Summer in Yellowstone is a time of year defined by long days, warm weather, and seemingly endless options for outdoor adventure. When you’re looking to discover dynamic landscapes for yourself, this season offers some of the best activities in summer in Yellowstone imaginable!
See Rescued Wildlife at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Families and animal enthusiasts alike will enjoy spending time at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center during a summer getaway to Yellowstone. This popular attraction is a great place to browse animal habitats, explore indoor exhibits, and get up close to rescued wolves, bears, otters, and even birds of prey. It’s an educational destination that’s insightful, inspiring, and easy to fit into even the busiest itinerary.
- Address: 201 S. Canyon Street, West Yellowstone, Montana, 59758
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily (this can vary seasonally)
- Admission Rates
Hike Scenic Trails and Explore Yellowstone National Park
Summer is a popular season for hiking in Yellowstone National Park for good reason. Here, trails range from boardwalks for leisurely strolls to challenging backcountry routes for seasoned explorers. This gives every visitor a chance to build hiking routes into their day that focus on the park’s many waterfalls, geothermal features, and wildlife-watching opportunities.
While well-known hikes like the Fairy Falls Trail and Upper Geyser Basin Boardwalk are sure to thrill, you won’t want to miss the Natural Bridge Trail. It’s a relatively easy, partially paved route that leads through lush forests to the iconic Natural Bridge. This towering rock formation is the reward for your hiking efforts and is well worth having a camera in hand when you get here.
- Length: 3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 239 feet
- Trail Map
Spot Native Wildlife on a Guided Tour
Yellowstone National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and bears. Booking your place on a guided tour in the summer is the best way to maximize your sightseeing and reach the top viewing spots along the way. Obsidian Expeditions provides small, private outings led by highly knowledgeable guides. These single-day or multi-day informative experiences can help you avoid crowds, enhance your viewing, and give you time to ask questions of experts as you travel through the park.
- Tour Departure: Personalized pick-up services provided throughout West Yellowstone
- Phone: 406-312-5592
- Summer Tours
West Yellowstone Rodeo
Embracing Western heritage is easy in the summertime for those planning to attend the West Yellowstone Rodeo. This summer tradition typically features:
- Roping events
- Barrel racing
- Bull riding
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Food and beverages served on-site
It’s a fun way for visitors of all ages to celebrate Montana’s cowboy culture.
- Address: 175 Oldroyd Road, West Yellowstone, Montana, 59758
- Hours: 7:00 PM on select evenings June through August
- Tickets
Whitewater Rafting Adventures
Summer travelers looking to elevate their adventure will find that whitewater rafting is one of the most exciting things to do in Yellowstone this time of year. The team at Montana Whitewater offers half-day and full-day excursions at varying levels of difficulty, ranging from Class I to IV rapids. These customized adventures are great for families because they can be adjusted to suit both beginner and experienced rafters.
- Gardiner Office Address: 603 Scott Street, Gardiner, Montana, 59030
- Phone: 406-848-7398
- Rafting Tour Options
Experience Yellowstone’s Famous Geysers
Yellowstone National Park is home to some one-of-a-kind natural landmarks spanning geysers and hot springs. Many travelers would agree that a trip this way in the summertime wouldn’t quite feel complete until you’ve taken time to explore:
- Old Faithful
- Grand Geyser
- Castle Geyser
- Daisy Geyser
- Riverside Geyser
- Beehive Geyser
- Steamboat Geyser
- Lion Geyser Group
When these geysers are admired alongside nearby mud pots and hot springs, the view gets even more impressive. With more than 10,000 hydrothermal features located across the park, it’s worth your time to plan out your visits using the National Park Service’s geyser and hot springs map ahead of time.
Go Fly Fishing on Nearby Streams
Fly fishing is a relaxing and rewarding way to spend a sunny afternoon in Yellowstone. Here, regional streams and rivers are home to an impressive variety and number of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Some of the top fishing spots to check out during your summer stay include:
- Gallatin River
- Madison River
- Firehole River
Whether you decide to head out with a local guide or cast a line independently, it’s important to take note of fishing regulations before you reel anything in.
Browse Our Yellowstone Vacation Homes Here!
Book Your Yellowstone Vacation Home Today
No matter how you spend your summer exploring Yellowstone National Park, having a luxurious retreat to relax in at the end of the day is a must. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Sweet Home Montana.
We offer a collection of property options for travelers to choose from, suitable for all travel styles. Take time to browse our rentals with private yards where the kids can run, or consider our rentals with balconies when you want to enhance the view. Either way, you’ll find yourself feeling right at home in accommodations that are spacious, comfortable, and close to the park’s entrance. Reach out today to learn more and to begin planning your summer trip to Yellowstone.