Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonder that captivates visitors from around the world. However, navigating the park’s roads can be a bit tricky, as they have specific opening and closing dates that vary throughout the year. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the details of Yellowstone’s road openings, closures, and other important information to help you plan your visit.
Road Status and Closures
The road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the northeast entrance is the only park road typically open to regular traffic year-round, weather permitting. It closes in winter east of Cooke City, Montana. All other park roads are closed to wheeled vehicles from mid-December to mid-March and open to limited snowmobile and snowcoach travel during this period.
Projected Road Opening Dates (2024)
| Road Segment | Opening Date |
|---|---|
| North Entrance to Northeast Entrance | Open year-round |
| Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris | December 15, 2023 – March 3, 2024 |
| Norris to Madison, Norris to Canyon Village, Canyon Village to Washburn Hot Springs Overlook | December 15, 2023 – March 5, 2024 |
| Canyon Village to Fishing Bridge | December 15, 2023 – March 10, 2024 |
| West, South, and East entrances, and all remaining groomed roads | December 15, 2023 – March 15, 2024 |
Specific Entrance Opening Dates (2024)
- West Entrance: Friday, April 19, at 8:00 AM
- East Entrance: Friday, May 3, at 8:00 AM
- South Entrance: Friday, May 10, at 8:00 AM
- Old Faithful to West Thumb: Friday, May 10, at 8:00 AM
- Canyon to Tower: Friday, May 24, at 8:00 AM
- Beartooth Highway: Friday, TBD, at 8:00 AM
Important Notes
- Weather conditions can cause occasional closures, especially during winter. Check locally or at WY DOT and MT DOT before traveling.
- Chip sealing occurs every summer, which can cause delays of up to 30 minutes. Drive slowly and maintain the recommended speed limit on chip seal pavement to reduce the risk of loose gravel damaging cars or windshields.
Visitor Services and Activities
- Check the current opening and closing dates for all campgrounds, lodges, and dining areas in Yellowstone National Park. Operating hours and service levels can change with little notice.
- The fishing season runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (usually the last weekend in May) and extends through October 31. Purchase a required fishing permit online before arriving in the park.
- Bicyclists may use established public roads when open to motor vehicles during the summer season and during certain times during the spring and fall seasons. Check out the current biking regulations and seasonal dates.
Flood Recovery and Operations
Yellowstone National Park experienced unprecedented flooding in June 2022, causing substantial damage to roads, water and wastewater systems, power lines, and other critical park infrastructure. Check the flood recovery and operations page for up-to-date information and updates on flood recovery efforts and park operations.
Reference
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- https://yellowstone.net/maps/current-roads-status/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm