Yellowstone has record number of visitors

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Yellowstone National Park is seeing a significant increase in visitors this season compared to previous years.

“There are lots of factors that could be at play. We do think the centennial year and the publicity surrounding that are making people think about the park when they are looking at vacation plans,” spokeswoman Charissa Reid said.

During the first five months of 2016 the park has seen a 14.65 percent increase of visitors. For May alone it’s up 15.2 percent.

Reid told EastIdahonNews.com other factors surrounding the increase could be regional marketing through out Montana and Wyoming, as well as lowered gas prices.

“I would also say that I think the reason they are coming here is, because it’s such an amazing place,” Reid said.

Reid said during July is when Yellowstone sees most of its recreational visits. In July 2015, Yellowstone got 980,702 recreational visitors. The total number of visitors in 2015 was 4,097,710.

The shoulder season — during the spring and the fall — are the best times to visit said Reid, but because Yellowstone is becoming more popular during those times it’s imperative visitors plan ahead.

“You need to (make a) hotel reservation ahead, even in the shoulder seasons, you need to be well educated about which roads are opened and closed, (and) if here’s any construction, (or) any factors like that, that you can anticipate before your arrival will make for a better trip.

Reid said visitors should be prepared to follow the rules and park guidelines in order to have a safe trip during upcoming months.

“Be prepared. We’re really emphasizing the fact that the regulations in the park are not only for the safety of the amazing things that they are coming here to witness but also for their safety,” Reid said.