Explore in Winter

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1 minute, 13 seconds

Yellowstone offers lots of different ways to enjoy winter. Learn more and start planning your next winter adventure right here!

 

Winter in Yellowstone means fewer crowds, frigid temperatures, and steaming geyser basins. Skis, snowshoes, snowcoaches, and snowmobiles become the primary modes of transportation as roads close, rivers and lakes freeze, and winter storms blanket the park with fluffy, white snow.

Restricted vehicle access and limited services make winter visits far different than the summer experience. Every year in early November, most park roads close to regular traffic to prepare for the winter season. The only exception is the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the northeast entrance, which is open to regular traffic all year. Around mid-December, roads open to limited snowmobile and snowcoach travel. This means the only way to visit Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other popular destinations during winter is by guided snowmobile or snowcoach, or through the non-commercially guided snowmobile access program. Winter travel ends in mid-March, when plowing crews begin clearing a winter’s worth of snow. Roads start re-opening to automobiles in mid-April.

Most stores, restaurants, campgrounds, and lodges are closed during winter. The Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Mammoth Hotel, and Canyon Yurt Camp are open. Some visitor centers and a series of warming huts are opened throughout the park. Ranger-led programs are offered at Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Park partners and other businesses offer a variety of guided activities and trips during winter.

 

2020–2021 Winter Facilities and Services

These are still tentative, and may change as the season approaches. Anything not included in this list is closed during the winter.

Facility	Hours	First Day	Last Day
Albright Visitor Center	9 am–5 pm	Year-round
Canyon Yurt Camp	Open 7 days a week	December 19	March 6
Mammoth Campground	Open 7 days a week	Year-round
Mammoth Clinic 307-344-7965	8:30 am–5 pm (M–Th) 8:30 am–1 pm (F) Closed weekends & holidays	Year-round
Mammoth General Store	Open 7 days a week1	Year-round
Mammoth Hotel, Dining Room & Terrace Grill	Open 7 days a week	December 15	March 1
Mammoth Hotel Gift Shop	Open 7 days a week	December 15	March 1
Mammoth Hotel Map Room Barista/Bar	6:30 am–2 pm	December 15	March 1
Mammoth Ski Shop	Open 7 days a week	December 15	March 1
Old Faithful Bear Den Gift Shop	Open 7 days a week	December 15	March 15
Old Faithful Geyser Grill	Open 7 days a week	December 15	March 15
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins	Open 7 days a week	December 16	February 28
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center	9 am–5 pm	December 15	March 15
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center	8 am–5 pm (Weekdays)	Year-round
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center - NPS Desk	8 am–4 pm (Weekdays)	December 15	March 15

¹ - Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

 

2020–2021 Warming Huts

These are still tentative, and may change as the season approaches. Shelter for skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.

Warming Hut	Staff	Food	Water	Restroom	Hours	First Day	Last Day
Canyon Visitor Education Center Lobby	Yes	Yes1	Yes	Yes	9 am–3 pm	December 15	March 8*
Fishing Bridge	Yes	No	No	Yes	Open 24 hours	December 15	March 15*
Indian Creek	No	No	No	Yes	Open 24 hours	December 15	March 1*
Madison	Yes	Yes1,2	No	Yes	Open 24 hours	December 15	March 15
Mammoth Hot Springs3	Yes	Yes1	No	No	Daylight hours	December 16	March 1*
Old Faithful Yurts	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Daylight hours	December 15	March 15*
West Thumb	Yes	No	No	Yes	Open 24 hours	December 15	March 15*

* - Dates are tentative and subject to change
¹ - Vending machine snacks available 24 hours a day
² - Light snacks and hot drinks sold during the day
³ - Snowmobile fuel available