Visiting Yellowstone in Winter with my724outdoors.com!
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 Automobiles
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 automobiles 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.
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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 | No | 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 15 | March 15 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Grill | 7 days a week | December 15 | March 15 |
| Lodging | 7 days a week | December 16 | March 6 |
| Cabins | 7 days a week | December 16 | March 6 |
| 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 |
