With snow blanketing the park, this is a prime time for viewing wildlife such as bison, wolves, elk, and coyotes, especially in the Lamar Valley.

Guided snowshoe tours and groomed cross-country ski trails open up the park’s winter wonderland to visitors, allowing for quiet exploration of the snowy landscapes.

Winter tours continue, with professional guides offering snowcoach or snowmobile tours to explore Yellowstone’s wildlife and winter landscapes.

Photographers can participate in winter photography workshops, focusing on capturing the unique beauty of the park’s snow-covered geothermal features and animals.

As winter wanes, late-winter tours offer a final chance to experience Yellowstone's snowy landscapes and wildlife activity before the thaw.

Although geysers can be viewed year-round, winter offers a unique experience with less crowds and dramatic contrasts between the steam and snow.

In late April, the park begins to reopen after its winter closure, and wildlife such as bears, wolves, and bison become more active. This is a quieter time to visit before summer crowds arrive.

Roads and visitor centers start to reopen for the summer season. Many hiking trails become accessible as snow melts at lower elevations.

Spring is a fantastic time to see newborn bison and elk calves, as well as grizzly bears emerging from hibernation.

Early summer is prime bird-watching season in Yellowstone, with a variety of migratory birds arriving in the park. Guided birding tours are popular during this time.

June marks the beginning of the fly fishing season, with anglers flocking to Yellowstone’s rivers and streams for trout fishing.

Although there are no fireworks (due to fire risk), towns around the park like West Yellowstone and Gardiner hold parades and family-friendly celebrations for the 4th of July.

With most trails free of snow, July is ideal for hiking, including popular treks like Mount Washburn and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Throughout August, Yellowstone’s rangers lead educational programs, guided hikes, and evening campfire talks on the park’s natural and cultural history.

Clear summer skies make August ideal for stargazing. Ranger-led astronomy programs are held in various locations within the park.

As fall approaches, the elk rut (mating season) begins. Visitors can hear the haunting bugle of elk and spot bull elk battling for dominance in areas like Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.

September is one of the best months to witness the park’s fall colors, with golden aspen trees and the changing hues of other vegetation creating a vibrant landscape.

By mid-October, many park roads and facilities close for the winter season. However, the park remains open for visitors looking to experience Yellowstone’s quiet autumn beauty.

With fewer visitors and cooler temperatures, October is a good time for wolf watching in the Lamar Valley, with many of the packs becoming more active during this season.

Most park roads close by early November, except for the road from the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance, which remains open for year-round access.

Winter lodging and tours begin preparing for the upcoming season as snow begins to accumulate, and wildlife starts preparing for winter.

By mid-December, snowcoach and snowmobile tours begin, providing unique access to the park’s geysers and wildlife during the snowy season.

Many lodges, including the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, offer special holiday-themed events and dinners, allowing visitors to experience a wintery, festive Yellowstone.