Yellowstone National Park Planning & Tips

The Art of Smart Timing
Yellowstone National Park rewards you with wildlife and geothermal wonders any time of year. Spring and summer’s warm temperatures create prime conditions for hiking, boating and fishing as well as for crowds. Of the park's 3.3.million visitors in 2009, less than 87,000 visited from December through March. For warm weather travel, the least crowded times are typically just after Memorial Day and just prior to Labor Day. Yellowstone is the most crowded in July and August.

Touring Yellowstone in winter has its limitations: cold temperatures and limited access to trails. However, you’re likely to see more bison, especially near Old Faithful, than people.

Getting Around
In winter, two lodges remain open. You tour the park by snowcoach, snowshoes or cross-country skis. In summer, a car is both handy as well as, at times, hard to park and the roads can be crowded. Xanterra, Yellowstone’s concessioner, operates bus and van tours from mid-May until late September.

Visitor's Bureau
National Parks Service
Xanterra