Best time to travel to Yellowstone National Park

Tower-Roosevelt Area in Yellowstone National Park

One of the most famous areas in the park features lots of natural and historic sights to explore

Best time: May–October

Tower-Roosevelt Area
Tower-Roosevelt Area
Tower-Roosevelt Area
Tower-Roosevelt Area
Tower-Roosevelt Area

The Tower-Roosevelt area is famous for its natural and historic highlights. Incredible views of canyon walls, the Yellowstone River, and the amazing Tower Falls are just a small part of natural attractions on your way. The area was loved and frequently visited by President Teddy Roosevelt, hence how it got its name.

The Petrified Tree is another highlight, a perfect ancient redwood that attracts lots of visitors. The largest concentration of these trees in the world can be found at Specimen Ridge.

The most popular natural sight in this area is Tower Fall. It is a 40 meter high beautiful waterfall framed by volcanic pinnacles. The Yellowstone River features groups of thermal springs and is also the habitat for various birds and animals.

The whole area is a great spot for wildlife watching. A large number of black bears, elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and wolves are all frequently seen in this area.

The area between the steep canyon walls along the Yellowstone River is where bighorns live. It is a perfect place for hiding their young from various predators during spring and summer period.

Practical info

What is the best time to visit Tower-Roosevelt Area in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone's Tower-Roosevelt area is best explored from May to October when warm temperatures and minimal snow cover provide excellent visibility. During these months, visitors can access the area via the Northeast Entrance and enjoy a full range of park facilities. However, visitors should be prepared for potential thunderstorms in the afternoon, especially during summer. Show more

Where can I find the largest concentration of petrified trees in the world?

Specimen Ridge in Yellowstone National Park's Tower-Roosevelt Area has the world's largest concentration of petrified trees. The famous 7-mile round-trip Specimen Ridge Trail provides breathtaking views of the park's natural beauty, leading to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest atop the ridge. Park visitors can also join a guided tour of the Petrified Forest and the Specimen Ridge to explore the area and learn the science behind petrification and the site's geological history. Show more

What are the best natural sightseeing places in the Tower-Roosevelt Area?

Yellowstone's Tower-Roosevelt Area offers visitors many natural sightseeing attractions, including the popular volcanic pinnacles-framed Tower Fall, the picturesque Yellowstone River, with excellent views of thermal springs and canyon walls. Visitors can hike, camp, or watch wildlife, including black bears, elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and wolves. Show more

When is the best time to visit for wildlife watching in the Tower-Roosevelt Area?

The best time for wildlife watching in Yellowstone's Tower-Roosevelt Area is from May to early June, spring and summer. During this time, visitors may sight the bighorn sheep hiding their young ones between steep canyon walls along the Yellowstone River. While they are most active early morning or late afternoon, it offers visitors the best opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural environment. Show more

Where is the perfect place to spot bighorns hiding their young in the Tower-Roosevelt Area?

Yellowstone's Tower-Roosevelt Area offers the perfect setting to spot bighorn sheep hiding their young ones from predators. The animals and their young preferred habitat is the area within the steep Yellowstone River canyon walls during spring and summer months. Visitors must observe safe distance guidelines and avoid getting too close to the animals, with a recommended range of 25-100 yards while taking pictures and observing. Show more

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