Alright, settle in, fellow nature enthusiasts! Suppose you’ve ever envisioned witnessing the raw, untamed beauty of America’s first national park bursting with life under the warm embrace of summer. In that case, you’ve likely considered a trip to Yellowstone National Park in July. And let me tell you, you’re onto something truly special. Having spent countless hours exploring its geothermal wonders, tracking its majestic wildlife, and hiking its breathtaking trails, I can confidently say that experiencing Yellowstone National Park in July is like stepping into a vibrant postcard. But with its popularity comes the need for smart planning.
So, consider this your friendly guide, drawn from years of firsthand experience, to navigate Yellowstone’s wonders in its summertime glory. We’ll delve into what makes July a coveted month to visit, and equip you with the insights you need to make the most of your adventure. Get ready to discover the magic that awaits you with nationalparkshops’s team!
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What are the benefits of visiting Yellowstone National Park in July?
The primary advantage of visiting Yellowstone National Park in July is the ease of accessing the trails. This month is ideal for putting on your hiking boots and exploring, as nearly all areas of the park are open to visitors. With most of the snow gone, you’ll have access to over 1,000 miles of trails. Hiking and backpacking provide a way to avoid the larger crowds typical of this season, making trail accessibility excellent for those wishing to explore the backcountry. You can find inspiration from our curated selection of the top trails in Yellowstone.
Another advantage of Yellowstone National Park in July visit is the opportunity for wildlife observation. Although the calving season for bison and elk has ended for the summer, these animals are still present throughout much of the park and can often be spotted by visitors driving along the roads. Bears are active during the summer, and various waterfowl and members of the weasel family, like otters and beavers, can be seen in the lakes and rivers. The chance to see wildlife is one of the main attractions of Yellowstone, which boasts the highest concentration of mammals in the contiguous United States, and summer offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in the park.
July’s weather is far more favorable compared to early summer and late spring for those looking to avoid snow and poor conditions. Typically, Yellowstone National Park in July experiences around five rainy days, and daytime temperatures can become quite warm – almost hot – but you won’t need to worry about unexpected snowfall in the park. This makes the park available to many visitors who lack winter equipment needed for other seasons. Although nights can still be cool, the days are warm and lengthy, ideal for exploration.
>> Best Time To Visit Yellowstone National Park
Weather in Yellowstone National Park in July
Yellowstone is an expansive park with elevations that range from 6,000 to over 11,000 feet. Consequently, the weather can differ significantly across various areas of the park depending on your altitude and location. It’s essential to check the daily weather forecast for the specific area of the park you plan to visit to understand what conditions to expect. If you’re unable to find a weather report for your chosen section, you can look up the forecast for the closest visitor center or inquire with a ranger about anticipated weather patterns.
Generally speaking, in Yellowstone National Park in July, temperatures are usually warm during the daytime and cooler at night. Mammoth Hot Springs typically sees an average high of 81 degrees and a low of 49 degrees Fahrenheit (27/9 degrees Celsius). Yellowstone Lake usually has an average high of 72 degrees and a low of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (22/4 degrees Celsius). On average, there are about 5 rainy days in July.
July is an ideal month to experience Yellowstone due to favorable weather conditions. The unpredictable snowfalls have ended by June, making July generally free from the severe weather seen earlier in the year. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for hiking, and it is the driest month of the year. However, occasional rain and afternoon thunderstorms can still occur, particularly at higher altitudes. Nights can be quite cold, so it’s advisable to bring jackets and warm clothing if you plan to be outdoors after dark.
Yellowstone National Park in July features some of the longest daylight hours, with extended sunshine into the evening – darkness typically falls around eight or nine – which provides excellent opportunities for park exploration and wildlife viewing. Visitors need to note that Yellowstone’s high elevation results in very dry air. This dryness may make the heat feel more intense for those coming from humid climates. Additionally, the lack of moisture can lead to dry, cracked skin on hands and feet, so packing lotion is a good idea if you expect this issue. July offers the least likelihood of weather interruptions, so take advantage of it to start your adventures.
How crowded is Yellowstone in July?
Yellowstone National Park in July experiences significant crowds, making it one of the busiest months for visitation. In July 2024, the park hosted 992,352 recreation visits, which is a 2% increase from the previous year but still 8% lower than the record-setting July 2021, when over 1.08 million visits were recorded.
The summer months, particularly July and August, attract millions of visitors, leading to long lines for services, crowded parking lots, and traffic delays due to the sheer volume of people and wildlife sightings along the roads. Many visitors recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak traffic times, as the busiest hours typically fall between 9 AM and 3 PM. Despite the crowds, the park’s vastness allows for opportunities to escape into less populated areas by hiking a short distance from popular attractions.
Things to do in July
Yellowstone offers an abundance of things to do during July that cater to all types of adventurers. Here are some highlights:
Hiking
Yellowstone National Park in July is a great time for hiking, with plenty of trails available. Check trail conditions beforehand to prepare properly. You might want to hire a guiding company that handles logistics and permits, allowing you to focus on enjoying the views.
Yellowstone National Park offers numerous day-hike options for all skill levels. Hiking near famous sites like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring allows you to escape the crowds while still enjoying iconic views. The extended boardwalk at Old Faithful’s geyser basin and the overlook by Grand Prismatic Spring are great hiking spots. For a longer trek, consider hiking to Fairy Falls beyond the overlook, where fewer people venture.
Near Canyon Village, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone features various trails, from peaceful rim walks to challenging hikes down into the canyon, like the 7-mile hole trail or paths to Red Rock Point and the lower falls. These trails showcase breathtaking hydrothermal features, overlooks, and wildlife viewing opportunities. In the southern part of the park, the Storm Point trail around Yellowstone Lake is a family-friendly 2.5-mile hike. Near Mammoth Hot Springs, the Beaver Ponds Loop Trail offers a moderate 6-mile hike with opportunities to see wildlife among forests and sagebrush, leading to beaver habitats.
Backpacking Tour
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider a backpacking tour through Yellowstone’s backcountry. With over 1,000 miles of trails available for backpacking, you can find solitude away from crowded areas while enjoying breathtaking scenery.
I had an incredible experience on a multi-day backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park in July where we camped under the stars and cooked meals over a campfire – an unforgettable way to connect with nature!\
>> Yellowstone National Park Camping: A Beginner’s Guide
Fishing
Yellowstone National Park in July is an ideal time to enjoy activities on the water, such as fishing, kayaking, or swimming in approved areas. The top spots for fishing include the Gardner River, Lamar River, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte Creek. You need a permit to fish within the park, which can be obtained at any visitor center or fly shop outside of Yellowstone. You can rent boats at Bridge Bay on Yellowstone Lake.
Bus Tours
For those who prefer a guided experience without worrying about navigation or parking, consider joining one of Yellowstone’s bus tours. These tours often include knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights about the park’s history and geology.
I joined a full-day bus tour that took us around many key attractions while allowing us ample time at each stop for exploration – worth considering if you want a more relaxed way to see everything!
>> 12 Best Yellowstone National Park Tours of 2024
Wildlife Viewing
Bison and elk calving seasons end in May and June, making Yellowstone National Park in July a quieter month for wildlife. However, these animals remain plentiful in the park. It’s hard to drive through Yellowstone without spotting bison or elk along the roads, sometimes even blocking traffic. Visitors often get close views of these impressive creatures from their cars.
Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are top spots for wildlife viewing, featuring open landscapes with few trees. Less common animals like pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and moose also live here but are seen less frequently due to smaller group sizes. Grizzly bears attract many visitors, often spotted by the roadside, but it’s crucial to keep a safe distance of 100 yards from them and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife.
While Yellowstone is excellent for gray wolf sightings, they are rarer in summer as packs typically move to cooler higher elevations. Other elusive predators, such as cougars and lynx, also retreat to higher areas during this season, and sightings are infrequent. These animals are more commonly captured on remote cameras. Yellowstone boasts the highest mammal concentration in the lower 48 states, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing and photography.
Things to see in Yellowstone National Park in July
Yellowstone National Park in July offers numerous attractions and activities and is renowned for its sightseeing. We’ve compiled a list of must-see locations for July, categorizing them into well-known hotspots and quieter, lesser-visited areas that may provide a more serene experience. This list isn’t comprehensive, so it’s advisable to conduct your own research to find what interests you most in the park.
Old Faithful
Visiting Yellowstone National Park in July wouldn’t be complete without witnessing Old Faithful, the most famous geyser globally. Although many geysers in the park have erratic eruption patterns, Old Faithful consistently lives up to its reputation by erupting several times each day, shooting hundreds of gallons of boiling water high into the air. Despite being the busiest and most popular spot in the park, a trip to see Old Faithful is definitely worthwhile.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is famous for its vibrant, multicolored water and the stunning hues that even extend into the steam it produces. This hot spring in Yellowstone is among the largest and most colorful in the park, featuring striking shades of blue, green, orange, and yellow that impress all visitors. The site provides a boardwalk around the perimeter of the spring, along with hiking paths leading to a viewpoint for a closer look at the vivid colors.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Unlike the vibrant colors and waters of the Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs consists of limestone terraces that have formed over time due to mineral-rich water rising from below the earth’s surface. These stunning formations, colored in shades of white and dark burnt orange, are unlike anything visitors have encountered before, with many claiming they surpass the beauty of any man-made fountain.
Lamar Valley
This secluded valley in the northeastern part of the park is not as well-known as the famous Hayden Valley for wildlife observation, yet it is equally impressive. With reduced crowds and less congestion, Lamar Valley offers an ideal setting for spotting large groups of bison and occasional elk. Additionally, this valley provides the greatest chance to observe wolves during Yellowstone National Park in July, although they typically move to higher altitudes where temperatures are lower.
Black Growler Steam Vent
Situated close to the Norris geyser basin, the Black Growler steam vent is among the hottest hydrothermal features in the park and gets its name from the unique growling sound it produces. Unlike hot springs and geysers, steam vents are typically found at higher altitudes or on slopes, which limits their access to water. As a result, the minimal water present converts to steam right away, with temperatures at Black Growler recorded as high as 280 degrees.
Artists Paint Pots
The lesser-known trail known as the Artists Paint Pots is located near the Gibbon geyser basin. Although it may not be as vibrant or extensive as some other hydrothermal attractions in the park, the paint pots provide a distinct visual experience that is rarely found elsewhere in Yellowstone. Rather than featuring bright colors and scalding water shooting into the sky, the paint pots consist of bubbling mud springs that many find captivating to observe. Depending on the water levels in the vicinity, they can either bubble like thick paint or make sputtering sounds in drier conditions.
What are the drawbacks of visiting in July?
One major disadvantage of visiting Yellowstone National Park in July is the large number of tourists. Approximately 4 million people flock to Yellowstone during that month. This results in lengthy waits for services, difficulty finding parking, and potential long delays on the roads due to heavy traffic or unexpected events like a bear sighting or an accident.
Although there are various routes to reach different parts of the park, once you commit to one path, there are no alternate options available, which can leave you stuck behind an accident or a bear jam until it gets resolved. It’s crucial to remain adaptable with your itinerary and ready to adjust your plans because of unforeseen events. While some areas of the park are less frequented and can offer a sense of solitude, many well-known attractions will likely not provide the tranquil wilderness experience you may have anticipated.
Due to the large crowds during peak season, lodging options in and around the park experience increased prices and reduced availability. Accommodations near Yellowstone in the summer can be fully booked up to a year ahead, meaning you’ll need to plan your visit and reserve your stay well in advance. Those looking to book a last-minute trip may struggle to find any available lodging – even at a considerable distance from the park entrances – and will likely have to pay peak season rates.
Conclusion
Ultimately, our research concludes that Yellowstone National Park in July offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with one of America’s most cherished natural wonders. Yes, it’s a popular time, but the sheer abundance of life and the sheer scale of breathtaking landscapes more than compensate for the added hustle and bustle. Prepare well, embrace the vibrant energy, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime – Yellowstone in July awaits, ready to unfold its magic before your very eyes! Now, go forth and explore!
