Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Yellowstone in May?

The only time I have been there that early was when I lived in the south and did not comprehend that there could be a lot of snow that time of year. Live and learn. The roads were plowed so we managed to get around and see the big attractions.

If you are planning on camping in the park, you had better check the schedule online because some of the campgrounds aren't open that early and you are going to want reservations for a camper. Also, BangPop's information about Dunraven Pass appears to be correct for 2021. We were there this past summer and the road between Canyon and Tower-Roosevelt was closed, which was a bummer. It appears to be closed in 2021 as well. See https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/road-construction.htm

On the plus side, it should be less crowded.

Swing by pick up the stock LOL

Still may need a snow machine the 3rd week of May this year

I had the once in a lifetime experience awhile ago in the first week of November. Finished up an elk hunt around Gardiner, MT and drove through the North gate towards Jackson, WY. We were the last Southbound vehicle let into the park as they were closing the roads that day. They gave us 6 hours to report to the ranger station at the Teton entrance. Nothing was open and NO PEOPLE.... Only saw one northbound vehicle and one range patrol car the entire day. Imagine sitting at Old Faithful and being one of two people waiting for it to irrupt. That drive though the park basically alone was almost more enjoyable as a week of elk hunting. Pulled over by some of the hot springs, nothing but the sounds of nature and no people. Just like it was when John Colter found it.

Anytime if good to be there but as other said be prepared for any weather. Was there at the North end one trip around June 1st and we got snow but it added to the adventure.

It can be a crap shoot. Wife and I drove from Jackson to Gardiner last year in the first week of June. Very few tourists and most roads were open with exception of Tower. Boats out on the lake. That said its always funny seeing camp trailers headed south on Hwy 20 and I15 on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend covered in snow. Always seem to have [bleep] weather on Memorial Day

Missouri River Upper Basin snowpack peaks Apr 15-25, you're looking at heading there 3-4 weeks after peak snowpack with a camper in tow?

At that time access and camping can be sketchy..thats about the spring thaw, and the most scenic route, over Beartooth pass will probably not be open. No alpine flowers out and the game all looks like crap after a long winter. May is not the best time in YNP..

Mid September is best.......usually......

traffic/crowds disappear

We drove out there from North Carolina in mid May, 2019.
I was astonished to see the big lake still frozen over. Snow banks four feet deep. I bet they are really deep this year.
Fantastic place to see, every American needs to see Yellowstone. We saw Old Faithful erupt 4 times.

I only saw Old Faithful erupt three times, while waiting for the rain to quit, but I will say to really appreciate Old Faithful you need to stay for repeat eruptions.

After that I ended up cycling down from Craig Pass to the West Thumb campground in the dark in a thunderstorm. Only thing I could see was the fog stripe in the little cone of light from my headlight.

I coulda ridden right by all sorts of wildlife and didn’t see it 🙂

It is indeed high, about 11,000 feet above sea level!:) A beautiful drive. I have a sister who is afraid of heights and she was more or less hyperventilating while driving over it but wouldn't let me take the wheel. I'll never go over it again with her driving:)

Too early. may is not summer up here yet.

I'm sure weather can be contentious in late May, and the flowers may not be out, but I'm also sure I want no part of the crowds in July. Lol.

As it stands, most everything(campgrounds) is already booked full in May. I'll look at mid Sept.

Thanks all!

The last paragraph. The main attractions are OK if you have never seen'em but there is so much more to the park.
I agree with others that Memorial Day and earlier is risky. Waiting until later in June might provide you with a better overall experience.
The weather will hopefully be a little more tolerable, and the newborn wildlife will be on the ground.

This.

I'd not plan for Yellowstone in mid-May this year.

Go in September. May would be way down on when I would want to go

Keep in mind that with COVID vaccinations, there's a LOT of pent-up demand for outdoor recreation and travel. Most folks are just jonesing for a normal vacation, so I expect the parks to be just slammojammed this year. Worse than usual, which is pretty crowded. All that said, the best way to do YNP is to centralize yourself and take day trips to PARTS of the park. But that requires a good reservation and again, I'm thinking you might already be SOL.

Mad Mooner: TRY... to get room reservations at "Chico Hot Springs" near Pray, Montana (35 miles north of Yellowstone Park/Gardiner) for the day/night before you enter Yellowstone.
The swimming/soaking is great and the food fantastic - at one time the Chico Hotsprings Restaurant was the ONLY 5 star restaurant in Montana!
Some of the rooms are humble and some modern and some cabins (really nice!) to rent as well.
Time your tours in Yellowstone to be at Artist Point at or about noon for the best viewing and BEST photography.
The VarmintWife and I did the Chico Hotsprings then Yellowstone then Beartooth Pass/Highway (which is beyond stunning and rated as the second most beautiful highway in America!) again last year.
Look up the Chico Hot Springs web site and study it - we have gone there every year for the last 23 years.
Reservations are needed WELL in advance and we are on the callup after cancellation list as we live nearby (165 miles away) and look forward to the visits there - especially the fantastic Sunday morning brunch!
The loop over the Beartooth Highway/Pass may be good for your return to taxington as it will bring you out right on I-90 after going through Red Lodge.
The VarmintWife spotted the most beautiful Grizzly on the Beartooth Highway (not in the park and not to far off the road) last year and I spotted several small groups of Mt. Goats in the mountains there - camping is free on most spots along this highway - it appeared to me. MANY stunning vistas and lakes along the highway.
Drive careful and enjoy.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Early fall is best but May (before the "crowds") isn't bad