Yellowstone Just Shattered A Park Attendance Record

With waits lasting for hours just to enter the park, and packed parking lots at all the popular attractions, it's not surprising that Yellowstone just announced one of their busiest months in history.

According to a press release from the National Park Service, there was a 20 percent increase in attendance at Yellowstone National Park from June 2019, and more than a 60 percent increase from June 2020, when the park opening was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The YNP visitation statistics released on Thursday (7/15) showed the park hosted 938,845 recreation visits last month (June 2021), which makes it the most visited June in the park's recorded history.

So far in 2021, the park has hosted 1,587,998 recreation visits, up 17% from 2019. This year is compared to 2019 instead of 2020 because of COVID-19. -National Park Service

Here's the yearly number of recreational visits to Yellowstone National Park, through June:

• 2021 – 1,587,998
• 2020 – 719,054 *YNP closed due to COVID-19 until May 18.
• 2019 – 1,358,629
• 2018 – 1,381,708
• 2017 – 1,354,137
• 2016 – 1,432,071

The National Park Service is urging guests to plan ahead for their Yellowstone National park visits, with more record crowds expected in July and August during the park's peak season.

To see the top tips to "recreate responsibly" at Yellowstone National Park, CLICK HERE.

With more crowds and vehicle traffic in the park causing lengthy delays, the National Park Service has been testing their Automated Shuttles, with hopes of "improving the visitor experience, and reducing congestion, noise and pollution."

Through August 31, T.E.D.D.Y. (The Electric Driving Demonstration in Yellowstone) will shuttle guests between visitor services, amphitheater, and to the middle and upper camprounds.

CLICK HERE to read more about automated shuttle services in Yellowstone National Park.