by 
This week in Yellowstone National Park, from June 25th to July 1st, 2026, I will encourage you to catch sunrises and sunsets, tell you about bison funeral processions, and give some tips on dealing with warm weather at elevation. I will also give you the complete weather forecast, a cool trail to hike, the snowpack update, the wildlife report, and everything else you need to have an incredible time, “This Week in Yellowstone.”
LISTEN TO THIS AS A PODCAST
The text below is my notes for the podcast. They may be incomplete.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/id1789397931
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41E5WWldz4s7n6NXh2Lahr
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/
Disclaimer: I may miss a few details, so please feel free to reach out with any questions. I also mention park locations casually. If you’re unfamiliar, a quick search can help. This report only covers drivable areas of the park.
Also, this podcast is a passion project. If you enjoy it, I’d love a review or a quick email! To support my work, check out my hiking and wildlife-watching guidebooks, or join me for a guided hiking tour in Yellowstone’s backcountry. For more information, visit outdoor-society.com or contact me directly. Seriously though, come book a trail tour with me.
EXPERIENCE OF THE WEEK
Sunrises and Sunset
One of the most overlooked parts of visiting Yellowstone National Park is just how much daylight you have available in late June. Many visitors spend months planning their trip, carefully mapping out geysers, waterfalls, wildlife viewing areas, and hiking trails. Then they arrive and unknowingly miss some of the most beautiful hours of the day because they are sleeping through sunrise or heading back to their hotel before sunset.
The final week of June offers some of the longest days of the entire year in Yellowstone. During this period, sunrise occurs at approximately 5:35 a.m., while sunset takes place around 9:10 p.m. Depending on your exact location within the park, those times may vary slightly, but not by much. That gives visitors more than fifteen and a half hours of daylight, along with extended twilight before and after the sun actually rises and sets. In practical terms, Yellowstone begins to brighten well before 5:00 a.m. and retains usable light long after 9:30 p.m.
Many visitors simply do not take advantage of this incredible gift.
A surprising number of people begin their day around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. and finish sightseeing around dinner time. That means they are missing some of the best hours Yellowstone has to offer. By the time many visitors are pouring their first cup of coffee, the park has already been awake for several hours.
Those early morning hours are special. The roads are quieter, parking lots are emptier, and the entire park feels calmer. Steam rises dramatically from geyser basins in the cool morning air, often creating scenes that look completely different from what visitors encounter later in the day.
SHARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE SUNRISE SPOTS
The wildlife agrees with this schedule. Many of Yellowstone’s animals are most active during the cooler parts of the day. Visitors who are on the road shortly after sunrise often have some of the best opportunities to observe bison, elk, bears, coyotes, and wolves. In many cases, wildlife viewing begins to slow as temperatures rise and visitor activity increases throughout the morning.
Sunrise also comes with another major benefit: fewer crowds. During the busy summer season, parking lots at popular attractions can fill quickly. Boardwalks become crowded, and traffic delays become common. Yet at 6:00 a.m., many of those same locations feel almost empty. It is one of the easiest ways to experience a quieter side of Yellowstone without venturing into the backcountry.
Of course, embracing sunrise requires a little preparation. Even during late June, mornings can be surprisingly chilly. Yellowstone’s high elevation allows overnight temperatures to drop into the 30s and 40s in some areas. Visitors heading out before dawn often need a fleece, a light jacket, or additional layers. The good news is that those layers can usually be shed later in the day as temperatures climb.
If sunrise is underrated, sunset may somehow be even more overlooked. With sunset occurring around 9:10 p.m. during the final week of June, many visitors leave the park’s most scenic locations far too early. After dinner, they head back to their lodging, assuming the day is winding down. In reality, Yellowstone still has several hours of excellent wildlife viewing and spectacular scenery remaining.
The final two hours before sunset are often among the most productive times for wildlife watching. Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley frequently come alive as temperatures cool. Bison move across the grasslands, elk emerge into open areas, and predators begin preparing for another night on the landscape. Experienced wildlife watchers often plan their entire day around being in these valleys during the evening hours.
The lighting is equally impressive. As the sun lowers toward the horizon, Yellowstone’s mountains, lakes, rivers, and thermal areas are bathed in warm shades of gold, orange, and pink. Yellowstone Lake often reflects the evening colors beautifully, while the peaks of the Absaroka Range catch the day’s final sunlight. Even familiar roadside pullouts can feel transformed during the golden hour before sunset.
There is also something peaceful about watching Yellowstone settle into the evening. Traffic begins to thin. Day visitors start leaving. The pace slows down. Instead of rushing between attractions, visitors can simply enjoy being present in one of the most remarkable landscapes in North America.
If you decide to enjoy one of Yellowstone’s spectacular sunrises or sunsets, remember that driving in the dark requires extra caution. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are a significant issue both inside and around Yellowstone. A long-term study found that 939 large mammals were killed by vehicles on Yellowstone roads between 1989 and 1996, including elk, deer, bison, moose, bears, wolves, and other species. Researchers concluded that vehicle speed was the primary factor contributing to these collisions. In 2022, the park saw a total of 56 known vehicle collisions with large mammals, which included 20 mule deer, 14 elk, 10 bison, and six black bears.
Bison are particularly difficult to see at night because their dark coloration blends into the road and the surrounding landscape. Unlike deer, elk, or nocturnal predators, bison lack a well-developed reflective tissue in their eyes. This causes their dark eyes to absorb light rather than bounce it back.
The National Park Service reminds visitors that bison frequently use park roads and can appear around blind corners or in low-light conditions. Slowing down, using high beams when appropriate, scanning road shoulders, and allowing extra travel time can help protect both wildlife and visitors. Missing a few minutes of sleep is a small price to pay for a Yellowstone sunrise, but arriving safely is far more important than arriving quickly.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Managing Heat and Elevation
Many first-time visitors arrive in Yellowstone National Park expecting cool mountain weather. After all, the park sits at a high elevation, snow can linger well into summer, and photos often show people wearing jackets near geysers and waterfalls. Then something unexpected happens. By midday, visitors find themselves searching for shade, drinking water as fast as they can, and wondering why 70-degree weather feels so much hotter than it does back home.
Yellowstone’s elevation is the key. Much of the park sits between 7,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level, with Yellowstone Lake resting at 7,733 feet and many popular viewpoints and trailheads located even higher. Even Lamar Valley is well over 6,000 feet above sea level. That means visitors are dealing with thinner air, stronger sunlight, and a much drier climate than many are accustomed to.
The stronger sunlight often catches people off guard. At higher elevations, there is less atmosphere to filter the sun’s radiation. As a result, direct sunlight feels noticeably more intense than the same temperature would at sea level. A sunny 70-degree afternoon in Yellowstone can feel surprisingly warm, especially when you are walking boardwalks, climbing trails, or spending hours outside. Visitors from Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and other southern states are often surprised by this. While they may be accustomed to hotter temperatures, they are not necessarily accustomed to experiencing those temperatures at 8,000 feet with intense mountain sunshine overhead.
The dry air adds another layer of difficulty. In humid climates, sweat tends to remain on your skin, making it obvious when your body is working to cool itself. Yellowstone’s mountain air is much drier. Sweat evaporates quickly, which means you may not realize how much water you are losing. Many visitors become mildly dehydrated before they even recognize that they are thirsty. This is one reason that during my tours, and even when I am consulting people on their trips, I consistently encourage visitors to drink water throughout the day, not just during hikes and periods of physical activity.
Elevation itself can also affect how your body performs. Some visitors experience symptoms associated with altitude, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea. Even healthy and physically fit people can feel these effects. Someone who regularly exercises in the lowlands may be surprised to find themselves breathing harder while walking up a short hill or climbing a set of stairs in Yellowstone. The issue is not a lack of fitness. There is simply less oxygen available at higher elevations.
One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is focusing only on afternoon temperatures. Yellowstone is famous for dramatic temperature swings during the summer. Nighttime temperatures can easily drop into the 30s and 40s during July and August. Early mornings are often chilly, especially near Yellowstone Lake, in mountain valleys, or at higher elevations such as Dunraven Pass. Visitors who head out before sunrise for wildlife watching frequently find themselves wearing jackets, hats, and gloves.
By afternoon, however, those same visitors may be hiking in short sleeves under bright sunshine. It is entirely possible to experience a 30- to 40-degree temperature swing in a single day. That is why layering is one of the most important strategies for staying comfortable in Yellowstone. A lightweight base layer combined with a fleece, light jacket, or rain shell allows visitors to adapt as conditions change. Layers can easily be removed during warm afternoons and added back when temperatures drop in the evening.
The layering approach is especially important because Yellowstone weather can change rapidly. A warm, sunny morning can give way to thunderstorms, wind, hail, or rain with little warning. Carrying extra layers helps visitors remain comfortable and safe when conditions shift unexpectedly.
Hydration should be treated with the same level of importance. Drinking water consistently throughout the day helps combat both the dry air and the effects of altitude. Many experienced Yellowstone visitors begin hydrating before arriving at the park and continue drinking regularly throughout their trip. Taking breaks, avoiding overexertion during the first day or two, and paying attention to signs of dehydration or altitude sickness can make a significant difference in how enjoyable a visit becomes.
Yellowstone’s summer weather is part of what makes the park so remarkable. Cool mornings filled with wildlife activity give way to warm afternoons beside geysers, waterfalls, and mountain vistas. Understanding how elevation, sunshine, and dry air work together allows visitors to prepare appropriately. A forecast calling for 70 degrees may sound mild, but in Yellowstone’s high-elevation environment, it can and will feel much warmer than expected. Pack plenty of water, dress in layers, and respect the altitude. Doing so will help ensure that your memories of Yellowstone focus on its incredible landscapes rather than a preventable headache or bout of dehydration.
Discuss drinking alcohol, as well.
RANDOM YELLOWSTONE FACT OF THE WEEK
Bison Funerals
If you spend enough time watching bison in Yellowstone National Park, you begin to notice that there is far more happening within a herd than most visitors realize. People often stop to admire the massive animals grazing in a meadow, crossing a road, or resting near a thermal area. What many never witness is a behavior that has fascinated wildlife watchers for years: the tendency of bison to remain with and pay close attention to a deceased member of their herd. Some observers have even referred to these gatherings as “bison funerals.”
The phrase is not a scientific term, and researchers are careful about assigning human emotions or motivations to animals. Still, numerous observations from Yellowstone suggest that bison often react in unusual ways when a member of their herd dies. These behaviors have been documented by park visitors, wildlife photographers, guides, and researchers alike. While scientists may debate what these actions mean, there is little question that the animals often show a remarkable interest in their dead.
Part of the reason this behavior stands out is that bison are highly social animals. According to the National Park Service, Yellowstone’s bison live in herds that are often led by experienced females. During parts of the year, these groups can number in the hundreds. Herd members spend much of their lives together, traveling, feeding, and raising calves across the vast landscapes of Yellowstone. The social structure of a herd is far more complex than many people realize.
When a bison dies, herd members sometimes gather around the carcass and remain there for extended periods. Rather than immediately moving away, they may repeatedly approach the body, sniff it, nudge it with their noses, or simply stand nearby. Wildlife observers have reported seeing groups of bison linger around a deceased herd member long after there was any obvious reason to stay. In some cases, the animals have even appeared to position themselves between the carcass and potential scavengers.
GIVE TWO EXAMPLES
One of the most commonly observed examples involves mothers and calves. Each spring, Yellowstone’s famous reddish-orange calves, often called “red dogs,” are born throughout the park. Not every calf survives those first challenging weeks. Predators, harsh weather, accidents, and illness all take a toll. When a calf dies, mothers have sometimes been observed remaining nearby for hours or even days. They may continue nudging the calf, standing guard, or attempting to encourage it to rise. Similar behaviors have been documented in other highly social mammals, including elephants, whales, and certain primates.
Scientists remain cautious when interpreting these observations. It is impossible to know exactly what an animal understands about death. Researchers generally focus on observable behavior rather than assumptions about emotions. What can be said with certainty is that Yellowstone’s bison often behave differently around a dead herd member than they do during normal daily activities. Whether that behavior reflects grief, confusion, curiosity, social attachment, or some combination of factors remains an open question.
Yellowstone provides a unique opportunity to witness these moments because death remains a natural and visible part of the ecosystem. Wolves and grizzly bears prey on bison, severe winters claim lives, and accidents occasionally occur. According to the National Park Service, bison carcasses become an important food source for wolves, bears, coyotes, ravens, eagles, and countless smaller scavengers. In many ways, the death of one animal helps sustain dozens of others.
Before scavengers arrive, however, there is sometimes a quiet period that leaves a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness it. A group of bison may stand silently around a fallen companion. A mother may remain beside her calf long after it has died. A herd may delay its movement across the landscape for reasons that are not entirely understood. These scenes challenge the common perception that wildlife operates solely on instinct and survival.
Whether we choose to call these gatherings funerals, vigils, or simply social behavior, they remind us that bison are more complex than many people assume. Yellowstone’s largest land mammal is not merely a symbol of the American West. It is a social species with relationships and behaviors that scientists continue to study. The next time you encounter a bison herd in Yellowstone, it may be worth spending a little extra time watching. You might witness a side of these remarkable animals that few visitors ever see.
WEATHER FOR THE COMING WEEK
I am too lazy to type it all out, so you’ll have to listen to the podcast to get the weather forecast, or just contact me.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/id1789397931
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41E5WWldz4s7n6NXh2Lahr
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/
ROADS CONDITIONS
No main park roads are closed now. While unlikely, be aware that roads can close at any time due to inclement weather.
For up-to-date information, call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information, or sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777.
CAMPING INFO
Mammoth is open. Madison is open. Fishing Bridge is open. Bridge Bay is open. Tower Campground is open. Canyon is open. Indian Creek is open. Slough Creek is open. Lewis Lake is open.
WILDLIFE WATCHING UPDATE
You have to listen to the podcast to get this information. Sorry.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/id1789397931
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41E5WWldz4s7n6NXh2Lahr
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/
PICK UP A GUIDEBOOK
Love what you have heard on this podcast and want more information on wildlife watching? Get a copy of my wildlife-watching guidebook to the region! Available in both ebook and paperback formats, my book will help you spot wildlife like a seasoned local. Please consider buying a book directly from me, as I make next to nothing when they are sold on Amazon. Grab your copy now at outdoor-society.com!
TRAIL ALERTS AND UPDATES
The backcountry Conditions Page is updated! I have a link to it in the show notes. That site is the easiest way to check the status of a trail you want to hike.
Carry bear spray. Have it readily accessible and not in a backpack. Know how to use it.
TREK OF THE WEEK
Avalanche Peak
If you are looking for a hike that will make you feel like you have truly earned your views and exhausted your legs, Avalanche Peak is that hike. Located along the East Entrance Road near Eleanor Lake, this trail is one of the park’s classic mountain hikes. It is not especially long at about 4.2 miles round trip, but what it lacks in distance it more than makes up for in elevation gain. According to the National Park Service, hikers climb roughly 2,100 feet to reach the summit, making Avalanche Peak one of the steepest maintained trails in Yellowstone. This is not for beginning hikers. At all. If you want an easier mountain with great views, hit up Mount Washburn.
The Avalanche Peak climb begins almost immediately. There is no leisurely stroll to warm up your legs. Within a few steps of the trailhead, you are heading uphill through a forest of lodgepole pines. The trees provide welcome shade during the morning hours, and if you get an early start, the cool mountain air can make the initial climb feel surprisingly comfortable. Do not expect that feeling to last. The trail wastes very little time gaining elevation, and most hikers, no matter how in shape they are, find themselves stopping occasionally to catch their breath and enjoy the growing views behind them.
As the forest begins to thin, Yellowstone starts putting on a show. Openings in the trees reveal Yellowstone Lake shimmering in the distance, while the rugged peaks of the Absaroka Mountains rise dramatically along the eastern skyline. Wildflowers are just beginning to emerge in many of the meadows this time of year, adding splashes of color to an already beautiful landscape. Every switchback seems to reveal another reason to pause for a photograph.
If you are planning to hike Avalanche Peak during the coming week, it is important to remember that summer arrives slowly in Yellowstone’s high country. While lower elevations are enjoying warm days and green meadows, Avalanche Peak still holds onto pieces of winter. Expect to encounter patches of snow, particularly on shaded slopes and near the upper portions of the trail. Most of these crossings are not particularly difficult, but they can be slippery, especially during the cooler morning hours. As the day warms, melting snow creates muddy sections along parts of the route.
The effects of elevation become increasingly noticeable as you climb. The summit sits at approximately 10,568 feet above sea level, and the thinner air can catch visitors by surprise. Yellowstone’s average elevation is already around 8,000 feet, and Avalanche Peak takes you even higher. The National Park Service advises visitors to stay hydrated and pace themselves at elevation, particularly if they have only recently arrived in the park. Even strong hikers from lower elevations may notice themselves breathing harder than expected.
Eventually, the trees disappear, and the landscape opens into a broad alpine slope. This is where Avalanche Peak starts to feel less like a Yellowstone hike and more like a mountain climb. The views expand dramatically, but so does the exposure. Wind is common here, sometimes strong enough to make you glad you packed an extra layer. Even on days when temperatures reach the 70s in the valleys, conditions near the summit can feel considerably cooler.
The final ascent is what most hikers remember long after the hike is over. Loose scree and talus cover the upper slopes, and the footing can be frustrating at times. Every step forward may seem to result in half a step sliding backward. Trekking poles can be extremely helpful during this section, particularly on the descent. While the route is not technical, it does require careful footing and patience.
From the summit, Yellowstone seems to stretch forever. Yellowstone Lake dominates the view to the south, with glimpses of the Tetons also possible if the sky is clear. Sylvan Pass and the Absaroka Mountains of Wyoming fill the eastern horizon. It is one of the most expansive views in Yellowstone National Park and a reminder of just how vast the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem really is.
Many hikers arrive at the summit expecting to spend just a few minutes before heading down. Instead, they find themselves lingering. It is difficult to rush away from a view like this. The combination of mountain peaks, forests, lakes, and open sky creates one of the most memorable panoramas anywhere in the park. Do not rush down. Be one of the hikers who basks in the glory of this stunning summit.
Remember that Avalanche Peak is located in prime bear habitat. Always carry bear spray, and know how to use it; make noise while hiking, and remain very alert. Also know that afternoon thunderstorms are common during late June and early July, especially at higher elevations. An early start not only improves your chances of finding a parking spot and enjoying cooler temperatures but also helps you avoid being exposed above treeline during lightning-producing storms.
Avalanche Peak is not an easy hike, and it is not meant to be. The steep climb, lingering snow, sometimes muddy sections, loose rock, and high elevation all add to the challenge. Yet those same elements are part of what makes the experience so rewarding. For experienced hikers willing to put in the effort, Avalanche Peak offers one of Yellowstone’s finest mountain adventures and some of the most spectacular summit views in the entire park.
NEXT WEEK
In the next episode, I’ll return with all of the information you need to have a good week in the park, including wildlife, weather, and trail updates. Until then, book a tour with me, pick up a guidebook of mine, and happy trails!
