Flood Recovery and Operations

 

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• Operating Hours
• Park Reopening Flyer
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Beginning June 12, 2022, unprecedented amounts of rainfall caused substantial flooding, rockslides, and mudslides within Yellowstone National Park. Historic water levels caused severe damage to roads, water and wastewater systems, power lines, and other critical park infrastructure.

Less than three weeks after this major flood event, the south and north loops of the park opened to the visiting public, accounting for 93 percent of the roadways in Yellowstone National Park. The Alternating License Plate System (ALPS) which was implemented on June 22, 2022 was suspended on July 2.

Please visit Operating Hours and Seasons for the most up-to-date information on opening dates and operations.

 

Flood Recovery & Operations FAQs

   What damage was initially caused by flooding, rockslides, and mudslides?

Park Roads

• North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to Mammoth Hot Springs: road washed away in multiple places, significant rockslide at Gardner Canyon.
• Tower Junction to Northeast Entrance: segment of road washed away near Soda Butte Picnic Area, mudslides, downed trees.
• Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass): mudslide on road.
• Canyon Junction to Fishing Bridge: segment of road just south of Canyon Junction potentially compromised and closed for evaluation.
• Crews evaluated multiple bridges across the park.

Power Outages

• Power outages sustained in multiple locations in the park.

Water Systems

• Water and wastewater systems at Canyon Village and Mammoth Hot Springs were impacted by flooding conditions. 

View photos of the flood damage.

   When will the north and northeast park entrances reopen?

The North Entrance Road (Gardiner, Montana to Mammoth Hot Springs) and Northeast Entrance Road (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana to Tower-Roosevelt) remain closed to visitor vehicular traffic while temporary repairs are completed. Visitors may access the park on foot through these entrances in order to recreate (fish and hike) in areas not identified as closed. The park will evaluate authorizing bicycle use through these entrances up to damaged road sections in the near future.

Reconnecting the park to Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate remains Yellowstone's highest flood recovery priority. These communities are open with access to the park as described above.

   What should I do about in-park lodging/camping reservations impacted by the closure?

Backcountry campsites or Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, and Slough Creek Campgrounds:

If your reservation was impacted, you're encouraged to re-book at one of the campgrounds that are currently open. Otherwise, Yellowstone National Park staff will reach out to you soon about reservation cancelations and refunds.