6 Tips for Visiting Yellowstone in July
Yellowstone in July is a happening place, attracting visitors from all over the world. With great weather, fully accessible roads, and all park facilities open, July is one of the best times of the year to explore Yellowstone’s scenic landscapes and famous attractions. But this comes with a compromise, as July is also the park's busiest and most expensive time of year to visit. Here’s what to expect when visiting Yellowstone in July, from weather to wildlife, plus six tips for avoiding crowds and having an amazing trip to America’s first national park!
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What to Expect Visiting Yellowstone in July
Here’s an overview of what you can expect when visiting Yellowstone in July.
The Weather is Great: July brings warm and pleasant weather to Yellowstone, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s°F (18-30°C). Nights can be cooler, typically in the 30s and 40s°F (1-9°C), so layers are key even in the heart of summer. July is one of the driest months in the park, with only occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Wildlife Watching Opportunities: Wildlife watching is good in Yellowstone year-round, and in July, you can spot bison, elk, wolves, pronghorn, otters, bald eagles, bears, and much more, particularly in the early morning or late evening. Most animals retreat to higher elevations or forested areas during the heat of the day. Wolves can be more elusive in the summer but are still regularly spotted in Lamar and Hayden Valleys. By July, many young animals like bison calves and elk fawns are still visible, though they are growing fast.
July is Prime Season: From the end of May through October 31st, Yellowstone is in its “prime season.” During this time, all park roads, lodges, dining options, and facilities are open, allowing full access to the park's most popular attractions. July is a great month to visit and explore everything Yellowstone offers in one trip!
It’s the Busiest Month of the Year: Because it’s the middle of prime season, July is the busiest month of the year in Yellowstone, so expect heavy traffic, especially around popular spots like Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Artist Point Overlook in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Parking lots fill up quickly, and you’ll likely experience delays or congestion on the park’s main roads. To avoid the worst of the crowds, start your day early—and stay out late—and avoid popular attractions between 10AM and 4PM.
A Busy Park is Good for Hiking: It might seem counterintuitive since we often hike to avoid crowds, but sharing the trail throughout Yellowstone’s bear country is not a bad thing. Busy summer months are actually my favorite time of the year to hike in Yellowstone because more people and longer daylight hours mean more safety for hiking. Just be sure to head out early to ensure parking at popular trailheads.
The Bison Rut Begins at the End of July: Starting at the end of July into August, you can experience a bison rut in Yellowstone. This is the bison mating season when bulls compete to mate with females. Large bulls, weighing up to 2,000 pounds, engage in head-to-head battles, using their massive horns to push and shove each other in displays of strength and dominance. During the rut, bison are more vocal and you can hear their deep bellows even from a distance. Head to Lamar Valley to see this in full, but remember to maintain a safe distance, as bison are more aggressive this time of year.
Driving through Yellowstone in July: The “Grand Loop”
Driving Yellowstone’s “Grand Loop” is one of the best ways to experience Yellowstone in July. Take advantage of longer daylight hours and drive as much of the Grand Loop as you can during your visit. The Grand Loop is a 142-mile figure-eight-shaped road that connects all major attractions in Yellowstone, offering a convenient route for first-time visitors to see the park.
Starting in the north, you'll pass Mammoth Hot Springs, known for its travertine terraces, before heading east toward the scenic Tower-Roosevelt area, a great spot for bear-watching in Yellowstone in July. Continuing along the Grand Loop, you’ll come across breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, including the famous Artist Point Overlook. The loop then heads west to Norris Geyser Basin, home to Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, before connecting with more of Yellowstone’s famous geysers.
Old Faithful, perhaps Yellowstone’s most iconic attraction, lies at the southwestern edge of the Grand Loop. On your way there from Norris, you’ll pass the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin. Hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook (from the Fairy Falls Trail) for a bird’s eye view, then walk the boardwalks at the Midway Geyser Basin for a closer look. (Hot and calm summer afternoons are best for viewing the Grand Prismatic Spring.)
After watching Old Faithful erupt at the Upper Geyser Basin, you’ll continue to Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America. As the sun goes down, make your way to Hayden or Lamar Valleys for great wildlife watching.
Road conditions in July are generally favorable, with all park roads open for the season. However, traffic is heavy in Yellowstone in July, particularly around popular spots like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. A good rule of thumb is to avoid these most popular spots between 10AM and 4PM in July—take advantage of longer daylight hours and head into the backcountry midday instead. You can also explore more remote areas of the park, such as the drive from Lake Village to Yellowstone’s East Entrance and the drive from Tower-Roosevelt to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance.
How crowded is Yellowstone in July?
Yellowstone is very crowded in July. Expect traffic and full parking lots, especially at popular spots like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
…But, go anyway.
Yellowstone in July is busy for a reason—this is one of the best times of the year for first-time visitors to be in the park. The weather is warm and inviting, with long daylight hours giving you extra time to explore. Yellowstone's natural colors are at their most vibrant, with the Grand Prismatic Spring putting on a show on sunny, calm afternoons and wildflowers in full bloom across the meadows. (Look for wildflowers in the Dunraven Pass area.)
Another treat comes at the end of July, with the bison rut beginning in Lamar Valley. Best of all, all park roads, services, lodging, dining, and stores are fully open, making July the perfect time to experience everything Yellowstone offers in one trip. Even with the heavy July crowds, it's a great month to visit.
July is the busiest month to visit Yellowstone.
6 Tips to Avoid Crowds in Yellowstone in July
If you want to see the Grand Prismatic Spring at its most beautiful, experience the nerve-wracking adrenaline rush of a bison jam during a bison rut, and have plenty of daylight to explore as much of this large park as possible, July is a great time to visit Yellowstone.
However, it’s no surprise this month is also the busiest time of year to be in the park, as the weather’s great, school is out for the summer, and the park’s operating at full capacity. So, here are 6 tips to help you avoid traffic and crowds in Yellowstone in July.
Start Early: Aim to be on the road by sunrise for wildlife watching and at the most popular attractions—like Artist Point, Old Faithful, and the Grand Prismatic Spring—before 9AM (or after 5PM). Yellowstone’s most popular attractions are much quieter early in the morning and are their most crowded between 10AM and 4PM. RTL Tip: The West Thumb Geyser Basin and Artist Point Overlook are particularly beautiful in early morning light.
Stay Out Late: If you’re not a morning person, you can also plan to explore Yellowstone’s busiest sites in the evening. (Or better yet, visit one popular site first thing and another later in the evening!) After 5PM, many visitors leave the park or settle into their accommodations, making the late afternoon and early evening another great time to visit places like Old Faithful or Mammoth Hot Springs. RTL Tip: The hour before sunset is a stunning time to walk the Grand Prismatic Spring boardwalks or explore the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces.
Drive Beyond Yellowstone’s Grand Loop: Yellowstone's Grand Loop is an approximately 142-mile scenic drive through Yellowstone’s most iconic landscapes and attractions. It’s a must-do when visiting Yellowstone in July! However, on busy summer days, consider driving beyond Yellowstone’s Grand Loop to more remote park areas with less traffic. Drive from Lake Village to Yellowstone’s East Entrance, Tower-Roosevelt to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance, and Firehole Canyon Drive near Madison Junction.
Get on the Water: Another way to avoid crowds in Yellowstone is to get off the roads altogether. Go river rafting on the Yellowstone River in Gardiner, MT, spend an afternoon boating on Yellowstone Lake, or head to one of many great areas within the park to fly fish. Water season in Yellowstone is generally from Memorial Day weekend through September or October, depending on the activity. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-motorized boats are also allowed on all lakes in Yellowstone except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon.
Explore the Trails: Getting on the trail by way of hiking or horseback riding is also a great way to skip the crowds in July. There are more than 15 miles of boardwalk trails and about 1000 miles of hiking trails throughout Yellowstone. While boardwalk trails are close to the road and, therefore, are generally busy, there are plenty of day hikes that leave the roads and crowds behind. Or you can book with one of several authorized outfitters for guided horseback rides. (There are many guided tours leaving from Gardiner, MT, and Roosevelt Lodge.) Getting into Yellowstone backcountry on the trails is a great way to get a reprieve from crowds.
Book in Advance & Stay Longer: Booking in advance and staying longer are also helpful for having a smoother experience when visiting Yellowstone in July. Lodging within the park books up months in advance during this popular season, as do prime tours and activities, so planning ahead ensures you don't miss out. Booking in advance also gives you more options for where to stay—We highly recommend Canyon Village or the Old Faithful area to reduce driving time, making it easier to reach the park's top attractions during less busy hours. For wildlife watching, stay in Tower-Roosevelt, Mammoth, or Gardiner. Staying longer allows you to explore the park at a more relaxed pace, giving you the flexibility to visit popular spots during quieter times of the day. It also reduces the pressure to fit everything into a short trip—there’s a lot to see and do in Yellowstone!
What wildlife can you see in Yellowstone in July?
Take advantage of longer daylight hours to see a variety of wildlife, such as bison during their rut, wolves in the valleys, otters around Yellowstone Lake, and an array of birds in the park's diverse habitats. Wildlife viewing is best during dawn and dusk, especially during summer months. Here’s some wildlife to look for in Yellowstone in July.
Bird Watching: July is an excellent month for bird watching in Yellowstone, as many neotropical migrants are active. Look for warblers, tanagers, and flycatchers in forested areas and meadows. Ospreys and bald eagles can be seen near rivers and lakes—look at the top of nearby dead trees—while peregrine falcons nest along cliffs.
Wolf Watching in Hayden Valley: In July, wolf packs and their pups tend to move to what resembles a daycare site, a place where the pups will spend the summer in the care of one or two adult wolves (i.e., their babysitters). In July 2024, this spot for one Yellowstone wolf pack was about a mile off the road in Hayden Valley. Between May and August 2024 (and counting), this wolf pack, with nine pups, was visible almost daily in the valley (using scopes). Once wolves establish an area for this child-rearing season, they tend to stick to that area while the pups grow. Once you get to Yellowstone in July, ask a ranger where wolves have been spotted recently and head there to see if you can spot them, too!
Otters on Yellowstone Lake: July is a great time to spot river otters around Yellowstone Lake. These playful animals are often seen swimming or fishing in the lake’s shallow waters or resting on the banks. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for otter-watching.
Bison Rut in Lamar Valley: The bison rut, or bison mating season, typically begins at the end of July. This is a distinctive opportunity to witness bison behavior as males compete for females, often engaging in dramatic displays of strength and loud bellows. Lamar Valley is a particularly good spot to observe the bison rut up close.
Grizzly Bears in High Country: While grizzlies are more commonly seen in the valleys during spring, by July, they often move to higher elevations to forage. Look for them in areas like the meadows around Dunraven Pass and near the slopes of Mount Washburn.
Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance, using binoculars or a spotting scope for a closer view. Always stay on designated trails and follow park guidelines to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals.
Otters on Yellowstone Lake near West Thumb Geyser Basin.
3 Can't-Miss Things Unique to July in Yellowstone
July is prime season in Yellowstone when the entire park is fully open. It’s a great time to drive Yellowstone’s Grand Loop and stop at every attraction that interests you, from Mammoth Hot Springs in the north to Canyon Village in the east and Old Faithful in the south. While these famous spots—just to name a few—are must-sees, July also offers unique experiences that make this busy time of year truly special. Here are three things that set July apart and are worth experiencing, even with the summer crowds.
Hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail: This to-do is for your trip's warmest, calmest, sunniest afternoon. That’s when you want to hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail because it’s on these hot and calm afternoons that you can experience Yellowstone’s most colorful attraction at its absolute best.
Drive the nearby Beartooth Highway: Beartooth Highway is often considered one of the most scenic drives in America. However, due to its high elevation and snow, it’s generally closed until the end of May or early June and only stays open until mid-September. Summer is the best time to drive Beartooth Highway and avoid unexpected closures. Drive past Cooke City, near Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance, and follow Beartooth Highway to Red Lodge, MT for this spectacular road trip.
See the Bison Rut in Lamar Valley: There’s nothing quite like the nerve-wracking adrenaline rush of being caught in a bison jam during the rut. You’re stopped in the middle of the road, a 2,000-pound bull daring you forward. To your left and probably also your right stands the rest of the herd, eyeing one another—and you—while deciding if they, too, should cross. You feel an overwhelming mix of awe and anxiety, keenly aware as the herd mills around your vehicle, bellowing their deep, guttural roars. You might be in the car driving through one of America’s most popular national parks, but right now, you’re trapped in their world, unable to do anything but hold your breath until they let you pass.
Bison jam in Lamar Valley.
What should I pack for Yellowstone in July?
Pack layers for cool evening temperatures, rain gear for possible afternoon storms, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy hiking boots and bug spray for hiking, and binoculars for wildlife watching. Here are some more ideas to get you started packing for Yellowstone in July.
Layered Clothing: While summer generally brings warm temperatures, nights can still cool off significantly, especially at higher elevations. Pack layers for cold evenings and mornings, such as a thermal base layer and a warm fleece or jacket. This is especially true if you’re camping in Yellowstone! You’ll want lighter clothing for the daytime and layers for cool camping nights—even in July.
Waterproof Gear: July is generally the driest month of the year in Yellowstone, but afternoon thunderstorms are always possible. You might want to pack a waterproof jacket or at least bring heavy-duty waterproof boots, especially if you’re hiking higher-elevation trails that only recently cleared of snow.
Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun while hiking or driving through the park.
Bug Protection: As the weather warms up, insects like mosquitoes and flies become more active. Bring insect repellent, and consider packing long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize bites, especially if you’re planning to hike areas with standing water or dense vegetation.
Footwear: You’ll be doing a lot of driving and walking when exploring Yellowstone in July, so pack comfortable, sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes with good traction.
Binoculars and Camera Gear: Every month is a great month for wildlife watching and photography in Yellowstone, so don’t forget binoculars and a camera with your furthest zoom lens!
FAQs
Is July the best time to visit Yellowstone?
July is a fantastic time to visit Yellowstone if you want to experience warm weather, all park facilities open, long daylight hours, and abundant wildlife, though it’s also the busiest month. Despite the crowds, July is a great time to experience everything Yellowstone has to offer in one trip.
What’s the weather like in Yellowstone in July?
July brings warm and pleasant weather to Yellowstone, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s°F (18-30°C). Nights can be cooler, typically in the 30s and 40s°F (1-9°C), so layers are good even during summer months. July is also one of the driest months in the park, with only occasional afternoon thunderstorms and little snow.
Can you swim in Yellowstone in July?
Yellowstone offers limited opportunities to swim or soak due to cold lake temperatures and boiling hot springs. The Firehole Swim Area, located two miles south of Madison Junction on Firehole Canyon Drive, is the only place to swim inside the park and generally opens for swimming mid-summer. (Note: Swimming is currently not allowed at Boiling River, as this area was impacted during the 2022 floods.) Outside the park, you can swim and soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs, located about 12 minutes north of Gardiner, MT, and Chico Hot Springs, located about 40 minutes north of Gardiner.
Are there any road closures in Yellowstone in July?
Typically, all roads in Yellowstone are open in July, but temporary closures can occur due to weather or construction. Check current road status and conditions here.
What’s the best time of day to visit popular spots like Old Faithful?
Early morning or late evening are the best times to visit Old Faithful and other popular spots to avoid the heaviest crowds. Be at these areas before 9AM or after 5PM. In July, finding parking just about anywhere at midday will be challenging, so we recommend being on a trail or driving to more remote areas of the park this time of day.
Can I fish in Yellowstone in July?
July and August are generally the best months to visit Yellowstone for fishing. Most of the park's rivers and lakes are fully accessible, and fish feed actively due to the warm temperatures and high insect activity.
What’s the best way to see Yellowstone in July if you only have a few days?
If you only have a few days in Yellowstone, focus on driving Grand Loop Road, visiting popular attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and looking for wildlife in Lamar and Hayden Valleys. Check out our Yellowstone Travel Guide for detailed 1 and 2-day Yellowstone itineraries.
Where to Stay to Visit Yellowstone in July
When visiting Yellowstone, you can either stay in a town near one of Yellowstone’s entrances or stay inside the park near one of Yellowstone’s attractions. Staying in a town near one of Yellowstone’s entrances is better for more/cheaper lodging options and access to amenities like restaurants, shopping, coffee shops, grocery stores, and more. Staying inside the park is better for convenience, namely that you’ll have less distance to travel to Yellowstone’s biggest attractions.
Our recommendation inside the park is to stay in Canyon Village or the Old Faithful area, as these are the most centrally located lodges in Yellowstone. Outside the park, we recommend Gardiner, MT, for its proximity to Yellowstone’s best wildlife-watching areas.
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Happy Travels!