It’s hard competing with the crowds of people. This isn’t just at Yellowstone of course. Up here in Canada, try to come visit Lake Louise or Banff at the wrong time and you will hate the experience. You can’t even drive close to many of the most scenic spots I used to visit in the 80s and 90s, but have to park miles away and take a shuttle or bus. No private vehicles allowed at Moraine Lake for example. If they let everyone drive in, I would be a disaster.
I don’t know what the solution is, it only gets worse every year. Find different locations to visit is the only sane option, we can’t all fit in the same elevator either.
We did Yellowstone two years ago, with our toddler daughter, in August, which is just past peak season as I understand it. The roads were jammed, obviously, but we found getting on the roads early made it so we could get deep in the park before the crowds, making traffic not a huge issue. We did a ton of hiking (daughter in a pack) and barely saw anyone once we got out past the trailheads. We even rented bikes one day and did a ride behind Grand Prismatic, letting us avoid the crowds and get a different perspective — maybe even more stunning.
The park is swamped — but I do think with a little bit of planning and willingness to get off the beaten path, you can still get the experiences that we crave.
All of the advice I heard agreed that getting out early was essential to enjoy the park. Unfortunately, all the campsites were booked and we had to commute from Custer. Plus, we burned the one day we boarded our dog seeing all the thermal features instead of hiking. We should have hiked.
Yeah, I suppose I should also add we had the leisure of a week in the park and were staying in West Yellowstone — so we could take the liberty of focusing on one or two things each day. And dogs are awesome, but they complicate trips to any National Park!
All that being said, I’m dying to go back in the winter. I’ve heard XC skiing through the park is amazing and crowds are non-existent.
Sad, indeed. I've been to Yellowstone twice; once as a 10-year-old camping cross-country with my parents, brother and three sisters and again in my early 30s with the pleasure of showing the jewel to my then 8 to 12-year-old nephews and niece. Thankfully, crowds were not an issue during those trips. Now, I'm blessed to live where I see abundant wildlife without congestion.
Beautifully written and sad as hell. Back in the 80's I hitchhiked across the country and spent a couple of nights camping on a hillside. I woke in utter terror as the ground began to shake and the unmistakable sound of bugling surrounded me. I was in the middle of what appeared to be a midnight elk stampede down the side of the mountain. I pray that one day our over-privileged and entitled society finds more respect the sacred nature of lands like this.
This was my experience at Yellowstone (and Zion). I wanted to see Old Faithful erupt - but instead just saw the backs and heads of the 500+ people in front of me. We drove behind so many campers going 10 mph through the park - non-stop congestion. Not sure what the solution is - I applaud people wanting the get out in nature and away from screens - but there are so many amazing gems out there that are lesser known. Death Valley in December was spectacular. We did Olympic in May, also spectacular. Red Rock Canyon outside of Vegas was amazing…. I guess lesser known and less popular times of the year are the best options to avoid the amusement park feel.
It’s hard competing with the crowds of people. This isn’t just at Yellowstone of course. Up here in Canada, try to come visit Lake Louise or Banff at the wrong time and you will hate the experience. You can’t even drive close to many of the most scenic spots I used to visit in the 80s and 90s, but have to park miles away and take a shuttle or bus. No private vehicles allowed at Moraine Lake for example. If they let everyone drive in, I would be a disaster.
I don’t know what the solution is, it only gets worse every year. Find different locations to visit is the only sane option, we can’t all fit in the same elevator either.
We did Yellowstone two years ago, with our toddler daughter, in August, which is just past peak season as I understand it. The roads were jammed, obviously, but we found getting on the roads early made it so we could get deep in the park before the crowds, making traffic not a huge issue. We did a ton of hiking (daughter in a pack) and barely saw anyone once we got out past the trailheads. We even rented bikes one day and did a ride behind Grand Prismatic, letting us avoid the crowds and get a different perspective — maybe even more stunning.
The park is swamped — but I do think with a little bit of planning and willingness to get off the beaten path, you can still get the experiences that we crave.
All of the advice I heard agreed that getting out early was essential to enjoy the park. Unfortunately, all the campsites were booked and we had to commute from Custer. Plus, we burned the one day we boarded our dog seeing all the thermal features instead of hiking. We should have hiked.
Yeah, I suppose I should also add we had the leisure of a week in the park and were staying in West Yellowstone — so we could take the liberty of focusing on one or two things each day. And dogs are awesome, but they complicate trips to any National Park!
All that being said, I’m dying to go back in the winter. I’ve heard XC skiing through the park is amazing and crowds are non-existent.
Sad, indeed. I've been to Yellowstone twice; once as a 10-year-old camping cross-country with my parents, brother and three sisters and again in my early 30s with the pleasure of showing the jewel to my then 8 to 12-year-old nephews and niece. Thankfully, crowds were not an issue during those trips. Now, I'm blessed to live where I see abundant wildlife without congestion.
Beautifully written and sad as hell. Back in the 80's I hitchhiked across the country and spent a couple of nights camping on a hillside. I woke in utter terror as the ground began to shake and the unmistakable sound of bugling surrounded me. I was in the middle of what appeared to be a midnight elk stampede down the side of the mountain. I pray that one day our over-privileged and entitled society finds more respect the sacred nature of lands like this.
This was my experience at Yellowstone (and Zion). I wanted to see Old Faithful erupt - but instead just saw the backs and heads of the 500+ people in front of me. We drove behind so many campers going 10 mph through the park - non-stop congestion. Not sure what the solution is - I applaud people wanting the get out in nature and away from screens - but there are so many amazing gems out there that are lesser known. Death Valley in December was spectacular. We did Olympic in May, also spectacular. Red Rock Canyon outside of Vegas was amazing…. I guess lesser known and less popular times of the year are the best options to avoid the amusement park feel.