If you dare to visit one of Wyoming's National Park properties this Fourth of July, a little planning ahead will save you time and increase your enjoyment despite it being one of the busiest times of the year for family vacations.

“Please pack your patience,” said a Yellowstone National Park Public Affairs Office spokesperson.

July is traditionally the busiest month of the year in the park. Last year the park hosted almost 1.2 million total visits in July. Add those in Grand Teton National Park and northwest Wyoming can get downright crowded. Considering both parks could see record attendance this year (attendance is up in Yellowstone about 8% over the 2021 visitation record year) and there will be way more bumpers than bears to see on your drive through the internationally popular roadways.

Expect crowds at high interest areas and lines at entrance stations, construction areas and roadside wildlife sightings, the park warns. Locals are accustomed to going early or staying late when visiting during the busy months, as the park typically is busiest between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. due to families having dinner reservations at their lodging choices.

This month last year there were 282,081 overnight visits in Yellowstone — nearly a quarter of everyone in the park. Using the East or Northeast entrances, the least used of the five gates, will ease your stress a little if you feel claustrophobic hanging out with that many folks at the same time.

One tip is to plan a hike instead of doing the driving tour. Very few people explore the park beyond the roadways and hiking even a mile into the interior of the park will offer the sense of isolation and intimacy that many are looking for in nature.

The Tetons

Grand Teton National Park is preparing for a busy Fourth of July holiday and urges visitors to plan ahead, check conditions and recreate responsibly. With large crowds expected, visitors should anticipate full parking lots, busy trails, and delays throughout the park during the holiday week.

“Summer in Grand Teton is spectacular but comes with responsibilities,” said park superintendent Chip Jenkins. “Help us protect this extraordinary place by recreating with care and patience.”

Before arriving, visitors are encouraged to check current weather forecasts, trail conditions and river flow reports, as conditions can change rapidly. Summer storms, swift water and high elevation all pose risks to unprepared visitors. Current wildfire danger in the park is high. Fireworks are always prohibited, and campfires are only allowed within fire rings in campground and at some, not all, backcountry campsites.

Visitors enjoying the park’s waters with a boat must stop for an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection. All watercraft entering Grand Teton National Park are required to stop. This includes motorized boats, rafts, drift boats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

Visitors are also reminded to follow wildlife safety guidance. Store all food, garbage and scented items in bear-resistant containers or inside a hard-sided vehicle. Never leave attractants unattended. Always maintain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.

Top 10 tips

The Yellowstone Public Affairs Office is offering a top 10 list of tips for making a July trip into the world's first national park.

1. Leave fireworks at home. Fireworks are not allowed in Yellowstone — even just a spark can ignite a wildfire.

2. Check current fire weather conditions. The current fire danger level in the park is High, which means wildfires can start easily and spread quickly. Please plan your activities accordingly. If you see smoke or fire in the park, report it to rangers or call 911.

3. Drive and park responsibly. Traffic-related accidents are a common cause of human injury and fatality in the park. Please be responsible and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or substances. Observe posted speed limits and do not stop your vehicle in the road. Use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures and let other cars pass. When pulling over, be sure to park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line. Pack your patience and allow for plenty of time to travel through the park during this busiest time of year.

4. Check status of park roads. Summer is road construction and repair season in the West. Road improvement projects or inclement weather may cause temporary closures and traffic delays. Stay informed about current road conditions in Yellowstone: Visit go.nps.gov/YELLroads or call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information. You can also receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

5. Give wildlife room. Wild animals are dangerous if you get too close! People have been injured or killed by bears, bison and elk. It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Always maintain a minimum of 25 yards (23 m) from all wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from bears, wolves and cougars. If an animal moves closer to you, back away to maintain these safe viewing distances. Follow instructions from park rangers and learn how to watch wildlife safely and travel safely in bear country.

6. Stay on boardwalks. Boardwalks take you to amazing places and keep you safe. People who travel off boardwalks have been severely injured or killed by breaking through the thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs.

7. Plan ahead. All campgrounds and lodging require a reservation and fill up well in advance. Operating hours and service levels can change with little notice.

8. Prepare for weather changes. Unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone's weather. Expect big temperature swings, rain, or snow during every month of the year and hot, dry weather during the summer months. No matter when you visit, bring water to stay hydrated, a warm jacket, rain gear and lots of layers. Check current weather conditions before you arrive.

9. Flood your flames. Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites in Yellowstone. Never leave your campfire unattended and always check to ensure it’s cold to the touch before abandoning: Soak, stir, feel, repeat.

10. No entrance reservations required. Reservations are not required to enter the park — you just need a park entrance pass.

Additionally, if you really want to share your love for Yellowstone, take the Yellowstone Pledge. Encourage your friends and family to do the same and share your photos with us online using #YellowstonePledge.