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This week in Yellowstone National Park, from June 5th to June 11th, I chat about a new thermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, talk about the Beartooth Highway, and give tips on beating the summer crowds. I also share some information about picnic areas in the park and tell you why you should hike Bunsen Peak. I will also give you the complete weather forecast, wildlife report, and everything else you need to have an incredible time, “This Week in Yellowstone.”
LISTEN TO THIS AS A PODCAST!
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 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, this is 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! I currently have quite a lot of availability in July, so if you want to hike with a guide, hit me up!
THIS WEEK’S YELLOWSTONE NEWS
It has been a pretty slow week of news in Yellowstone, and as always, that is a good thing. The main news this week is that the Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin once again erupted.
The United States Geological Survey is reporting that a small eruption occurred at the Black Diamond Pool in the Biscuit Basin. On May 31 at 8:39 p.m. MDT, a small eruption occurred at Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin, site of a hydrothermal explosion last summer. The event was recorded by a new webcam installed earlier in May. Here is the link for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZbyvEWsx64
The other news is that Yellowstone Park raised its fire danger level to ‘Moderate.’ As of Monday, June 2, Yellowstone National Park has elevated its fire danger rating to moderate. While no additional fire restrictions are currently in effect, visitors are reminded to follow standard park fire regulations: campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings within established campgrounds and campsites. Fires must be attended to at all times and fully extinguished, cold to the touch, before being left unattended.
Oh, I also want to mention that on June 6th and 7th, the Roosevelt Area amenities will open, including the cabins, dining room, store, and horseback rides, stagecoach rides, and old west dinner cookout.
EXPERIENCE OF THE WEEK
Driving the Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway, officially U.S. Route 212, is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking drives in the United States. Stretching 68 miles from Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, just outside Yellowstone National Park’s northeast entrance, this high-mountain route winds through the rugged peaks of the Beartooth and Absaroka ranges, climbing to nearly 11,000 feet. Packed with jaw-dropping vistas, glacial lakes, alpine tundra, and unique stops along the way, it’s an unforgettable journey through one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Lower 48.
A Road with History
The Beartooth Highway opened in 1936 and closely follows the path taken by General Philip Sheridan in 1872 after his visit to Yellowstone. The road was a monumental engineering feat at the time and remains one of the highest paved highways in the country. Its name comes from the jagged “bear tooth”-shaped spire visible from the road, a striking geological feature that gives the region its character.
Starting in Red Lodge, you’ll quickly fall in love with the friendly mountain town known for its historic charm, good food, and outdoor culture. The real adventure begins just outside of town, where the highway immediately starts its climb into the Beartooth Mountains through a series of dramatic switchbacks that seem to float above the valley floor.
Scenic Stops and Highlights
Rock Creek Vista Point: About 21 miles from Red Lodge, this overlook provides one of the best panoramic views of the route. A short paved trail leads to several viewing platforms with interpretive signs and fantastic photo ops. It’s a perfect place to appreciate the scale of the climb and look back toward the switchbacks below.
Beartooth Pass: The highway tops out at a dizzying 10,947 feet, offering views that stretch for miles over alpine lakes, rocky ridgelines, and even distant peaks in Yellowstone. You’re literally above the tree line here, in a world of tundra and snowfields, even in July.
Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area: Near the summit, this unique ski area operates in summer, usually from late May through early July, depending on snow conditions. It’s a favorite among experienced skiers looking for a rare off-season run.
Beartooth Lake: Located roughly 50 miles from Red Lodge, this scenic glacial lake sits just off the highway and offers peaceful views, a campground, and access to several hiking trails. It’s a great spot to stop for a picnic, fish, or simply stretch your legs.
Top of the World Store: Around mile 45, this remote general store is the only real service you’ll find between Red Lodge and Cooke City. It’s a good place to grab a snack, buy a souvenir, or get up-to-date weather and road conditions.
Crazy Creek Falls: Just before reaching Cooke City, make time for a quick stop at Crazy Creek Falls, where a short trail leads to a cascading waterfall tumbling over smooth rock slabs. It’s an easy walk and a refreshing way to end the drive.
Hiking Along the Way
So there are dozens, if not hundreds, of great hiking destinations around the Beartooth Highway. However, until the snow melts more, they aren’t worth mentioning right now. If you want to know some of my favorite hikes in the area, I do have many of them listed in my hiking guidebook to the region.
The final stretch of the drive winds into Cooke City, a rustic little mountain town full of charm and history. Just beyond is the northeast entrance to Yellowstone, making this scenic route not just a destination, but a perfect addition to your visit to America’s first national park.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Easy Ways to Beat the Summer Crowds at Yellowstone
Summer in Yellowstone National Park is nothing short of spectacular. The wildflowers burst into color, bison calves bounce across the meadows, and every trail beckons with promises of breathtaking views. But summer is also the busiest time of year. Between June through August, nearly three million people visit Yellowstone National Park. To put that in perspective, the rest of the year, the park only sees about 1.5 million people, most of whom visit in May, September, and October. With an influx of visitors during the summer, most of the park’s more well-known destinations get very crowded and busy.
Don’t worry, though! Unlike some people who claim to be Yellowstone experts, I will never tell you not to visit during the summer. In fact, it is because of summer visits that I fell in love with the park and have dedicated my life to helping others love it too. You can have a peaceful, memorable Yellowstone experience this summer without elbowing your way through crowds. Here’s how to make the most of your adventure while steering clear of the busiest places and times.
Rise with the Sun or Earlier, and Steer Clear of Midday Madness
The early riser gets the wilderness and the quiet in Yellowstone. If you’re camping or staying nearby, set your alarm for dawn or before. Not only is the light magical (hello, sunrise over the geysers and scenic vistas), but you’ll also beat the crowds that pour in mid-morning. Plus, summer mornings are when wildlife is most active. Pack your binoculars and camera, and enjoy nature’s best show before the crowds wake up.
From about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the most popular spots, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, all the geyser basins, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other well-known spots, can feel like bustling cities. Instead of joining the swarm, take a leisurely lunch break during the busy hours or go somewhere else. Take this time to do some self-discovery. Relax at a picnic area by a quiet creek, hike a short trail, or explore less-visited trails during these hours.
Pace Yourself If You Can
Take your time soaking it all in. Most visitors tend to rush from point to point, crowding the main areas before rushing off to the next one. I once sat at Artist Point for an hour, timing random people for how long they stayed at the scenic and stunning viewpoint at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The average time was less than one minute. Less than one minute to see a scenic wonderland is not enough time to actually appreciate it.
Sure, those who rush from point to point will see everything, but a hectic pace is not the best way to see the park. If you pace yourself, you can still visit popular sites early or late in the day and hit less crowded trails or overlooks in between.
Even on the busiest days, Yellowstone has quiet moments waiting for you, if you’re willing to slow down and look a little deeper. Sometimes the best memories come from sitting quietly on a trail, watching a herd of bison amble by, or marveling at a distant geyser’s plume against a perfect blue sky.
Now, if you only have a day or two, you’ll just need to resign yourself to the fact that things will be busy in the summer. Just remember, no visitor to the park is any less or more important than another. We are all tourists.
Pick the Right Entrance
Most visitors enter Yellowstone from the West Entrance (near the town of West Yellowstone, MT), which routinely is jam-packed in summer from 8 am until 11 am or longer. For a quieter arrival, try the Northeast Entrance through Cooke City, Montana, or the South Entrance via Grand Teton National Park. These routes are less crowded and offer stunning, scenic drives to ease you into the park’s beauty. I talked about this last week, and will always let people know that West Yellowstone, while having the most amenities, will also be the most crowded entrance every single day in the summer. More than likely, it is too late to change where you are staying, but know this for next time, and it’ll be much more relaxing from the start of your day.
Pack a Picnic and Picnic Off the Beaten Path
Summer means warm weather and perfect picnic conditions. Instead of dining at crowded lodges or restaurants, pack a picnic and find your own peaceful spot, maybe a shaded meadow, a riverbank, or a quiet pullout on a scenic drive. You can also stop at one of the more than 50 designated picnic areas in Yellowstone, each offering its own unique slice of wilderness bliss and scenic enjoyment. What makes these picnic areas fun is that many of them were once campgrounds, long before the park became as popular as it is today.
Eating outside with a view of Yellowstone’s wild landscapes is an experience all its own—and far more relaxing than battling lunch lines. Just remember to always pick up every scrap of food and waste. That includes seeds and peels. These are not natural, and leaving them behind is awful for wildlife and the environment.
Embrace the Evening Calm
Evenings in Yellowstone summer are magical and often less crowded. As the sun sets, the crowds thin out, the air cools, and wildlife reemerges. Take a stroll by Yellowstone Lake or drive the park’s scenic loops to catch golden-hour views without the bustle. Just know that wildlife is also more active in the evenings, often jumping onto the roads. Therefore, drive slowly and safely in the evening and at night.
Go Beyond The Boardwalks
There is a misconception that everything worth seeing in the park is well-known. As someone with nearly 40 years of park visits under my belt, trust me when I tell you that this is simply not true. I wrote a book about it, and my guided hiking tours are designed to take you beyond the boardwalks.
Yellowstone’s viewpoints, pullouts, sideroads, and trails are bursting with wildflowers, and the higher elevations offer cooler temperatures and fewer people. If you are hoping for some lesser-known, beloved spots, chat with a park employee or a guide. We are all happy to share some cool spots that aren’t on the “must-see” checklists that everyone has.
RANDOM YELLOWSTONE FACT OF THE WEEK
Yellowstone Has Over 50 Picnic Areas
I mentioned it a few moments ago, but I feel like the information was lost in the mix. Therefore, I want to repeat it and go into more detail.
Sure, Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geysers and wildlife—but there’s another experience that doesn’t get nearly enough credit: the picnic areas scattered throughout the park. It’s surprisingly easy to enjoy a meal while soaking in jaw-dropping scenery, whether that’s beside a steaming geyser, next to a cool river, in a peaceful meadow, or along the shimmering shores of Yellowstone Lake.
Before you toss a blanket and sandwiches into the car, there are a few things you should know. Nearly all the picnic areas come with picnic tables, and around half have vault toilets, the rustic kind without running water. A handful have grills, but open fires are a no-go unless you’re at a site with a fire grate and the fire danger allows it. Stick to self-contained grills or cookstoves if you plan to do any cooking.
Also, this is bear country. You’ll need to store all food in your vehicle when you’re not eating, and whatever you bring in, food scraps included, must go back out with you. Feeding wildlife is a major no-no, and that includes birds and small rodents. Proper food storage is essential for everyone’s safety (including the animals). Recently, a bear was killed by park staff after it became habituated to human food in the picnic areas.
Where to Have Your Picnic
Yellowstone Lake
Want a picnic with a view? Head to Steamboat Point Picnic Area on the north shore of Yellowstone Lake. It’s perfect for catching the sunset with a box lunch in hand. Grab some quick fare from the Lake area before taking the short drive east on East Entrance Road. Fishing Bridge and Sedge Bay are great backup spots if Steamboat is full.
Old Faithful Area
Once you’ve seen Old Faithful do its thing, leave the crowd at the boardwalks and then head just south to Delacy Creek Picnic Area. It’s got a more peaceful vibe, right by the water. Grab some sandwiches from nearby vendors and enjoy the calm. Other solid options in the area: Spring Creek and East Lot picnic areas.
Norris Geyser Basin
Love wide-open meadows and maybe a chance to spot elk? Gibbon Meadows Picnic Area, near the Gibbon River, is a favorite of mine, as it is often skipped over. After your meal, head south to Gibbon Falls and take the short loop trail; it’s scenic and easy for all ages. Also nearby: Norris Meadows and Caldera Rim.
Hayden Valley
If you’re an early bird, the Nez Perce Ford Picnic Area is the place to be. It has a front-row seat to the Yellowstone River, and it’s a prime spot for morning wildlife watching. Nearby picnic alternatives include Cascade and LeHardy Rapids.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Heading south from Mammoth? Don’t miss Sheepeater Cliff Picnic Area, which sits near a dramatic basalt cliff along the Gardiner River. Pick up snacks from Mammoth Hot Springs, and if you’re up for exploring more, Apollinaris Spring and Beaver Lake are other solid choices.
More Picnic-Worthy Stops
No matter where you’re headed in Yellowstone, there’s likely a picnic area nearby, perfect for taking a breather between hikes or geyser watching. From the wildlife-rich Soda Butte Creek near Lamar Valley to the bubbling hot springs around Upper Geyser Basin, the are picnic spots that offer a mix of convenience, calm, and pure natural beauty.
NEW TOUR
I sincerely hate marketing myself, but I am excited about a new tour offering, so please bear with me for a few.
This summer, I invite you to slow down. Breathe Deeply. Reconnect.
In a world that moves too fast, where screens dominate and schedules never sleep, it’s easy to lose touch with the outdoors, with stillness, and even with ourselves. My Guided Meditation Tours in Yellowstone National Park offer a powerful invitation to pause, disconnect, and remember the soul-nourishing power of nature.
With my new tour offering, we step away from the crowds and go beyond the boardwalks into Yellowstone’s untamed beauty. These immersive journeys lead you to quiet, hidden corners of the park, where bubbling streams, whispering pines, and open sky create the perfect backdrop for grounding and renewal of your true self.
Through guided meditation and mindful connection with the land, through scent, touch, and sight, you’ll slow your racing thoughts and rediscover what it means to simply be. No noise, no pressure. Just you, your breath, and the healing rhythm of the natural world.
This isn’t just a walk in the woods—it’s a return to balance. Send me a message for details.
WEATHER FOR THE COMING WEEK
All around the park, this week’s weather is going to be pretty similar. Highs in the lower elevations will be in the 60s, 70s, and maybe even the 80s. In the upper elevations, expect those highs to be around 10 degrees cooler. Lows will be between the 30s and 50s, depending on the area. Expect some thunderstorms every day, and then be happy when they don’t happen.
SNOWPACK UPDATE
The snowpack in the park, as of June 4th, 2025, is not great. Currently, it is around 50% to 60% of normal, and with no precipitation in the forecast, those numbers should be dropping lower.
ROADS CONDITIONS
All major roads are open right now in and around Yellowstone National Park. This includes Dunraven Pass and the Beartooth Highway.
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
As always, Mammoth Hot Springs campground is open. The Madison Campground near the West Yellowstone entrance is open. The Fishing Bridge RV Park and Bridge Bay are also open. Tower Campground and Canyon Campground are open, and Grant Village opens on the 6th of June.
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 nothing when they are sold on Amazon. Grab your copy now at outdoor-society.com!
TREK OF THE WEEK
Bunsen Peak
The Bunsen Peak Trail is one of those hikes in Yellowstone that gives you a little bit of everything: manageable effort, great views, and just enough adventure to feel like you’ve earned your summit. While the elevation is minimal for a mountain and the distance is short, this is not an easy hike for most. You are going to be starting this hike above 7,000 feet.
Tucked just south of Mammoth Hot Springs near Swan Lake Flats, this out-and-back trail, or loop depending on your route, leads to the top of Bunsen Peak, an extinct volcanic cone named after the scientist Robert Bunsen (yep, same guy as the Bunsen burner, though he never came to the region).
It’s about 4.4 miles up and back, with an elevation gain of around 1,600 feet. Most people finish it in three to five hours, depending on how many breaks they take or how long they linger at the top, and you’ll definitely want to linger. Again, do not assume this is an easy hike. It might be for a few of you, but a majority of you will be shocked by the effort it will take. It’s a steady uphill climb pretty much from the start, thanks to a series of switchbacks that get your legs working right away. Nothing too technical is found on the trail, just a consistent grade that keeps you working. If there is some snow near the top, the last quarter to half-mile may be straight up a scree field.
The trail begins in a lodgepole pine forest, shady and peaceful, but as you climb, the trees start to thin out and the views open up. Pretty soon, you’re catching glimpses of Swan Lake Flats, Golden Gate, and as you look back, you’ll spot Mammoth Hot Springs and even the little town of Gardiner, Montana. It’s one of those hikes where the scenery just keeps getting better the higher you go.
About halfway up, the landscape shifts. The trees give way to rocky terrain and low-growing alpine scrub, giving stunning views of Yellowstone’s Northern Range and even catching sight of the glorious and majestic Electric Peak off in the distance. This part of the trail is more exposed, great for views, not so great if the wind picks up. A light jacket is a smart thing to have, as it is almost always windy up top.
Reaching the summit at 8,564 feet feels like a real accomplishment, and the payoff is worth every step. The view is full-on 360 degrees: you’ve got Swan Lake Flats spread out below, Mount Everts looming nearby, and mountain layers stretching out for miles in every direction. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop and just take it all in for a while. You can even see Mammoth, and all the way out to Blacktail Ponds if you know where to look.
Wildlife is part of the experience, too. This area is home to elk, mule deer, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your nerves), you might see a black bear or grizzly. It’s Yellowstone, after all. Despite it being a popular trail, bear spray is needed. In the summer months, wildflowers pop up all along the trail.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can keep going past the summit. The trail meanders on the ridge before dropping down the backside and connecting with Bunsen Peak Road Trail. This road links to the steep Osprey Falls Trail that drops into Sheepeater Canyon. This adds quite a bit of mileage and elevation, so it’s best for hikers who are ready to commit to a longer day. If you want the distance and elevation of the full loop with Osprey Falls, message me.
For me, the Bunsen Peak Trail is a solid choice if you want a hike that’s close to the road but still feels like a real adventure. I do it multiple times a year and always love it. It’s a great way to get above it all, literally, without spending an entire day in the backcountry. With sweeping views, a bit of a workout, and a real sense of place that shows off the scale of Yellowstone, this hike hits that perfect Yellowstone sweet spot.
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.
Until then, happy trails!
