When you visit Yellowstone in spring, it’s a great time to see a lot of wildlife that’s ready to get out into the fresh air. And of course, no trip to Yellowstone is complete without watching a geyser erupt, and Old Faithful is one of the most popular ones. But there are plenty of other unique things to do in the park that will make your trip more memorable.
1. Go For A Quiet Walk
A quiet walk in Yellowstone is the perfect way to unwind and soak in the natural wonders of the park. The park’s trails are full of hidden gems from bubbling mud pots to exploding geysers and roaring waterfalls. A walk along a boardwalk loop is a great way to see the colorful hot springs in the park. But it can also be a bit crowded, especially in the summer. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative, consider the Beaver Ponds Trail. This 5-mile loop will take you through sagebrush, forest stands and beaver ponds.
2. The Scenic Drive
If you’re short on time, a scenic drive is the perfect option for seeing Yellowstone Park. It will give you a chance to see most of the major attractions in just one day. Probably the most famous landmark in Yellowstone is the Grand Prismatic Spring, which you can see in lots of postcards. While it’s impossible to see the same rainbow of colors in real life, you will still be blown away by the size and uniqueness of this famous landmark! It’s also one of the best places in the park to see wildlife. You’ll often see grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison, and elk.
3. Watch A Geyser
If you’re a nature buff, you’ll want to take some time to watch a geyser at Yellowstone Park. The area is home to hundreds of these hydrothermal features, a result of the huge volcano under the park’s surface. What makes geysers so interesting is that they erupt when water escaping from cracks in the Earth’s crust pools up with groundwater and super-heats, forcing it to spew out of a vent. That’s why they are a popular attraction for scientists. While Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most famous geyser, there are many other hydrothermal features that you can see from the park’s boardwalks and paved trails. The park even predicts eruption times for some of these features, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!
4. Hiking
A great way to get some exercise and see some of the most impressive scenery in Yellowstone Park is by taking a hike. The park has hundreds of hiking trails, so you can find something for everyone. Spring is the best time of year to hike, as temperatures are still quite cool and there isn’t much snow on the ground. Fall is also a good time to hike, but be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out! For a scenic and relatively short hike, try the Storm Point Trail near Yellowstone Lake. It’s a popular trail that leads to an overlook of the Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser, which is one of the most-photographed thermal features in Yellowstone.
5. Visit A Hot Spring
Springtime is the best time to visit some of Yellowstone’s stunning hydrothermal features, such as geysers and hot springs. The fewer crowds mean that you’ll get an even closer look at these incredible natural wonders. The water that makes up these springs is heated by magma deep beneath the Earth’s surface, and it flows upward to the surface through cracks or faults in the ground. This creates underground pressure that forces the water to rise to the surface faster than it would normally. While visiting these hot springs, be sure to keep in mind that it’s illegal and dangerous to enter them. Some people don’t realize this, and they’ve accidentally stepped into a hot spring or geyser and suffered burns.
Spring and summer are the best times to see wildflowers in Yellowstone National Park. With more than 3,000 different species, the color explosions are spectacular and a treat for nature lovers!
Best Times To See Wildflowers
From the rainbow-hued hot springs and multi-hued Canyon walls, Yellowstone National Park offers a stunning display of colors year-round. Wildflowers season is a spectacular time to visit Yellowstone National Park. The colorful patchwork of flowers, from the first pasque flower in April to the last aster in September, makes this one of the most dynamic times to experience the Park. However, summer is at its most colorful when wildflowers burst forth in abundance. So, if you’re looking to see a wide range of flowers, late June through mid-July is the peak season.
Rabbitfoot Crazyweed
Rabbitfoot crazyweed is a vibrant purple flower that typically grows in sagebrush meadows and valleys to lower montane. It is commonly seen from April to June. It is a perennial forb that arises from a three to 16 inch deep woody taproot. Its bright rose-purple, pealike flowers form dense racemes borne at the ends of leafless stalks. Its leaves are pinnately divided into paired lanceolate leaflets.
Harebell
Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) is a delicate beauty with small blue-violet bell-shaped flowers that nod from the tips of slender stems. It blooms in spurts from summer to fall. Commonly known as “bluebells,” Harebell is associated with Scotland but can be found in a variety of habitats. It is often self-seeding, especially in rocky soils and crevices.
Indian Paintbrush
The genus Castilleja, also known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, is found in many colors throughout the western U.S. Often described as flowering clusters that resemble a paintbrush dipped in paint, these brightly colored flowers are best seen during June and July. These flowers grow in grasslands and dry sagebrush prairies, and also are abundant in ponderosa pine forests. You’ll likely see them in late spring through early summer, especially around the rims of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
Monkey Flower
Monkey Flower Mimulus guttatus blooms in June and July near thermal areas, streambeds and Yellowstone Lake. These flowers are brightly colored and attract insect pollinators. There are many types of wildflowers that can be seen in Yellowstone National Park, but Lewis’ monkeyflower is one of the most common species in the area. It’s a monoecious plant that produces a bright yellow petal together with orange spots that attract insect pollinators.
A trip to Yellowstone Park is not complete without exploring the hundreds of different wildlife species that call this place home. Whether it’s big, small or somewhere in between, these animals are unique and captivating.
Black Bear
Black bears are highly adaptable to the varied vegetation of their habitat. They eat a variety of plant tubers, rodents, insects, baby elk, pine nuts, grasses, and more. The Black Bear is one of the most elusive animals in Yellowstone. For a good chance of seeing one, you’ll want to plan your trip during fall or winter.
Elk
One of Yellowstone’s keystone species, elk have been a mainstay in the park for thousands of years. Their stoic nature and majestic presence have helped shape the park’s unique ecology. They can be seen year-round in the park, but are more common early in the morning and late at night. They prefer large meadows and recently logged areas.
Bison
The bison are one of the most popular wildlife animals to see in Yellowstone National Park. Depending on the time of year, you can expect to see herds of up to 5-7 bison gathered together in grasslands throughout the park. They are also known to migrate up to 70 miles between their summer and winter ranges. This is an amazing feat to see in the wild!
Coyote
Coyotes are one of the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom. They are extremely adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. In Yellowstone, coyotes are found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, meadows, forests and mountains. They are quite vocal and can be heard most frequently during dawn and dusk.
Wolf
Wolves are one of the unique species that make Yellowstone an exciting place to visit. They are easy to spot and can be exciting to watch in the wild. Wolf packs are fiercely protective of their territories that can range from 30 to 2,500 square miles. So it’s very important to keep your distance when observing them!
With over 900 miles of trails and 300 backcountry campsites, Yellowstone National Park is a hiker’s dream. But before you start your journey, it’s important to know what precautions you should take. Weather, elevation, wildlife encounters, and the physiological effects of the park’s terrain can make a difference between a comfortable hike and a dangerous one, so our Yellowstone tour guides are here to help.
Precautions
Yellowstone is a magical place that boasts a wealth of natural beauty and a host of wildlife to watch. However, it’s important to be aware of some safety precautions you need to take when hiking in this national park. One of the most common safety concerns for hikers is that of wildlife. While many of these animals are docile and calm, others can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Bears are perhaps the most dangerous animal to watch for when in the park, but other animals like bison can be equally unpredictable. If you encounter a bison, give it space and wait for it to move away from you. Moose are another animal that should be kept on the lookout for, especially during rut season. These strong animals with large antlers can be quite aggressive, so if you see a moose, don’t try to walk around it or approach it.
What To Bring
If you’re planning on a single-day hiking trip in Yellowstone, here are a few essentials that you’ll want to bring with you. They’ll help you stay comfortable and happy on your adventure! First of all, you’ll want a backpack or day pack to carry all your gear. Whether you’re staying in a campground or tenting, you’ll need a bag that can hold everything you need and is comfortable to wear throughout the day. You’ll also need a few things to keep you safe, like sunscreen and bear spray. Sunscreen is especially important if you’re going to be hiking around high altitudes, where the UV rays can be intense. You’ll also need a hat to protect your head from the sun and wind. You can opt for a baseball cap or a hat that can be crushed and packed down, so it won’t take up too much space in your pack. Keeping your hands warm is also important, so be sure to bring insulated gloves or mittens.
Staying Safe
Hiking in Yellowstone is an excellent way to get up close and personal with nature, but there are a few things to look out for before you go. For one, bears can be a big threat to visitors, so be sure to lock up any food or plates you’ll be carrying. Another thing to keep in mind is that hiking off the trail is frowned upon, so you’ll want to stay on the designated pathways as much as possible. Straying can lead to a variety of negative consequences, such as damaging the ecosystem or harming wildlife. You should also plan to spend at least 3 days in Yellowstone to really see and do it all! That way you can fit in all the must-sees and still have time to hike some extra trails, too. Contact us to start planning your next adventure now!
Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park In The Spring
Yellowstone National Park is an incredible place to visit at any time of year, but springtime brings its own uniqueness. It’s full of new life and exciting wildlife, and it’s a great way to experience this incredible natural wonder!
1. Hike Early In The Morning
If you want to get the most out of your Yellowstone National Park experience, it’s important to hike early in the morning. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the park and not be rushed. Hiking in Yellowstone is one of the best ways to see the parks natural wonders, and there are many great hikes to choose from. For those looking for a longer trek, the North Rim Trail is a great choice. It offers incredible views and is very accessible.
2. Be Prepared For The Weather
Spring is a great time to visit Yellowstone, because the parks roads are still open and wildlife is in full bloom. The number of visitors is still low, but you’ll have more chances to see wildlife than you would during the summer season. Yellowstone’s weather is unpredictable, so be prepared to pack warm clothing and rain gear. It can be cold at night in the park and icy during the day, especially if you’re hiking high in the mountains. The weather can also change drastically from day to day, so it’s best to keep an eye on the forecast before you set out each morning. April can be a transition month, with a lot of snow melting during the day and then refreezing at night, making icy conditions more common.
3. Don’t Be Afraid Of Bears
Spring is the best time to see grizzly and black bears, their cubs and young ones. This is also a great time to spot other wildlife like wolves and bison, as they resurface from their winter dens and shelters. Bears are usually curious about new things, so make some noise and yell, “Hey bear!” every once in a while. This will alert them that you are out and about, and they’ll be less likely to approach you. If you notice a bear, back away slowly. Keep your hands away from your neck and shoulders, and use a bear spray to deter any attacks. You can rent bear spray directly at Yellowstone national park.
4. Be Patient
If you are looking to get the most out of your Yellowstone National Park trip, you should be prepared to be patient. The park is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed if you don’t know what to expect. While the summer season (June, July, and August) is by far the busiest, you can still see plenty of wildlife in the spring. Bears emerge from hibernation between March and April, migrating birds arrive just before May, and the elk rut begins mid-September.
5. Be Flexible
Spring in Yellowstone is a time of renewal, as animals escape the winter weather to find warmth and rebirth. It’s a great time to see bears, elk, and bison birthing calves, as well as emerging from Winter dens. One of the best ways to experience Yellowstone National Park is to be flexible. This will help you get the most out of your trip, and avoid frustrations such as traffic jams caused by wildlife or crowded parking lots. Be sure to plan ahead! After all, you won’t want to miss out on a geyser eruption or an unexpected wildlife encounter!
