Yellowstone National Park Winter Road Closures

Yellowstone National Park will close most roads next month as the park prepares for the winter season. This iconic park, which spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, particularly in winter.

Road Closures at Yellowstone

The park will officially close the West, South, and East entrances to regular vehicle traffic on November 1. In addition to these entrances, nearly all roads will also close, according to the National Park Service.

Winter Operations

Along with the annual winter-related closure, the NPS reported that snowmobile and snowcoach travel will resume on December 15. This gives visitors unique opportunities to explore the winter wonderland of Yellowstone.

Year-Round Access

While most roads close, a few remain open year-round. The route 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), allows access even during winter. Moreover, “all communities near Yellowstone are open year-round, with local businesses offering a wide range of fall and winter recreation opportunities,” according to the NPS.

Winter Activities in Yellowstone

Travelers planning to explore the park in winter should anticipate potential road closures due to adverse weather. Additionally, temporary travel restrictions or closures may occur without prior notice, highlighting the importance of flexibility in winter plans. Visitors can stay informed by checking the park’s live road map for up-to-date conditions.

Driving around Yellowstone may present some challenges, but the rewards are plentiful. Visitors can enjoy fewer crowds, partake in exhilarating winter activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling, and witness the breathtaking eruption of Old Faithful surrounded by a snowy landscape.

Winter Closures at Other National Parks

Yellowstone isn’t the only national park that implements road closures during the winter months. The Grand Canyon’s North Rim also closed to overnight visitors this month. The NPS indicated that the entrance gate on State Route 67 will close at sunset on November 30 or following the first significant snowstorm, whichever comes first.

Similarly, Glacier National Park closes sections of its famous Going-to-the-Sun Road to vehicles during winter. However, visitors can still enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on this popular route.