Park Roads

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Yellowstone has five entrance stations, the North Entrance, Northeast Entrance, East Entrance, South Entrance and the West Entrance. 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 late-April (see dates below) when the park switches to oversnow travel (snowmobiles and snowcoaches). The only road open year-round to automobiles 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 May. All dates listed below are subject to change depending on weather and budgetary restrictions.

The map below shows the status of park roads and road construction. Click on a road segment or colored icon for more detailed information. Conditions in Yellowstone can change quickly, especially during spring and fall. Updates to this map may be delayed, so check back often. Short-term road closures and delays may not be shown on this map.

 

 

Current Road Status

• Park roads closed to automobiles during the winter will begin reopening April 16, 2021. The road from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana through the park to Cooke City, Montana is open year-round.
• For up-to-date information consult the map above, call [phone] 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). Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions.
• Open roads 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. Construction has started on a new entrance station at the North Entrance. Expect delays and traffic pattern changes.
• Check road conditions in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Grand Teton National Park before traveling.
• Beartooth Highway is closed for the season and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WY-296) is open. The segment of the Beartooth Highway (US-212) between Cooke City and Pilot Creek is not maintained. Travel at your own risk after November 2. Check WY DOT and MT DOT before traveling.
• An autonomous vehicle will be in operation around Canyon Village during part of the summer season.
• Be aware of construction traffic moving along the Norris to Canyon road.

 

Road Closures

For 2021, the following part of the Grand Loop Road will be closed. Additionally, there will be no trail access to Mount Washburn.

• Tower–Roosevelt to Canyon Village

 

Road Construction Projects

Expect delays and/or traffic pattern changes in these locations.

• North Entrance
• Entrance/Exit to Old Faithful area
• South of Mud Volcano

For details, go to 2021 Road Construction Projects.

 

2021 Spring Opening Dates

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

• April 16: West Entrance to Madison Junction, Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful, Norris to Canyon Village.
• May 7: East Entrance to Lake Village (Sylvan Pass), Canyon Village to Lake Village.
• May 14: South Entrance to West Thumb, Lake Village to West Thumb, West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass).
• May 28: Beartooth Highway

2021 Fall Closing Dates

Roads will close to regular (public) vehicles on the following dates.

• October 12: Beartooth Highway (US 212 to Red Lodge, Montana).
• November 8: All roads close at 8 am except the road between the North Entrance and the Northeast Entrance.

2021-2022 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, East Entrance to Lake Butte Overlook (Sylvan Pass).

2022 Winter 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.
• March 6: Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris.
• March 8: Norris to Madison and Norris to Canyon Village.
• March 13: Canyon Village to Fishing Bridge.
• March 15: All remaining groomed roads close.