Yellowstone August 2024 Visitors Up 3% Over 2023
Sep 17, 2024
According to a National Park Service (NPS) news release on September 11, 2024, visitation in Yellowstone National Park was high in August, up 3% over last year.
During August of 2024, the Park hosted 871,163 recreation visits, up from last year’s number of 846,389 during August of 2023.
While 2024’s August topped the previous year, it was still 5% short of the all-time high of 921,844 recreation visits recorded in August of 2021, when travelers were anxious to vacation after the lifting of initial COVID restrictions and outdoor recreation was more popular than ever.
Year-To-Date Visitor Comparison
The NPS report continues with current numbers for the entire year: “So far in 2024, the park has hosted 3,497,254 recreation visits, up 6% from 2023 (3,308,924 recreation visits), and down 3% from 2021 (3,590,609 recreation visits).
The list below shows the year-to-date trend for recreation visits over the last several years (through August):
2024 – 3,497,254
2023 – 3,308,924
2022 – 2,437,607 (The park was closed June 13 through June 21 due to the historic flood event. Three entrances opened on June 22.)
2021 – 3,590,609
2020 – 2,556,528 (The park was closed March 24 through May 17 due to COVID. Two entrances opened on May 18 and the remaining three opened on June 1.)
2019 – 3,114,697”
Will Yellowstone Visitation Break a Record in 2024?
Year-to-Date, the Park is tracking more closely with its record-high in 2021. May’s 2024 visitation total was up 10% from the 2021 total, while June and July were trailing 2021 numbers by only 2-3%.
Based on these numbers and our observations in the Visitor Center, we believe that the “shoulder seasons” of April-May and September-October are becoming increasingly popular times to visit Cody and Yellowstone National Park.
If the increased shoulder-season visitation continues before the Park closes in early November, it’s certainly possible that Yellowstone will surpass its all-time high mark of annual recreational visits.
As it often does, weather will play a major role in how many visitors the Park will receive before the end of the season. If roads remain open most days throughout September and October, the visitation number for 2024 will climb ever-closer to 2021. Heavy snowfall in those months could limit visitor numbers substantially.
With the exceptions of extended Park closures in 2020 and 2022, a new record in 2024 would continue the trend of strong visitation growth in Yellowstone National Park over the last several years.
For more information on Yellowstone Visitor Statistics and to see how these numbers are calculated, visit the NPS Stats website.
Tips for Visiting Yellowstone in 2024
The most important part of visiting Yellowstone National Park is to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique and fast-changing conditions within the park. It’s a great idea to call or stop by the Visitor Center at the Cody Chamber (836 Sheridan Avenue) for the latest info. Our experts keep close tabs on changing conditions inside Yellowstone National Park.
Make sure to plan your trip through the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park so you can enjoy the unbelievably scenic 53-mile drive between the Park and Cody, Wyoming. Use our business directory to explore lodging options, shopping, restaurants, and activities to do while you’re here. When you get here, make sure to stop in at our Visitor Center and say hello!
Finally, commit to protecting the Park for yourself and others by taking the Yellowstone Pledge: “I pledge to protect Yellowstone National Park. I will act responsibly and safely, set a good example for others, and share my love of the park and all the things that make it special.”
