4 Ways to Avoid Crowds in Yellowstone (Even in July!)
A crowd watching an Old Faithful Geyser eruption in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park.
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 also prime park season, meaning it’s when all park roads, facilities, trails, and services are open and available to explore. Plus, the colors of 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 4 ways to navigate crowds in Yellowstone National Park… even during the busiest months of the year.
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1. Get out early and/or stay out late.
This might be a common answer when it comes to questions about crowds, but exploring early or staying out late is truly one of the best ways to beat the crowds in Yellowstone National Park. (Avoid arriving at popular attractions between 10am and 3pm when possible.)
We highly recommend heading out early (before sunrise), driving through Lamar or Hayden Valley (wildlife watching is best this time of day), and making your way first-thing to one of Yellowstone’s most popular attractions, such as the Old Faithful Geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin or Artist Point in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
If you like to hike, aim to be at popular trailheads before 8am. For shorter hikes, wait until the afternoon (4pm or later in summer months) when many hikers will have come and gone, and parking is more plentiful. Most people are wrapping up their Yellowstone adventures around this time, but you’ll still have plenty of daylight to explore during the summer months.
Here are some of the best spots in Yellowstone for early mornings or late afternoons.
Best Yellowstone Spots for Sunrise
Getting out early doesn’t just help you avoid crowds in Yellowstone… it also brings you to some of the most beautiful destinations at an ideal time. Here are some of the best spots in Yellowstone National Park for sunrise.
Lamar Valley
Dawn is one of the best times of the day for wildlife watching. Lamar Valley, located in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park, is often referred to as the "Serengeti of North America" due to its breathtaking wildlife and valley views. The hour just before and after sunrise is best for wildlife watching as these cool, quiet hours are when bears, wolves, and foxes (among others) are most active.
Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley, situated in the central part of the park, is another prime wildlife viewing area and is often considered the heart of Yellowstone. Hayden Valley is known for its expansive meadows and the Yellowstone River, which winds through the valley and creates a picturesque and vital habitat for many species. It’s a great place to see bison, elk, grizzly bears, and various bird species, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes. During 2024 summer, wolves could be spotted almost daily in Hayden Valley, making it one of the best places to be as the sun rises. (Wolves generally retreat further into the valley or find shade amongst the trees out of view around 9am, but spotting wolves in the wild is a magical experience and absolutely worth the early wake-up!)
West Thumb Geyser Basin
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is a beautiful area in Yellowstone National Park, located right on the edge of Yellowstone Lake. At sunrise, it’s a great place to visit because the morning light enhances the colors of the hot springs and geysers, with some taking on a reddish or orange glow. Plus, there are usually few people at the West Thumb Geyser Basin in the early morning, meaning you can enjoy a peaceful boardwalk stroll in a quieter setting. Keep your eyes peeled for otters swimming in the lake.
Mount Washburn
Hiking to Mount Washburn for sunrise is a rewarding experience for hikers in Yellowstone National Park. The trail from Dunraven Pass is about 7 miles round trip and offers a steady climb with spectacular views. As you hike, you’ll pass through meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer and might spot wildlife like bighorn sheep along the way. The trail provides panoramic views of the park, and as you approach the summit, you can see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and, on clear days, even the distant Tetons.
Reaching the top at sunrise offers a breathtaking panoramic view; however, there are some essential safety precautions to keep in mind for a sunrise hike, especially in an area like Yellowstone where wildlife and elevation are factors:
Bring a Light Source: Since you'll start your hike before sunrise, carry a reliable headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries. This will help you navigate the trail in the dark and avoid tripping on rocks or roots.
Hike with Others: If possible, hike with a group of 4 or more. This is particularly important as Yellowstone is bear country, and groups are less likely to surprise a bear or other wildlife.
Carry Bear Spray: Always carry bear spray in Yellowstone and keep it easily accessible. Make sure you know how to use it before you head out. Bear spray can be your best defense in a close encounter with a bear.
Make Noise: While hiking, especially in areas with dense vegetation or limited visibility, make noise to alert wildlife of your presence. Talking, clapping, or periodically calling out can help prevent surprising a bear or other wildlife.
Check the Weather: Weather can change quickly, especially in the early morning hours. Check the forecast before you start, and be prepared for cold temperatures, rain, or even snow, depending on the time of year for your hike. (Note: Access to Mount Washburn is limited outside of summer months. Bear activity can also temporarily close the trailhead, so be sure to check park conditions ahead of time.)
Dress in Layers: Early mornings can be chilly in Yellowstone, even during the summer, so wear layers that you can remove as the day warms up. A windproof and waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves are good additions for comfort and safety.
Stay on the Trail: Stick to the marked trail to avoid getting lost and to protect the environment. Staying on the trail also helps reduce the risk of encountering wildlife unexpectedly.
Pack the Essentials: Bring plenty of water and a map or GPS device. (We highly recommend downloading the AllTrails offline map.) Make sure your phone is fully charged, but don’t rely solely on it for navigation, as reception can be spotty in remote areas.
Tell Someone Your Plans: Before you leave, let someone know your hiking route, expected return time, and who you're hiking with.
Start Early, But Safely: Give yourself enough time to reach your destination before sunrise, but don’t rush. Take your time to ensure you’re safe, and consider the extra time it may take to hike in the dark.
Artist Point on South Rim Drive (Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone)
Artist Point is one of my favorite spots in the morning. The Artist Point Overlook, located just past a parking lot at the very end of the South Rim Drive, is one of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone and, therefore, one of the busiest. We highly recommend arriving before 9am for easy parking and stunning views as the sun rises and gradually illuminates the canyon walls.
Best Yellowstone Spots for Sunset
By staying out late, you increase your odds of spotting wildlife, spend less time looking for parking (which means more time exploring!), and can witness absolutely gorgeous sunsets. Here are some of the best spots in Yellowstone National Park for sunset.
The Grand Prismatic Spring
Summer is the best time of year to see the vibrant blue, green, and orange hues of one of Yellowstone’s most beautiful sights. (Fun Fact: July is generally when the Grand Prismatic Spring is at its peak vibrancy, making it the perfect month to visit Yellowstone National Park… even with the crowds!) Calm, hot summer afternoons are when colors are at their most vibrant. (Avoid cooler mornings, as a lot of steam rising from the spring will mute the colors.) About an hour before sunset is my favorite time of day to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring. Crowds are starting to thin out, and the sunset over the Midway Geyser Basin is stunning.
Mammoth Hot Springs Upper Terrace
The Mammoth Hot Springs are another one of the most popular places to visit in Yellowstone National Park, and that means they can get quite busy during the day. It's best to explore early or late because they’re located so close to the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and have limited parking. We’re partial to walking the Mammoth Hot Springs Upper and Lower Terraces in the evening because sunset over the towns of Mammoth and Gardiner is spectacular.
Lake Butte Overlook
Lake Butte Overlook in Yellowstone National Park is another great spot to catch the sunset. Located on the park's east side, the overlook offers a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape and Yellowstone Lake, which sometimes reflects the beautiful skies.
2. Drive, walk, and explore further.
It’s estimated some 90% of Yellowstone visitors never leave the roads or attractions right off the road. According to one of our winter tour guides, even if you drive every road in Yellowstone, you only see about 1% of the park.
Generally speaking, the further you explore in Yellowstone, the fewer crowds you’ll encounter. One of the best ways to avoid crowds in Yellowstone National Park, even during busy summer months, is to walk farther along a trail, explore beyond the first viewpoint of an attraction, or drive more remote roads.
For example, when visiting the Upper Geyser Basin to witness an Old Faithful Geyser eruption, consider walking around the right-hand side of Old Faithful. Once you pass through the visitor center, take your picture with the Old Faithful sign, and get to the edge of the boardwalk with the benches… turn right and follow the boardwalk. There’s not a bad view of Old Faithful as long as you can see the geyser… and we’re actually partial to the viewpoint in front of the Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins. We’ve also watched an eruption from further along the Upper Geyser Basin Trail and, as you can see in the photo below, had the view to ourselves!
Lesser-Known Trails
Yellowstone has numerous less-traveled trails that offer beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing. Trails like the Lamar Valley Trail, Seven Mile Hole Trail, and Lonestar Geyser Trail provide great views and fewer crowds compared to the popular trails around Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Remote Geothermal Areas
While main geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin attract many visitors, there are lesser-known geothermal areas worth exploring. For instance, the Norris Geyser Basin and Black Sand Basin offer interesting geothermal features with fewer people around. You can also hike to Lone Star Geyser (via the Lone Star Geyser Trail) or Shoshone Geyser Basin (via the Shoshone Lake Trail) and possibly witness an eruption all to yourself.
Drive Less-Traveled Roads
Even if you prefer to stay on the roads in Yellowstone, you can venture further than many by driving less-traveled roads, such as the drive between Lamar Valley and the Northeast Entrance or the road between Lake Village and the East Entrance. These are stunning drives with the chance to spot wildlife without the heavy traffic.
3. Visit on weekdays or during shoulder seasons.
Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, generally see fewer visitors compared to weekends. Planning your visit during these days can help avoid the weekend rush and make for a more enjoyable experience. Similarly, try to avoid holiday weekends and school breaks throughout the year. Major holidays and school vacations, such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and spring break, attract large crowds to the park.
Because Yellowstone’s peak tourism season is from late June to mid-August, you can experience the park with fewer crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons. We particularly love late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to early October). During these times, the weather is still pleasant, but the number of visitors is significantly lower. If you’re open to a unique Yellowstone experience, a winter trip to Yellowstone is a true winter wonderland unlike anything else.
Some park entrances, like the Northeast or East Entrances, are less busy than others (especially the West Entrance). Using these less-traveled entry points can help you avoid heavy traffic and start your visit on a quieter note.
Of course, if all else fails and you find yourself at one of the most popular Yellowstone attractions at the height of crowds, be patient and get creative. There’s almost always a way to position a camera or wait for a short gap in crowds to get your perfect shot.
4. Stay in the park or right outside of the gates.
Staying inside the park is helpful for avoiding crowds simply because it’s convenient and makes it easier to get to popular attractions earlier in the morning. It’s also helpful for staying out late, as you’ll have a shorter distance to travel back to your destination. (Driving through Yellowstone after dark is doable but requires extra caution. Wildlife, such as deer, elk, and bison, are more active in the evening and early morning, so be vigilant for animals crossing the road. The park's winding roads and limited visibility in low light can make driving more challenging, so keep your speed down and use your headlights effectively.)
Old Faithful or Canyon Village are our two picks for staying inside the park, as these spots are the most centrally located. If you’re most interested in seeing wildlife during your trip, you may also love the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Tower Roosevelt Lodge for their proximity to Lamar Valley.
Outside the park, we’re partial to Gardiner, MT (one of our favorite destinations on Earth!), though many visitors also enjoy West Yellowstone, MT. Staying inside or just outside Yellowstone National Park will reduce your travel time, giving you easier access to top attractions and more flexibility in scheduling your day.
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Yellowstone is one of the most popular parks in the United States, but with a bit of planning, you can make the most of your Yellowstone trip and enjoy all of the park’s natural wonders with fewer crowds. Happy travels!!
