Summer is now in full swing in Yellowstone National Park, as shown by the visitation numbers for June 2024. While summer didn’t technically start until June 21st, the sixth month of the year is typically when true high visitation begins in Yellowstone. The park, located mostly in Wyoming and a few areas in Montana and …
When Does Stuff Open in Yellowstone National Park: 2024 Edition
Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park in 2024? Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule for openings and closings of various facilities and attractions within the park. With specific dates provided, you can better plan your adventure in one of America’s most iconic natural wonders. Please note that the following …
Happy Birthday, Yellowstone National Park!
Happy 152nd Birthday to the first National Park! On March 1st, Yellowstone National Park turned 152 years old! While the land has been around for millions of years, the region now known as Yellowstone National Park was formally protected by the United States Government in 1872. Signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, the Act of …
Yellowstone’s Winter Chill: A 6.5% Dip in Visitation Kicks Off 2024
Yellowstone National Park gears up for 2024 with a surprising twist in visitor numbers. January witnessed a slight drop compared to last year, yet clinched the fourth-most visited spot in history. The action was at the North Gate in Gardiner, drawing winter enthusiasts. Snowmobile and snow coach tours spiced up the West, South, and East …
The Myth of Visiting Yellowstone National Park in September
There is a myth that is prevalent in Yellowstone National Park. It is stated as fact so often, it is hard to believe that it isn’t true. Yet, simple data proves that the words are not accurate: Yellowstone National Park does not empty in September. You’ve probably heard the myth and believed it too. After …
“Beyond the Boardwalks: 50 Rugged and Scenic Hiking Destinations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem” is finished!
Just in time for the snow to start melting and the trails of the region to open up for hikers, it is with great excitement and nervousness that I am making the following announcement. My new guidebook,“Beyond the Boardwalks: Your Guide to 50 Rugged and Scenic Hiking Destinations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem”is finished. I …
2023 Spring Bicycling and Road Running in Yellowstone National Park Starts April 7
On Friday, April 7th, road runners and bicyclists will have a unique chance to access a section of Yellowstone National Park’s interior. Each spring, as plow crews make their way through the west side of the park’s interior roads, the park staff begins to open the roads to pedestrians. While the date is always up …
2023’s First Grizzly Bear Sighting in Yellowstone National Park Has Happened!
The following is a press release from Yellowstone National Park, issued on March 7th, 2023. I altered it slightly, removing the inaccurate use of the word “hibernation” and replacing it with the accurate term “torpor.” Bears do not hibernate. I’ll let the National Forest Foundation explain the difference here. On to the press release: MAMMOTH …
Despite Flooding and Closures, Yellowstone’s 2022 Visitation Numbers Are Surprising. At least, to me.
Leading up to the intense and devastating flooding of June 2022, Yellowstone National Park and the surround communities were preparing for the yearly influx of summer visitors. The previous year, 2021, saw a record number of visitors (4.8 million) and all signs were pointing toward a repeat, if not an increase. After all, the park …
Where to Find a Toilet in Yellowstone National Park This Winter
Finding a place to relive oneself is challenging enough when visiting any national park. In Yellowstone during the winter, it is even more of a challenge. In theory, there is a place to stop every eight miles, but when you need to go, the places to stop can see like an eternity away. Having visited …