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This week in Yellowstone National Park, from April 24th to April 30th, I will give an update on Yellowstone’s staffing for the summer, let you know how the opening of some of the park’s interior went, share some history of Artist Point, and tell you why you need to get to the Grand Prismatic Boardwalk as soon as possible. Of course, I also give you all the weather, wildlife watching updates, tips, and information I can to give you the best possible trip to America’s first National Park, This Week in Yellowstone.
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Disclaimer: I might miss a few details, so feel free to reach out with 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, these posts are a passion project—I’m not paid or sponsored. If you’re enjoying it, I’d love a review or a quick email! To support my work, check out my guidebooks on hiking and wildlife watching, or join me for a guided Yellowstone tour. For details, visit outdoor-society.com or reach out directly!
THIS WEEK’S YELLOWSTONE NEWS
Opening Weekend Goes Smoothly
Via Angus M. Thuermer Jr. at wyofile.com: “We had an outstanding opening weekend, and it was great to see everyone enjoying the park,” Yellowstone Park Superintendent Cam Sholly said in an email Monday. “The plow crews are working hard to clear the remainder of the park’s roads from snow, and we are on schedule for our normal sequenced opening in the upcoming weeks, including the Beartooth Highway.”
After personally greeting the season’s first visitors at the West Entrance on Friday, Sholly reported the opening weekend drew 8,324 vehicles from there and the North Entrance at Mammoth, the only two entrances that have opened so far. That’s an increase of more than 11% from last year and puts the weekend rush, unofficially, Sholly said, at 21,642.
Looks Like No Staffing Issues In Yellowstone This Summer
Via Angus M. Thuermer Jr. at wyofile.com: Five days into the Trump administration’s DOGE takeover of the Department of Interior’s policy, management, and budget, Yellowstone National Park staffing is “higher than last year,” an Interior Department spokesperson in Washington, D.C., said on April 21st, 2025.
Yellowstone Park confirmed the increase. “Going into this year, we should have a total of 769 NPS employees,” park spokeswoman Linda Veress said in an email, up from 748 last year. During the park’s record year for visitation in 2021, the park’s workforce numbered 693 permanent and seasonal workers.
RANDOM YELLOWSTONE TIDBIT
The Story Behind Artist Point in Yellowstone National Park:
Artist Point is one of those places in Yellowstone that totally stops you in your tracks. It’s one of the best spots to take in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with an epic view of the Lower Falls thundering into the canyon below. It’s on the park’s South Rim Drive, and it’s been blowing visitors away for over a century, not just for the scenery, but also for the history behind it.
The name “Artist Point” has a fun backstory, but probably not what you think. Many people think it was named because Thomas Moran, the famous painter who joined the 1871 Hayden Geological Survey, painted from this exact spot. Moran’s paintings—along with photos by William Henry Jackson—played a huge part in convincing Congress to create Yellowstone as the first national park in 1872. His work was that influential. But here’s the twist: there’s no real evidence that Moran actually painted from what we now call Artist Point. His most iconic paintings of the canyon were probably from another spot on the north rim, at Lookout Point.
Still, the name “Artist Point” stuck. It first started showing up on maps and park signs in the early 1900s. Even if Moran didn’t paint from there, the name makes sense—this view looks like it was made to be captured on canvas. And honestly, a ton of artists and photographers have done just that ever since.
As the park grew and roads got better in the 20th century, especially by the 1930s, Artist Point became easier for tourists to reach. That’s when it really became one of Yellowstone’s go-to spots. With the boom in car travel, more people could access it, and it started showing up in travel brochures and guidebooks as a “must-see.” Today, it’s still one of the most popular—and most photographed—places in the whole park.
The view from Artist Point looks out over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is a geological wonder all by itself. The canyon stretches about 20 miles and can be up to 1,200 feet deep. Its colorful walls—yellows, reds, and even pinks—come from the oxidation of iron in the rock, which is mostly volcanic rhyolite. From the overlook, you get a front-row seat to the 308-foot-tall Lower Falls crashing down into the canyon. It’s basically a natural masterpiece.
Nowadays, Artist Point is set up with a paved trail and a safe overlook, so it’s easy for visitors of all ages to enjoy. But because it’s so popular, the park has had to put in some effort to protect the area from too much wear and tear, striking that balance between letting people enjoy it and preserving it for future generations.
In the end, Artist Point isn’t just a pretty view—it’s a symbol of what inspired people to protect Yellowstone in the first place. Whether you’re seeing it in a painting, a photo, or standing there in person, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why national parks matter.
EXPERIENCE OF THE WEEK.
Go see the grizzly tracks at Grand Prismatic.
Before the summer crowds descend on the Grand Prismatic Boardwalk, you need to head there. While the overlook, which offers the best view of the famous springs, is currently closed due to snow, still make your way to the boardwalk trek. The boardwalk is open and is as gorgeous as always, but right now, there is something even more awesome to see. While the steam on these cold days will obscure some of the views, the reason I am telling you to go there this week is to see animal prints in the bacteria mats near the famous hot spring.
The colorful mats around Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park are formed by cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria that thrives in hot springs. These cyanobacteria are thermophiles, meaning they can live in very hot water. The colors of the mats, which can range from green to red, are determined by the ratio of chlorophyll to carotenoids and the temperature gradient in the water.
In these mats, those looking will see animal prints. You’ll see bison tracks. You’ll see wolf and coyote tracks. And now, you’ll see a set of grizzly tracks in the delicate feature. While we don’t know when the bear walked near the huge hot spring, we do know that this grizzly walked through and left its mark.
Now, I could tell you exactly where to see the bear prints, as well as the coyote and wolf prints, but I won’t. The reason? It isn’t because I am gatekeeping. I am only giving a general description because there is joy in finding something on your own. The prints are visible from the boardwalk right by Grand Prismatic, and that is all I am telling you. Go there, take your time, look carefully at the bacteria mat, and enjoy the feeling you will have when you see them on your own. It is a pretty cool experience.
The bear prints are also a good thing to see for another reason. Seeing wildlife tracks on the delicate ground around Grand Prismatic allows one to see just how long a footstep will last. While you will enjoy seeing the bison tracks, wolf and coyote prints, and even the unique and awesome bear tracks, you’ll also see a few shoe prints from humans while looking off the boardwalks. Seeing wildlife tracks is awesome. Seeing someone’s shoe print, not so much. Hopefully, by seeing the animal prints, it will help more understand the fragile environment and be another reminder to stay on the boardwalks and approved paths at all times.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Pretty Much No Open Amenities in the Park Interior
I ran into a park volunteer the other day while watching osprey on a nest just north of the park. As we chatted, they shared something with me that I wanted to pass along. On opening weekend, they witnessed numerous carloads of families piling out at Canyon and Old Faithful, hoping to get food and gifts from the park shops and restaurants. They left empty-handed.
While the road is open from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful, from Mammoth to Old Faithful, and from Norris Junction to Canyon, do not expect unlimited options for amenities.
At Old Faithful, things start opening up on the 25th of April, but services are limited. The snow lodge is scheduled to open on April 25th, when the geyser grill, gift show, lodging and cabins, and dining room open. Please keep in mind that while open, the area is not in full swing for tourist season, and options and hours may be limited. It may also take a bit longer to get food or drinks, as the employees are new.
The majority of things don’t start to open up at Old Faithful until May 2nd. Canyon amenities beyond the visitor center do not open until May 12th and May 16th. The gas station is open, but that is about it. There is no food available at Canyon.
WEATHER FOR THE COMING WEEK
Lamar Valley: After a cool and potentially wet Thursday, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s, Friday and Saturday look pretty good. Expect highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s with a slight chance of rain. The precipitation picks up on Sunday and lasts through Monday, with highs in the low 50s and upper 40s and lows in the 20s and 30s. Tuesday looks to be nice again, with a high of 52, then a chance of rain into Wednesday and a high in the mid-40s.
Cooke City: Everything is cooler in Cooke City. Expect an inch of snow on Thursday with a high around 40, then a decent Friday and Saturday with highs in the upper 40s and low 50s. It could snow two inches on Sunday, but it won’t get much lower than the mid-20s, and Monday will also be wet with a chance of snow and a high of 42. It’ll be partly sunny on Tuesday and a high of 47, then rain or snow on Wednesday with a high in the 40s.
Gardiner: Thursday will be a little rainy and a high of 47, low of 30. Friday and Saturday will see highs near 60 and lows in the 30s, then things get wetter and cooler for Sunday and Monday. Sunday’s high will be in the mid-50s, and Monday’s high will be in the 40s. Tuesday will have some sun breaks and a high in the 50s, then Wednesday will be about the same, but with a chance of rain.
West Yellowstone: Thursday will be a little rainy, with a high of 47 and a low of 25. Friday and Saturday will see highs near 60 and lows in the 30s, then things get wetter and cooler for Sunday and Monday. Sunday and Monday’s high will be in the 50s. Tuesday will have some sun breaks and a high in the mid-50s, then Wednesday will be about the same, but with a chance of rain.
Old Faithful: Thursday may start off snowy, then a chance of rain for the rest of the day, and a high in the mid-40s. Friday will be warmer, with a high in the mid-50s, but there is a chance of thunderstorms. Saturday will also be warm, with a high near 60 and a low around 30. Sunday could see rain or snow in the morning, but it should be mostly rain, as the high will be 53. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will have similar weather.
SNOWPACK UPDATE
The snowpack for most of the park is still in good shape. Most of the park is above 90% of normal, except for the stretch between Yellowstone Lake and Cody. That area is in the low 80% of the normal range. This is nothing to worry about, though, as last year during this time, the snowpack was in the low to mid-70% of normal range for the entire region.
ROADS CONDITIONS
With no snow or serious precipitation in the forecast, roads should be great. However, expect more construction vehicles on the road and potential delays starting near the old and new bridge site by Tower Junction and through Golden Gate. They probably won’t be happening this week, but it is better to expect them early and be happy when nothing is going on.
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 Hot Springs remains the only open campground in the park and will be the only open campground in the park until May. However, additional camping options are available and will continue to open outside the park. If you need some spots to camp, reach out, and I can share a few.
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
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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 nothing when they are sold on Amazon. Grab your copy now at the link above.
HIKING NEWS AND UPDATES
I didn’t think this would be the overwhelming part of this week’s report, but here we are. This week, trails are good or not so good in the park, and that all depends on where you are.
Out in Canyon, you’ll have a ton of snow, and hiking will not be enjoyable away from the paved paths at all. The trek down to Red Rock Point and to the Brink of the Lower Falls is closed, and snow is deep elsewhere. Unless you have snowshoes, don’t head out to Canyon in hopes of a hike anywhere away from the well-traveled spots on the canyon rim.
Around the geyser basins, if you stick to the boardwalk trails, you’ll be in good shape. You can walk nearly all of them without much snow, including the longer trek up to Artist Paint Pots. Pretty much everything low will be melted out or doable, but as soon as you get on some hillsides, expect snow or mud.
Along the northern range, between Gardiner and Cooke City, hiking is pretty decent. If you stay low, you should have mostly snow-free paths on the majority of well-known trails. If you want to gain elevation, good luck. It will be snowy and probably muddy. It will probably be muddy in a lot of the lower trails too, especially the paths that are north-facing. Overall, it isn’t terrible if you are ready for less-than-ideal conditions.
TREK OF THE WEEK
Lamar Valley stands as an iconic gem within Yellowstone National Park, drawing visitors with its breathtaking vistas of rugged peaks, expansive valleys, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. Nestled within this natural wonderland lies the beloved Lamar River Trail, a cherished pathway embraced by adventurers of all ages.
I am recommending this trail mainly for the wildlife potential. There is a good likelihood that if you scan well, you’ll see bison and pronghorn, maybe some elk, and possibly even some bears. If the idea of encountering wildlife while hiking scares you in the least, or even intimidates you, please skip this trail and reach out to me for another recommendation.
Despite its renown, Lamar Valley boasts just one official trail, the Lamar River Trail. Right now, the trail offers a serene respite from the bustle of wildlife-watchers driving back and forth. Meandering along this mostly flat route, you’ll swiftly leave behind the clamor of vehicles and immerse yourself in the park’s grandeur. As you approach the banks of the Lamar River, the symphony of nature envelops you—birdsong fills the air, the river’s melody ebbs and flows with the seasons, and the sounds of wildlife may find their way to your ears.
For the best day, hike the trail to the Lamar River and back. The total distance will be about 4 miles, and the elevation gain will only be a few hundred feet.
Throughout spring, fortunate hikers may catch glimpses of wolves, bears, moose, bison, coyotes, badgers, pronghorn, and an array of avian species. The trail will be muddy in spots. There will probably be animals to stay clear of when hiking. You may find a patch or two of snow lingering in the prairie. Yet, even when conditions aren’t 100% perfect and wildlife remains elusive, the memories forged along this trail linger, cherished by all who traverse its path.
Important Trailhead Alert
The trailhead isn’t situated at the expansive turnout with the restroom facilities. Instead, it lies between that point and the Soda Butte Cone. Additionally, please be aware of anticipated construction delays spanning 2025 and 2026, affecting passage over the Yellowstone River near Roosevelt. These delays are expected primarily during the late spring, summer, and fall seasons and can last up to 30 minutes each way.
NEXT WEEK
In next week’s 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, as well as give you some tips in case you are heading to the park with your dog.
Until then, happy trails!
