Whether you’re dreaming of your next mountain escape or already planning your fall adventure, we’ve gathered the latest news from Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks — plus exciting updates from around Montana. Here’s what’s happening in Big Sky Country in 2025:
Yellowstone National Park: Science, Wildlife & Updates
- Safety in the Wild: Recent attention-grabbing videos purporting mass wildlife migrations out of Yellowstone have been debunked by NPS: animals are not migrating away in large numbers—these were AI-generated rumors.
- Thermal Discoveries: Scientists discovered a new thermal pool in Norris Geyser Basin—around 13 feet across, bright blue, and warmer than developments in recent years—underscoring Yellowstone’s ever-evolving volcanic landscape.
- Volcano Insights: A newly imaged 3.8 km-deep “magma cap” is believed to act as a natural pressure release valve—venting gas steadily and helping prevent major eruptions, confirming Yellowstone’s dynamic but stable state .
- Wildlife Encounters: In 2025, Yellowstone had to euthanize two bears (a grizzly and a black bear) due to dangerous behaviors—stemming from increased visitation and food-conditioning—serving as a reminder to keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Park Use: Over 928,000 visits in June alone (+1% over 2024) reflect continued popularity. Certain rivers remain closed to fishing due to elevated water temperatures
Glacier National Park: Road Access & Construction News
- Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road is now fully open for 2025 via both west and east entrances (opened mid‑June). Note: vehicle reservations are required from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. through September 28 on the west side .
- Many Glacier Valley access requires a shuttle ticket or lodging/reservation between July 1–September 21, 2025. Day hikers must plan accordingly—no general public access, and no trail/road hiking by vehicle.
- Construction Delays: Visitors should expect longer travel times due to infrastructure work within the park—check trail and road condition updates before your trip at National Park Service or glacier.org.
Beartooth Mountains in 2025: What’s New & Noteworthy
- Tippet Rise Art Center, nestled near the Beartooth Mountains, continues to host limited-entry concerts and sculpture exhibits in July–September. Reservations remain required—great for combining art with outdoor adventure.
- The Beartooth Highway (US 212) over Beartooth Pass reopened for the 2025 season by late May. Known as “America’s most beautiful drive,” the pass offers sweeping alpine views, but travelers should expect occasionally wet road conditions early season.
- The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness continues to earn recognition as one of Montana’s most underrated wonders—ideal for those seeking remote hikes, stunning granite peaks, and prehistoric geology (>2.7 billion-year-old rocks) .
- Trail safety note: the popular 2.5-mile “Beaten Path” trail between Elk Lake and Rimrock Lake remains closed indefinitely for repairs—travelers are encouraged to explore other wilderness routes or wait for full reopening. Find details and suggestions at abwilderness.org.
Together, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks offer enhanced access and evolving landscapes, while Montana’s broader travel scene continues to charm with art, wild beauty, and a sense of discovery. Whether you’re cruising the iconic Beartooth Highway, watching aspen trees flourish post-wolf reintroduction, or exploring hidden wilderness treasures, these destinations continue to always offer something memorable!