If you are anything like our family, you may be going stir-crazy at home by now and are itching to get out and explore again. While to some it may seem irresponsible to go out and explore during the COVID outbreak, we believe in living life to the fullest even during uncertain times and that if we were cautious and conscientious we would be fine. Visiting Yellowstone during COVID was just what we needed!
With all of that in mind yes, Yellowstone is open, at least for the most part, and we decided that Summer 2020 was the perfect time to head to the park! We were in the park in mid-July, 2020, so all of the entrances had reopened and we hit most all of the popular park areas. It was the first time there for Kim and the kids, so we thought we’d hit the highlights and come back another time to explore the park more thoroughly.
Obviously, it is probably not a great idea to go out and explore during COVID if you have certain health conditions, but if you are healthy and able it is very possible to explore and socially-distance in Yellowstone. Masks are strongly encouraged in more popular areas where social-distancing isn’t as possible and they are also required in the gifts shops and other indoor areas. There are a lot of signs up about COVID safety and the Park Service is taking COVID seriously while also balancing the visitor experience.
If you get anxious about seeing people without masks on when you are out and about, then consider yourself forewarned that you absolutely will see many people without masks at viewpoints, along trails/boardwalks, and in other spots.
Now, on to how to actually have a good time visiting Yellowstone during COVID!
Visiting Yellowstone during COVID
Yes, we had a great time and saw nearly everything we wanted to at Yellowstone in just a few quick days. Our top things to do during the COVID pandemic, along with COVID impacts as I write this in Mid-July 2020 are as follows. For each, I’ve added a “Social-Distancing” grade with “A” being easy to be distanced and “C” being difficult.
As you can see, you can do a lot and see most of the park during COVID! Some key aspects are closed – like most all of the Visitor Centers, historic buildings, and Ranger programs (you can get your Junior Ranger patch online). But, go ahead, get out there, and enjoy the park!
Lamar Valley (Social-Distance A)
This part of the park is much quieter and it is super easy to be isolated and alone here. We saw people hiking with and without masks on here. The beautiful Lamar Valley allows you to walk among wildlife, which when we were there in Mid-July just after noon was a lot of bison, pocket gophers, and a pronghorn. On the Lamar River trail that we hiked we heard there was a grizzly bear a few miles in, but we didn’t hike far enough in and had also heard the bear was climbing the mountain and was not visible any longer. This is an easy, flat hike and you can go as far as you want!
Old Faithful + Upper Geyser Basin (Social-Distance C; A on trails)
Yes, you need to see Old Faithful while you are at Yellowstone (if you haven’t already done so on another trip). Yes, it is busy and probably the worst spot for social-distancing as you congregate to watch it blow. The bathrooms and shops are really bad as well, as you will wait in line since there are not nearly enough bathrooms in this area and they are only allowing a certain number of people into the shops at a time. If you choose to go to the overlook for Old Faithful or watch from a distance, you can be just fine and socially-distanced!
On the Upper Geyser Basin trails you can have lots of room and the number and variety of geysers is stunning! There are also a couple restrooms out towards the end of the trail near the river. If you are concerned about the crowds at Old Faithful and the parking mess that it includes, just park at Biscuit Basin and walk the trail towards Old Faithful or at Artemesia and do the same.
Mammoth Hot Springs (Social-Distance B)
I assume at some times this would get a solid “C” for social distancing, but we went in the evening (let’s say about 6PM) and it was great. Which brings up a great point – all of these could be an “A” easily if you either get up early enough or go after the crowds die down. In other words, avoid about 10AM-5PM and you’ll be much better off!
West Thumb Geyser Basin (Social-Distance B)
These loop trails were busy, but people were respectful and a lot of people had masks on. I’d anticipate the same rules apply on timing – you should be fine if you avoid the busiest parts of the day. This area is worth visiting even if you plan to go to the Upper Geyser Basin as it has the added beauty of Yellowstone Lake right next to the Geyser Basin.
Upper & Lower Yosemite Falls (Social-Distance B)
The challenge of both of these is that while there are a lot of viewpoints, they get pretty busy and for good reason – they are gorgeous! We went early (first thing – got there by about 8AM) and it was quiet and doing the hike down the Red Rocks trail was fun. The overlooks on the South Rim seemed to be busier than the North and definitely increased as the day went on. (NOTE: the hike that we wanted to do to the Brink of the Lower Falls was closed when we were there and the Rangers said it would likely be closed for a few more weeks.)
Grand Prismatic Spring + Midway Geyser Basin (Social-Distance C)
Grand Prismatic Spring is bonkers. It is beautiful – remarkably beautiful – but was just as crazy as Old Faithful and the parking area was pretty ridiculously small. I expect that it turns over fairly quickly, but even going and getting there about 8AM the lot was filling quickly and the boardwalks were fairly busy. (NOTE: while going here early will get you fewer crowds and easier parking it will also likely be difficult to actually see the Spring due to the warmer water meeting the cooler morning air and creating a lot of fog).
We hiked to Fairy Falls, which is an “A” on social distancing once you get past the Grand Prismatic overlook. The parking area at the Fairy Falls trailhead (where the overlook trail leaves from) has no restroom and is super busy. Parking was a challenge here and the crowds, including at the overlook, result in a “C” for social-distancing. The challenge with the overlook is that going early meant that the Spring was steamy and not visible, so we climbed the overlook twice (on the way to and from Fairy Falls) and at that 10AM or 11AM time the Spring was much more visible.
Biscuit Basin (Social-Distance B)
This area was overall a good stop. The parking lot has no bathroom (like most of the area around Old Faithful it turns out), but it turns over quickly so you can almost for certain find a parking spot if you are patient. Geysers blow here regularly, so if you pass on Old Faithful or Upper Geyser Basin you can head here and see a small version of the same experience.
As you can see, yes, visiting Yellowstone during COVID can be fun and worthwhile. You can both have a fantastic time and still be socially-distanced during your visit. We highly recommend getting on out there and enjoying! Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are great ways to stay healthy during this time and there is something so restorative about being out in God’s creation. In our opinion exploring and adventuring outside is good medicine for the body and the soul!
As with anything COVID related, keep up to date on what is open and closed as you plan your trip. The single best resource for this is the park webpage. We also have other resources for Yellowstone, including a list of our Top 9 sites to visit and we hope to get our 3-day itinerary for the park up soon as well.
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