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Park Roads

Heavy Traffic Expected for Eclipse

Park roads and facilities may be overwhelmed by a large influx of people coming to this area to see the eclipse (which will be partially visible in Yellowstone). Expect heavy traffic and congestion on park roads, especially around the South Entrance.

We'll do our best to keep the map below updated during this busy time.

 

The map below shows the status of park roads and road construction (which occurs every year when weather allows). Click on a road segment or colored icon for more detailed information.

Yellowstone has five entrance stations. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use. Most park roads are closed to regular vehicles from early November to mid-April (see dates below) when the park switches to oversnow travel (snowmobiles and snowcoaches). The only road open year-round is from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through the park to Cooke City, Montana (via Tower Junction). Travel east of Cooke City (via the Beartooth Highway) is not possible from late fall to late spring. All dates listed below are subject to change depending on weather and budgetary restrictions.

Conditions in Yellowstone can change quickly, especially during spring and fall. Updates to this map may be delayed, so check back often. Temporary road closures and delays are always possible and may not be shown on this map.

 

Yellowstone Live - Roads

Yellowstone Road Status Map

 

Current Road Status

• All park roads are open for the season. However, roads may close temporarily due to inclement weather and other reasons. Consult map above or call [phone] for up-to-date information.
• Once roads are open for the season, they are not gated at night: people may enter/exit the park 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Check our webcams to see current traffic conditions at the North and West entrances.
• Check road conditions in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Grand Teton National Park before traveling.
• Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (US-296): open for the season.
• Beartooth Highway (US-212): open for the season. Nightly closures from 8 pm to 8 am Sunday evening through Friday morning (no closures Friday & Saturday nights). Additional closures may occur due to weather.

2017 Construction

• Norris to Mammoth: expect 30-minute delays between Roaring Mountain and the Indian Creek Campground beginning April 21, 2017. Between June 11 and September 10, this section of road will be closed nightly from 10 pm to 7 am (excluding Saturday nights)
  • From September 10 (10 pm) to October 6 (7 am), this section of road will be closed to all traffic (day and night). During the closures, people will be able to detour over Dunraven Pass (between Tower Fall and Canyon). Norris and Indian Creek campgrounds will remain open during the season.
• During the month of August, expect travel delays between the South Entrance and West Thumb as crews repair and seal the road.
• Canyon Area: some destinations are unavailable as part of the Canyon Overlooks and Trails Restoration Project.

 

2017 Fall Closing Dates

• October 10: Tower Fall to Canyon (Dunraven Pass), Beartooth Highway (US 212 to Red Lodge, Montana).
• November 6: All roads close at 8 am except the road between the North Entrance and the Northeast Entrance.

2017-2018 Winter Opening Dates

Conditions permitting, roads will open to oversnow travel by snowmobile and snowcoach at 8 am on the following dates:

• December 15: West Entrance to Old Faithful, Mammoth to Old Faithful, Canyon to Norris, Canyon to Lake, Old Faithful to West Thumb, South Entrance to Lake, Lake to Lake Butte Overlook.
• December 22: East Entrance to Lake Butte Overlook (Sylvan Pass)

2018 Spring (Oversnow) Closing Dates

Roads will close to oversnow travel by snowmobile and snowcoach at 9 pm on the following dates:

• March 1: East Entrance to Lake Butte Overlook (Sylvan Pass).
• March 4: Mammoth to Norris.
• March 6: Norris to Madison, Norris to Canyon.
• March 11: Canyon to Fishing Bridge.
• March 15: All remaining groomed roads close.

2018 Spring Opening Dates

Conditions permitting, roads will open at 8:00 am on the following dates:

• April 20: West Entrance to Madison, Mammoth to Old Faithful, Norris to Canyon.
• May 4: East Entrance to Lake (Sylvan Pass), Canyon Junction to Lake.
• May 11: South Entrance to West Thumb, Lake to West Thumb, West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass), Tower Junction to Tower Fall.
• May 25: Tower Fall to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass)
• May 25: Beartooth Highway