Spring Into Yellowstone: A Montanan’s Guide to Visiting Before the Crowds

Yellowstone National Park truly changed the world. 

When President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act in 1872, the world’s first national park came to life.

Certainly a source of pride for Montana, YNP sparked a conservation movement across the

world that led governments to protect more than 6,500 parks since the inception of Yellowstone. For many of the millions of people who visit every year, it changes their lives forever.

Talk to anyone who has visited YNP. They all have a story. It could be seeing Old Faithful for the first time, or a majestic buffalo herd crossing the highway in the Lamar Valley. A good friend recently gushed about seeing all the major wildlife on his visit. And, it’s not rare to hear. For the Montana visitors recount how an overzealous tourist got dangerously close to a buffalo.

The point is, Yellowstone holds a treasured and iconic place in the hearts of Montanans. It’s a

testament to the rugged vastness of the west, a territory that still reminds us how small we are. This cherished swath of landscape truly offers so much diversity and scenery. From the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states to home of half the world’s geysers, Yellowstone deserves a visit, at least once for Montana residents.

Fourth grade students across Montana visit Yellowstone annually for the most epic field trip in

the country. But adults and families need field trips too. Here’s a guide to visiting Yellowstone

National Park in the spring – a sweet spot when the weather is friendly but it’s not yet overrun with tourists. 

Overall Tips: Driving & Parking

• From Great Falls, plan to enter the park near Gardiner at the North Entrance. The nearest attractions include Mammoth Springs and Roosevelt Arch.

• Yellowstone National Park is absolutely expansive. With more than 2 million acres, a

number that’s impossible to visualize, the park occupies more square mileage than RhodeIsland and Delaware combined. Montana locals are no strangers to long drive times. Considering Yellowstone’s sheer landmass, plan to drive a lot. Many visitors make the mistake of planning too many events in one day without considering the time and distance. Prepare to spend time in the car, and of course fill up the gas tank before undertaking a day of sightseeing.

• No Montanan likes hearing this. Expect parking challenges around the park but especially at Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, even outside of peak season in the spring. Pack the patience and remember that these sites are popular for good reason. Besides, can you really visit Yellowstone and NOT see Old Faithful?

Getting the Most out of Your Experience

• Speaking of the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful’s eruption times are highly

predictable. It erupts every 35-120 minutes and can last for as little as 5 minutes or for 1.5 hours. In between eruptions, take a trail walk through the geothermal activity nearby. Don’t worry, it’s well-marked and offers close-up views of smaller geysers.

• Spotting wildlife remains one of the biggest thrills in Yellowstone. A wolf and grizzly bear

generally win top prize for most sought after animal sightings. But sightings are unpredictable even in Lamar Valley. Sunrise and sunset offer the best likelihood of eyeing wildlife in YNP. One advantage to visiting in the spring is the chance of seeing babies.

• Montanans need no reminders, spring weather can be unpredictable. Check trail descriptions and closures before making plans. Some trails may be closed, others may be icy, and most will be muddy to some degree.

Where to Stay

Lodging is limited within the park for Spring travel. Here are your best options.

FIRST TO OPEN IN THE SPRING:

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: Located near the North Entrance, this historic hotel offers a range of accommodations from hotel rooms to cabins. Its proximity to Mammoth Hot Springs makes it a convenient choice. Originally built in 1936, the property underwent significant renovations in 2019. Be sure to check out their “map room,” which features a giant wooden map of the US made from 15 types of wood from 9 different countries. Their “deluxe room” with two queens will be the most comfortable when traveling with kids. For a couples getaway, book their hot tub cabin. This hotel is the first to open within the park for spring travel. For 2025, the open date was April 25.

MOST ADVENTUROUS:

Madison Campground: Known for its close proximity to the Madison river with easy access to

good fishing and wildlife spotting. Get a fishing license on site. Typical open dates come at the beginning of May (dates change yearly, weather dependent). Expect to fend for yourself with no amenities here except for flush toilets.

FAMILY FRIENDLY:

Under Canvas: Glamping in safari inspired tents. Opens early May. Locations in North and West Yellowstone. With family-friendly, on-site activities like scavenger-hunts, arts and crafts, guided hikes, s'mores around the fire and live acoustic music, it’s more than just a visit to YNP, it’s a vacation within a vacation. Larger families should stay in their Yellowstone River Suite.

BEST LOCATION:

Canyon Lodge and Cabins (central location in the park): Can’t beat this location as it’s less than a half a mile to the scenic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Built in 1993, renovated in 2016. You could drive to this hotel, sleep a night, tour the south loop of the park then do the North loop on your way back home. Does not open until mid-May.

LUXURY COMFORT:

If luxury comforts are what you’re craving, you’ll need to stay outside the park. We recommend adding a two-night stay at the end of your YNP adventure at Sage Lodge. Make a spa reservation to relax and decompress your sore muscles after all your adventures, indulge in good food and rest well in their cozy rooms. Allow Cultured Travel to make your reservation and get complimentary daily breakfast plus a $100 resort credit. Open year round.

Spring to It!

Yellowstone National Park represents the rugged wilderness of Montana and sparked a global phenomenon. The crowds can get overwhelming and, can at times, distract from the heart of the park. That’s why the spring offers a perfect alternative to experience the vast landscape and present good chances of witnessing wildlife at its finest. Don’t miss the chance to see this wonder in Montana’s backyard!

Valerie Edman owns Cultured Travel, a modern travel agency based in Hamilton that serves clients globally. She believes travel is so much more than picture-perfect postcards, which is why she's rewriting the luxury travel playbook - one bespoke journey at a time.

Valerie is a detail-obsessed architect of seamless travel experiences. Her itineraries are like a well-fitted suit, meticulously crafted to match her client's unique travel style. Ready to plan your next vacation? Email hello@culturedtravelllc.com.