Bear Aware (Canyon)
- Jul–Sep
- best months
Is Bear Aware (Canyon) open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Yellowstone National Park. It doesn't name Bear Aware (Canyon), so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).
Most Park Roads Closed to All Vehicles
Park closure covering Yellowstone National Park · NPS · Yellowstone National Park
Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion
Park closure covering Yellowstone National Park · NPS · Yellowstone National Park
As of · Source: NPS · Yellowstone National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Looking to rent some bear spray to carry with you on your adventure around Yellowstone, instead of purchasing a canister? To learn more and rent some bear spray, stop by the kiosk located near the Canyon Visitor Education Center or the Yurt south of the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center at Old Faithful. Rentals include safety video/instructions, UDAP Pepper Power bear spray, holster, and belt. For more information call 307-828-1885, email, or visit their website. 2025 Season Open May 24 - October 4, 2025, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm daily. Operating dates are subject to change without advanced notice. Please check back frequently for updates. Rates 1 to 2 days: $16.00 3 days: $20.00 4 days: $24.00 5 days: $28.00 +5 days: $28.00 All prices subject to 4% WY sales tax. Rental Drop-off Locations Old Faithful Bear Aware Yurt Mammoth Service Station Tower-Roosevelt Service Station Fishing Bridge Service Station Grant Village Service Station Madison Campground Bozeman, MT Big Sky, MT West Yellowstone, MT Jackson, WY Jackson Hole Airport Teton Village Cooke City, MT Visit Bear Aware for addresses and operating hours Be Prepared to Encounter Bears Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Hike in groups of three or more people. Make noise in areas with limited visibility to avoid surprise encounters. Slowly back away from any bears, do not run, for they have an instinct to chase. Think Safety, Act Safely From burning hot hydrothermal features, to unpredictable wildlife, to steep terrain, Yellowstone is a dangerous place. You are responsible for your safety. As such, please remember these safety tips: Never touch any hydrothermal waters—they can scald you. Observe safe distances from all wildlife. Stay behind fencing, guard rails, and ledges. Use caution when around park waters—they are cold and fast. Show patience and courtesy to other people.
Best time to go · Jul–Sep
Best time to visit Bear Aware (Canyon)
Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
23° / 3°
17 wet
Feb
27° / 3°
15 wet
Mar
35° / 11°
14 wet
Apr
42° / 19°
12 wet
May
50° / 29°
12 wet
Jun
61° / 36°
13 wet
Jul
71° / 43°
10 wet
Aug
71° / 42°
10 wet
Sep
61° / 34°
10 wet
Oct
46° / 25°
9 wet
Nov
33° / 15°
12 wet
Dec
24° / 7°
16 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lake Yellowstone, WY, 12.8 mi away at 7,892 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
Canyon Rim Trail
Next door
Short out-and-back rim walk with canyon views in Wyoming.
HIKE
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Lookout Point
~2 min drive
Scientists think the oldest Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone formed in rock and sediments about 160,000 to 140,000 years ago. This canyon was not as deep, wide, or long as today’s canyon. Past and current hydrothermal activity altered and weakened the rhyolite, making the…
Mount Washburn Spur Trail
~2 min drive
16.89-mile out-and-back trail with 2,347 ft gain on Mount Washburn Spur Trail in Wyoming.
Seven Mile Hole Trail
~2 min drive
9.94-mile out-and-back trail in Wyoming with 256 ft elevation gain.
Wapiti Lake Trail
~3 min drive
Scenic 16.32-mile out-and-back to alpine Wapiti Lake in Wyoming.
Cascade Creek Trail
Next door
Easy out-and-back creek walk through Wyoming forest.
HIKE
Hayden Valley at Alum Creek
~7 min drive
Hayden Valley, is one of the best places in the park to view a wide variety of large mammals. Grizzly bears and black bears are often seen in the spring and early summer. Large herds of bison may be seen in the spring, early summer, and during the rut in August. Coyotes can…
Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Trail
~3 min drive
Out-and-back alpine trail connecting Clear Lake and Ribbon Lake in Wyoming.
North Rim Trail
~2 min drive
Easy out-and-back rim hike with scenic views near North Rim.
Grandview Point trail
~2 min drive
1.12-mile out-and-back trail in Wyoming with 133 ft elevation gain and loss.
