Yellowstone National Park is a vast and diverse wilderness that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of nature. Whether you’re planning a winter adventure or a summer getaway, it’s essential to understand the park’s seasonal operating hours and facility availability. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details of Yellowstone National Park’s dates and hours, ensuring you can make the most of your visit.
Seasonal Facility Availability
Winter (December to March)
- Many facilities, including visitors’ centers, campgrounds, and lodges, are closed or operate on reduced hours.
- Some roads and trails are closed due to snow, and cars are prohibited; visitors must use snowshoes, skis, or snowmobiles to access certain areas.
Spring (April to May)
- Facilities begin to open on a staggered schedule, with some opening in late April and early May.
Summer (June to August)
- Most facilities are open, including visitors’ centers, campgrounds, and lodges.
- Peak tourist season, with longer hours for facilities and services.
Fall (September to November)
- Facilities start to close, with some closing in September and October.
Yellowstone National Park Facility Operating Dates
Visitors’ Centers
- Albright Visitor Center: Open year-round.
- West Yellowstone Information Station: Open year-round.
- Old Faithful Visitor Education Center: Open from mid-April to October and from December to March.
- Canyon Visitor Education Center: Open from mid-April to October.
- Fishing Bridge Visitor Center: Open from May to October.
- Grant Visitor Center: Open from May to October.
- Madison Information Station: Open from June to September.
- West Thumb Information Station: Open from May to October.
- The National Park Ranger Museum: Open from May to September.
- Norris Geyser Basin Museum: Open from May to October.
Lodges
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins: Open from May 10 to October 6.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: Open from April 26 to October 14.
- Old Faithful Inn: Open from May 3 to October 14.
Hours of Operation
Visitors’ Centers
- Generally open from 9 am to 6 pm, with some opening at 8 am and closing at 3 pm.
Park Entrances
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, when seasonally open.
Holidays and Closures
Holidays
- New Year’s Day
- MLK Jr.’s Birthday
- Washington’s Birthday
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Closures
- Some facilities may have shorter hours or be closed entirely on holidays.
Additional Information
Park Information
- Available on bulletin boards at visitor centers and through the NPS Yellowstone app.
Fees and Passes
- Information available on the park’s website.
Permits and Reservations
- Review what you need a permit for and avoid surprises.
Weather
- Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and lightning.
References
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The Lover’s Passport. (2023). Yellowstone: Opening and Closing Dates, Seasons & Hours. Retrieved from https://theloverspassport.com/yellowstone-opening-closing-dates/
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Yellowstone National Park Lodges. (n.d.). Opening & Closing Dates. Retrieved from https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/plan/opening-and-closing-dates/
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National Park Service. (n.d.). Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
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National Park Service. (n.d.). Operating Dates – Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/operating-dates.htm
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National Park Service. (n.d.). Basic Information – Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm