Summer Yellowstone National Park & West Yellowstone

Explore More with Roam Property Management

Looking for the ultimate summer adventure? Yellowstone National Park and the gateway town of West Yellowstone, Montana, offer an unbeatable mix of breathtaking landscapes, iconic wildlife, and bucket-list experiences. Whether you’re here to hike, fish, photograph, or just relax—summer is the perfect season to explore it all.

At Roam Property Management, we offer more than a place to stay—we provide your basecamp for exploring everything Yellowstone has to offer. Below are some of the top summer activities and hikes to make your trip unforgettable.

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Top Summer Activities in Yellowstone National Park

1. Wildlife Watching

Yellowstone is home to one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in the lower 48 states. Watch for bison, elk, bears, moose, wolves, and more—especially in Lamar and Hayden Valleys during early morning or evening hours.

2. Geothermal Wonders

See famous geysers and hot springs, including:

Old Faithful - Erupts every 90 minutes, view eruption times here.
Grand Prismatic Spring - One of the most photographed features in the park; best viewed from the Fairy Falls Overlook Trail.
Norris Geyser Basin - The hottest and most active thermal area in Yellowstone. Learn more.

3. Hiking in Yellowstone

Her are some must-do hikes for summer adventures of all skill levels:

Fairy Falls Trail (Easy to Moderate - 5.4 miles roundtrip) See the Gran Prismatic Spring from above, then continue through forests to one of the tallest waterfalls in Yellowstone. Learn more.
Mount Washburn Trail (Moderate - 6.4 miles roundtrip) Panoramic views, wildflowers, and possible bighorn sheep sightings from one of the park's most scenic summits. Learn more.
Lone Star Geyser Trail (Easy - 4.8 miles roundtrip) A scenic, quieter walk along the Firehole River to a lesser-known geyser that erupts every 3 hours. Learn more.
Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail (Moderate - 2 miles roundtrip) A peaceful, forested trail with stunning lake and mountain views - perfect for families. Learn more.

4. Boating & Kayaking on Yellowstone Lake

Explore the largest high-elevation lake in North America with boat rentals or guided tours.

Boat launch & rental info

5. Stargazing & Night Photography

Yellowstone is an official International Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for stargazing. Head to Hayden Valley or Yellowstone Lake for incredible night skies.

Top Summer Activities in West Yellowstone, MT

1. Grizzly Wolf & Discovery Center

Experience Yellowstone’s wildlife up close at this interactive, year-round park featuring rescued grizzlies, wolves, and otters. Perfect for families and nature lovers.

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center Site

2. Fly Fishing the Madison River

One of the most iconic fly fishing rivers in the world—minutes from downtown West Yellowstone. Local guides are available for all levels.

3. Horseback Riding Adventures

Take in the mountain views with a guided ride through forests, streams, and meadows. Several outfitters are located right outside of town.

4. Yellowstone Historic Center Museum

Step inside the original Union Pacific Depot and explore exhibits featuring vintage vehicles, artifacts, and stories that shaped Yellowstone’s gateway community.

Learn More

5. ATV Rentals & Scenic Drives

Rent ATVs or take a scenic drive through the Gallatin and Targhee National Forests. Don’t miss the Big Sky Scenic Byway or Earthquake Lake.

Local ATV Rentals:

6. Rodes, Mustic & Local Events

Enjoy summer rodeos, outdoor concerts, and the annual Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo.

7. Biking & E-Bike Rentals

Bike through the town of West Yellowstone or hit the scenic Rendezvous Trail system for a peaceful ride through the forest.