Yellowstone: Expert Tips and Best Time to Visit

Posted by David Porter on Thursday, May 30, 2024 · Leave a Comment

Yellowstone: Expert Tips and Best Time to Visit

If you’re considering visiting Yellowstone National Park, let me share our expert tips and the best time to visit.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some planning to avoid the crowds and make the most of your trip.

Here are some expert tips for you to consider:

Best Times to Visit

Shoulder Seasons
Late April to May and September to early October: These months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and fewer road closures. It’s an excellent time for wildlife watching and enjoying the park’s natural beauty without the summer rush.

Summer
June to August is the peak season with the warmest weather, ideal for hiking and exploring all park facilities. However, this also means more tourists. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in June or late in August.

Winter
December to March: Winter offers a unique experience with activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park is less crowded but be prepared for extreme cold and limited access to certain areas.

Best way to visit Yellowstone National Park

Lower Yellowstone Falls

Avoiding Crowds

Early Mornings and Late Evenings
Get out early: Wildlife is most active at dawn, and the roads are quieter. This is the best time for photography and enjoying popular sites like Old Faithful without the crowds.
Late evenings: Similar to early mornings, evenings see fewer visitors, making exploring a good time.

Off the Beaten Path

Hiking: Most visitors stick to the main roads and popular spots. Hiking even a short distance from the road can provide solitude. Trails like Uncle Tom’s Trail, Lone Star Geyser, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offer less crowded experiences.
Backcountry: Consider exploring lesser-known areas like Shoshone Geyser Basin or the Beartooth Range for a more secluded adventure.

Seasonal Tips

Spring and Fall: These seasons are less crowded and offer unique experiences, such as witnessing the elk rut in the fall or seeing baby animals in the spring.

Bison with Sleeping Babies

Lodging and Reservations

Inside the Park

Book early: Lodging inside the park fills up quickly, often months in advance. Make reservations as early as possible to secure your spot.
Variety of options: From historic hotels like the Old Faithful Inn to rustic cabins, various accommodations suit different preferences.

Outside the Park

Gateway communities: If park accommodations are full, consider staying in nearby towns like Gardiner, MT, or Cody, WY. These areas offer additional lodging options and are close to park entrances.

Old Faithful

Activities and Safety

Wildlife Viewing

Best times: Early morning and late evening are prime times for spotting wildlife. Areas like Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are particularly good for seeing bison, wolves, and bears.

Safety Precautions

Be prepared: Yellowstone’s weather can be unpredictable. If visiting in winter, pack layers, waterproof clothing, and safety gear. Always carry bear spray and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.

Guided Tours

Consider guided tours: If you prefer not to handle logistics, guided tours can offer a hassle-free way to explore the park, especially during peak seasons.

By planning your visit during the shoulder seasons, getting out early, exploring less crowded areas, and booking accommodations well in advance, you can enjoy a more serene and fulfilling experience at Yellowstone National Park.

The Best Way to Visit Yellowstone National Park

When Carol and I visited Yellowstone in 2013, we had no idea how big the park was or how busy it would be.

The park is massive. It covers 2.2 million acres making it larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Further, over 4.5 million people visited the park in 2023.

I can tell you this: I would never self-drive this park again. It is simply too big and too busy.

So, what is the best way to visit Yellowstone National Park?

Join one of Tauck’s small-group tours. They have been taking people to Yellowstone for nearly 100 years. They have lodging connections and know how to maneuver through the hordes of people.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Tauck’s Yellowstone & the Tetons: American Safari.

WE HAVE THE PERKS!

HOW TO BOOK A TAUCK JOURNEY

As our clients have learned over the years, there is no financial advantage to booking directly with any travel brand. The price will be the same if you book with us or book with Tauck directly.

However, we have complimentary perks if you book with us and you are a first-time traveler with Tauck. That’s right. Book your Tauck journeys with Roaming Boomers Travel, and we will add a complimentary one-night pre or post-journey hotel stay to your booking.

If you have already traveled with Tauck and make a new booking with us before July 31st, we’ll be sure to give you the same complimentary one-night pre- or post-journey hotel stay.

As I’m sure you know, the travel industry is very busy. Therefore, call us today to get the best available options. And, of course, if you have more questions, please feel free to call.

For more information or to book a fun Tauck journey, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

The Roaming Boomers

Yellowstone: Expert Tips and Best Time to Visit