Summer
Upper Basin Geyser
© National Park Service
Many summer visitors to Yellowstone National Park experience the park from behind the windows of their cars, stopping only to snap a picture of Old Faithful or a bison crossing the road. Although any form of exploration is worthwhile, you'll find that participating in the various outdoor recreational activities that Yellowstone has to offer is more than rewarding. As a volcanic hot spot, Yellowstone National Park offers spectacular hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and picnicking that is truly unlike anywhere else in the country. more info
Yellowstone Park Summer Featured Listings
These featured businesses are official Yellowstone Park permitees
O.A.R.S. Adventure vacation packages in Yellowstone/Grand Teton
Expertly Guided Horseback Day Rides into Yellowstone Backcountry
Customized vacation packages with lodging inside Yellowstone Park
Professionally Guided Hikes to Yellowstone's Best Secret Spots
Yellowstone Tour & Travel - Airlines, Lodging & Family Fun
Gateway Community Summer Listings
The listings found below are offered in the Gateway Communities that surround Yellowstone National Park.
Big Sky Montana :: view all listings
Mountain recreation in Southwest Montana - Western Gateway.
Scenic & Whitewater Rafting w/Horseback Riding in Big Sky, MT
Bozeman Montana :: view all listings
Gardiner, MT, Livingston, MT and Bozeman, MT - Northern Gateway.
Select from 3, 5 or 7-day Montana & Yellowstone Family Vacations
Wild West Raft & Kayak Trips - Yellowstone River in Gardiner MT
Rent Rafts, ATVs, Canoes, RVs, Drift Boats, Inner Tubes & More
Cody Wyoming :: view all listings
Cowboy culture and nightly rodeo - Eastern Gateway.
Wyoming River Trips Scenic/Whitewater Rafting: Based in Cody
The Buffalo Bill Historical Center, in Cody, Wyoming
Cody's Summer Fun Headquarters: fishing & whitewater/scenic trips
Jackson Hole Wyoming :: view all listings
World class mountain destination - Southern Gateway.
Charlie Sands Scenic & Whitewater River Trips for the Family
West Yellowstone, Montana :: view all listings
Ennis, MT, Island Park, ID and West Yellowstone - Western Gateway.
Live Rodeo in West Yellowstone June - August 2008, tickets online
Rental Cars, SUV's & Vans in West Yellowstone - Fly/Drive with Us
Yellow Fumarole
© National Park Service
HIKING
Encompassing 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone offers over 1,100 miles of hiking trails. The intricate trail system that is set up in Yellowstone accommodates both day hikers as well as multi-day backpackers. You can find excellent hikes full of various ecosystems and terrain in many areas of the park such as:
- Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge and Lake
- Canyon
- Madison
- Mammoth
- Norris
- Old Faithful
- Tower-Roosevelt
- West Thumb and Grant Village
Wherever you choose to hike, it is a good idea to check in at one of the numerous ranger stations before you embark on your adventure. Rangers can inform you of changes in the trails, bear activity, weather forecasts, or closures due to high waters or fires. Make sure to bring raingear, food, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit. Bring plenty of water as the lakes and streams may be contaminated by animal and/or human wastes. The weather in Yellowstone in the summers can be unpredictable. A sunny day could suddenly turn into a stormy one complete with thunder and lightning. Be prepared with warm clothes in case a storm should develop.
BIKING
Biking in Yellowstone is allowed on established public roads, parking areas, and designated routes. Bikes are not permitted on backcountry hiking trails or boardwalks. There are no bike rental shops available in the park so you must bring your own. When biking in Yellowstone, remember that the same traffic rules as automobiles apply.
Park rangers encourage all bikers to wear safety gear such as helmets and high visibility clothing. The roads in the park are narrow and winding, making it difficult for motorists to see bikers around some corners. Snowbanks that can last until June also obstruct motoristsÕ views of bikers.
When you begin your cycling journey, keep in mind that road elevations range from 5,300 to 8,860 feet. Service stations and other facilities are usually about 20-30 miles apart. As with hiking, bring plenty of water, food, and clothing appropriate for all types of weather and temperatures.
FISHING
Fly-fishing has been a major attraction to Yellowstone for over 100 years. However, the park has implemented heavy restrictions on fishing in order to protect and save its fish resources for the many animals that feed on the fish to survive. None of the streams or lakes in Yellowstone are stocked. Fish populations depend on natural reproduction. The park places more emphasis on providing fish for wildlife consumption than for human recreation.
Some restrictions on fishing in the park include: season opening/closing dates, catch-and-release only, bait restrictions, and number and size limits according to species. Fishing tackle that are made of lead are prohibited. Lead poisoning is responsible for the deaths of millions of waterfowl around the country each year. Only non-toxic tackle is allowed.
If you decide to fish, permits are required. Anglers aged 16 years and older, must purchase either a 3-day permit for $15, a 7-day permit for $20, or a season permit for $35. You can purchase a permit at any ranger station, visitors centers, or the Yellowstone National Park General Store.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Yellowstone also offers the best in boating, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. Permits may be required. Guided tours of all sorts are also available. Visit any of the Park's many ranger stations or visitors centers to get in depth information on these activities.
32FOther pages you might find helpful:
Montana Vacations
Big Sky, Montana vacations - full directory of links.
