Montana's Parks Hit Peak Popularity in 2025

Understanding the Growing Popularity of Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks

If you're looking for a break from the typical summer crowds, Glacier National Park in northwest Montana might be the perfect destination. Spanning over one million acres, it offers more than 700 lakes and trails. However, it has seen record numbers of visitors this year, with 238,766 entries in May alone. The park has already welcomed 346,476 people in the first five months of 2025, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.

For those interested in geothermal wonders and wildlife, Yellowstone could be an ideal choice. It recorded a record 566,363 visits in May, which is an 8% increase from May 2024. Through May, the park reached 762,672 visits, showing a 6% rise from last year and a significant 17% increase since 2023. With 4.7 million visits in 2024, it's among the most visited parks in the country. Despite the high numbers, with proper planning and timing, you can still enjoy a nearly crowd-free adventure.

Why Are Crowds Increasing at Glacier and Yellowstone?

Both parks are experiencing a surge in visitors due to various factors. Glacier set records not only during the summer but also in spring and fall shoulder seasons. In 2024, it welcomed over 3.2 million visitors, nearly 300,000 more than in 2023. May 2025 saw a significant increase, with a 12–14% year-over-year growth and a 31% increase compared to May 2017.

Yellowstone is also seeing historic highs. From January to May, recreation visits were up 6% from 2024 and 17% from 2021. June brought nearly equal numbers to the record-setting 2021 season. A major contributing factor is staff shortages, which have left both parks stretched thin at peak times, limiting services and crowd control efforts.

Do You Need a Reservation?

Reservations are required in some areas. Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road and west entrance now use timed vehicle reservations from late May through early September. This helps manage peak traffic and reduce congestion at Logan Pass. Yellowstone hasn’t implemented full timed entry yet, but certain zones may have seasonal vehicle rules and road works. Visiting early or reserving campsites ahead is advisable.

Parking fills quickly, so aim to arrive before dawn. Use Recreation.gov to secure lodging and site bookings well in advance.

Best Times to Visit

Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the best experiences. Glacier hit new visitation highs in May, September, and October, driven by mild weather and fewer crowds. Yellowstone’s spring and fall feature cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and vibrant wildlife activity. Early spring brings baby animals, while fall offers golden aspen scenery.

Avoid peak summer months, June to August, when daily visitorship exceeds half a million in Yellowstone and road delays are common.

Additional Tips Before Visiting

In Yellowstone, the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon Rivers are closed to fishing as of July 12 due to high temperatures risking fish health. Plan alternate activities like wildlife watching or hot spring tours. Road closures and construction are common, so check for updates regularly.

Cell service is limited inside both parks. Download maps and check alerts via the NPS app before heading in.

Where to Stay and What to Do Nearby

For a ranch and resort feel, Lone Mountain Ranch near Big Sky is a top pick. It offers cabins, horseback riding, fishing, and guided Yellowstone tours. Near Glacier, towns like Columbia Falls and West Glacier have lodges, cabins, and eateries, but they fill up quickly during peak times.

Aim to stay inside the parks if possible. Glacier has campgrounds open mid-June to mid-September, and backcountry permits start early summer. Yellowstone offers twelve campgrounds with 2,000+ sites, plus rustic backcountry spots.

Guided Tours Worth Booking

Absolutely, especially if it’s your first visit. In Glacier, Red Bus Tours offer classic open-air rides along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Guides share park history, geology, and stories while you enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving.

In Yellowstone, several outfitters run wildlife safaris, especially around the Lamar Valley. These tours are best at dawn or dusk when wolves, bison, and elk are most active. Guides often bring spotting scopes, saving you from squinting or missing distant animals altogether.

There are also horseback tours near Glacier’s Many Glacier and Lake McDonald areas. These range from one-hour rides to full-day backcountry adventures, perfect for families or anyone craving a slower pace. Book early, many summer slots fill up by May.

Activities to Prioritize

If you’re short on time at Glacier, don’t miss the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s a 50-mile scenic drive that crosses the Continental Divide and delivers jaw-dropping views at every turn. Stops like Logan Pass, St. Mary Lake, and the Weeping Wall are popular, but early mornings offer the best chances for quiet and wildlife.

At Yellowstone, Old Faithful still ranks as the park’s most famous attraction, and for good reason. Eruptions happen roughly every 90 minutes and never disappoint. Arrive early or later in the day to avoid tour bus crowds and snag a front-row spot at the boardwalk.

Beyond Old Faithful, make time for the Grand Prismatic Spring. Its rainbow-colored steam and deep blue center are unforgettable. Walk the overlook trail for the best photo angle. If you're up for a hike, consider the Fairy Falls Trail for a double feature of waterfall and thermal views.