How crowded Yellowstone/Grand Teton around July 4th?
 

Guidebooks say the peak season in Yellowstone starts mid July to August, so does that mean the week of July 4th is not too crowded? i'd also like to see some greenery and hopefully wildflowers too. Would it be too late for those by the first week of July?

Should we plan to stay in GTNP on the weekend of July 4th, as it might be less crowded than YNP? We're concerned about finding lodging inside the parks if we go during this time.

Thanks for your recommendations!

I would be very concerned about finding lodging if you don't already have it booked for that time of year. I would expect it to very busy around the 4th. I usually visit in early spring (end of May or 1st of June) or late Sept for the least amount of people. If crowds are not a big concern, then I am sure around the 4th will be beautiful.

JC98,

The 4th of July is THE most crowded week. I would avoid that week and if you don't already have lodging, as noted above, forget it. Besides, you would be paying through the nose.

Wildflowers vary as they as very sensitive and dependent upon the tiniest temp and water changes. Usually peak is around mid-June to early July. Check the weather reports and the snow amounts. Most of the west is having a very low snow year so that means wildflowers could be less than usual and earlier too.

I love going in June and late Sept!

Busy and expensive