Current Conditions

 

 

The below information is for reference only. We will continue to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance and adjust operations as needed.

Important Safety Notice

Effective February 5, 2021, individuals over the age of two years must wear masks, except when actively eating or drinking, in the following locations:

1. All common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, rented or leased by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.
2. Outdoor areas where physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained.

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.

Exceptions: CDC guidance recognizes that masks should not be worn by anyone whom has trouble breathing. Wearing masks may be difficult for some people with sensory, cognitive, or behavioral issues. If a visitor is unable to wear a mask properly or cannot tolerate a mask, they should not wear one and may be asked to leave any location where masks are required to be worn. Visitors may be asked to lower their masks briefly for identification purposes in compliance with safety and security requirements.

Roads and Construction

Most roads, except the road from the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance, are closed for the season to automobile traffic. For current road status, check the map above or call [phone] for recorded information. 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. Construction has started on a new entrance station at the North Entrance. Expect delays. Anticipated project completion: Late summer 2021.

Eating and Sleeping

Services are limited. The Mammoth General Store is open year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Please check out the Operating Hours page what other services are available in the Mammoth Hot Springs area.

The nearby attractions page provides links to services in surrounding communities.

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.

Fire

Wildland fire danger is LOW. There are no backcountry fire restrictions. See the current fire activity page for more information.

Weather

The weather in Yellowstone can change quickly, especially during the fall. Check the weather page for more information and the webcams to observe current weather conditions.

 

Yellowstone Live Weather Display Check out 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.

Swim and Soak

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

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.

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.

 

NPS Yellowstone App Free digital guide to the park