Is Yellowstone park open in winter?

When most people picture Yellowstone National Park, they imagine summer crowds, steaming geysers under blue skies, and wildlife roaming green meadows. But what many don’t realize is that Yellowstone is open in winter, and it transforms into a magical landscape of snow-draped forests, frozen waterfalls, and dramatic geothermal contrasts. For adventurous travelers, winter offers a quieter, more intimate Yellowstone experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Yellowstone in winter — what's open, how to get around, where to stay, and what unforgettable experiences await you in this icy wonderland.

❄️ Is Yellowstone Open in Winter?

Yes, Yellowstone National Park is open year-round, including during the winter months. However, access is limited compared to the summer. Most roads are closed to regular vehicle traffic due to heavy snowfall, but the park remains accessible via specialized winter travel options.

The winter season in Yellowstone generally begins in mid-December and lasts until mid-March.

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

🚗 Winter Access: How to Enter the Park

During winter, only one road remains open to wheeled vehicles:

◉ North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) to Northeast Entrance (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana) via Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.

This route is maintained year-round and is ideal for wildlife watching. The rest of the park, including popular destinations like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, is accessible only by commercially guided snowmobiles or snowcoaches from the West, South, and East Entrances.

❄️ Snowmobile & Snowcoach Access:

◉ West Yellowstone, MT: Snowcoach & snowmobile tours into the heart of the park.

◉ South Entrance (via Jackson, WY): Snowcoach tours to Old Faithful and beyond.

◉ East Entrance (via Cody, WY): Snowcoach access (more limited and subject to conditions).

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

🏨 Lodging: Where Can You Stay in Winter?

Yellowstone has very limited winter lodging inside the park, but it’s cozy, scenic, and books up fast.

Inside the Park:

◉ Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins: Open from mid-December to early March. Offers comfortable heated rooms and direct access to skiing and geyser viewing.

◉ Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Open during winter; accessible by car via the North Entrance.

Outside the Park:

◉ Gardiner, MT and Cooke City, MT are ideal for road access.

◉ West Yellowstone offers lodging and is the launch point for snow tours.

🐾 What Can You Do in Yellowstone in Winter?

Despite the snow and cold, winter in Yellowstone offers some of the most unique experiences you’ll find in any national park.

1. Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley

Winter is one of the best times to see Yellowstone’s wildlife. Bison, elk, and coyotes are commonly seen, but the real prize is spotting wolves. The Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America,” is the most accessible and rewarding location for winter wildlife viewing.

2. See Geysers in a Winter Wonderland

Imagine Old Faithful erupting into the crisp air, surrounded by steaming vents and snow-covered pines. Snowcoach tours take you to major geothermal areas, including:

◉ Old Faithful

◉ Midway Geyser Basin

◉ Fountain Paint Pot

◉ Firehole River Drive

3. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Yellowstone offers miles of groomed and ungroomed trails, ranging from easy loops near Mammoth to backcountry adventures. Equipment rentals and ranger-led programs are available.

4. Photography and Solitude

With fewer crowds and stunning light conditions, winter is paradise for photographers. Snow blankets the landscape, bison wear frosty coats, and geothermal features become even more photogenic against the stark white backdrop.

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

🧭 Tips for Visiting Yellowstone in Winter

◉ Dress in Layers: Temperatures can dip below zero. Waterproof outerwear, insulated boots, hats, and gloves are essential.

◉ Book Early: Lodging and guided tours fill up quickly.

◉ Stay Flexible: Weather can cause sudden changes in access. Always check the Yellowstone road status page before your trip.

◉ Go with a Guide: Snowmobiles and snowcoaches are required in many areas. Going with a certified guide enhances safety and enjoyment.

🏞️ Why Visit Yellowstone in Winter?

While summer is beautiful and bustling, winter in Yellowstone offers something rare: silence, serenity, and spectacle. You’ll trade traffic jams for peaceful landscapes, crowds for solitude, and selfies for soul-stirring scenes of raw wilderness.

For photographers, skiers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a different kind of national park experience, Yellowstone in winter is unforgettable.

📅 Quick Summary: Winter in Yellowstone

Feature	Winter Status
Park Open	✅ Yes
North-Northeast Road (Gardiner to Cooke City)	✅ Open year-round
Other Roads	❌ Closed to cars; open to snowcoaches/snowmobiles
Lodging	✅ Limited (Mammoth & Old Faithful only)
Activities	✅ Wildlife watching, skiing, snowshoeing, geyser tours
Best Time	Mid-Dec to Early March

 

Ready to experience Yellowstone’s wild winter beauty? Pack your warmest layers and your sense of adventure — the park awaits, blanketed in snow and silence.