The only road generally open year-round to automobiles is from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana through the park to Cooke City, Montana (via Tower Junction). Most park roads are closed to regular vehicles from early November to late-April, and are open to limited oversnow travel (snowmobiles and snowcoaches) from mid-December to mid-March. When open, roads are not gated at night and people may enter/exit the park 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Road & Entrance StatusFor up-to-date information, check out the live road status map (above), call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information, or sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting 82190 to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). Before traveling, it's also a good idea to:
2023-2024 Road Opening & Closing Dates (Projected)Click on the arrows below to expand the selection and find out projected road dates. All dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Roads will open to regular vehicles on the listed dates (conditions permitting) at 8 a.m. Roads will close to regular vehicles on the listed dates at 9 p.m. ![]() Open year-round: North Entrance to Northeast Entrance ![]() Roads will open to oversnow travel by snowmobile and snowcoach on the listed dates (conditions permitting) at 8 a.m. Roads will close to oversnow travel by snowmobile and snowcoach on the listed dates at 9 p.m. Open year-round: North Entrance to Northeast Entrance Traffic DelaysIt's important to be aware of all planned road improvement projects, as they can cause major traffic delays throughout the park. Drive slowly through construction zones and be alert to workers, heavy equipment, wildlife, and other hazards. There will be four major road improvement projects in Yellowstone in 2023 that will cause major delays: Location: Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb Location: Near Tower Junction along the Northeast Entrance Road Location: East of Tower Junction between Lamar Canyon and the Northeast Entrance Location: Nearly 10 miles north of the South Entrance on the South Entrance Road Additionally, chip sealing occurs every summer and preserves Yellowstone's roads. Check the park's live road map (above) to see where chip sealing is scheduled to occur and plan for delays of up to 30 minutes. Drive slowly and maintain the recommended speed limit on chip seal pavement to reduce the risk of loose gravel damaging cars or windshields. ![]() Roads Outside the Northeast EntranceAfter initial opening, weather causes occasional closures. Please check locally or at WY DOT and MT DOT before traveling. Beartooth Highway US-212, Cooke City to Red Lodge, Montana
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway WY-296, Cooke City, Montana, to Cody, Wyoming, or Laurel, Montana
![]() Directions & TransportationLearn how to get here, check the status of roads, and view park maps. ![]() Grand Teton Road InformationCheck road conditions and construction updates around Grand Teton National Park. ![]() MapsFind your way with an official park map. ![]() GPS CoordinatesMake sure your navigation system is sending you to the correct location. |
Last updated: March 16, 2023