MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. — Yellowstone National Park recently announced that its winter season will begin Sunday, Dec. 15. The season usually lasts until mid-March. In a release from the park, rangers have shared their top tips for those who want to visit the park during the winter.
“Annually from mid-December until mid-March, visitors can travel most of the park’s roads from the West, South, East and North entrances by approved commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches and via the non-commercially guided snowmobile access program,” the release states.
Snowfall is varied across the park, which means visitors can travel in the park, but transportation used on park roads by snowmobile or snowcoach tour companies will depend on road conditions.
“Throughout the winter season, park staff will work closely with all operators and provide updates as conditions change,” the release states.
Additionally, the release stated that winter travel will end in mid-March, which is when plowing crews will begin working to clear the other roads. Roads will start to reopen to cars beginning in mid-April.
In the release, Yellowstone National Park officials also included park rangers’ tips for planning a winter visit to Yellowstone.
(News Release) Yellowstone National Park's winter season begins Dec. 15, 2024. Full release: https://t.co/WOGYYuvWGw pic.twitter.com/IdwQjOq52D — Yellowstone National Park (@YellowstoneNPS) December 10, 2024
Top Things to Know in Winter
- Most Park Roads are Closed to Automobiles: The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley). Anticipate possible road closures due to quickly changing weather and dangerous driving conditions. Check the road status map before you arrive. Drive cautiously and give plenty of space to snowplows. Do not stop, stand or walk in the road. Use a turnout if you need to stop for any reason.
- Want to See Old Faithful? Park partners, concessioners and authorized businesses offer a variety of guided tours throughout the park during the winter months.
- Services are Limited: Most facilities are closed during winter. Check winter operating dates to see which visitor centers, stores, restaurants, lodges and warming huts are open.
- Camping and Lodging: Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are open during winter. Make reservations as far in advance as possible. Lodging is also available in nearby communities. There is limited first-come, first-served camping available at the Mammoth Campground.
- Prepare for Winter Conditions: Winter temperatures range from 0 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 20 to minus 5 degrees Celsius, throughout the day. Subzero temperatures are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. Check current weather conditions, pack proper clothing and equipment and review winter safety tips.
- Do Not Approach or Feed Wildlife: Animals have the right of way. Expect to encounter bison and other wildlife on park roads. Slow down or pull over until they pass or move off the road. Stay 100 yards, or 91 meters, from bears and wolves and 25 yards, or 23 meters, from all other wildlife. The safest way to view wildlife is through a telephoto lens, a spotting scope or a pair of binoculars. Store food properly and be aware that in some areas, ravens have learned to unzip backpacks to obtain contents.
- Stay on Boardwalks: People have been severely injured or killed by breaking through thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs. Exercise caution and wear traction aids over footwear when navigating snowy or icy boardwalks.
- Enhance Your Experience: Download the free National Park Service App (and offline content) before you arrive.
- Connectivity is Limited: You will likely not receive calls or texts, even in the few areas you have cell reception. Free public Wi-Fi is available at the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs.
