Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Yellowstone National Park

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Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildflower season - lupines, paintbrush, and beargrass reach maximum bloom across alpine meadows from 2,100m+ (6,900ft+) elevation
All park roads and high-elevation areas fully accessible - Dunraven Pass and other seasonal routes open with 15+ hour daylight for maximum exploration time
Prime wildlife viewing - bears actively foraging in open meadows, bison herds gathering in Lamar Valley, and elk visible throughout early morning and evening hours
Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 21-27°C (70-81°F) ideal for backcountry trails without snow concerns on high-elevation routes

Considerations

Peak tourist season with 90,000+ daily visitors - expect 45-90 minute waits at park entrances and parking lots full by 9am at major attractions like Old Faithful
Accommodation pricing at maximum - lodges inside the park cost 40-60% more than shoulder seasons, with many properties requiring 6-12 month advance bookings
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly - typically between 2-5pm with lightning, hail, and temperature drops of 10-15°C (18-27°F) within 30 minutes

Best Activities in July

Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching Tours

July offers the year's best wildlife viewing as animals are most active during the long daylight hours. Bears forage in open meadows, wolf packs are visible with pups, and massive bison herds gather for mating season. Early morning tours (5-9am) avoid crowds and catch animals before they seek shade. The valley's 11km (6.8-mile) road provides multiple vantage points at 1,950m (6,400ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Book guided wildlife tours 2-3 weeks ahead through certified naturalist guides. Tours typically cost $85-150 per person for 4-6 hour experiences. Look for operators offering spotting scopes and guaranteed wildlife sightings. Peak viewing times are 5:30-8:30am and 6-8pm.

Old Faithful and Geyser Basin Tours

July's consistent weather patterns make geyser predictions most reliable - Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes with 95% accuracy. Walkable boardwalks connect 5+ major geysers within 2km (1.2 miles), and the 21°C (70°F) morning temperatures make the 3km (1.9-mile) full loop comfortable. Midday visits avoid morning tour bus crowds from 10am-2pm.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best, but interpretive ranger programs run hourly 9am-4pm for geological insights. Visitor center provides real-time eruption predictions. Avoid 11am-1pm peak crowds by visiting early morning or after 3pm. Parking fills by 9:30am in July.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Photography Tours

July's clear morning light provides optimal conditions for photographing the 308m (1,010ft) Lower Falls and dramatic canyon walls. The 1.2km (0.75-mile) Uncle Tom's Trail and Artist Point offer classic viewpoints, while the 3.2km (2-mile) North Rim Trail provides varied perspectives. Afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic cloud formations for unique shots.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost $120-200 per person for 4-hour sessions covering multiple viewpoints. Book 10-14 days ahead during peak July season. Early morning tours (6-10am) capture best lighting and fewer people in shots. Look for guides familiar with lesser-known viewpoints beyond the main overlooks.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraced Pool Tours

July's stable weather allows full exploration of the 2km (1.2-mile) terraced limestone formations without winter closures. The constantly-changing mineral deposits create new formations monthly, and July's dry conditions make the 1.6km (1-mile) Upper Terrace Drive accessible. Temperatures stay comfortable for the 45-minute walking tour of active springs.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well with interpretive signs every 100m (330ft). Ranger-led geology walks happen twice daily at 10am and 2pm for $15 per person. Drive the upper terrace loop early morning before 9am to avoid traffic congestion. The lower terraces require 1-2 hours of walking on boardwalks.

Hayden Valley Wildflower Hiking

July marks peak wildflower season across Hayden Valley's 15 sq km (5.8 sq miles) of sub-alpine meadows. Lupines, Indian paintbrush, and mountain aster bloom simultaneously at 2,400m (7,870ft) elevation. The 6.4km (4-mile) Mary Mountain Trail provides access to flower-filled meadows while avoiding crowds on shorter boardwalk trails.

Booking Tip: Guided botanical tours cost $75-110 per person for 3-4 hour wildflower identification walks. Book through naturalist guides 1-2 weeks ahead. Peak bloom typically occurs July 10-25 depending on snowmelt timing. Early morning hikes (7-11am) offer best photography light and cooler temperatures for the moderate elevation gain.

Yellowstone Lake Scenic Boat Tours

July's warmest water temperatures make boat tours across America's largest high-altitude lake most comfortable. The 2-hour tours cover 20km (12.4 miles) of shoreline, passing thermal features visible only from water. At 2,357m (7,732ft) elevation, afternoon temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) while morning tours often encounter wildlife drinking at shoreline.

Booking Tip: Scenic boat tours run 4 times daily and cost $18-35 per adult for 1-2 hour trips. Book 7-10 days ahead through authorized concessionaires as capacity is limited to 2-3 boats. Morning tours (8-10am) offer calmer water and better wildlife spotting. Fishing charters available for $400-600 for 4-person boats.

July Events & Festivals

Mid to Late July

Yellowstone Forever Institute Summer Programs

Week-long educational programs featuring wildlife biology, geology, and photography workshops led by park researchers. Multi-day backcountry experiences include guided camping and specialized wildlife tracking sessions unavailable to general visitors.

July 13-15, 2025

Full Moon Ranger Programs

Special evening programs utilizing July's full moon for night wildlife viewing and geyser watching. Rangers lead small groups to experience the park's nocturnal activity and thermal features under natural moonlight illumination.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 2°C (36°F) require fleece or down jacket, while afternoon highs of 27°C (81°F) need t-shirts and shorts

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9+ at 2,400m+ (7,870ft+) elevation with intense reflection off thermal pools and snow patches

Waterproof rain jacket and pants - afternoon thunderstorms bring heavy rain, hail, and 15°C (27°F) temperature drops within 30 minutes between 2-5pm

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - trails include loose volcanic rock, wooden boardwalks that get slippery when wet, and elevation gains of 300m+ (980ft+)

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated at altitude is critical, and thermal areas can be deceptively dehydrating despite moderate temperatures

Binoculars (8x42 minimum) - wildlife viewing distances in Lamar Valley often exceed 200m (650ft), and spotting scopes aren't always available on tours

Headlamp with extra batteries - evening wildlife viewing extends past sunset at 9:15pm, and morning tours start before 6am sunrise

Cash in small bills - many park services, tipping guides, and some concessionaire locations don't accept cards, especially in remote areas

Portable phone charger - cell coverage is spotty, but camera use drains batteries quickly during long days exploring multiple thermal areas

Lightweight backpack - day hikes to viewpoints require carrying water, snacks, and weather gear for rapid elevation and weather changes

Insider Knowledge

Visit major attractions before 8:30am or after 5pm - parking lots at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and Artist Point fill completely by 9am and stay full until evening

Use the park's mobile app for real-time geyser predictions and road closures - afternoon thunderstorms frequently cause temporary road closures on high-elevation passes

Book accommodations inside the park at least 6 months ahead for July - outside options in gateway towns like West Yellowstone require 45-90 minute drives to entrances

Carry bear spray and make noise on all trails - July is peak bear activity season with mothers teaching cubs to forage, making encounters more likely on popular hiking routes