There’s never a bad time of year to make your way to Yellowstone in the name of vacation fun. That said, there’s something wonderfully exciting about a summer trip this way, especially if you happen to be enjoying your surroundings alongside family and friends. Whether you’re looking to make the most of relaxation in the sunshine, amazing views to admire, or adventure at its best, Yellowstone has something wonderful waiting for you in the summertime. Feel free to use the following as your ultimate guide to summer in Yellowstone when you can’t wait for travel plans to bring you this way this year!
There Are So Many Reasons to Love Yellowstone in the Summertime
While winter in Yellowstone is a treat and fall and spring come with colorful scenery to infuse into your itinerary with ease, summer is absolutely packed with opportunities for travelers who are looking to get out and explore more. During the summer, visitors to Yellowstone will be thrilled by the fact that there simply aren’t any barriers to adventure. Unlike wintertime when many Yellowstone roads are closed in the name of accessibility and safety, summer is a time when nearly every trail, facility, park entrance, and road is open and waiting to be discovered.
This is a time of year for exploring without restriction, and iconic landmarks like the Grand Prismatic Spring are perhaps at their photographic best as well. There’s no shortage of options in Yellowstone in the summertime in the way of outdoor fun, whether you’re one for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, biking, or wildlife watching alike. Summer also means Yellowstone visitors are treated to the longest hours of sunlight of the year, providing options for extending outdoor adventures in the event you find yourself here with a crowd of others and want to slow things down. Some of the area’s most scenic drives like the Beartooth Highway and the Grand Loop are easy to navigate this time of year without any snow or ice to contend with, and the wildlife are typically out in abundance, including bears, bison, elk, and more.
Visit Yellowstone Lake During Your Summer Stay
Yellowstone spans over two million acres of terrain, and within those impressive parameters, there are a long lineup of iconic landmarks that many visitors understandably want to see for themselves. When you make your way here in the summertime, one of the landmarks you simply won’t want to leave off the must-visit list is Yellowstone Lake. This body of water showcases no less than 141 miles of shoreline and at its deepest plummets 400 feet. It also enjoys the unique distinction of being the largest high-elevation lake in all of North America. There are many options for visiting the lake in the summertime with some guests opting to drive around the shoreline to reach great viewpoints and take photos. The other option is to cool off on the waters on a warm summer day and a good way to do this is to head over to the Bridge Bay Marina and rent a boat to enjoy at your own preferred pace.
If you prefer to make the most of summer sightseeing on the water alongside a guide, consider booking your place on a one-hour guided tour onboard the Lake Queen II. This vessel departs from the Bridge Bay Marina throughout the summer season and includes unique area history and insight along the way. Be sure to bring your binoculars for the experience because there’s a good chance you’ll spot elk and bison on the shoreline and eagles overhead this time of year.
Summer Tours Not to Miss When You’re Here
One of the best routes to maximizing your time in Yellowstone is to sign up for as many area tours as possible during your stay. This is a great way to get a comprehensive view and understanding of your surroundings when the weather is on your side. It’s also a strategic way to avoid long lines and crowds when you hold tickets for sightseeing adventures that have access to places in Yellowstone you might otherwise miss out on. The “Wake Up to Wildlife” tour offered at Yellowstone focuses on time exploring the Lamar Valley alongside your guide. These tours head out at dawn in the summertime when many of Yellowstone’s most impressive wildlife are out and about and the crowds haven’t yet made their way in the various entrance points.
It’s an inspiring opportunity to see eagles, elk, bison, moose, and bears free roaming in their natural habitats in a setting that’s tranquil and wonderfully scenic. There are also options to book a unique stagecoach adventure that’s hosted through Yellowstone National Park Lodges in the summertime. This is a fun way to step into the past alongside family and friends as you board a replica Tally-Ho stagecoach and ride along a road that takes you through the heart of Pleasant Valley. These tours are typically 45 minutes long and narrated once you depart from the Roosevelt Corral.
Top Summer Hikes to Enjoy When Adventure Is the Ultimate Goal
It’s hard to imagine anything more refreshing than hiking your way to fun in Yellowstone in the summertime, and those who head this way with boots laced tight will love the sheer variety of trail options to pick and choose from. If you’re visiting with the entire family in tow and looking for routes that can be navigated by hikers of all skill levels, sticking to pathways that are rated moderately difficult is typically a good choice. A few of these include the Beaver Ponds Loop near Mammoth, the trail leading to the Natural Bridge close to Yellowstone Lake, and the Fairy Falls Trail, which offers up the unique opportunity to stop on the overlook out over the Grand Prismatic Geyser.
Must-See Attractions
Perhaps the most difficult part of planning a summer getaway to Yellowstone is trying to narrow down your list when you have a limited timeframe to work with and want to make sure you see as much of this fascinating area as possible. We highly recommend making sure to add fan-favorite landmark stops to the lineup like Old Faithful. Yes, there’s a good chance you’ll find plenty of others have the same idea this time of year, but the crowds are there for a reason. Old Faithful is truly an inspiring sight to see among the world’s largest concentration of active geysers. Witnessing its power for yourself is something you won’t regret, and if you’re traveling with kids, it’s an experience they’ll remember for long after you’ve left Yellowstone behind as well.
You’ll also want to make sure you make time on the summer itinerary for exploring the Canyon Village. It will act as a base camp if hiking to the summit of Mt. Washburn is one of your summer goals, but all summer long, it’s a terrific place for wildlife watching and enjoying Hayden Valley views. The Lamar Valley is another top destination in Yellowstone that you deserve to enjoy for yourself this summer. From the wildlife that linger along the Lamar River to the stunning open hillsides to admire, you might end up lingering here longer than you originally planned to. The travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs are also well worth your while to take time to discover this summer. The landscape here is wonderfully surreal and a visual treat that’s sure to inspire. The geothermal activity in this area is unsurpassed and whether you focus your time on the Upper or Lower Terraces, you might just find that it’s a highlight of your visit.
Finally, don’t leave your summer Yellowstone trip behind without taking some time to enjoy the Norris Geyser Basin. This is both the most ancient and the hottest geyser basin within Yellowstone National Park and proudly boasts the Steamboat Geyser which sprays water 300 to 400 feet up in the air. The geysers here are relatively unpredictable, making every visit a unique experience. There are trails to follow that offer up one-of-a-kind vantage points on these natural wonders and plenty of signage that directs you where to go.
Make Sure Wildlife Watching Is Part of Your Summer Getaway Experience
When it comes to wildlife watching adventures, summer in Yellowstone is an experience you simply can’t top anywhere else on the map. Yellowstone National Park is well-known for the impressive population of bison that call its landscapes home, and some of the top areas to check out with binoculars in hand for the best spotting opportunities in the summertime include Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley as well. The Lamar Valley is also a great place to be when you’re looking forward to potentially setting your sights on black bears and grizzly bears in Yellowstone with added options for viewing around Tower Falls, Roosevelt, and Petrified Tree.
Many visitors are delighted to learn that Yellowstone hosts a robust population of wolves, and while they typically linger further from the main roads, there are chances to spot them in the Lamar Valley too. If you’re hiking in the Bechler River region of Yellowstone this summer, you might have the opportunity to see a moose or two, and for those who are spending quality time in the Mammoth Hot Springs area, options to spot bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn are vast and varied. Other creatures you might be lucky enough to see as you make your way through Yellowstone in the summertime include mountain lions, badgers, lynx, bobcats, foxes, and coyotes as well.
Treat Yourself to an Old West Cookout
No matter how you spend your time in Yellowstone this year, there will come a time when you’ll have cravings to curb along the way. A fun option that’s sure to please the entire family is to sign up to be a part of an Old West cookout experience during your stay! This dining experience is paired up with a one-hour horseback ride, stagecoach ride, or covered wagon trip to Yancy’s Hole departing from the Roosevelt Lodge. After you’ve had time to enjoy the serene views along the way, you’ll feast in good company in the fresh air, enjoying selections like baked beans, beef steaks, corn bread, watermelon, potato salad, and campfire-brewed coffee too. Your meal ends on a sweet note as homemade cobbler is served up before you head back to your point of origin in Old West style.
Summer Safety Tips
Your summer in Yellowstone is sure to be a thrill, but keeping some of the following tips in mind will make sure your getaway is smooth, successful, and safe too. If you’re heading out on hiking adventures this time of year, you’re going to want to make sure to pack plenty of water, have bear spray on hand and always travel in groups of three or more. In the event you come into contact with wildlife, you’re required to stay a minimum of 100 yards away from wolves and bears and 25 yards away from all other wildlife.
Here, it’s prohibited to feed wildlife you encounter, and you must leave wildflowers where they are as well. If you’re driving through Yellowstone, the park speed limit is 45 mph, and guests should never wander off trails or designated boardwalks, especially around the park’s geothermal features. Do be sure to bring your camera so you can capture your amazing moments on camera, and if you want the best chances of spotting wildlife, early morning outings are a must.
Book a Stay Near the Best of Your Summer Adventures
Making the most of every moment in Yellowstone this summer means booking comfortable and stylish accommodations that keep you close to the fun with amenities in place that make you feel right at home. That’s what you’ll find and so much more when you reserve your place in a rental through the team of property professionals at Sweet Home Montana. While we handle the details of your stay, you’ll be free to focus on the fun and adventure ahead. Reach out today to learn more about our ideal getaway options in West Yellowstone for small and large groups alike. We look forward to helping you make it a summer to remember and can’t wait to see you in Montana soon.
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park, and whether you are simply looking for a vacation experience that walks on the wild side or if you have vacation goals to visit all America’s national parks, this one should be at the top of your list. It is known for being the best place for spotting wildlife in Yellowstone, especially in the Lamar Valley area here in Montana, ensuring you won’t have far to drive to get from your Sweet Home Montana vacation rental to where the wildlife roams most frequently. This guide to spotting wildlife during your explorations of West Yellowstone in Montana will give you an even better idea of the types of animals you might be able to spot and photograph!
First, a Little of What to Expect
If this is your first time visiting Yellowstone, you may be wondering how you can find the wildlife that roams free throughout the park, and our most important piece of advice is to just keep your eyes peeled. As you are driving along the roads that meander through the park, you may come upon cars parked (safely) on the side of the road, and small groups of people milling around in the grassy areas with cameras and phones in hand. This is a sign that there is some sort of animal within sight, and when you realize that there are over 300 species of birds, six reptile species, and 67 species of mammals, you can pretty much count on being able to see something wild during your time in the park.
Exploring early in the day or later in the evening can help ensure a great sighting, as this is when the wildlife steps out to feed, and stopping by the visitor centers in Yellowstone can give you an idea of the most recent sightings. In addition to your cell phone and camera, be sure to add binoculars to your viewing supplies, ensuring that you can easily check out mountain goats scampering up the cliffs, or perhaps a herd of bison grazing in distant meadows.
Spring and Summer Wildlife in Yellowstone
By the time you are reading this, you may already be planning your summer vacation, but if you have no plans as of yet, late spring is the perfect time to visit, especially as the temperatures begin to warm up and the baby wildlife begins to make their appearance.
In April, the “red dogs” (baby bison) frolic in fields and pastures and the skies come to life with flocks of birds who are making their way here from Mexico, including swallows and peregrine falcons. Elk calves take their first steps in May, and wolf pups start to explore the world beyond their dens, and if you get to spot either of these sweet babies, be sure to document it with pictures so that you can keep the memories alive in your heart long after your vacation has reached its natural conclusion. In June, babies are all over the place, exploring their fresh new worlds much as your own babies once did, bringing an innocent joy to your Yellowstone adventures.
Every month in Yellowstone provides a new opportunity to explore the wild side of our beloved national park, ensuring that you enjoy a vacation unlike any you have experienced before.
Animal Encounters to Remember
Yellowstone is where the wildlife lives, and as visitors in their homes, you will experience your own animal encounters that may thrill. Whether it is a lone wolf walking through the parking lot of a visitors center late at night or you find yourself suddenly in the center of a herd of bison as you are driving along one of our roads, these experiences will change you in ways you never thought possible.
But, as we mentioned earlier in this paragraph, it is also important that you remember you are in there home and the wildlife that lives here is, well, wild. There are no gates, no corrals, no fenced-in habitats, and if you do encounter an animal during your explorations, stay a safe distance away and do not attempt to pet them, no matter how cute and cuddly those bear cubs may look; mamas are destined to be nearby, and they do not take kindly to interlopers touching their babies.
Bring It Home to Sweet Home Montana
When it is time to take a walk on the mild side, our Sweet Home Montana vacation properties will all be located just a short distance away from the gates to Yellowstone, ensure your drive from wild to comfy will be a short one. Offering the rustic charms of country cabins and all the comforts of home, don’t be surprised if you hear the cries of lonely elk seeking a mate in the late night hours or if you catch sight of a timid doe stepping out from the tree line as the sun sets over the Montana landscape. Contact us today and choose your favorite Montana escape today!