It wasn’t quite normal – but it was close.
Yellowstone National Park has released the visitation numbers for the first three days of its opening – Monday the 18th thru Wednesday the 20th – for both the East and South Gates. Visitation through both gates averaged out to about 90% of the normal vehicle traffic seen through the East Gate at this time of year, and 60% of the average through the South Entrance. Monday at the East Gate was the clear percentage peak. 504 vehicles as opposed to 478 on May 18th of 2019. That’s 105% of 2019’s traffic. 1,086 vehicles passed through on Wednesday – but that’s still less than the 1,388 vehicles seen last year. And all these numbers are less than 20% of the normal traffic volume in the park compared to when all five entrances are open at this time of year.
The boardwalk at Old Faithful was the busiest place in the park, and there was a mix of proper COVID-19 prevention and a lack thereof. Most families and groups traveling together were not socially distanced, and masks were rarely observed outdoors. None of this was particularly surprising to park staff. Cam Sholly, Yellowstone’s superintendent, anticipates much higher numbers and the continued need for social distancing in the park. He recommends that anyone uncomfortable with people who aren’t wearing masks to avoid the park for the time being.
May 18 2019 2020 Difference
East Gate 478 504 105% of 2019
South Gate 910 542 60% of 2019
Total 1,388 1,046 75% of 2019
May 19 2019 2020 Difference
East Gate 585 502 86% of 2019
South Gate 825 584 71% of 2019
Total 1,410 1,086 77% of 2019
May 20 2019 2020 Difference
East Gate 546 307 56% of 2019
South Gate 876 395 45% of 2019
Total 1,422 702 49% of 2019
