Bears and Baby Animals—What to Expect in Yellowstone in May

May is a great time to visit Yellowstone National Park. As the snow melts and the days grow longer, the park comes alive with new growth and abundant wildlife. Wildlife watching in Yellowstone is incredible year-round, but May offers something especially wonderful… wolf pups, bison calves, and bear cubs, oh my!

May brings the bears and the baby animals, and is the best time of the year to spot bear cubs, wolf pups, bison calves, pronghorn fawns, and coyote pups, among others. Spring also brings new plant growth, wildflowers, and flowing waters. The park's hot springs, geysers, and other thermal features are particularly active in the spring as the snow melts and rivers and waterfalls swell with water. Exploring Yellowstone in May is one of the best times of year in the park, with smaller crowds, stunning scenery, and playful wildlife. Here’s what to expect.

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What to Expect Visiting Yellowstone in May

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when visiting Yellowstone in May. (It’s my favorite time of the year in the park!)

Weather: Daytime highs in May typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (7°C to 18°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit (-6°C to 4°C), with occasional frosts. Snow is still possible, especially at higher elevations, but much of the park sees snow melting, which keeps roads clear but can create muddy conditions on lower-elevation trails.
Wildlife: May is prime time for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone, especially for bears and baby animals! Bison calves, known as "red dogs" because of their bright orange coats, can also be seen in abundance in May, frolicking in the valleys alongside their mothers. Elk calves begin to appear later in the month, and bears, including both grizzlies and black bears, are actively foraging after hibernation. May offers something particularly special: newborn wildlife! It’s the best time of the year to spot bear cubs, wolf pups, bison calves, pronghorn fawns, and coyote pups, among other newborn wildlife.
Rolling Road Openings (Until All Park Roads Are Open at the End of May): Yellowstone has four distinct seasons: Winter, Spring, Prime, & Off-Season. The Spring Season runs from approximately April 19th through May 24th. During this time, there is a gradual reopening of Yellowstone’s roads until the entire park is open around Memorial Day weekend. Lower elevation roads, such as those between Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and Canyon Village, are among the first to open, while higher elevations remain closed until later in the month.
Lodging: Accommodations in Yellowstone follow a similar “rolling opening” approach. As visitors gain access to more of the park by car, they also have more lodging options available to them. By the end of May, most of the park’s roadways—and many of the park’s lodging facilities and campgrounds—are open. In addition to these in-park accommodations, you can also find lodging in nearby gateway towns, such as Gardiner, MT, West Yellowstone, MT, and Cody, WY.
Memorial Day is the Start of Prime “Peak” Season: As roads open and more visitors arrive, traffic in Yellowstone starts to pick up in May, particularly around Memorial Day weekend and near major attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The park is still less crowded in May than in peak summer months, such as July and August, but the end of May brings prime park season, with roads, lodging, and services close to operating at full capacity.

Things to Do: Wildlife watching and photography are popular in May as newborn wildlife are active and visible. Bear-watching, in particular, is also very popular in May as bears have emerged from hibernation, are foraging in lower elevation valleys (making them easier to spot), and small, playful bear cubs can often be seen climbing trees with their mom and siblings. As the month progresses, the most popular things to do in Yellowstone include exploring the newly accessible attractions, such as Old Faithful Geyser, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin, and much more. Hiking is possible in May; however, many higher-elevation trails will still be snow-packed.
When to Visit: Mid-May is generally best for newborn wildlife and bear watching; however, bears generally stay at lower elevations through early June. We’re partial to visiting on or after May 10th* when the road to Tower Fall opens. That’s because Tower Fall is one of the best areas in the park for spring bear-watching! *Note: Confirm road opening dates for the current calendar year here.

Driving through Yellowstone in May—“Rolling Openings”

Driving is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone year-round, so we highly recommend driving all open roads during your visit. However, it’s important to note that depending on when you visit Yellowstone in May, you may or may not be able to drive the entirety of the park.

Starting in April, Yellowstone experiences "rolling road openings," where different sections of the park's roads gradually reopen to the public. This phased approach allows visitors to access more park areas as the month progresses, leading to all park roads being open by the end of May.

Here’s when Yellowstone’s roads are scheduled to open in 2024.

Year-Round: The route from Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner) to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance (Cooke City) is open. This route goes from Gardiner, to Mammoth, to Tower-Roosevelt, to Lamar Valley, to the Northeast Entrance.
April 19th: The route from Yellowstone’s West Entrance to Old Faithful opens, along with the route from Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful. You can also now get to Canyon Village.
May 3rd: The route from Yellowstone’s East Entrance to Lake Village opens, along with the drive from Lake Village through Hayden Valley to Canyon Village.
May 10th: The route from Yellowstone’s South Entrance to West Thumb Geyser Basin opens, along with the road between Tower-Roosevelt and Tower Fall, one of the best places in the park for bear-watching in May. The drive between Old Faithful, West Thumb, and Lake Village is also now open, allowing full access of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop.
May 24th: The final stretch of road opens for the season and allows access from Tower Fall over Dunraven Pass to Canyon Village. When visiting on or after May 24*, all park roads are open unless weather or construction causes a temporary road closure.

*Confirm road opening dates for the current calendar year here.

2024 Yellowstone road opening and closing dates from NPS.gov.

When do Yellowstone’s attractions open in May?

Yellowstone National Park is open 24/7 year-round, but access to various areas and attractions can be restricted due to seasonal road closures. Here’s when Yellowstone’s main attractions become accessible to visitors by car in 2024.

Always Accessible: The route between Yellowstone’s North and Northeast Entrances is open year-round. This means you’ll be able to explore the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, hike Yellowstone’s Northern Range, and watch for wildlife in Lamar Valley anytime you visit in May.
April 19th: In mid-April, the route between Mammoth Hot Springs and the Old Faithful and Canyon Village areas is open. This means you’ll also be able to explore the Norris Geyser Basin, visit Canyon Village, watch an Old Faithful Geyser eruption, explore the Upper, Midway (Grand Prismatic Spring), and Lower Geyser Basins, and drive from Yellowstone’s West Entrance into the park anytime you visit in May.

May 3rd: In early May, the route between Canyon Village and Lake Village opens, as does Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Now, you’ll have access to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (including the Artist Point Overlook), be able to watch for wildlife in Hayden Valley, and enjoy views of Yellowstone Lake.
May 10th: The drive from Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall—and Old Faithful to Lake Village to Yellowstone’s South Entrance—are now open. When visiting on or after May 10th, you can access one of the best areas for bears in Yellowstone in May: Tower Fall. You can also drive between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and walk the boardwalks at the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
May 24th: The high-elevation route between Tower Fall and Canyon Village is the last section of the park to open. Once it does, all roads are open, and you can enjoy some of the highest points in the park, such as Mount Washburn.

Why May is a Great Month to Visit Yellowstone

May is a playful time to be in the park, as you can feel new life in the air. Bears and baby animals are one of the main reasons to visit Yellowstone in May, but they’re not all that awaits when you travel to America’s first national park this month. This time of year is also amazing for viewing Yellowstone’s hot springs, geysers, and other thermal features as the snow melts and rivers and waterfalls swell with water.

In fact, April, May, and June are arguably the best months for viewing Yellowstone's geysers, including Old Faithful, as cooler temperatures and higher groundwater levels can lead to more active and predictable eruptions. May also offers the advantage of fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season, allowing for a more immersive and intimate experience.

Downsides of Visiting Yellowstone in May

May is one of the best months to visit Yellowstone, but there are some things to keep in mind, such as:

Road Access is Still Limited Early in the Month: Although road openings progress throughout May, some of Yellowstone’s interior roads remain inaccessible until later in the month. This means that access to some of the park's key attractions may be restricted during your visit. This can limit the range of activities and sights available in Yellowstone in early May.

Limited Lodging Availability: Similar to the roads, lodging in Yellowstone follows a rolling opening schedule. Early in May, not all in-park lodgings are open, requiring visitors to stay outside the park or in specific areas.

Residual Snow and Mud: Snow and ice are still prevalent at higher elevations in May, which affects access to some of the park’s high-elevation hiking trails. The melting snow often leads to muddy, slippery trails at lower elevations, making backcountry activities more challenging throughout the park. May is not the best month for hiking in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Weather in May

During May, daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (7°C to 18°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit (-6°C to 4°C), with occasional frosts. Snow is still a possibility, especially at higher elevations, leading to mixed conditions of snow and rain throughout the month.

Early May often brings more snowfall, which gradually shifts to rain as temperatures rise and snow melts. This snowmelt contributes to swollen rivers and powerful waterfalls, enhancing the park's beauty but also creating muddy and slippery conditions on lower-elevation trails. Yellowstone’s lower elevations only average about one day of snowfall in May.

Is Yellowstone busy in May?

In May, Yellowstone begins to see a noticeable increase in visitors as the park transitions from the quieter spring season to the busier summer months. In 2023, Yellowstone welcomed around 450,000 visitors in May, compared to approximately 70,000 in April. This increase reflects the park’s growing popularity as more roads and services open and the weather becomes more favorable.

Despite this uptick, May is still less crowded than the peak summer months. For example, visitation numbers in July typically exceed 900,000. In May, you can expect fewer crowds compared to the summer rush, particularly in early to mid-May when some attractions and accommodations are still coming online. Memorial Day weekend in Yellowstone, however, is generally very busy.

What wildlife can you see in Yellowstone in May?

If you’re planning to visit Yellowstone in May, you’re probably on a mission to see some pups, cubs, or calves. And if that’s not what brought you here… Welcome to this insider Yellowstone tip: May is the best time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park to see wolf pups, bear cubs, bison calves, and all the baby animals! May also offers one of the best months of the year to see bears in Yellowstone National Park, as they’re coming out of hibernation and typically more active, foraging for food.

During just one May day, we saw a mama bear and her two cubs (watching them play, forage, and sleep in a tree for hours!), a cinnamon black bear walking about 200 yards from the road, and a grizzly bear hanging out in Lamar Valley. We also saw a wolf, moose, bison, bison calves, pronghorn antelope, and elk. For the best wildlife watching in Yellowstone in May, we highly recommend being in the park from sunrise to about 10am and again from around 4pm to sunset. Here are some of the best places to look for wildlife in Yellowstone in May:

Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall: This area is known for its black bears, and in May, it’s known as a great place to spot bears and their cubs. Once the road between Tower-Roosevelt Junction and Tower Fall opens in May (typically around May 10th), drive from the Tower-Roosevelt Junction to Tower Fall, where you’ll find a huge parking lot with restrooms. If you see cars pulled off in overlooks, there is probably wildlife nearby!
Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley is a great place to see wildlife year-round in Yellowstone National Park, and that’s especially true in May. Look for grizzly bears and bison. After driving through Lamar Valley, keep driving toward the Northeast Entrance to look for bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
Slough Creek: Slough Creek is typically a consistent place for spotting wolves during spring, as a den is nearby. Note: There’s a good parking area down the road if you turn onto Slough Creek and keep driving past the restrooms. This is where we recommend you head for wolf-watching in May.

North Yellowstone typically offers the most consistent and abundant wildlife sightings in Yellowstone in May. Plus, this part of the park’s landscape is grand and dramatic, meaning you’ll enjoy breathtaking views while watching for wildlife.

Remember, if you engage in wildlife watching in Yellowstone, always be respectful of the wildlife and other visitors by (1) Keeping a safe distance from ALL wildlife and avoiding loud noises and (2) Parking off the road (fully to the side of white lines) to get out of the way of traffic before taking photos or observing wildlife.

Bear cub in a tree near Tower Fall in Yellowstone in May.

7 Must-Do Things in Yellowstone in May

Here are some of the best things to do in Yellowstone in May.

Wildlife Watching at Tower Fall and Lamar Valley: I can’t say it enough. Wildlife watching is a must-do in Yellowstone in May! Visit the Tower Fall area, Lamar Valley, and Hayden Valley.
Walk the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces: Be sure to walk both the Lower and Upper Terraces at the Mammoth Hot Springs during your May visit. While a boardwalk connects them, sometimes portions of the boardwalk are closed to foot traffic. If this happens during your visit, you can drive to the Lower and Upper Terraces. Walk the Lower Terraces first, then keep driving (as though driving from Mammoth Hot Springs to West Yellowstone), and you’ll come across the Upper Terrace area. You can park and hop out of your car here to view the Canary and Cupid Springs and get gorgeous panoramic views of Mammoth Hot Springs.
Drive Yellowstone’s Grand Loop: Yellowstone's Grand Loop is a 142-mile scenic drive through the park's most iconic landscapes and attractions, including geysers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. We highly recommend driving as much of the Grand Loop as you can during your trip. The Lower Loop is generally open by mid-May, while sections of the Upper Loop remain closed until late May.
Visit the Artist Point Overlook: The Artist Point Overlook in May is stunning. Get there early and enjoy this famous viewpoint for as long as you’d like—without a crowd. (You can’t even get this kind of solitude when visiting in the winter, as most people can only visit this overlook alongside a winter tour group.) May is the best opportunity to have this magical viewpoint all to yourself… and it won’t disappoint.
Walk the Grand Prismatic Spring Boardwalk: The Grand Prismatic Spring begins showing off its vibrant blue, green, and orange hues in the spring. You’ll want to wait until July if you’re set on seeing peak vibrancy, but by then, you’ll also have to navigate peak crowds. Visiting the Grand Prismatic Spring in May is good for a more intimate experience.
Watch an Old Faithful Geyser Eruption: Since the Old Faithful Geyser erupts with steam and hot water approximately every 98 minutes year-round, there’s generally no bad time to view Old Faithful. Learn when Old Faithful is predicted to erupt next by checking the NPS website here or by simply driving to the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Even if you’re early or just missed an eruption, you can always walk the trails at the Upper Geyser Basin while you wait, or head to the nearby Grand Prismatic Springs or Lower Geyser Basin. Watching an Old Faithful Geyser eruption is a must-do when visiting Yellowstone in May!
Hit the Trails for Early Hiking: As the snow melts, many lower-elevation trails become accessible. Popular hikes include the trails around Mammoth Hot Springs, the Blacktail Deer Plateau, and portions of Lamar Valley. Be prepared for muddy conditions on lower trails while higher-elevation trails are still covered in snow. Consider Trout Lake Loop (Lamar Valley), Storm Point Loop (Yellowstone Lake), Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop Trail (near Tower Junction), and Bunsen Peak (past Mammoth).

Where to Stay to Visit Yellowstone in May

Whether you prefer staying in the heart of Yellowstone to catch early morning wildlife or you want the convenience of nearby gateway towns, here are some of the best places to stay when visiting Yellowstone in May.

1. Gardiner, Montana:

Location: Just outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
Best For: Wildlife Watching
Why Stay Here: Gardiner, MT, is located at the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. This entrance is open throughout May and provides easy access to Tower Fall and Lamar Valley, two of the best places for wildlife watching in Yellowstone in May.

2. West Yellowstone, Montana:

Location: Located near the park’s West Entrance.
Best For: Access to the park’s geyser basins and thermal areas
Why Stay Here: West Yellowstone has numerous lodging and tour options and offers convenient access to the park’s geyser basins and thermal areas, including Norris Geyser Basin, the Midway Geyser Basin (home of the Grand Prismatic Spring), and the Upper Geyser Basin (home of the Old Faithful Geyser).

3. Yellowstone National Park Lodging:

As new areas of the park become accessible by car, corresponding lodging options also begin to reopen. We’ve listed May openings below, while the following chart highlights all lodge opening dates.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Located in the northern part of the park, this historic hotel is typically open by late April, offering easy access to the northern range and attractions like Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
Old Faithful: Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins generally opens in late April. Other lodging in the Old Faithful area—including the Old Faithful Inn and Old Faithful Lodge and Cabins—generally open in early May. The central location of Old Faithful is convenient for exploring nearby geothermal features and is a great base for day trips to other parts of the park.
Canyon Lodge and Cabins: Open in mid-May, Canyon Lodge is situated near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, providing access to the canyon, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It is one of the most centrally located hotels in the entire park.
Lake Hotel: Lake Hotel also opens in May, offering beautiful views of Yellowstone Lake.

Camping in Yellowstone in May

Here’s an overview of when campgrounds open in Yellowstone in May 2024.

The following campgrounds are reservable through Yellowstone National Park Lodges:

Madison Campground: Opens on May 2.
Fishing Bridge RV Park: Opens on May 9.
Bridge Bay Campground: Opens on May 16 (Note: Early season dates from May 17 to May 23, 2024, are first come, first served).
Canyon Campground: Opens on May 30 (Note: Early season dates from May 31 to June 6, 2024, are first come, first served).

While these campgrounds are reservable through Recreation.gov:

Mammoth Campground: Opens on May 24.
Norris Campground: Temporarily closed for 2024.
Pebble Creek Campground: Temporarily closed for 2024.
Tower Fall Campground: Temporarily closed for 2024.

Packing for Yellowstone in May

Here's a packing list to get you started for your visit to Yellowstone in May.

Layered Clothing: Options for layering clothing is a good choice year-round in Yellowstone. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers (such as fleece or down), and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. The weather in May can vary greatly, so layering is essential for staying comfortable.
Warm Jacket: A warm, insulated jacket is good for chilly mornings and evenings, especially at higher elevations.
Rain Gear: A waterproof rain jacket and pants will protect you from spring showers and occasional snow.
Hat and Gloves: Bring a warm hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings, especially if you plan on a lot of wildlife watching.
Sun Protection: Pack a sun hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays, which can be strong even on cooler days.
Comfortable Hiking Boots: Waterproof and supportive hiking boots are essential for exploring trails, which can be muddy or snowy in places.
Trekking Poles: Useful for stability on muddy and snowy trails.
Wool Socks: Wool socks will help keep your feet warm, dry, and odor-free during hikes and other outdoor activities.
Daypack: To carry snacks, water, extra layers, and camera gear.
Swimsuit: Particularly if you’re staying in Gardiner, so you can visit the nearby Yellowstone Hot Springs or Chico Hot Springs.
Binoculars: Helpful for wildlife viewing, particularly for spotting animals at a distance.
Camera: Bring a camera with extra batteries and memory cards for capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Insect Repellent: Although not as crucial as in summer months, repellent may be useful for dealing with early spring insects.
Park Pass: Purchase a park entrance pass ahead of time or be prepared to buy one upon arrival.

Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide! With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries for each season, ensure you never miss out, whether you’re enjoying water sports in the summer or spotting wildlife in the spring. Crafted from personal experience over 9 years and 10 trips (& counting), our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the overwhelm out of planning a vacation to America’s first (and one of its largest) national parks and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide!

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