Spring is Stirring in Yellowstone National Park – Plan Your Trip Early!

Spring is Stirring in Yellowstone National Park – Plan Your Trip Early!

Spring in Yellowstone National Park is like watching nature hit the refresh button. The snow starts melting (slowly, but hey, it’s progress), the rivers roar back to life, and the wildlife shakes off their winter slumber. If you’ve been dreaming of a Yellowstone adventure, now’s the time to start planning! But with over 2.2 million acres of park to explore and thousands of visitors rolling in, a little preparation goes a long way.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are four essential tips to make your Yellowstone National Park trip smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable.

1. Book Early – Lodging Fills Up Fast!

Yellowstone is no secret. In fact, once spring hits, it’s like a mad dash for accommodations! If you’re hoping to stay inside the park or nearby (hello, The Chicory House BnB!), start booking NOW.

bit.ly/TheChicoryHouse-nearYellowstone

www.thechicoryhouse.com

Whether you’re looking for a cozy home-share experience or a lodge nestled in the heart of the park, availability disappears quicker than a bison crossing the road. Don’t leave it to chance—plan ahead so you’re not stuck scrambling for last-minute options (or worse, sleeping in your car at a rest stop).

My Pro tip: If park lodging is full, consider staying in Livingston, Montana also—just a scenic drive from the North Entrance.

Not only will you avoid the tourist congestion, but you’ll also experience an authentic Montana stay. Our valley is beautiful!

2. Pack Smart – It Can Snow in June!

One thing I've learned about Yellowstone National Park—Mother Nature does what she wants. One minute, we're basking in the sunshine, and the next, a random snowstorm rolls in like an uninvited dinner guest.

To avoid being caught off guard, We always pack layers—and lots of them. Here’s what you’ll want in your suitcase. Take a backpack everywhere you go while in the park.

✅ A warm jacket (yes, even in spring)
✅ Waterproof hiking boots (mud season is real)
✅ A hat and gloves (because 30°F mornings in May are a thing)
✅ Sunglasses & sunscreen (because when the sun does come out, it’s no joke)

My Pro tip: Check the Yellowstone weather forecast before you leave. Temps can swing 30-40 degrees in a single day!

3. Map Your Must-Sees – The Park is HUGE!

Yellowstone National Park is massive. If you think you can just “see it all in a day,” I hate to break it to you, but… nope. I will be happy to help with your planning so that you can hit all the "Must See's on your list. And give you all the local tips!

Before you go, prioritize your must-see spots based on your interests:

🐻 Wildlife lovers: Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley for bison, wolves, and bears
🌋 Geology geeks: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs
🏞️ Scenic chasers: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, and Tower Falls

Pick 2-3 main stops per day and allow extra time for bison traffic jams.

My Extra Pro tip: Download offline maps before you arrive. Cell service is about as reliable as a squirrel predicting the weather.

4. Plan for Food – Bring a Cooler & Picnic Like a Pro

Want to avoid the long food lines and overpriced snacks?

Bring a cooler and pack your own meals! There are plenty of picnic areas with jaw-dropping views where you can sit, eat, and soak in the scenery.

Some easy food ideas:
🥪 Sandwiches & wraps
🥑 Fresh fruit & trail mix
🧀 Cheese & crackers
🍪 Cookies (because… why not?)

If you’re staying with us at The Chicory House BnB, we can even pack you a sack lunch to go—saving you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with crowded park dining spots.

Eating Pro tip: If you DO want a hot meal, plan ahead—restaurants in Yellowstone National Park have limited hours, and reservations go fast!

Need Help Planning? I’ve Got You Covered!

If all this planning talk is making your head spin, don’t stress—

I can help!

At The Chicory House BnB, we love helping guests craft the perfect Yellowstone National Park itinerary. Whether it’s must-see attractions, hidden gems, or where to find the best wildlife sightings, we’ve got all the insider tips.

Book your stay with us:

bit.ly/TheChicoryHouse-nearYellowstone www.thechicoryhouse.com
📍 Visit us at: 3 Sedona Lane, Livingston, Montana
📞 Call/Text us at: 1-406-404-9411
📩 Email us at: [email protected]

Don’t wait—Yellowstone is waking up, and you don’t want to miss it!

#YellowstoneAdventures #PlanYourTrip #WildlifeWatching #StressFreeTravel #airbnb

I'm here to help you! Sheila