Yellowstone Alert: Scientists Detect Surprising Supervolcano Activity—What It Means for 2025 Travelers

Early Summer Rush Sets Record Pace at Yellowstone National Park Visitor numbers traditionally spike after Memorial Day, but rangers report that May 2025 vehicle counts are already 12 % higher than the same period last year, driven by mild spring weather and pent-up demand for outdoor travel. Parking lots at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic and Norris filled before 9 a.m. over the holiday weekend, and intermittent construction on the Grand Loop is adding up to 30 minutes to travel times. First Bison Goring of 2025 Underscores Wildlife Rules On May 4 a 47-year-old visitor from Florida was gored by a bull bison near the Lake Lodge cabins after approaching the animal within 10 feet to take photos, the park confirmed—marking the first reported bison injury of the year. Rangers remind travelers to remain at least 25 yards from bison and 100 yards from bears and wolves. Violators can receive fines up to $5,000 and mandatory court appearances. Steamboat Geyser Pauses After Second 2025 Eruption The world’s tallest active geyser shot a column of water 300 feet into the air on April 14, its second eruption of the year. Since then, Steamboat has been quiet, but geologists expect minor activity to resume in early June based on ongoing thermal tremor readings. The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory reports no indication of magma movement, placing the regional alert level at “Normal.” Road & Gate Openings You Need to Know • East Entrance: Opened on May 2 with celebratory events in Cody and a temporary art installation at Sylvan Pass. • Dunraven Pass: Scheduled to open June 7, weather permitting. • Night paving: Expect single-lane delays south of Canyon Village between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. through August. How to Score Hard-to-Find Lodging Rooms inside the park now book 13 months out, but Yellowstone National Park Lodges releases cancellations every morning at 8 a.m. MDT; set alerts and be ready to click. Campers should remember that only Madison, Mammoth and Canyon accept same-day walk-ins before July 1. Smart Wildlife Viewing Tips 1. Use a 300 mm lens or binoculars instead of walking closer. 2. Keep pets leashed; dogs may provoke bison charges. 3. If traffic stops for an animal jam, stay inside your vehicle—park rangers move cars but will ticket pedestrians in the roadway. What’s New for the 2025 Season • Cell coverage has expanded to include limited 5G service at Old Faithful and Canyon Village. • A pilot shuttle connects West Yellowstone town to Norris every hour, reducing congestion. • The park’s first solar-powered visitor center opens at Tower Junction in late June and features interactive geothermal exhibits. Bottom Line With record crowds, active geysers and peak wildlife activity, Yellowstone is poised for one of its busiest and most exciting summers yet. Reserve early, follow distance rules around animals and build extra time into every drive to make the most of America’s first national park this season.