Photo: NPS / Neal Herbert · Public domain, cropped and resized
Yellowstonewildlife
National parkAt Yellowstone National Park, the bison rut begins in late July and goes through August, per the National Park Service (a season, not a peak). Its usual window for this year has passed.
Checked against 6 official sources · How we check →
About Yellowstone
- What it is
- A national park in Wyoming
- What you'll see
- The summer bison rut · late July through August (a season)
- Before you go
- Safety: Stay at least 25 yards from bison at all times, and never approach one for a photo.
- Closures: Most roads closed to cars, few services (November–March).
Right now at Yellowstone
Right now in Yellowstone · October
- Fall color (high country, then lower valleys) · Sep–Oct
Park alerts
NPS lists these 2 notices for Yellowstone National Park. The park spans Idaho, Montana and Wyoming; each notice shows the state it's about when NPS says where. Read each notice for the affected area and dates.
- Location not statedCaution: Stay Away From Bull Elk
- WyomingPark Closure: Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion
Checked Sat, Oct 3, 6:59 AM EDT, source: National Park Service. No claim to original U.S. Government works.
Next 7 days at Yellowstone
- TodaySunny62° / 38°–
- SunSunny65° / 41°–
- MonPartly Sunny65° / 42°3% rain
- TueSunny62° / 40°1% rain
- WedSunny60° / 39°–
- ThuSunny60° / ––
Heads up: Park closure: Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion.
Today: sunrise 7:23 a.m., sunset 7:01 p.m., light until 7:30 p.m. · moon waning crescent, 43% lit (our calculation)
Your guide to the area
Places on this map (2)
Where to watch
Lamar Valley wildlife watching
Best spot
Lamar Valley is named with Hayden Valley in the park's July and August panels for the bison rut
Hayden Valley Overlook at Yellowstone River
Best spot
Hayden Valley is the other valley the park names for the summer bison rut
Around Yellowstone
Next season here: Wildflowers, April to July, higher up later.
The year at Yellowstone
- Ospreys nesting in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, late April to early SeptemberApr–Sep
- WildflowersApr–Jul
- Bison calves bornlate April and May
- Busiest monthsJun–Sep
- Jun: Waterfalls flowing at full volumeJun
- Jun: High water limits some backcountry campsites and swimming areasJun
- Bison rutJul–Aug
- Fall color (high country, then lower valleys)NowSep–Oct
- Sep: Elk rut, bears in roadside meadows, raptor migration over Hayden ValleySeptember
- Most roads closed to cars, few servicesNov–Mar
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Yellowstone National Park?
Season: late July through August. The bison rut begins in late July and goes through August, per the National Park Service (a season, not a peak).
Is it the season at Yellowstone National Park right now?
Not now: its usual wildlife window for this year has passed. Next time: late July through August, local timing.
When is the bison rut in Yellowstone?
It begins in late July and goes through August. The park doesn't name a narrower peak week.Source: National Park Service, Bison Ecology ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where should I look for the bison rut in Yellowstone?
The park's July and August panels name Lamar and Hayden valleys.Source: National Park Service, Yellowstone Seasons ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How close can I get to bison in Yellowstone?
Stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) from bison at all times, and never approach one to take a photo.Source: National Park Service, Safety ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are bison calves born in Yellowstone?
The reddish-brown calves are born in late April and May.Source: National Park Service, Bison Ecology ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How long have bison lived in Yellowstone?
Since prehistoric times: Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously that long.Source: National Park Service, Bison Ecology ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Yellowstone National Park?
The best spots are Lamar Valley wildlife watching and Hayden Valley Overlook at Yellowstone River. Lamar Valley wildlife watching: lamar Valley is named with Hayden Valley in the park's July and August panels for the bison rut. Hayden Valley Overlook at Yellowstone River: hayden Valley is the other valley the park names for the summer bison rut.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Yellowstone National Park?
Yes, 2 things to plan for. Most roads closed to cars, few services (Nov–Mar). High water limits some backcountry campsites and swimming areas (Jun).
What is Yellowstone National Park like through the year?
Yellowstone National Park has something to see in 7 months of the year. Wildflowers: Apr–Jul. Busiest months: Jun–Sep. Bison rut: Jul–Aug. Fall color (high country, then lower valleys): Sep–Oct. Most roads closed to cars, few services: Nov–Mar. Waterfalls flowing at full volume: Jun. High water limits some backcountry campsites and swimming areas: Jun. Ospreys nesting in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, late April to early September: Apr–Sep. Bison calves born: Apr–May. Elk rut, bears in roadside meadows, raptor migration over Hayden Valley: Sep.
How we know · Sources (6)
How we know
National Park Service, Bison Ecology (opens in a new tab) (Oct 3) · National Park Service, Safety (opens in a new tab) (Oct 3) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Oct 2) · National Park Service, Yellowstone: Canyon Village and the Grand Canyon (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Park Service, Yellowstone Seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Yellowstone Operating Dates (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.