Visiting Yellowstone National Park in June: Why Best Time?

June transforms Yellowstone National Park into a paradise of natural beauty and adventure. Meadows burst into life with vibrant wildflowers, creating a colorful backdrop for your exploration. Wildlife activity peaks during this time, with bison, elk, and even bears visible in their natural habitats. Rivers swell with snowmelt, adding a dynamic energy to the park’s breathtaking landscapes. The warm temperatures make it perfect for hiking scenic trails, experiencing the awe of geysers like Old Faithful, or enjoying the tranquility of Yellowstone Lake.

This guide dives into everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable visit to Yellowstone National Park in June, ensuring you capture the magic of early summer in this iconic destination. Let’s explore with nationalparkshops’s team through this article!

Why June is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?

One of the main advantages of visiting Yellowstone National Park in June is the rich wildlife presence. In Lamar Valley, bison are giving birth, while elk are calving at Mammoth Hot Springs. It’s a fantastic season to observe new life in the flower-laden meadows. During summer in Yellowstone, these magnificent creatures are very numerous as many migrate from lower altitudes where conditions are too hot and food is limited. Often, you can see these animals without leaving your vehicle since they frequently appear alongside or on the roads.

Another advantage of visiting Yellowstone National Park in June is that most trails are generally open as the snow starts to melt, even at higher altitudes. This makes it an ideal time for hiking and especially backpacking in Yellowstone, allowing access to the park’s stunning trails without the large crowds. Walking through a meadow or ascending a mountain while admiring the snow-capped peaks is a remarkable experience. Additionally, as the trails become accessible, streams, rivers, and waterfalls will be flowing strongly due to snowmelt, marking the beginning of prime fishing season. Various other backcountry activities will also be available at this stage of the season.

One advantage of going to Yellowstone National Park in June is the milder and more consistent weather. Although summer tends to be the driest time of year, with occasional rain, snow is still possible in June; however, you typically won’t need to pack winter gear or tire chains. This makes it easier for many visitors who lack winter equipment to explore the park during other times of the year. Even though nights can be cool, the daytime warmth and extended sunlight hours create ideal conditions for guests to spend the entire day appreciating the beautiful landscapes.

Weather in Yellowstone National Park in June

Yellowstone is an expansive national park with heights ranging from about 6,000 to over 11,000 feet and covering 3,471 square miles. Consequently, the weather in Yellowstone can vary significantly throughout different areas of the park. It’s important to check the weather for the specific spot you plan to visit to determine what clothing and equipment to bring.

While winter gear needs to be more specialized based on your location, summer conditions are generally consistent across the park. Yellowstone National Park in June experiences warm daytime temperatures that transition into typical summer weather, but nights can still be quite cool. Mammoth Hot Springs has an average high of 70 degrees and a low of 42 degrees Fahrenheit (21/5 degrees Celsius). At Yellowstone Lake, the average high is 62 degrees and the low is 34 degrees Fahrenheit (16/1 degrees Celsius). June typically sees around nine days of rainfall, and snowfall can also occur, with at least one snow event expected during the month.
In June, Yellowstone’s weather is transitioning to summer, but nights can still be cold and wet. Campers should pack sleeping bags rated for low temperatures, as nighttime can dip below freezing.

Hypothermia is a significant risk for backpackers, particularly when temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent this, visitors should seek shelter from wind and rain and don rain gear and warm clothing before they become soaked or start to shiver. Since Yellowstone National Park in June can still bring cold and rainy conditions, it’s wise to carry rain gear and wear layers that can be removed if you get too warm. Daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s may feel hotter for those accustomed to more humid regions like the American South or coastal areas. The dry mountain air can also lead to dry, cracking skin on hands and feet, which can be quite painful without the application of lotion or moisturizer.

Best things to do Yellowstone National Park in June

There are countless activities to enjoy in Yellowstone National Park in June. One of the top choices is hiking, as there are over 1,000 miles of trails to select from, many of which take you away from busy roads and into the wilderness. Most hiking paths in Yellowstone remain open throughout the month, allowing for both long hikes and backpacking adventures. Trails like the Grand Prismatic Overlook and the Observation Point loop near Old Faithful provide opportunities to see popular attractions while avoiding large crowds by hiking.

In June, backpacking is also an excellent choice, with options ranging from weekend excursions to longer hikes that let you take in the beautiful scenery. Wildland Trekking offers llama treks in Yellowstone, providing a backpacking alternative that lightens your load and allows for a unique connection with the animal on the trail. If you want to explore more of Yellowstone while still enjoying essential amenities, you can camp at one of the park’s multiple campgrounds, experiencing the outdoors in a different way than if you stayed in a hotel.

Fishing season starts at the end of May, and the west side of the park is the ideal spot until the end of June. The Madison, Gibbon, and Firehole Rivers are well-stocked with trout and have good flow during this period. Fishing permits are necessary for any fishing activity in the park and can be bought at visitor centers or fly shops outside of Yellowstone.

Wildlife observation and photography are popular pursuits, and visitors should keep a camera handy as animals may frequently appear. The grizzly bears of Yellowstone are a delight to witness, along with the famous bison and elk that inhabit the area. Stargazing and night-time photography are excellent activities if you are prepared to bundle up and go out after dark. The stunning stars and the Milky Way provide fantastic photographic opportunities, especially when geysers are illuminated in the foreground.

Bus tours are available starting at Yellowstone National Park in June and offer an efficient way to explore much of the park in a short time. You can refer to our list of recommended tours in Yellowstone to find one that suits your preferences. White water rafting and kayaking excursions are also offered during this season and allow you to experience different areas of the park that may be inaccessible otherwise.

There are two designated areas where it is legal to swim in the rivers and hot springs of Yellowstone: the Boiling River and Firehole River. These locations are the only approved hot spring bathing spots because many individuals have suffered severe burns or even fatalities from contact with other famous hot springs in Yellowstone. Always ensure that swimming in a river or hot spring is both legal and safe before doing so.

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Things to see in Yellowstone National Park in June

Yellowstone National Park in June offers nearly as many attractions as activities, with sightseeing being a top draw, featuring geysers, wildlife, and vibrant hot springs. However, during this period, popular landmarks can become quite crowded. We have prepared lists, so take a look at our suggestions to find what interests you.

Old Faithful Geyser

This iconic feature of Yellowstone is essential to visit, even if you’ve seen it in the past. Many geysers erupt without warning, making it challenging to know the best time to be at a specific location for an eruption. However, Old Faithful lives up to its reputation by erupting reliably around every 30 minutes, launching thousands of gallons of scalding water high into the air. Upon reaching the visitor center’s parking lot near the geyser, you can check the precise eruption predictions for each nearby geyser, allowing you to secure a good spot for viewing Old Faithful or others expected to erupt. Since it’s the most popular site in the park, it’s advisable to arrive early to explore the adjacent geyser basin.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring, a defining feature of Yellowstone, is famous for its stunning hues of blue, green, orange, and yellow. This is a pretty cool place to visit in Yellowstone National Park in June. Due to the high acidity of one of the springs in the park, many visitors opt to remove their glasses while walking on the boardwalk, as the steam from the acidic water can damage the lenses. The boardwalk allows you to stroll around the spring’s perimeter, and there’s also a short hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook, which offers a better view of the vibrant colors from above.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Upon entering the park from the northern entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs is the first major attraction you encounter, offering an unusual boardwalk walk that showcases some of the park’s most peculiar and distinctive formations. The springs are characterized by odd shapes and various shades of white, colored by mineral-laden water that imparts a burnt orange tint, with steam billowing from them. A visit to these springs is essential when exploring Yellowstone National Park in June.

Hayden Valley

This beautiful valley is located in the heart of Yellowstone National Park and is the primary spot for tourists to observe wildlife. Herds of bison wander through, feeding on the plants, while elk can be found mingling among them. Visitors might also catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear from time to time. The Yellowstone River flows through the valley, providing stunning views and opportunities for birdwatching in the river and surrounding wetlands.

Lamar Valley

This secluded valley located in the northeastern part of the park allows guests to observe wildlife with less congestion compared to Hayden Valley. Bison give birth in June, and although there are fewer elk, Lamar Valley offers the best opportunity to spot one of Yellowstone’s wolf packs. Aim to visit in the early morning or late evening for a chance to see these elusive predators, and make sure to bring a good pair of binoculars since they could be quite far away, possibly across the valley.

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Artists Paint Pots

Close to the Gibbon geyser basin lies an obscure trail known as the Artists Paint Pots. While this collection of geysers and hot springs may not be as vibrant or expansive as other locations, it provides a distinctive perspective that is unique within the park. Rather than featuring bright waters and erupting volcanoes, the paint pots consist of bubbling mud springs that many find captivating to observe. The appearance of these springs varies based on the water levels in the vicinity; they can either bubble with a thick paint-like texture or sputter and pop in drier conditions.

Sheepeater Cliff

This lesser-known aspect of Yellowstone is both a picnic spot and a remnant of volcanic history. Similar to Devil’s Postpile National Monument in the Sierra Nevada, this basalt cliff developed hexagonal columns as it cooled following a volcanic eruption. It’s an excellent location to avoid the crowds for your picnic lunch and also enjoy some rock scrambling on the cliff of this hidden treasure.

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How crowded is Yellowstone National Park in June?

Yellowstone National Park in June experiences significant crowds, making it one of the busiest months of the year for visitation. In June 2024, the park recorded 914,612 recreational visits, marking it the second busiest June on record, with an 8% increase from June 2023, which had 847,864 visits. This surge in visitors is typical as the summer season begins, leading to longer lines at entrance stations and crowded parking lots near popular attractions.

The average daily attendance at Yellowstone National Park in June is substantial, with around 30,487 visitors entering the park each day. As a result, popular sights like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring can become quite congested, requiring visitors to plan for parking and access. Despite the crowds, many choose to visit during this time to enjoy the pleasant weather and abundant wildlife, making early June a particularly appealing option before the peak tourist rush fully sets in.

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How to pack for Yellowstone in June

When preparing for a trip to Yellowstone National Park in June, it’s essential to plan for the park’s dynamic conditions and unique challenges. Packing plenty of clothing layers is key, as the weather can shift dramatically – one day might feel like winter, while the next brings the warmth of spring. A combination of heavy coats, light jackets, and multiple layers underneath ensures you’ll stay comfortable no matter the forecast.

To fully enjoy Yellowstone’s abundant wildlife, bring spotting scopes or binoculars, as animals are often farther away than expected. Additionally, since park services gradually reopen during this time, it’s wise to check which amenities will be operational and come prepared with all necessary supplies to avoid relying solely on park facilities. A little preparation goes a long way in making your visit unforgettable.

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Top tips for visiting Yellowstone National Park

Organizing a visit to Yellowstone can be daunting as you decide which areas of the park to explore, monitor the weather conditions, and gather all the necessary equipment for various activities. However, you can simplify the planning process by choosing a trip with Wildland Trekking, where our knowledgeable guides will lead you. We provide options suitable for all skill levels and interests, including backpacking adventures, base camp excursions, inn-based tours, and day hikes.

Conclusion

June is a truly magical time to experience Yellowstone National Park, with its vibrant landscapes, abundant wildlife, and pleasant weather creating the perfect setting for adventure. From hiking trails lined with blooming wildflowers to witnessing iconic geysers in action, every moment in the park is unforgettable. Start planning your visit to Yellowstone National Park in June and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

>> Read More:

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• Yellowstone National Park in May: What to Expect?
• Explore Yellowstone National Park In July: Is It Best Time?