News Release

UPDATE: Yellowstone National Park entrances and roads scheduled for opening April 17 delayed due to winter storm

Grand Loop Road headed northbound from Madison Junction

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

News Release Date: April 16, 2026

Contact: Yellowstone Public Affairs, [phone]

Yellowstone entrances and roads scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Friday, April 17 will instead open at noon due to a significant winter storm with heavy snow, low temperatures and strong winds. 

The park received up to 12 inches of heavy, wet snow in certain areas, and more snow is forecast tonight with temperatures dropping to 10 F, creating hazardous driving conditions to include deep, wet snow, ice and poor visibility. Additionally, NorthWestern Energy crews are currently working to restore full power to Canyon Village and Old Faithful due to weather-related outages. Park crews will continue plowing roads through tonight and will assess conditions in the morning. 

This delay does not affect the road from the North Entrance in Gardiner to the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City, Montana, which remains open. Expect winter driving conditions. 

Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans. 

Road sections expected to open at noon April 17: 

• West Entrance to Old Faithful 
• West Entrance to Canyon 
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris 

Stay informed about road conditions and delays in Yellowstone:  

• Visit Park Roads. 
• Call [phone] for recorded information. 
• Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting "82190" to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

 

---

Date of release: April 8, 2026

Select Yellowstone National Park entrances and roads open to public April 17

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, select entrances and roads in Yellowstone National Park will open for the summer season, weather permitting, as part of the annual spring opening.
 
Entrances Open on April 17
 

• North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)
• West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana)

From either entrance, visitors may access the following destinations:
 

• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Lamar Valley
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Old Faithful
• Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana)

Additional roads within the park will open throughout May, weather permitting. Specific routes and directions can be found at Park Roads.

Plan Ahead

• Check the park’s Current Conditions before arrival.
• Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for winter conditions. Many trails and boardwalks are still snow covered this time of year.
• Expect limited services in spring and come prepared. Visit Operating Dates for area-specific information.
• Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans.
• Expect delays of up to 30 minutes due to road improvement projects.
• Stay informed about road conditions and delays in Yellowstone:
• Visit Park Roads.
• Call [phone] for recorded information.
• Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting "82190" to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
• Reduce wait times at park entrances by purchasing a pass online ahead of time.
• For additional details, visit the park website or download the National Park Service App.  

During Your Visit and Wildlife Safety

• Use caution when driving and watch for ice, snow and gravel on road surfaces.
• Bison, elk, bears and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Roadside snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the roads. Do not crowd, harass or push wildlife. Be mindful as wildlife endure this difficult time of the year.
• Stay at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars and 25 yards from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.
• Protect yourself and bears. Stay alert, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

nps.gov

About the National Park Service. The National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

More Information

• 

  Safety Tips

  Keep these safety tips in mind while venturing in the park!

• 

  Current Conditions

  Spring is here in Yellowstone, but that doesn’t mean you should pack your shorts and t-shirts just yet!

• 

  Park Roads

  What roads are open in Yellowstone? Will there be any traffic delays during my trip? Find the answers before coming to the park.

• 

  Spring Operating Hours & Services

  Visiting Yellowstone during spring means limited facilities and services in the park! Learn about what's open and closed this time of year.

• 

  Plan Your Visit

  Yellowstone changes with the seasons—make the most of your visit! Plan ahead to keep your trip safe, fun, and unforgettable.