Explore in Winter

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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 most park roads close, rivers and lakes freeze, and winter storms blanket the park with fluffy, white snow.

Top Things to Know in Winter

1. Most Park Roads Closed to Wheeled Vehicles

Check our road status map before you leave.

• Roads are open to limited snowmobile and snowcoach travel from mid-December to mid-March.
• The only exception is the road between the North and the Northeast entrances, which is open to wheeled vehicles all year.
• Drive cautiously and watch out for snow plows. Do not stop, stand, or walk in the road. Use a pullout if you need to stop for any reason.

2. Want to See Old Faithful?

Park partners and concessioners offer a variety of guided trips throughout the park during the winter months. Authorized businesses also offer guided tours for a variety of activities.

3. Services are Limited

Most facilities are closed during winter. Check winter operating hours for visitor centers, stores, restaurants, campgrounds, lodges, and warming huts.

4. Camping and Lodging

Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hotel are open during winter. Make reservations as far in advance as possible. Lodging is also available in nearby communities.

The only campground in the park open year-round is in Mammoth Hot Springs, located 5 miles south of the park's North Entrance.

5. Prepare for Winter Conditions

Winter temperatures range from zero to 20°F (-20°C to -5°C) throughout the day. Sub-zero temperatures are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. Check the current weather conditions, pack proper clothing and equipment, and review winter safety tips!

6. Do Not Approach or Feed Wildlife

Animals always have the right of way. Expect to encounter bison and other wildlife on park roads. Slow down or pull over until they pass or move off the road.

7. Stay on Boardwalks

People have been severely injured or killed by breaking through the thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs. Snow-packed boardwalks can be slippery, especially near thermal areas. Wear traction aids over your shoes or boots.

8. Protect Yourself and Others

Consistent with CDC guidance, visitors to Yellowstone National Park, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels, are required to wear a mask indoors, on snowcoach and road-based tours, and in crowded outdoor spaces.

9. Enhance Your Experience

Download the free National Park Service app (and offline content) before you arrive.

10. Connectivity is Limited

You will likely not receive calls or texts, even in the few areas you have cell reception.

 

2021–2022 Winter Facilities and Services

All opening and closing dates are subject to change based on future conditions, staffing levels, or public health guidance.

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

 

Warming Huts

Shelter for skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.

Warming Hut	Staff	Food	Water	Restroom	Hours	First Day	Last Day
Canyon Visitor Education Center Lobby	No	Yes1	Yes	Yes	9 am–3 pm	December 15	March 13
Fishing Bridge	No	No	No	Yes	24 hours	December 15	March 15
Indian Creek	No	No	No	Yes	24 hours	December 15	March 6
Madison	No	Yes1,2	Yes	Yes	24 hours	December 15	March 15
Mammoth Hot Springs3	No	Yes1	No	No	Daylight hours	December 16	March 6
Old Faithful Yurts	No	No	No	Yes	Daylight hours	December 15	March 15
West Thumb	No	No	No	Yes	24 hours	December 15	March 15

¹ - Vending machine snacks available 24 hours a day
² - Light snacks and hot drinks sold during the day
³ - Snowmobile fuel available

 

Canyon

Facility	Hours	First Day	Last Day
Canyon Yurt Camp	7 days a week	December 15	March 6
Canyon Service Station (Credit card fueling for snowmobiles available 24 hours)
Fishing Bridge Service Station (Credit card fueling for snowmobiles available 24 hours)

 

Mammoth Hot Springs to the Northeast Entrance

This is the only part of the park open to wheeled vehicles. The road is open up to Cooke City, Montana, after which the road is closed (no through-traffic to Red Lodge, Montana or Cody, Wyoming). Services are very limited between Mammoth Hot Springs and Cooke City, Montana.

Facility	Hours	First Day	Last Day
Albright Visitor Center	7 days a week	Year-round1
Mammoth Campground	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	7 days a week	Year-round2
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
Dining Room	7 days a week	December 15	March 6
Gift Shop	7 days a week	December 15	March 6
Lodging	7 days a week	December 15	March 6
Map Room Barista/Bar	6:30 am–2 pm	December 15	March 6
Ski Shop	7 days a week	December 15	March 6
Mammoth Service Station (credit card fueling available 24 hours)
Post Office	7 days a week	Year-round
Tower-Roosevelt Emergency Phone (Between service station and restrooms)
Tower-Roosevelt Service Station (credit card fueling available 24 hours)

¹ - Closed Thanksgiving
² - Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

 

Old Faithful

Facility	Hours	First Day	Last Day
Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Old Faithful Bear Den Gift Shop	7 days a week	December 16	March 5
Old Faithful Geyser Grill	7 days a week	December 15	March 15
Lodging	7 days a week	December 16	March 5
Cabins	7 days a week	December 16	March 5
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center	7 days a week	December 15	March 15
Old Faithful Service Station (Credit card fueling for snowmobiles available 24 hours)
Grant Service Station (Credit card fueling for snowmobiles available 24 hours)

 

West Yellowstone

Facility	Hours	First Day	Last Day
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center
Chamber of Commerce	8 am–5 pm (Weekdays)	Year-round
NPS Desk	8 am–4 pm (Weekdays)	TBD