What is the best time of year to go to Yellowstone National Park?

The best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds. Bears emerge from hibernation between March and April, migrating birds arrive just before May, and the elk rut begins mid-September.



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Flights to the nearest major airport — that of Jackson Hole, Wyoming — are typically cheapest between November and March, which is the park's low season. Prices for lodging begin to drop after Labor Day, once the summer crowds have diminished and children are back in school.

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The mornings (dawn until 11 a.m.) and evenings (6 p.m. until dusk) are perfect window times for beating the tour groups and family wagons and securing a spot with an uninterrupted view. If you prefer the morning, all you need is a trusty alarm clock, maybe a strong cup of coffee and an early start to the day.

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Yellowstone National Park can get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August). The best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds.

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Yellowstone National Park can get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August). The best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds.

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The Grand Loop takes between 4 to 7 hours to drive in full. During the summer season, cars are the best option for taking a trip around Yellowstone unless you are riding with a bus tour or concessionaire that provides transportation.

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Because of this, rooms tend to fill up fast so it's a good idea to book when reservations open 13 months in advance.

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Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving to save time, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival. Find out more about entrance passes below.

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Fall: The Beartooth Highway (east of Cooke City) and Dunraven Pass (between Tower Junction and Canyon) typically close around mid October (weather dependent). By early November, ALL park roads close (with exception of the road between the North Entrance and the Northeast Entrance).

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Cody. Cody, Wyoming is the nearest town to Yellowstone National Park on the east side, about 50 miles from the entrance.

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Our Locations. Yellowstone Park Service Stations has seven locations in the Park with over 80 seasonal employees. Yellowstone Park Service Stations, Inc. (YPSS) operates seven convenience store/fuel facilities, four automotive repair shops and a central office/warehouse in Yellowstone National Park.

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You can tour Yellowstone on your own, but if you download the GuideAlong (previously GyPSy Guide) app, you'll get an insider's perspective of the park without having to go on a tour. It's like having your own guide in the car with you.

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The driving distance between Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park is 441 miles. It takes approximately 7h 59m to drive from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park. How many days do you need in Glacier National Park? Ideally, plan on spending at least two to three days in Glacier National Park.

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