Is Yellowstone covered in snow?

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its geysers, wildlife, and jaw-dropping scenery—but many people are surprised to learn just how snowy it gets. So, is Yellowstone covered in snow? The answer is a resounding yes—for nearly half the year, large parts of the park are blanketed in deep snow, creating a winter wonderland that transforms the landscape and the way people experience this iconic national park.

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

A Park Shaped by Snow

Yellowstone sits at high elevation—ranging from around 5,300 feet (1,615 m) in the north to over 11,000 feet (3,350 m) in the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges. This elevation, combined with its location in the northern Rockies, gives the park a long and snowy winter season.

Snow typically begins falling in October or November, and many areas remain covered through April or even early May. At higher elevations, snow can linger into June. The result is a dramatic seasonal shift: where summer brings wildflowers and open meadows, winter blankets the same terrain in a thick, unbroken layer of white.

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

How Much Snow Falls in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone receives an average of 150 to over 200 inches (12–17 feet) of snow each year, though the amount varies by location:

◉ Mammoth Hot Springs (lower elevation, north entrance): around 60–90 inches annually.

◉ Old Faithful and the Central Plateau: around 150–200 inches annually.

◉ Mountainous areas like the Absarokas or Pitchstone Plateau: can exceed 300 inches in particularly snowy years.

This snow doesn’t melt quickly either—Yellowstone's cold temperatures help preserve the snowpack, leading to deeply layered snowbanks along roads, trails, and in the forested backcountry.

What Parts of Yellowstone Are Covered in Snow?

During winter, nearly all of Yellowstone is covered in snow except for roads plowed between Gardiner, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Cooke City. This 50-mile stretch is the park’s only road kept open year-round to vehicles.

The rest of the park—including famous destinations like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Norris Geyser Basin—can only be reached in winter by oversnow travel, such as snowmobiles or snowcoaches operated by authorized tour companies.

Trails and boardwalks become snow-covered and icy, though many are still accessible for skiing and snowshoeing. Forested hills, wide-open valleys, geothermal areas, and riverbanks are all shrouded in snow, with thermal features steaming and bubbling through the frost-covered landscape.

Snow and Wildlife

While snow limits human movement in Yellowstone, it enhances wildlife viewing opportunities. Animals leave tracks in the snow, and their dark bodies stand out against the white background. Bison plow through snowdrifts with their heads, wolves patrol valleys like Lamar and Hayden, and foxes dive nose-first into the snow to catch mice and voles. Snow actually makes it easier to see these elusive creatures, especially against the stark winter terrain.

Snow and Yellowstone’s Unique Geology

One of the most surreal sights in the park is the contrast between steaming thermal features and the surrounding snow. Hot springs don’t freeze, and their vivid colors glow even more brightly surrounded by frost. Snow-covered geysers like Old Faithful erupt into cold air, creating columns of ice crystals and shimmering steam clouds. Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, rimmed with snow and ice, take on an ethereal quality in winter.

Geysers in Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Is Yellowstone Always Covered in Snow?

No—but snow coverage is extensive and long-lasting. By late May and June, most low-elevation areas begin to thaw. Trails become accessible again, wildflowers bloom, and animals begin migrating to higher elevations. However, some high-altitude passes and trails can remain snow-covered until mid or late summer. By mid-July, the park is largely snow-free—until the first flakes begin falling again in early autumn.

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Visiting Yellowstone in the Snow

If you're wondering whether you can visit Yellowstone when it’s snow-covered, the answer is yes—with preparation. Winter access is limited and requires planning:

◉ Drive-in access is limited to the North Entrance (Gardiner) to Cooke City.

◉ Snowcoach and snowmobile tours are available for exploring deeper into the park.

◉ Activities like wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and photography are popular.

◉ Winter lodging is available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge (both open seasonally).

Visitors should dress in layers, prepare for sub-zero temperatures, and bring snow gear appropriate for the backcountry or ranger-led outings.

Conclusion

Yes—Yellowstone is definitely covered in snow for a large portion of the year, and that snow is more than just a weather event—it’s part of the park’s character. From serene snowy valleys and frozen waterfalls to geysers erupting into icy skies and wolves trailing across open plains, snow transforms Yellowstone into a land of stark beauty and solitude. Whether you're planning a winter safari or just curious about Yellowstone’s seasons, the snow-covered months offer an unforgettable side of America’s first national park.