The Ultimate Year-Round Guide for Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

16 Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Activity ideas for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter 

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of adventure, no matter the season! Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping hikes, breathtaking geysers, or unforgettable family experiences, Yellowstone National Park has activities for everyone. Plus, don’t forget to grab some Yellowstone gifts—like cozy blankets, warm socks, and stylish tees—to remember your trip! Here’s your seasonal guide to making the most of Yellowstone.

Spring: Wildlife & Waterfalls

As winter melts away, Yellowstone National Park comes alive with gushing waterfalls and baby animals. It’s the perfect time to witness nature’s grand reawakening!

1. Wildlife Watching: Spring is prime time to spot baby bison, elk calves, and even bear cubs! Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are wildlife hotspots—bring binoculars!
2. Waterfall Chasing: Visit Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for a jaw-dropping view.
3. Mammoth Hot Springs: The terraces are stunning any time of year, but in spring, the contrast of fresh greenery and steaming travertine is mesmerizing.
4. Geyser Watching: Kids will love spotting geysers erupting along the boardwalks of Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin.

Pro Tip: Early spring can still be chilly—pack one of our cozy blankets to stay warm while you watch the sunrise over the park!

Summer: Hiking & Hot Springs

Summer is Yellowstone National Park’s busiest season, and for good reason! With warm temperatures and long daylight hours, the park is an outdoor paradise.

1. Hiking Adventures: Try the family-friendly Mystic Falls Trail or go all-in with a trek up Mount Washburn for breathtaking views.

2. Boiling River Swim: One of Yellowstone’s only legal hot spring swims—where a steaming river meets a cold one for the perfect soak.

3. Old Faithful: Beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning or late in the evening.

4. Junior Ranger Program: Got kids? Stop by a visitor center and grab a Junior Ranger booklet for fun, educational activities.

Pro Tip: Pack a lightweight tee for those warm summer hikes, and don’t forget a mug for campfire cocoa when the temps drop at night!

Fall: Colors & Campfires

As the crowds thin out, Yellowstone transforms into an autumn wonderland with golden aspens and crisp air.

1. Scenic Drives: Take the Beartooth Highway for some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.
2. Elk Rut: Fall is mating season, and you’ll hear the eerie yet incredible bugling of elk echoing through the valleys.
3. Avoid Crowds: Popular spots like Grand Prismatic Spring and Mammoth Hot Springs are much less packed.
4. Campfire Nights: Cool evenings call for campfires—bundle up in a soft McGovern Outdoor blanket and swap stories under the stars.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to grab Yellowstone gifts like warm socks to keep your feet toasty during those brisk fall hikes!

Winter: Geysers & Snowy Adventures

Yellowstone National Park in winter is a whole new world—steaming geysers, frozen waterfalls, and snow-covered landscapes make for an unforgettable experience.

1. Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: Explore trails around Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful for a magical winter trek.
2. Wildlife Viewing: Bison covered in frost, wolves prowling through the snow—Yellowstone’s winter wildlife is straight out of a nature documentary.
3. Geysers in the Snow: Watch Old Faithful erupt with a stunning backdrop of ice and steam.
4. Snowcoach Tours: Many roads are closed to regular traffic, but guided snowcoach tours take you deep into the park’s winter wonderland.

Pro Tip: Stay warm with McGovern Outdoor socks—winter in Yellowstone is no joke!

No matter when you visit, Yellowstone is full of adventure, beauty, and memories waiting to be made. And don’t forget to bring home a piece of the park with our Yellowstone gifts—because every great trip deserves something to remember it by!

What’s your favorite Yellowstone season? Let us know in the comments!