Yellowstone National Park offers a unique opportunity for winter enthusiasts to explore the park’s stunning landscapes on snowmobile through the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program (N-CGSAP). This program allows groups of up to five snowmobiles to navigate the park’s snow-covered trails without the need for a commercial guide, providing a more personalized and adventurous experience.
Overview of the Yellowstone National Park Snowmobile Permit
The N-CGSAP permit serves as the gateway for individuals and groups to access Yellowstone’s winter wonderland on their own terms. The program allows for groups of up to five snowmobiles to enter the park through one of the four designated entrances (North, South, East, or West) and explore the park’s iconic landmarks and scenic routes.
Application and Fees
The application process for the Yellowstone National Park Snowmobile Permit opens annually on August 1 and closes on August 31. Interested parties can submit their applications through the Recreation.gov platform, which charges a non-refundable $6 application fee. If successful in the lottery, groups will be required to pay a $40 per day, per group recreation fee, as well as the standard park entrance fee for each snowmobile or an annual park pass.
Logistics and Regulations
To ensure a safe and responsible experience, the N-CGSAP program has several logistical requirements and regulations in place. All snowmobile drivers must complete the Yellowstone Snowmobile Education online training and obtain a valid certificate, which is valid for two years. On the day of the trip, groups must check-in at their permitted entrance before 4 p.m. to ensure all permit requirements are met, receive a printed copy of the permit, and undergo a brief orientation by park rangers.
Best Available Technology (BAT) Snowmobiles
One of the key regulations for the Yellowstone National Park Snowmobile Permit is the requirement to use Best Available Technology (BAT) snowmobiles. These snowmobiles must meet strict sound, emission, age, and mileage limits set by the National Park Service. Permit holders can either bring their own BAT-approved snowmobiles or rent them from local companies.
Travel Hours and Overnight Trips
Snowmobile travel within Yellowstone National Park is permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the exception of the East Entrance Road and South Entrance Road, which open at 8:00 a.m. For overnight trips, groups must exit the park by 9:00 p.m. on their last day.
Weather and Closures
It’s important to note that weather conditions in Yellowstone can be extreme, and road closures may occur. The National Park Service does not reschedule or refund permits due to weather or road closures, so it’s essential for permit holders to be prepared for changing conditions and have a flexible itinerary.
Additional Information
To enhance the Yellowstone National Park Snowmobile Permit experience, visitors should be aware of the limited lodging and dining options within the park, as well as the availability of fuel and warming huts throughout the park’s trail system.
Contact Information
For any questions or inquiries regarding the Yellowstone National Park Snowmobile Permit and the N-CGSAP program, visitors can contact the program manager at (307) 344-2165 or reach out to Recreation.gov at (877) 444-6777.
References
- National Park Service. (2024). Snowmobile Access Program Logistics – Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ncgsap-logistics.htm
- Recreation.gov. (n.d.). Yellowstone Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access. Retrieved from https://www.recreation.gov/permits/250849
- National Park Service. (2024). Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ncgsap.htm.