Yellowstone National Park, one of the most iconic and beloved natural wonders in the United States, has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone has captivated visitors for generations, and its visitation numbers have fluctuated over the years, reflecting the changing trends and factors that influence travel to this remarkable destination.
Recent Annual Visitation Trend
In recent years, Yellowstone National Park has experienced significant fluctuations in its visitation numbers, influenced by various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. Here’s a closer look at the recent annual visitation trends:
- 2022: 3,290,242 recreation visits, a 32% decrease from 2021 due to historic floods in June that closed the park for two weeks.
- 2021: 4,860,242 recreation visits, the busiest year on record.
- 2020: 3,806,306 recreation visits, affected by COVID-19 closures from March 24 to May 17.
- 2019: 4,020,288 recreation visits.
Monthly Visitation
Yellowstone National Park’s visitation patterns also vary throughout the year, with the summer months typically seeing the highest number of visitors. Here’s a look at the recent monthly visitation numbers:
| Month | 2023 Visits |
|---|---|
| June | 847,864 |
| July | 947,688 |
| August | 839,787 |
| September | 663,651 |
Year-to-Date Visitation
Comparing the year-to-date visitation numbers provides a more comprehensive understanding of the park’s visitation trends. Here’s a breakdown of the year-to-date visitation for Yellowstone National Park:
- 2023 (through June): 1,493,510 recreation visits, up 19% from 2022 and up 10% from 2019.
- 2023 (through May): 645,646 recreation visits, down 12% from 2022 but up 12% from 2019.
Historical Visitation
Yellowstone National Park has a rich history of visitation, with some years seeing record-breaking numbers. Here are the top ten visitation years for the park:
- 2021 – 4,860,242
- 2016 – 4,257,178
- 2017 – 4,116,528
- 2018 – 4,114,999
- 2015 – 4,097,709
- 2019 – 4,020,288
- 2020 – 3,806,306
- 2010 – 3,640,205
- 2014 – 3,513,484
- 2012 – 3,447,729
Additional Information
- Park Closures: The park was closed from June 13 to June 21 in 2022 due to historic floods and from March 24 to May 17 in 2020 due to COVID-19.
- Entrance Openings: The East, South, and West entrances opened on a limited basis on June 22, 2022, while the North and Northeast entrances remained closed until October 15 and October 30, respectively.
- Visitation Calculation: More information on how visitation numbers are calculated is available on the NPS Stats website.
Yellowstone National Park’s visitation numbers have been a topic of great interest for park enthusiasts, researchers, and policymakers alike. The fluctuations in visitation, influenced by various factors, provide valuable insights into the park’s popularity and the factors that shape its visitor experience. By understanding these trends, we can better plan for the future and ensure that Yellowstone National Park remains a cherished and sustainable destination for generations to come.
References
- Sweetwater Now. (2023, March 4). Yellowstone National Park Reports a Decrease in Visitation Numbers for 2022. Retrieved from https://www.sweetwaternow.com/yellowstone-national-park-reports-a-decrease-in-visitation-numbers-for-2022/
- National Park Service. (2023, June 20). Visitation Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/visitationstats.htm
- NBC Montana. (2023, June 15). Yellowstone National Park Releases May 2023 Visitation Statistics. Retrieved from https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/yellowstone-national-park-releases-may-2023-visitation-statistics
- Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park Total Visitor Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.yellowstone.co/stats.htm
- National Park Service. (2023, July 18). Yellowstone Visitation Statistics for June 2023. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/23024.htm