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This week in Yellowstone National Park, from June 4th to June 10th, 2026, I tell you to go to the water features of the park, talk about bear bells, bear spray, and bear horns, and quickly tell you what you need to know if you are visiting Yellowstone with your pet. 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
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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
Do Go Chasing Waterfalls
While many visitors come for geysers, bison, and bears, waterfall lovers know this is the season when the park’s rivers and creeks are at their most spectacular. Snowmelt from the high country is pouring into every drainage, spring runoff is approaching its peak, and afternoon rainstorms often add an extra surge of water. The result is a landscape filled with roaring waterfalls, misty canyons, and rushing rivers that seem far more powerful than they do later in summer.
No waterfall experience in Yellowstone compares to the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Fed by a vast watershed stretching deep into the Absaroka Mountains, the river becomes a torrent in early June. Upper Falls launches the river toward the canyon before Lower Falls plunges more than 300 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The sound echoes from canyon wall to canyon wall, and the rising mist frequently creates rainbows above the river. After a rainstorm, the scene becomes even more dramatic as clouds drift through the canyon and fresh runoff swells the river below.
A short drive north reveals another Yellowstone classic. Tower Fall crashes 132 feet beside towering volcanic spires that have become one of the park’s iconic landscapes. The waterfall is impressive any time of year, but spring runoff transforms it into a powerful cascade framed by fresh green hillsides and lingering snow in the distance.
South of Mammoth, the Gardner River carves its way through Sheepeater Canyon, one of the park’s most underrated scenic stops. Early June is the ideal time to visit. The river surges between dark basalt walls, creating rapids, standing waves, and smaller waterfalls throughout the canyon. Following a rainstorm, the entire corridor seems to come alive with rushing water.
One of the easiest waterfalls to overlook is Undine Falls along the road between Mammoth and Tower Junction. During summer, it can seem modest, but in early June, the waterfall becomes a beautiful multi-tiered cascade fueled by snowmelt from the surrounding hills. It is one of those places where a quick roadside stop often turns into a much longer visit.
South of Norris, Gibbon Falls delivers one of Yellowstone’s most accessible waterfall views. The Gibbon River drops nearly 85 feet into a rocky canyon, and during peak runoff, the volume of water pouring over the falls is remarkable. Rainstorms only enhance the spectacle, adding even more energy to the river.
Just downstream, Firehole River Drive offers a completely different setting. Hidden within a narrow volcanic canyon, the waterfall plunges into dark rock-walled pools that contrast beautifully with the bright white water. After a rainy afternoon, the canyon feels especially wild and dramatic.
Beyond Yellowstone’s borders, several waterfalls deserve a place on any early June itinerary. East of Cooke City along the Beartooth Highway, Crazy Creek Falls is often overlooked by travelers focused on reaching higher elevations. During runoff season, however, the waterfall becomes a thunderous cascade surrounded by rugged mountain scenery. Snowmelt pouring from the Beartooth Plateau gives the creek tremendous energy, making early June one of the best times to stop.
Farther west, Mesa Falls on Idaho’s Henrys Fork becomes a roaring curtain of water during spring runoff. The sound can be heard long before the falls come into view, and the sheer volume of water rivals many of the region’s more famous waterfalls.
To the south of Mesa Falls, Cave Falls provides a fitting finale. Unlike the tall plunges found elsewhere in the region, Cave Falls spreads nearly 250 feet across the Fall River in a broad sheet of whitewater. During early June, runoff and recent rainfall combine to create one of the most impressive displays of moving water in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
For travelers willing to embrace a little rain and cool weather, early June offers Yellowstone at its most dynamic. Rivers are swollen, waterfalls are roaring, and every storm seems to make the landscape even more alive. It is a brief season, but for waterfall enthusiasts, it is arguably the best time of year to explore the park.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Bear Bells, Bear Spray, or Bear Horns: What Really Works in Yellowstone?
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, you’ve almost certainly come across advice about bear safety. Since Yellowstone is home to both grizzly bears and black bears, it’s smart to think about how you’ll handle a bear encounter before you ever step onto a trail. The question many visitors ask is whether they should carry bear bells, bear spray, or a bear horn. While all three are commonly discussed, the evidence strongly points to one clear winner: bear spray. Bear horns can have a limited role in certain situations, but bear bells simply do not deserve the reputation they’ve gained over the years.
Bear bells have been sold to hikers for decades, often with the promise that the constant jingling will alert bears to your presence and prevent surprise encounters. The problem is that there is very little evidence showing they work well in the real world. The sound produced by most bear bells is surprisingly weak and can easily be drowned out by wind, rushing water, thick vegetation, or the normal sounds of the forest. By the time a bear actually hears the bell, you may already be much closer than you’d like.
Wildlife experts have also pointed out that bears do not naturally associate the sound of a small bell with people. Human voices are far more recognizable and effective. A group of hikers talking, laughing, or occasionally calling out is much easier for a bear to identify than the faint, repetitive jingle of a bell. Some researchers even say that bear bells are more like bird sounds than anything else, and bears are not afraid of birds in the least. Many experienced Yellowstone hikers and backcountry travelers consider bear bells little more than a false sense of security. Instead of helping people stay alert and proactive, bells can sometimes make hikers feel protected when they really are not.
Bear spray is a completely different story. The National Park Service consistently recommends bear spray as the most effective tool available for defending yourself during an aggressive bear encounter. Unlike ordinary pepper spray designed for use against people, bear spray is specifically formulated to create a large cloud that can stop or redirect a charging bear. It affects the animal’s eyes, nose, and respiratory system, giving you a chance to escape a dangerous situation without causing permanent harm to the bear.
The effectiveness of bear spray is one reason Yellowstone strongly encourages visitors to carry it whenever they venture into bear country. Park officials also stress that carrying it is not enough. It needs to be immediately accessible, and hikers should know how to use it before an emergency occurs. A canister buried at the bottom of a backpack will not help much if a bear suddenly appears at close range.
Bear horns and air horns occupy a middle ground. They can be useful as a noise-making device, particularly when a bear is some distance away, and you want to make your presence known. In certain situations, a loud blast from an air horn may encourage a bear to move away or avoid an area. However, their usefulness becomes much less certain once a bear is already approaching aggressively or charging. At that point, noise alone may not be enough to change the animal’s behavior. Also, the park does not recommend these as noise makers at all, so it’s best not to even bother with them.
Because of those limitations, bear horns should be viewed as a supplemental tool rather than a primary safety device. They can serve as a last-ditch noise maker, but they are not a substitute for bear spray and should never be relied upon as your main line of defense.
The most effective bear safety strategy in Yellowstone is surprisingly simple. Carry bear spray, keep it within easy reach, hike in groups whenever possible, and make regular human noise as you travel through the landscape. Talking with your hiking partners or occasionally calling out in areas with poor visibility does far more to prevent surprise encounters than any bell hanging from a backpack.
When all the evidence is considered, the answer is straightforward. Bear spray is by far the most effective and strongly recommended option for Yellowstone visitors. Human voices remain one of the best ways to avoid surprising a bear in the first place. Bear horns can play a limited role as a supplemental noise maker when conditions warrant. Bear bells, despite their popularity, are not recommended because they are too quiet, too unreliable, and too often give hikers confidence that is not supported by the facts.
If you’re preparing for a Yellowstone adventure, your money is far better spent on a quality canister of bear spray and the knowledge to use it properly. When it comes to bear safety, preparation and proven tools matter far more than a little bell ringing in the woods.
RANDOM YELLOWSTONE FACT OF THE WEEK
Visiting Yellowstone With Your Pet
Bringing a pet to Yellowstone National Park is possible, but it requires careful planning and realistic expectations. Many first-time visitors assume they can enjoy Yellowstone with their dog, much like they would at a city park or local hiking area. Yellowstone’s rules are different, largely because the park protects sensitive wildlife habitat, dangerous geothermal features, and millions of visitors each year.
The most important thing to understand before arriving is that pets are only allowed in developed areas. According to the National Park Service, pets must remain within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. They must also be physically restrained at all times, either in a vehicle, a crate, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not permitted on hiking trails, boardwalks, in thermal areas, or in the backcountry, even when carried in backpacks, strollers, or pet carriers.
This means many of Yellowstone’s most famous attractions are off-limits to pets. Visitors cannot bring dogs onto the boardwalks at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, or any other geothermal area. Likewise, pets are prohibited on the park’s hiking trails, including popular routes around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley, Mount Washburn, and Yellowstone Lake.
For many travelers, this comes as a surprise. Yellowstone is a pet-friendly destination only in a limited sense. If your vacation plans involve sightseeing primarily from your vehicle, enjoying scenic drives, and spending time in campgrounds, bringing a pet may work well. If your goal is to hike, photograph geothermal features, or spend hours exploring trails, a pet will likely restrict your itinerary.
The restrictions exist for good reason. Yellowstone is home to bears, wolves, coyotes, bison, elk, and many other wild animals. Pets can attract unwanted attention from wildlife, transmit diseases, or provoke defensive behavior from animals that perceive dogs as threats. The National Park Service also notes that thermal features pose a serious hazard. Hot springs, thermal runoff channels, and thin geothermal crust can cause severe or fatal burns to both people and pets. For this reason, animals are prohibited from all thermal areas and boardwalks.
Visitors should also plan carefully for time spent away from their pets. Yellowstone regulations prohibit leaving pets unattended or tied to objects. Pets may remain in vehicles for short periods, but owners are responsible for ensuring adequate ventilation, shade, water, and overall safety. During summer, temperatures can rise significantly, especially in parking areas around major attractions.
Camping with a pet is allowed in developed campgrounds, provided park regulations are followed. Dogs must remain under control at all times, and owners are required to clean up pet waste. Good campground etiquette is especially important in Yellowstone because wildlife frequently moves through developed areas, including campgrounds and lodging complexes.
Wildlife encounters deserve special attention. Yellowstone’s safety guidelines require visitors to stay at least 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars, and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife, including bison and elk. Pets can complicate these encounters because some animals react aggressively to dogs. Maintaining control of your pet and avoiding wildlife interactions is essential for the safety of everyone involved.
For travelers determined to bring a dog, the best approach is to treat Yellowstone as a scenic driving destination. Pets can accompany you along park roads, in campgrounds, parking areas, and other developed front-country locations. They can enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of one of America’s most remarkable national parks while remaining within the regulations designed to protect wildlife, visitors, and the pets themselves.
Yellowstone can be visited with a pet, but it is not one of the more dog-friendly national parks in the United States. Understanding the rules before you arrive will help avoid disappointment and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for both you and your four-legged companion.
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/
SNOWPACK UPDATE
This section is done for the season. It will be back in November or December.
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.
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/
TREK OF THE WEEK
Garnet Hill Loop from Hellroaring
The Garnet Hill Loop is one of Yellowstone’s lesser-known hikes, offering a mix of sagebrush grasslands, creek-bottom forests, Yellowstone River overlooks, and abundant wildlife habitat. While the classic start to this is near Roosevelt, the current construction in the area makes starting and ending here not so fun, so this week, I am suggesting you start at the Hellroaring Trailhead. After all, you’d want to take the detour to the suspension bridge anyway.
From the Hellroaring Trailhead, the trail works its way down to the switchbacks that eventually lead to the suspension bridge. I suggest taking the time to hit the bridge first, as you’ll have to walk up the switchbacks to end, and generally, one is tired by the time they reach the junction. To reach the bridge, pass the junction to the Garnet Hill cutoff and keep hiking. From the trailhead, the bridge is about one mile away. The bridge spans a powerful section of the river and provides excellent views of rapids and the surrounding canyon. Adding this spur increases the overall distance slightly, but it is often considered one of the highlights of the area.
Once you have enjoyed the bridge, turn around and head back to the junction. Once you have hit the main trail, you have a choice: either turn right or left. I suggest going to the right, as it makes the elevation gain more manageable and is generally the more dynamic way to take the loop. The Garnet Hill Loop in this next section follows Elk Creek through dense forests, which are known for the numerous bears that reside in the region. Be very loud here and extremely bear aware. I pretty much always see a bear here. Eventually, the trees fade away, and you enter an open meadow. This next section of trail passes the historic Yancey area, once the site of one of Yellowstone’s earliest tourist accommodations and now home to the Roosevelt Old West Dinner Cookout operation and horseback tours. Once you reach the seasonal buildings at Yancy’s, the route follows portions of the old stagecoach road back toward Roosevelt.
At Roosevelt, you’ll have to do a little route finding to avoid entering the construction zone. There should be a well-maintained and even signed trail darting left. But when in doubt, just head north. This section of the trail cuts through Pleasant Valley, an expansive sagebrush basin where hikers frequently encounter bison, pronghorn, elk, and occasionally bears, and leads back to the Garnet Hill Loop Trail. While hiking, enjoy the sweeping views toward the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains, and numerous glacial erratics left behind by ancient ice sheets.
Once you reach the main trail again, the route begins to descend toward the Yellowstone River, which you will hike next to for a few miles. This section is secluded and rarely visited, so be prepared to see more wildlife than people. Be aware that the trail around Garnet Hill is a wildlife corridor, and animals use it quite often.
This section near the Yellowstone River is possibly the loop’s most scenic section. The trail wraps around the north side of Garnet Hill, eventually providing elevated views of the river canyon, Buffalo Plateau, and Hellroaring Mountain. Several stretches follow high benches above the river, offering dramatic perspectives of the water winding through the canyon below. The varied terrain of cliffs, forest, grasslands, and river scenery makes this one of the most diverse moderate hikes in Yellowstone’s northern range.
The trail then starts to descend toward Elk Creek and back to the spur trail to reach the junction with Hellroaring. Here, the character of the hike changes dramatically. Sagebrush gives way to groves of pine, rocky canyon walls, and creekside vegetation. Once you hit the spur trail, hike up to Hellroaring and enjoy the switchbacks to get back to your car.
Wildlife is a major attraction on this hike. The National Park Service specifically notes that bears, elk, bison, badgers, mule deer, and wolves frequent the area. Because the route traverses prime grizzly bear habitat, hikers should carry bear spray, hike in groups when possible, and remain alert, especially in forested sections along Elk Creek where visibility is limited.
Overall, the Garnet Hill Loop is an excellent choice for hikers seeking a quieter Yellowstone experience. Rather than focusing on geothermal features or crowded overlooks, the trail showcases the park’s northern range ecosystem through a combination of wildlife-rich meadows, river views, forested creek bottoms, and expansive mountain scenery. The total distance for this hike is around 9 miles with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
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!
