The natural beauty that is Yellowstone National Park has been inspiring to generations. It’s hard to pass through the park without feeling a sense of adventure.
With more than 10,000 thermal features and 193 geysers, including the world’s most famous geyser, this park is unlike anything you may have seen in your life.
Although it’s an out-of-this-world experience, it’s not an ideal spot to visit this year. Let’s look at why we suggest you pass on Yellowstone this year!
Where Is Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park sits in the upper northwestern corner of Wyoming and covers over 2.2 million acres. However, due to its location and size, the park borders also spread into eastern Idaho and southern Montana.
The park has multiple entrances, making it easy to visit several large western cities. The north entrance is only an hour and a half south of Bozeman, Montana.
If you’re coming from Jackson, Wyoming, or the Grand Teton National Park area, it’s only an hour to an hour and a half to the south entrance.
About Yellowstone National Park
In 1872 the United States government established Yellowstone as the country’s first national park. It commanded the nation’s attention and respect for its diverse geology, wildlife, and incredible landscapes.
Generations have visited the park, and many claimed to have never seen anything like it. It was practically an indescribable environment that people had to see for themselves. This can be true for many visitors today.
The park is 3,472 square miles, and the highest point at Eagle Peak is 11,358 feet. Reese Creek at 5,282 feet is the lowest point.
It is a paradise for anyone that enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors. There are 92 trailheads, 1,000+ miles of backcountry hiking trails, 15+ miles of boardwalks, and 466 miles of roads.
Over the past 150 years, the United States has designated 62 other national parks. However, Yellowstone will always be a special place that many will continue to experience in the future.
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Get ready for changes coming to the national park system in 2022.
Why Is Yellowstone Park Famous?
Yellowstone is home to more than half the world’s population of geysers. Thousands of guests are drawn to Old Faithful every day.
Due to its consistency, the park can predict eruptions within a 10-minute window with 90% accuracy. When you visit Old Faithful, you know that you’re going to experience quite a show.
Some take pictures of the brightly colored waters of Grand Prismatic Spring and steam rising from the ground all over the park. These photos can cause quite a stir. The scenes are what you’d expect to see in a blockbuster sci-fi movie.
The excitement of discovering this place is contagious. It can be a humbling experience to stand before the landscapes of Yellowstone.
Some photos can seem unreal and edited, but when you see Yellowstone for yourself, you may not be able to help but share what you’ve seen with others. Many visitors invite others to experience the wonder that is Yellowstone National Park.
Is Yellowstone Too Crowded?
Like all national parks, there has been a significant increase in people visiting Yellowstone over the last few years. Despite being shut down for two months, the park had 3.8 million visitors in 2020. The park welcomed another 4.8 million guests the following year, and we do not see any sign of it slowing down soon.
One of the significant concerns with Yellowstone is that there are several attractions that guests want to see. Most guests expect to see Old Faithful, Lamar Valley, and Geyser Basin. Parking spots can be hard to come by, and wildlife sightings can cause traffic jams.
You’ll likely need to plan to spend several full days in the park to have the best chance at seeing all you want to see.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park are in May and the end of September. The key is to go before the crowd levels rise from June through mid-September.
However, the weather can be challenging to navigate as temperatures can be unpredictable. Many campgrounds are seasonal and only open from May through September for this reason.
HOT TIP
Plan your trip early and stay at one of these amazing RV campgrounds in Yellowstone 🏔
What Day Of The Week Is Best to Go to Yellowstone?
If you’re planning to visit during the peak months, every day will be hectic. However, if you visit during the off-season, attending during the week when people are at work or in school can allow you to experience the quietness of the park.
You’ll feel like you have some of the most popular attractions to yourself!
When Should You Not Visit Yellowstone?
Visiting Yellowstone during June, July, or August may not be the best idea. The park welcomes two-thirds of its visitors during this time.
If you arrive during peak season, come expecting long lines, packed parking lots, and noisy people on the best hiking trails.
Do you plan to visit Yellowstone soon?
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