Yellowstone Day Tours Blog

Yellowstone in July and August is a different park than the one you'll find in May or October. The wildlife is still there, the geysers still erupt, and the Tetons still stop people in their tracks … but so does the traffic. If you're planning a summer trip, a little strategy goes a long way toward keeping your day about the park and not about parking lots. Here's how to have a great Yellowstone summer visit, even during the busiest stretch of the year. Summer sunset in Yello

When I first set foot in Yellowstone National Park, I was overwhelmed by its vastness and the sheer diversity of life thriving within its borders. The sprawling landscapes, bubbling geysers, and majestic wildlife create a tapestry of nature that’s hard to match anywhere else. But what truly transformed my visit from a simple trip into a deeply enriching experience was joining a Yellowstone guided tour. If you’re wondering why guided tours are the best way to explore this incr

Late May through early June marks calving season in Yellowstone — when cow elk become fiercely protective of their newborns. Without antlers, they rely on powerful hooves to defend against any perceived threat, including well-meaning visitors. Stay 25 yards back, watch your surroundings at Mammoth Hot Springs, and if an elk approaches, get to shelter fast.

Yellowstone receives roughly 4.5 million visitors annually, and many of them spend most of their time in the same handful of spots. Knowing where to go, when to arrive, and what to watch for once you’re there makes the difference between a good vacation and one you’ll be talking about for years. If you want to make the most of your visit, start with these 10 must-see spots in the park. We’ll share tips from our guides to help you avoid the crowds, pick the best viewing time,

Yellowstone is open for the 2026 season! The West Entrance and North Entrance are welcoming visitors now, with more roads opening throughout May. Spring is prime time in the park — grizzlies are emerging from hibernation, bison calves are hitting the ground, and Lamar Valley wolves are active. Geothermal steam columns rise dramatically in the cool air, and the waterfalls are running at full force. Come explore — our guides know exactly where to take you.

Not sure which Yellowstone tour to choose? Yellowstone Day Tours has a variety of options, including wildlife safaris, winter wolf tours, and scenic loops. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find the perfect fit.

Planning a Yellowstone & Grand Teton trip? Summer offers full access, spring and fall bring fewer crowds and incredible wildlife, and winter transforms the parks into a snow-covered wonderland. Whether you self-drive or go guided, the key is matching your season to what you want to experience most.

Witness the awe-inspiring winter migration in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons as thousands of elk travel up to 168 miles to survive harsh conditions. Experience nature's dramatic struggle firsthand with our exclusive winter wildlife tours.

Experience fall wildlife in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, where elk, bison, bears, and golden landscapes work to create nature’s most spectacular wildlife season.

In the far northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park lies one of the best wildlife viewing areas in North America, Lamar Valley. Stretching for miles along the Lamar River and surrounded by sweeping grasslands, this valley is often called the “American Serengeti” for its abundance of wild animals. If spotting wildlife is on your Yellowstone bucket list, Lamar Valley is a must. And when you book an Upper Loop Yellowstone tour with Yellowstone Day Tours, you don’t just v

Spotting wild wolves in Yellowstone is more possible than ever. With expert guides, you’ll explore valleys and riverfronts where sightings are most likely and hear the full story of the wolves' incredible comeback. Several wolf packs roam the park, especially in the Lamar Valley, nicknamed the “American Serengeti.” Even if you don’t spot wolves, you’ll witness the ripple effects of their return in the restored landscape and thriving wildlife.

Finally! It’s that time of the year! The first grizzlies in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks were seen a few weeks back, and Yellowstone Day Tours’ first sighting happened yesterday, 04/13/2025. Grizzly Bear on the side of the road in Jackson Hole, WY With not a cloud in the sky, at the northern end of Grand Teton National Park, our crew saw a lone, male grizzly bear wandering in the snowy flats. After the big bear meandered away, we checked out his tracks! Look how b

The recent arctic blast that brought temperatures down to -40 degrees F has us reflecting on record-low temperatures in our area.

Wildlife Photography Paradise Yellowstone National Park, with its vast wilderness and diverse ecosystems, is a paradise for wildlife photographers. From majestic bison to elusive wolves, the park offers unparalleled opportunities to capture stunning images of nature in its purest form. In this guide, we'll delve into the art and science of wildlife photography in Yellowstone, providing tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience. An Owl in Yellowstone perched

Known for dense populations of wildlife, Yellowstone National Park boasts a plethora of prime wildlife viewing spots, each offering its own unique opportunities to observe the park's diverse fauna. Bear crossing the valley in Yellowstone National Park Best Wildlife Viewing Spots in Yellowstone Lamar Valley: Known as the "Serengeti of North America," Lamar Valley is a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you'll have the chance to spot iconic species such as bison, wolves, e

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park stands as a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of nature. Its...

A Wonderful First Week of our Yellowstone National Park Guiding Season. Yellowstone National Park's opening day for the 2024 season was last Friday, April 19th. April is right on the cusp of Spring in Yellowstone, and you never know what to expect out of the early season in Wyoming and Montana. Sometimes it still feels like mid-winter, with snow in the forecast and the bears still trying to sleep in. Not this year. Spring is in full swing, and folks on our tours were treated

So It Begins! Our Yellowstone National Park day tours from West Yellowstone & Jackson Hole, WY will begin on Friday, April 19th, as the West Gate of Yellowstone National Park will finally open. With access to Old Faithful, Fountain Paint Pots, and the Upper and Lower Falls of Yellowstone, our tours will be starting with a bang, with so much to see! Yellowstone Buffalo Grazing Looking Forward to the Season in West Yellowstone Our recent wildlife tours in the Jackson Hole regio

As the ski lifts are still spinning off in the distance at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the folks coming along for the last few weeks of our Winter Wildlife Tours are the first to get a taste of Spring. While the snow is still abundant, the sun is shining, jackets are optional, and viewing the local wildlife is coming into full swing. Even the first Grizzly bears are coming out a bit early to enjoy the weather. Our evening Jackson Hole wildlife tour throughout the National E