We want to go to Yellowstone this year and were wondering if we should go the week of April 8th or June 17th? Yes- as a teacher my vactions may be plentiful, but the dates are locked in stone. We are avid wildlife photographers, so we would want to go when the wildlife would be most plentiful. Is April 8th too early? We also don't like crowds- What would they be like mid June? I really appreciate any and all suggestions.

In April, a lot of the more scenic routes will still be closed. Even in June, you might find that Beartooth, for example, isn't open.

I would go for the June 17th time, it still won't be that crowded.

I also dislike crowds, but one time we found ourselves going to Yellowstone during the 4th. of July week. Contrary to expectations, it was not crowded and we managed to get a great camping site at Norris Basin. From our 3 visits, my experience has been it is always crowded at Old Faithful and often at Mammoth Hot Springs, but the park is so huge that the rest of it feels fine. I agree, I'd go in June when you're much less likely to encounter snow and mud.

June.

We were there the first week of June a few years ago and the crowds hadn't come yet. Ranger said the 3rd week of June is when they start coming.

We were also lucky that the Beartooth was open and it was a beautiful drive!

Check which roads will be closed in early April!

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/or...l/roadopen.htm

Utahtea

We were at Yellowstone August 2005. Lots of people, but I wouldn't call it crowded. A few "animal jams" on roadways and twice saw people doing stupid things with rented RVs that caused a delay (like trying to make a 3-point turn and ending up with tail end of RV hanging over cliff!)

June is best for less people. the Bear Tooth should be open.
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/beartooth/
For wildlife viewing is is good most everywhere, I would suggest the Lamar Valley, its home to several of the YS wolf packs. Early morning or late afternoon is the best for them.

i would fifth and sixth what everyone says--I have been to yellowstone fairly ofter and I am amazed at how uncrowded is seems, even in the summer--pa[rticulalry if you get up early to see the wildlife