Plan your ideal trip, whether your priority is great weather, spotting wildlife, or avoiding crowds.
The vast park straddles three states and encompasses more than 3,400 square miles.
Given the scale and large visitor numbers, it’s essential to plan your trip well in advance.
Vince Fergus/Travel + Leisure
However, every time of year has its advantages.
Snow blankets the mountainous landscape and the most popular attractions are blissfully crowd-free.
Winter typically sees bitter cold and deep snow, and these chilly conditions usually linger into the early spring.
Summer, then, is the time to visit if you want predictably pleasant weather.
Visiting during a less-expensive season requires some creative planning.
If you’re a regular visitor, you could save some money year-round with an annual pass.
Wolves and bighorn sheep are active in the winter months.
The park asks that visitors do not approach wildlife to take photographs or selfies.
But during peak season, there will definitely be other people in those shots.
The winter is also a beautiful time to photograph snowfall and steam rising from the hot springs and geysers.
For a photography-friendly visit under more pleasant skies, try visiting in the fall.
For many travelers, winter can be the most challenging time.
Average temperatures are below 20 degrees, and heavy snowfall renders many roads impassable.
