I have a trip out west planned for Mid May to Mid June. Planning on making Yellowstone NP one of my last stops before I head home to NH. Be getting there June 5th and staying through the 10th. I have reservations at Fishing Bridge CG which is inside the park. Reading some recent posts and talking to a few campground owners out there it is anticipated that every day there will be 35,000 people visiting the park. They said there would be a 2 hour line at the gates. Having 2nd thoughts about how enjoyable an experience that would be and thinking that I'll make Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore etc my western most stop and head back to NH. For those of you who have been to Yellowstone recently does my info sound correct? Did you find that the crowds limited your enjoyment of the park? I don't mind getting up and about early even 5 or 6am if that would make the experience a little less crowded.

Depends on the time of year and time of day. Longest lines will be from 8am to 2 give or take. We went in July 2017 through the Cody entrance. If you want no line and a beautiful drive with amazing views go into the park through Redlodge!

We never waited at a gate more than a few minutes, but we generally use the north or Cody entrances. 35000 people sounds like a lot of people, most will be concentrated around the geyser areas tho. And remember that YNP is larger than Delaware. So if you visit the east side of the park you won't see that many people. Get to the Geyser basins as early as you can to get a parking space. And be patient you will not get anywhere fast because of the slow speed limits and chipmunk traffic jams where people stop to look at any critter they see.We must have spent 3 weeks at least in the park over the last 3 years.

Go and enjoy. We didn't find it that crowded but wildlife will create a jam. Old faithful does draw a crowd.

All parks have become crowded lately, it all depends on how bad you want to see Yellowstone, I'd go again anyways, been twice, don't think i'd enjoy it any less the 3rd time, besides, with fuel prices the way they are and the way they're expected to be, it may not be as crowded as expected.

This year there's not much snow so roads will probably open up earlier dispersing the traffic and the earlier in the year you get there thins the crowd. Admittedly the weather is likely to more unfavorable earlier, but it's a choice of which is a bigger issue for you. The wildlife is bound to be more active earlier as well. In a roundabout way I'm suggesting you go to YNP first. Also there are stats somewhere on visitation by year and month so you can see for yourself.

Yellowstone second thoughts. | Good Sam Community

Tom_Barb
Explorer
Mar 14, 2022
Bring plenty of OFF..
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2022
Well Hiker,

You need to look at more maps. Fishing bridge is very central to the two loop roads in YNP. Starting from there, the only big line-up you will face is if you did not pack lunch and chose to buy it where available.

As far as Yellowstone, GO and See it. You will never regret it or forget it.

You have a lot of stated to fill in between there and NH and there is no shortage of things to see. (Says the guy that grew up on a boat out there and finally left the megopolis.)

Matt
StarkNaked
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2022
If you have reservations inside the park, you shouldn't need to worry about the people waiting at the entrances (once you are inside).

You are not going to commute every day from outside the park.

And you're an early riser, so you will be ahead of most people.

Go for it!
cptqueeg
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2022
This year there's not much snow so roads will probably open up earlier dispersing the traffic and the earlier in the year you get there thins the crowd. Admittedly the weather is likely to more unfavorable earlier, but it's a choice of which is a bigger issue for you. The wildlife is bound to be more active earlier as well. In a roundabout way I'm suggesting you go to YNP first. Also there are stats somewhere on visitation by year and month so you can see for yourself.
bukhrn
Explorer III
Mar 14, 2022
All parks have become crowded lately, it all depends on how bad you want to see Yellowstone, I'd go again anyways, been twice, don't think i'd enjoy it any less the 3rd time, besides, with fuel prices the way they are and the way they're expected to be, it may not be as crowded as expected.
bgum
Explorer
Mar 14, 2022
Go and enjoy. We didn't find it that crowded but wildlife will create a jam. Old faithful does draw a crowd.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Mar 14, 2022
We never waited at a gate more than a few minutes, but we generally use the north or Cody entrances. 35000 people sounds like a lot of people, most will be concentrated around the geyser areas tho. And remember that YNP is larger than Delaware. So if you visit the east side of the park you won't see that many people.
Get to the Geyser basins as early as you can to get a parking space. And be patient you will not get anywhere fast because of the slow speed limits and chipmunk traffic jams where people stop to look at any critter they see.

We must have spent 3 weeks at least in the park over the last 3 years.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2022
Depends on the time of year and time of day. Longest lines will be from 8am to 2 give or take. We went in July 2017 through the Cody entrance.
If you want no line and a beautiful drive with amazing views go into the park through Redlodge!

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