Yellowstone National Park offers a diverse range of winter activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those seeking a unique and peaceful experience. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling and wildlife watching, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, providing visitors with unforgettable memories.
Explore Yellowstone’s Backcountry
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Venture into Yellowstone’s vast backcountry on foot or by ski, taking in the serene landscapes and wildlife. Numerous trails are available for exploration, and several outfitters nearby offer gear rentals and guided tours.
Snowmobiling: Explore the park’s extensive trail system with an authorized commercial guide or through the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program. Remember to plan ahead, as permit applications are due by the end of August.
Witness the Park’s Winter Wildlife
Wildlife Watching: Observe bison, elk, river otters, and other animals in their natural winter habitats. The park’s reduced visitation during the colder months provides an intimate and less-crowded experience for wildlife observation.
Enjoy Winter Recreational Activities
Ice Skating: Lace up your skates and enjoy ice skating at one of the park’s two rinks, located at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Winter Sightseeing: Embark on guided tours to witness the park’s stunning winter landscapes, including the Firehole Basin and the snow-covered Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Snowcoach Tours: Experience the park’s winter scenery in comfort and warmth on a guided snowcoach tour, available from various entrances and offering a unique perspective on the park’s beauty.
Dog Sledding: Embrace the thrill of dog sledding near Yellowstone, either by captaining a team of sled dogs or watching dog-sledding races.
Ice Fishing: Visit Hebgen Lake, located north of West Yellowstone, for a chance to ice fish and catch trout and gulpers.
Explore the Park’s Attractions
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center: Get up close and personal with grizzly bears and wolves at this center in West Yellowstone.
Sledding: Enjoy sledding with the family at Kids N’ Snow in West Yellowstone, which also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Winter Camping: Camp at Mammoth Campground, the only campground open year-round in the park.
Yellowstone Ranger Programs: Participate in guided snowshoe walks, talks on ecology and geysers, and evening programs led by park rangers.
Tram Ride to Corbets Cabin: Ride the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort aerial tram to Corbets Cabin for waffles and an unbeatable view.
Museums and Casinos: Visit museums like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and the Museum of the Rockies, or enjoy gaming at nearby Indian Reservations.
Getting Around Yellowstone in Winter
Snowcoach Tours: Guided tours that provide a comfortable and informative way to see the park’s winter landscapes.
Snowmobile Rentals: Rent snowmobiles in West Yellowstone and explore the surrounding National Forest trails.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Explore the park’s trails on foot or by ski, using rented gear and guided tours if needed.
Costs and Timings
Snowmobile Tours: Prices vary depending on the outfitter and tour duration, typically ranging from $100 to $200 per person for a half-day tour.
Snowcoach Tours: Prices vary depending on the outfitter and tour duration, typically ranging from $100 to $200 per person for a half-day tour.
Snowmobile Rentals: Prices vary depending on the rental duration and type of snowmobile, typically ranging from $100 to $200 per day.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Rental prices vary depending on the outfitter and duration, typically ranging from $20 to $50 per day.
Directory and Hours
Yellowstone National Park Visitor Centers: Some visitor centers remain open year-round, including the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center and the Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth.
Lodges and Cabins: Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins are open during the winter season.
Winter Facilities: The park’s winter facilities include warming huts, ice rinks, and guided tours.
Real-Life Incidents and Statistics
Winter Visitation: Yellowstone receives significantly fewer visitors during the winter season, making it a more peaceful and intimate experience.
Winter Road Closures: Most park roads are closed during the winter season, making snowcoaches and snowmobiles the primary means of transportation.
Reference:
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/visiting-yellowstone-in-winter.htm
- https://travelwyoming.com/article/winter-guide-yellowstone-national-park
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/winter-activities/winter-things-to-do-yellowstone/