CODY, Wyo. — Despite national concerns over staffing and budget cuts across the National Park Service, superintendents of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks expressed optimism for a robust and well-managed summer season.
Speaking Monday at the 2025 National Parks Day Lunch in Cody, Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly and Grand Teton Superintendent Chip Jenkins reported that both parks are fully prepared for what could be another record-breaking year in visitation.
Staffing Levels Stable Despite National Concerns
Yellowstone is entering the summer season with 782 employees—395 permanent and 387 seasonal—a staffing level higher than at any point in the past five years, according to Sholly.
“All of our critical positions are filled,” Sholly said. “The team is ready, and I think this is going to be one of the best years we’ve had in a long time.”
Jenkins noted that staffing at Grand Teton remains consistent with historical trends, with about two-thirds of staff returning from the previous year and one-third new hires. “That’s the same ratio the National Park Service has had for the last 20 years,” he said.
Visitor Numbers on the Rise
Vehicle entries to Yellowstone are already up from this time last year, with increases of 6.24% at the North Entrance, 3.17% at the West Entrance, and 9.46% at the East Entrance. If trends hold, more than 8.4 million visitors are expected between the two parks, with Yellowstone alone potentially nearing the 5 million mark.
Sholly also highlighted an uptick in international travel to the parks, suggesting global interest remains strong.
Responding to 2024 Incidents
The superintendents also reflected on major events from 2024, including a hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin and a July 4 active shooter incident at Canyon Village.
Biscuit Basin remains closed after the Black Diamond Pool explosion destroyed the boardwalk, which has yet to be rebuilt due to ongoing geothermal activity. Sholly emphasized that repairs will proceed only when the area is deemed safe.
In discussing the July 4 shooting, Sholly praised park law enforcement and partners for preventing what could have been a mass casualty event. “The shooter’s sole goal was to go into the Canyon cafeteria and kill as many people as he could,” Sholly stated. He confirmed the wounded ranger is recovering and commended a hostage who called 911 for enabling a swift law enforcement response.
Infrastructure and Construction Projects
Yellowstone’s major infrastructure project this summer is the construction of a new Yellowstone River Bridge, which is expected to open to traffic before the end of the year. The existing bridge will be dismantled to restore the Lost Creek drainage.
Additional work is planned for the Golden Gate Canyon corridor near Mammoth Hot Springs, beginning in July. Traffic delays are expected until Labor Day, after which the road will close for significant rock removal.
In contrast, Grand Teton has fewer disruptive projects planned. Jenkins said the park’s primary focus will be educating visitors about environmental stewardship and responsible recreation.
No Timed Entry Programs Planned
Despite high visitation, neither park is planning to implement timed entry programs. Sholly and Jenkins said existing “micro-geographic” strategies—such as dispersing visitors through trail and facility design—have effectively reduced congestion at popular locations.
Sholly referenced the short-lived, unpopular license plate-based timed entry system implemented in 2022 following severe flooding. “We’ll need to talk about [timed entry] as we go through time, but we’re good right now,” he said.
Gateway Communities and Local Partnerships
Both superintendents underscored the importance of local partnerships, particularly with communities like Cody. Sholly honored the late Senator Al Simpson by presenting his wife, Ann Simpson, with the Yellowstone Superintendent’s Medallion, recognizing her and her husband’s decades-long support of the park.
“The things that [Al Simpson] accomplished for this country are endless,” Sholly said, “but we know that the reason Al was so good and so outstanding was because of you.”
Outlook for the Season
With wildlife emerging, rivers thawing, and mountain snowlines retreating, both parks are gearing up for a busy but well-managed summer.
“The grizzly bears are out,” Jenkins said. “The elk are following the green wave from the valleys to the mountains. Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake are still frozen but starting to melt. Spring is here, we’re headed towards summer, and we’re well-positioned for a good summer.”
