Alright, I can tell you there’s something truly magical about a Yellowstone National Park summer. This isn’t just another park visit; it’s an immersion into a vibrant tapestry of geothermal wonders, teeming wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes that shift and shimmer under the warm summer sun.
In this article, we’ll delve into the heart of what makes this season so special, unpacking the best trails, the must-see attractions, and the insider tips I’ve gathered over years of research to help you craft your perfect Yellowstone adventure. So, join me as we embark on a journey to explore the vibrant heart of this iconic national treasure, ready to be captivated by the unique charm of a Yellowstone National Park summer. Start your exciting summer journey with nationalparkshops’s team!
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Why visit Yellowstone National Park Summer?
Summer, especially July and August, is the best time to visit Yellowstone. Summer is the perfect time to observe animals like bison, elk, and bears in their natural habitats, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
Additionally, the park’s famous geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, are easily accessible, allowing visitors to witness these natural wonders up close. With over 1,100 miles of trails and numerous scenic drives, Yellowstone National Park summer offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration, making it a must-visit destination during the summer months.
With all park facilities and roads open, as well as natural attractions being reachable, summer is the optimal season for fully experiencing Yellowstone National Park.
Weather in Yellowstone National Park Summer
July and August are the hottest months in Yellowstone. Although it can still experience freezing temperatures at higher altitudes and can be chilly at night, daytime temperatures are typically very warm.
In July and early August, you can anticipate daytime temperatures ranging from 68-80 °F (20-27°C). It is advisable to prepare for cooler conditions as well. Even though rain is infrequent, sudden afternoon storms can occur, so carrying a rain jacket is essential! Fortunately, these storms usually last only a few minutes.
By late August, temperatures generally drop by 5-6 degrees. Daytime highs can still be comfortably around 70°F (20°C), while nighttime lows may fall to approximately 40°F (5°C).
>> Yellowstone National Park Weather
Things to do in Yellowstone in the Summer
As previously stated, the two summer months are undoubtedly the best time of year in Yellowstone, as all areas are open and reachable. So, here are some things to do to experience Yellowstone!
Hiking Activities
With more than 900 miles of trails that vary in difficulty, you’ll easily discover an ideal hike! Yellowstone National Park summer offers a wealth of sights and experiences, from stunning landscapes to diverse wildlife, so grab your water bottle, lace up your hiking boots, and venture into the park on foot. Just a reminder… Remember to pack your bear spray!
>> 10 Best Hikes and Trails in Yellowstone National Park
Fishing
Yellowstone offers outstanding fishing opportunities with convenient access throughout the fishing season and countless public lakes, rivers, and streams filled with diverse game fish in such a vast area.
I had an unforgettable experience fishing on Yellowstone Lake with a local guide who shared tips on casting techniques and bait selection. Make sure you have a valid fishing license and familiarize yourself with park regulations before you cast your line.
Horseback Riding
Riding horses is an excellent method to explore the natural beauty of the park while enjoying everything that our very first national park has to provide.
For those interested in horseback riding in West Yellowstone, Diamond P Ranch presents a fantastic choice, and similarly, the Flying Pig Adventure Company located in Gardiner, Montana offers another splendid option. However, there are numerous other alternatives available as well.
Rafting and Water Sports
The rivers surrounding Yellowstone provide thrilling opportunities for rafting and other water sports. I decided to try whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River, which was an exhilarating experience! The rapids were just challenging enough for beginners while still being safe.
If you prefer calmer waters, kayaking or paddleboarding on Hebgen Lake allows you to enjoy stunning views while keeping cool on hot Yellowstone National Park summer days.
Wildlife Viewing
The variety of wildlife in Yellowstone National Park is both significant and noteworthy. The park is home to almost 300 bird species, 16 fish species, five amphibian species, six reptile species, and 67 mammal species. Bison are particularly representative of the park’s wildlife.
Spotting a bison in Yellowstone is extraordinary, as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the sole location where bison have survived uninterrupted since ancient times. Visitors also enjoy observing grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and moose. Lamar Valley, often called the Serengeti of the West, and Hayden Valley are among the prime spots for watching wildlife. Consider joining a guided wildlife tour for an unforgettable experience.
Scenic Drives
If you prefer a more leisurely way to take in the sights in Yellowstone National Park summer, consider driving one of Yellowstone’s scenic routes. The Grand Loop Road, which forms a figure-eight around the park, connects many of its major attractions.
During my drive along this route, I made stops at iconic sites such as Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and Yellowstone Lake. Each stop offered unique experiences that showcased the park’s diverse landscapes.
Summer Bus Tours
In 2007, Yellowstone’s iconic yellow buses made a comeback, which had been utilized in the early 20th century for scenic tours within the park. Currently, Xanterra Parks & Resorts provides full-day, half-day, and evening excursions on these renovated vintage buses.
>> Yellowstone National Park Tours
Explore West Yellowstone
The downtown area of West Yellowstone is filled with numerous shops, dining options, ice cream parlors, and entertaining activities that will keep families engaged throughout the day! The Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre features films about Yellowstone National Park along with popular current releases in IMAX; enjoy a live performance at the Playmill Theatre; Big Gun Fun offers an indoor shooting range where you can safely and enjoyably use firearms seen in well-known movies; and that’s merely the start!
>> Yellowstone National Park West Entrance
What is it like to visit Yellowstone in Peak Season?
I must confess that I was quite anxious about going to Yellowstone National Park summer due to numerous online accounts highlighting how extremely busy it gets.
After reading some of these accounts, one might conclude that Yellowstone is so packed that it’s impossible to enjoy. Some even claim that visiting during the summer is a terrible decision.
Nonetheless, like many families with children in school, our only opportunity to go to Yellowstone was during their summer break. We had to choose between summer visitation or not going at all. So, we opted for summer!
Tips for Summer Trip & Avoiding the Crowds
To make your visit to Yellowstone National Park summer as enjoyable as possible while avoiding crowds, here are some tips I’ve gathered from my travels:
Book in Advance
To visit to Yellowstone National Park summer book your stay as early as possible. Accommodations for July and August fill up a year in advance, and the best options outside the park sell out months ahead.
This ensures a good location and saves you money.
Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly in the morning during summer. Others can be reserved ahead of time, which I strongly recommend. The likelihood of finding a camping spot in July or August is low, so plan accordingly and have a backup.
>> Top 9 Affordable Lodging in Yellowstone National Park 2024
Book a Longer Stay
To fully appreciate Yellowstone, take your time and explore less-traveled areas. A minimum of 3 days is recommended to see the main sights.
If possible, extend your stay to 4-5 days or more. This allows for a more in-depth experience away from the crowds.
For a one or two-day visit, you can still enjoy the park but don’t try to see everything. Focus on a few highlights each day to avoid wasting time driving and searching for parking. Remember, sometimes less is better.
>> How Many Days Need For Yellowstone National Park
Plan Your Itinerary Well
To truly maximize your visit to Yellowstone National Park summer, some planning is crucial. It’s best to start your day by visiting the most popular attractions early in the morning, before the influx of tour buses and day visitors.
As the park becomes busier, you can travel longer distances to reach other well-known locations around lunchtime. Enjoy a picnic and then begin exploring as others head out for their lunch break.
In the afternoon, consider hiking or checking out lesser-known spots that are often overlooked by tourists. Yellowstone has many such locations, making prior preparation important.
TIP: While having a general plan for your day is helpful, avoid over-scheduling your itinerary. It’s essential to allow time for unexpected discoveries, wildlife sightings, traffic delays from bison, and simply appreciating the stunning scenery around you.
Start Your Day Early
My top advice for experiencing the most famous attractions in Yellowstone is to arrive as early as possible in the morning. Most tourists and tour groups typically show up around 10 AM, so the busiest sites are fairly calm before that hour.
The park gates see the highest traffic between 9 AM and 11 AM, while the main attractions experience peak crowds from 10 AM to 3 PM. I suggest visiting the key landmarks either before 10 AM or after 4 PM.
For instance, we explored the popular viewpoints of Yellowstone Canyon from about 8:30 to 10:30 AM and encountered very few visitors. During our hike on Uncle Tom’s Trail (which is now closed), we met only a small number of people, and Artist Point was empty. In contrast, if you visit during the day in Yellowstone National Park summer, finding a parking spot can be quite challenging.
>> Yellowstone National Park Waterfalls
Stay Late in the Evening
In Yellowstone National Park summer, the days are lengthy, and it remains light until about 8-9 PM. Make the most of this! Most tour groups tend to leave around 3-4 PM, making the park significantly less crowded after that. Although you may not have Old Faithful all to yourself at 6 PM, it is definitely much quieter compared to 2 PM.
I must confess that we only stayed later once or twice because our young children (ages 5-7) were exhausted after a full day of exploring. However, if your group consists of just adults or older kids, I highly recommend taking the time to investigate the park in the evening.
Dusk and sunset are also excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife in Yellowstone, providing another good incentive to linger a little longer.
>> Yellowstone National Park Hot Springs
Visit Less Popular Places
Yellowstone Park is vast, but many visitors flock to just a handful of popular sites. However, there are countless other incredible locations to discover that many tourists miss. These lesser-known spots are perfect for visiting during peak hours when the well-known attractions are packed.
Some of our favorite less-visited areas in Yellowstone included: Ice Lake, Artists Paintpots, Storm Point, Blacktail Plateau Drive, Wraith Falls, Undine Falls, the picturesque North East Entrance Road at the northeastern edge of Lamar Valley, Lake Butte Overlook, Lewis Lake, Lewis Falls, and numerous others.
We didn’t originally plan to go to most of these locations. Instead, while driving around, we consulted the map for nearby attractions and decided to explore them. Often, taking the short detour proved to be very rewarding.
Pack a Picnic for Lunch
Yellowstone National Park summer offers many cafes and restaurants, but they tend to be quite crowded. Additionally, depending on your location, getting to these places can take some time. You also have to consider finding a parking space, choosing an appropriate restaurant, and waiting for a table to become available. Before you realize it, you could end up spending several hours just for lunch.
Instead, bring a picnic lunch with you! There are numerous spots in the park perfect for picnicking. This not only enhances your experience at Yellowstone, but it also allows you to enjoy some of the most popular attractions during lunchtime when many visitors are busy waiting at restaurants. Moreover, this will significantly reduce your expenses, as eating out in Yellowstone can be quite costly.
Conclusion
Yellowstone National Park summer is truly an experience unlike any other. From the vibrant hues of the Grand Prismatic Spring to the dramatic eruption of Old Faithful, the park comes alive with a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty and untamed spirit of this American treasure. It’s an adventure waiting to be discovered, and one that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Start planning your Yellowstone National Park summer adventure today!
FAQ
Is there snow in Yellowstone in summer?
Typically, there is no snow at the lower elevations of Yellowstone during the summer. In contrast, it is fairly common to encounter snow at the higher elevations. Remarkably, it was snowing at the end of July.
How hot does it get in Yellowstone National Park summer?
Typical summer daytime temperatures in Yellowstone National Park range from the low 70s (20-24°C). In July and early August, temperatures can reach up to 85°F (30°C) in the lower areas, but snowfall can occur at higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are fairly frequent in Yellowstone, although they generally pass quickly.
What should I wear in Yellowstone in summer?
Bring layers when going to Yellowstone during the summer. Generally, shorts, t-shirts, sandals or lightweight hiking shoes will be enough. Nonetheless, you should have a sweater for the evenings, and it’s essential to carry a light rain jacket for potential afternoon storms.
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