Despite 43-day partial government shutdown, first national park came close to record year in 2021
EBS STAFF
The scores are in: Yellowstone National Park hosted 4,762,988 visitors in 2025, the second-most busy year in park history after 2021, which remains the leader with 4,860,242 visitors.
The National Park Service shared data in a press release on March 17, showing strong numbers even in a year marked with a historic government shutdown.
“Despite a 43-day partial government shutdown—the longest ever—the National Park Service worked to keep parks open and accessible whenever possible so visitors could continue to experience the nation’s natural and historic treasures,” the release stated.
Visitors spent more than 86 million hours in Yellowstone and the park recorded 1,238,983 overnight stays.
Meanwhile, the spring 2026 season in Yellowstone is ramping up. On March 15, the park announced the conclusion of its winter season.
“Another winter season in Yellowstone comes to an end,” the park announced on its social media. “From today through mid-April, most park roads will be closed so that our staff can begin snow plowing operations.”
Biking has also opened in the park between the West Entrance in West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs, according to the park’s reports of road status. The park advises visitors to learn more about conditions before coming, as they may vary.
