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Important Safety Notice

The National Park Service follows CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Check locally and in the park apps for updates and changes in park operations. Thank you for helping to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.

Consistent with CDC guidance, visitors to Yellowstone National Park, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels, are required to wear a mask in crowded outdoor spaces and indoors, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants. Masks are required for everyone on all forms of public and commercial transportation.

Practice physical distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet (2 m) of distance between you and others.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you feel sick, do not visit the park.

 

Travel

Road Status

The park roads page lists current status, seasonal road opening/closing dates, as well as construction projects. The webcams provide a live look at traffic approaching the north and west entrances.

 

Road Closures

• Most park roads are closed for the season in order to prepare for the winter season and snowmobile and snowcoach travel, which will begin Wednesday, December 15. The only exception is the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the northeast entrance, which is open to regular traffic all year (the road is closed east of Cooke City, Montana).
• The Beartooth Highway (US-212) between the Long Lake barricade, near the Top of the World store, and the Montana/Wyoming state line is closed for the season.

 

Environmental Conditions

Weather

The weather in Yellowstone can change quickly, especially during the winter. Temperatures range from zero to 20°F (-20°C to -5°C) throughout the day. Sub-zero temperatures are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. The record low temperature is -66°F (-54°C). Check the weather page for more information and the webcams to observe current weather conditions.

Snow

The Natural Resource Conservation Service offers an interactive map that displays current data on snow depth, snow water equivalent, and more from SNOTEL stations in and around Yellowstone. Avalanche forecasts and other winter safety information are available from the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center and the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center.

 

Yellowstone Live Weather Display Check out current weather conditions

 

Wildlife

Never approach animals or block traffic to view them. The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. Read more about safety in bear country.

 

Enjoy watching Yellowstone's animals but STAY SAFE. They are WILD and DANGEROUS. Know your distance.

 

Wildland Fire

Wildland fire danger: LOW

See the current fire activity page for more information.

 

Activities

Swim and Soak

Boiling River: Closed until further notice
Firehole Swim Area: Closed until further notice
Park waters are swift and cold, so use caution around all rivers and streams. Read more about swimming and soaking in Yellowstone.

Eating and Sleeping

Most park lodging and camping is reserved and full. If you don't already have a reservation, you are extremely unlikely to find overnight accommodations in the park or nearby. No camping or overnight vehicle parking is allowed in pullouts, parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated campground.

Please check out the Operating Hours page for what services are available in the park.

Fishing

The fishing season runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (usually the last weekend in May) and extends through the first Sunday in November.

Hiking Trails and Backcountry Campsites

Check the backcountry situation report or call the Backcountry Office at 307-344-2160 for trail and campsite conditions. Stream levels have risen in some areas with the recent rain and snow. Use caution when crossing streams.

 

NPS Yellowstone App Free digital guide to the park