Yellowstone National Park Opens for the Summer Season!

Today's the day — the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park opens in West Yellowstone, and tomorrow kicks off National Park Week (which is actually nine days, but who's counting? 🤷‍♀️). As part of the celebration, all National Park fees are waived on Saturday, April 19!

Note: Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass year-round.

Spring is one of our favorite times to visit Yellowstone. There are fewer crowds since most schools are still in session, and the baby wildlife is abundant. Wildflowers will begin blooming in May, bringing phlox, wild strawberries, evening primrose, shooting star, bitterroot, bluebells and larkspur to the early season show.



It's also lovely weather for hiking in the lower elevations, and fishing can be good before the runoff begins. (Note: The Madison and Gardner Rivers are open year-round, and all other fishing in Yellowstone begins on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and goes through Oct. 31. Special fishing permits are required, and if you're bringing a boat, there are special regulations and permits for bringing watercraft into the Park.)



The North and Northeast Entrances to the Park, between Gardiner and Cooke City, remain open year-round. The Lamar Valley runs through here, one of the premier spots for wildlife watching. The Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs is open year-round, and the Canyon Visitor Education Center and Old Faithful Visitor Information Centers open on April 18. If you're bringing kids, be sure to stop and pick up a Junior Ranger and/or Young Scientist booklet! These programs are suitable for any age and are a great way to discover the wonders of the Park and your role in preserving them.

Accommodations and dining inside the Park begin to open on April 25, with the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. However, prior to that, you'll want to stay in one of our Gateway Communities, which are loaded with fun things to see and do!



A few more things to note—Yellowstone is bigger than you think, you’ll want to start your day early (which is also the best for wildlife watching,) and select the areas you want to visit. This map provides both mileage and drive times. The National Park Service also has a fantastic app, but the majority of Yellowstone does not have cell service, so you’ll want to download it in advance.

If you're looking to pack a picnic, Mountain Mama's Coffee House and Bakery and Ernie's in West Yellowstone are great places to pick up a sandwich and some fresh baked goods.

The Gardiner Market, at the North Entrance, has a yummy selection of grab-and-go items. Or plan to stop at the Wildflour Bakery in Emigrant for breakfast burritos, pastries and artisan bread. Be sure to save room for some Follow Yer' Nose BBQ, also in Emigrant, just 30 miles from Gardiner. It's located behind the Old Saloon, an iconic watering hole with great live music to end the day.