Your base
Homes near the park gateways fill first for July and August. Our homes in Belgrade →
Most 2027 dates aren’t published yet. The seasons below are from 2026 or typical years, and we’ll update this page as 2027 dates come out.
What opens when (typical seasons)
- Yellowstone roads: in 2026 the West Entrance–Old Faithful roads were projected to open to cars April 17; other roads follow through spring as snow is cleared. NPS
- Gallatin rafting: roughly mid-May to mid-August; the Mad Mile is Class III–IV at high water (May–June).
- Lewis & Clark Caverns tours: May 1 – Sept 30, summer tours by reservation.
- Virginia City & Nevada City: full season Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day.
- Beehive Basin (Big Sky): usually snow-free July–September.
- Big Sky PBR: usually mid-July.
Check each operator’s 2027 schedule before you book.
What to book early
Rental car
Summer is peak demand at BZN. Reserve early, ideally with free cancellation so you can re-check prices later.
Guided tours
Yellowstone day tours and rafting trips sell out on peak dates. Check each listing’s cancellation policy.
Book summer tours early
Full-Day Best of Yellowstone Tour from Bozeman
No car needed: a naturalist guide drives you through the park for geysers, canyons and wildlife.
Good for: No car needed, Wildlife
See prices & availability
Check availability
Private Upper Loop Tour of Yellowstone
Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, Lamar Valley wildlife and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, private for your group.
Good for: Wildlife
See prices & availability
Check availability
Family Friendly Gallatin River Whitewater Rafting
Small-group whitewater with a seasoned guide; no rafting experience needed.
Good for: Beginners
See prices & availability
Check availability
Gallatin River Whitewater Rafting (Mad Mile)
Splash through Screaming Left and the Mad Mile; wetsuits and booties included.
See prices & availability
Check availability
Blue Flower Trail Ride, Paradise Valley
A private guided ride with views of the Absaroka Mountains; beginners welcome.
Good for: Beginners
See prices & availability
Check availabilityGuided fly-fishing trips in Montana
Full-day guided fly-fishing trips near Bozeman and in Yellowstone, gear included.
See prices & availability
See toursAffiliate links: if you book through Viator or GetYourGuide we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
A simple 5-day summer plan
- Bozeman: Museum of the Rockies, downtown Main Street, a hot-springs soak. Travelling with kids? See Bozeman with kids.
- Yellowstone Lower Loop via West Yellowstone: Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic. Day-trip guide.
- Big Sky: Gallatin rafting, Ousel Falls, the Lone Peak Tram. Big Sky guide.
- Yellowstone north: Paradise Valley, Mammoth, Lamar Valley at dusk.
- History: Lewis & Clark Caverns and Missouri Headwaters, or Virginia City.
🚗 Rent a car in BozemanFlying into BZN? Compare rental cars and drive to Yellowstone and Big Sky on your own schedule.
🚗 Compare rental cars Affiliate link: if you rent through GetRentacar we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Where to stay
We host three homes plus a duplex with two private units that can be booked together in Belgrade, about 5 minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): an easy base for Bozeman, Big Sky and both Yellowstone entrances. See our homes →
More: All summer things to do · All tours
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Yellowstone in summer?
June has the fullest rivers and waterfalls, July and August are warmest and busiest, and September is quieter.
How far ahead should I book summer in Bozeman and Yellowstone?
For July and August, book lodging and a rental car months ahead, and popular tours as soon as your dates are set.
Are 2027 dates confirmed?
Not yet for most seasons. Dates here are from 2026 or typical seasons; check each operator and the NPS for 2027.