Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Yellowstone National Park
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak wildflower season - lupine, Indian paintbrush, and beargrass create spectacular meadow displays, especially in higher elevations around Dunraven Pass and Mount Washburn
- Most park roads finally open - Dunraven Pass and Beartooth Highway typically open by mid-June, giving access to the full park for the first time since October
- Baby animal viewing prime time - bison calves, elk calves, and bear cubs are active and visible, particularly in Lamar and Hayden Valleys during early morning hours (6-9 AM)
- Longest daylight hours of the year - sunrise at 5:30 AM, sunset at 9:00 PM gives you 15.5 hours of potential wildlife viewing and photography time
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and intense - expect lightning, hail, and sudden temperature drops of 10-15°C (18-27°F) between 2-6 PM on 60% of days
- Massive crowds and traffic jams - June is peak season with 900,000+ visitors, creating 30-60 minute delays at popular spots like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic during midday
- Unpredictable snow at high elevations - Dunraven Pass (2,700m/8,859ft) can get snow squalls even in June, requiring chains and causing temporary road closures
Best Activities in June
Early Morning Wildlife Safaris in Lamar Valley
June is absolutely prime for wildlife viewing as baby animals are active and visible. The 'America's Serengeti' nickname comes alive with bison herds, wolf packs, and grizzly bears most active during dawn hours (5:30-8:30 AM) before tourist crowds arrive. Temperature is cool and comfortable at 8-12°C (46-54°F), perfect for extended viewing sessions.
Backcountry Hiking to Wildflower Meadows
June is the absolute peak for Yellowstone's legendary wildflower displays. Mount Washburn trail (5 km/3.1 miles) and Bunsen Peak (6.4 km/4 miles) offer spectacular lupine and Indian paintbrush fields that won't peak again until next June. Cool morning temperatures (8-15°C/46-59°F) make hiking comfortable before afternoon storms hit.
Thermal Feature Photography Tours
June's variable weather creates dramatic steam effects at geysers and hot springs. Morning frost at Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic (despite 27°C/81°F afternoon highs) creates spectacular steam plumes. The contrast between 70°C (158°F) thermal features and cool air produces the year's best photography conditions, especially during the golden hour from 7-8:30 PM.
Fishing the Yellowstone River System
June marks peak runoff season, making it challenging but rewarding for experienced anglers. Native cutthroat trout are pre-spawn and aggressive. The Yellowstone River flows high and fast, perfect for dry fly fishing during evening hatches (6-9 PM). Water temperature reaches ideal 12-15°C (54-59°F) by mid-June.
Scenic Drive Grand Loop Road
June is the only month when the entire Grand Loop Road (230 km/142 miles) is typically fully accessible. Dunraven Pass opens mid-June, connecting the northern and southern sections for the first time since October. Variable weather creates dramatic cloud formations over the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake, perfect for scenic driving.
Backcountry Camping at High Elevation Lakes
June offers the first opportunity to access high elevation lakes like Shoshone Lake and Heart Lake as snow finally melts from access trails. Backcountry camping provides escape from peak season crowds while experiencing Yellowstone's wilderness. Nighttime temperatures drop to 2-5°C (36-41°F), perfect for clear stargazing under minimal light pollution.
June Events & Festivals
Peak Lupine Bloom
The iconic purple lupine wildflowers reach peak bloom across Yellowstone's high meadows, creating spectacular purple carpets especially visible along Dunraven Pass and Mount Washburn trails. This natural phenomenon lasts only 2-3 weeks and varies by elevation and snowmelt timing.