entrance), West Yellowstone (west entrance), Cooke City (northeast entrance), and Cody (east entrance). These towns offer a variety of accommodations, including hotels, motels, cabins, and vacation rentals, providing convenient access to the park's entrances and attractions. Consider staying with us during your Yellowstone vacation and experience the park from our favorite town of Gardiner!
It's important to make lodging reservations well in advance, especially during the peak summer season, as accommodations in and around Yellowstone can fill up quickly. Whether you prefer the convenience of staying within the park or the amenities of nearby gateway communities, there are plenty of options to choose from for your summer stay in Yellowstone National Park.
If this is your first trip to Yellowstone, we highly recommend a few nights in Mammoth or Gardiner and a few nights at Old Faithful or Canyon Village. From Gardiner or Mammoth, explore North Yellowstone, including the Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Lamar Valley, and the best wildlife-watching in the park. From Old Faithful or Canyon Village, visit attractions like Old Faithful Geyser, Artist Point, Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Hayden Valley.
What to Wear to Yellowstone in the Summer
When visiting Yellowstone in the summer, the park’s at its warmest but temperatures can still vary greatly. Layers are everything when visiting Yellowstone National Park, regardless of the time of year! When camping in Yellowstone in 2015, we experienced days in the 70s and nights in the 30s, and this was the middle of July!
Here are some items to consider packing for your summer trip to Yellowstone National Park:
Wool socks (one winter pair for cold evenings and mornings if you’re camping; otherwise, mid-warmth or light hiking socks are great)
Light but warm jacket
Wind/Rain jacket (you’ll want a warm wind jacket for summit hikes and cool evenings if you’re camping)
Hiking boots (boots with good traction that are comfortable to wear all day)
Camera gear/scopes (If you’re interested in seeing wildlife, you can also rent cameras and scopes in Gardiner.)
Sunglasses!
Long sleeves and T-shirts (layers are key!)
Layers are key in Yellowstone in the summer! We both have on lightweight hoodies and shorts under our pants.
Old Faithful eruption in August
Is Summer the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
While summer comes with tradeoffs, like large crowds, traffic jams, and peak pricing for lodging, it has plenty of pros, too. For a first visit to Yellowstone National Park, we think summer is the best time of year to visit. That’s because summer is when you’re able to experience the most of what Yellowstone has to offer at one time.
That said, we love Yellowstone in all seasons. So, once you fall in love with America’s first national park, be sure to return for a winter, spring, or fall trip next! :)
Stumbling upon bears in the early evening on our way to Old Faithful in August (if you see cars pulled over, there’s probably wildlife visible!)
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