Yes, Yellowstone National Park has specific hours and operating dates for its facilities and entrances. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or a winter adventure, it’s essential to understand the park’s hours and accessibility to make the most of your visit.
Park Entrance Hours
Yellowstone National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round through the North and Northeast entrances. However, other entrances have seasonal hours:
| Entrance | Wheeled Vehicle Access | Oversnow Vehicle Access |
|---|---|---|
| East Entrance | First Friday in May to First Sunday in November | December 22 to March 1st |
| South Entrance | Second Friday in May to First Sunday in November | December 15th to March 15th |
| West Entrance | Third Friday in April to First Sunday in November | December 15th to March 15th |
Visitor Centers and Facilities
Visitor centers in Yellowstone National Park generally operate from 9 am to 6 pm, with some opening as early as 8 am and closing as early as 3 pm. However, it’s important to note that many visitor centers and facilities are closed during the off-season (winter).
Some year-round facilities include the Albright Visitor Center and the West Yellowstone Information Station, which remain open throughout the year.
Campgrounds and Lodges
Yellowstone’s campgrounds have varying opening and closing dates, with Mammoth Campground being the only one open year-round. Other campgrounds are typically open from May/June to September/October.
As for lodges, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are the only two that remain open during the winter season, from mid-December to early-March.
Fees and Passes
Yellowstone National Park has entrance fees that vary based on the type of vehicle, number of passengers, and the type of park pass. A park pass is valid for seven days and can be used for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Important Dates and Closures
It’s important to be aware of the park’s seasonal closures and maintenance schedules. The park typically closes to motorized traffic in the spring for maintenance and snow removal, and some roads and facilities are closed during the winter season due to snow and maintenance.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or need more information about Yellowstone National Park’s hours and operations, you can contact the park’s information line at 307-344-7381 or the camping and lodging reservations line at 1-866-GEYSERLAND.