This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

It's no secret that Yellowstone National Park is home to stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife, and unparalleled recreational opportunities. What you may not know is that visiting in spring or early summer offers perks that could take your Yellowstone experience to the next level of amazing.

Wildlife that is on the move.

Spring and early summer bring some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities of the year. With bears emerging from their winter slumber; elk, deer, and bison babies being born; and animals foraging near boardwalks and roadways, visitors in the early season are treated to wildlife viewing unlike any other time of year. (Just remember to follow all rules and regulations, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.)

Gateway communities that are ready to roll out authentic western hospitality.

West Yellowstone is open and ready for visitors. The closest community to any Yellowstone entrance, West Yellowstone boasts a variety of lodging options and unique experiences, like the Yellowstone IMAX and the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, an animal sanctuary with live grizzly bears, wolves, and raptors. With ongoing events, like the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo and the Junior Smokejumper and Ranger programs for kids, West Yellowstone is the perfect home base for any Yellowstone adventure.

Less crowds and more space to breathe.

Witness timely and timeless geysers, the vivid colors of pristine hot pools, and Yellowstone's wild and free animals all without the large crowds that typically arrive later in the busy summer season.

Heart of fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains.

West Yellowstone is surrounded by some of the country's top trout streams. In fact, they host five blue-ribbon streams and have earned recognition as one of North America's Top Ten Trout-Fishing Towns by Forbes magazine. Early-season fishing means more space on the rivers and streams and holes that are brimming with hungry trout.

Long days and beautiful weather.

Spring and early summer travel means you get the longer days without the extra heat. The Yellowstone region wakes with cool, crisp mountain mornings and says goodnight with warm, golden sunsets—the perfect conditions to take advantage of an entire day of fun and adventure.

Landscapes that are picture perfect.

The Yellowstone region is beautiful all times of year, but there is something special about the early season. It's the magical time when landscapes are green, flowers are bloomed, and skies are blue, yet the mountain peaks are still white with snow and the mist still rises from the rivers and streams in the early morning hours. It is unlike any other season in Yellowstone, and it is one that should definitely be experienced.