Yellowstone National Park offers a unique and enchanting winter experience, with various activities and tours available to explore the park’s natural beauty during the winter months. From cozy snowcoach tours to exhilarating snowshoeing adventures, Yellowstone provides a winter wonderland for visitors to discover.
Best Winter Activities in Yellowstone National Park
Snowcoach Tours
Snowcoaches are the primary mode of transportation within Yellowstone during the winter months. These specially designed vehicles with large tires or tracks can navigate the park’s unplowed roads, offering a warm and comfortable way to see the park’s stunning winter landscapes and wildlife. Knowledgeable guides provide insights and point out wildlife along the way.
Snowshoeing
For a more active and personalized experience, snowshoeing allows visitors to explore areas of the park that are inaccessible by snowcoach. Snowshoers can venture into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and other remote areas, immersing themselves in the park’s winter beauty.
Cross-Country Skiing
Yellowstone offers numerous trails and routes for cross-country skiing, providing a unique way to experience the park’s winter landscapes. Skiers can glide through the snow-covered forests and meadows, taking in the serene and peaceful surroundings.
Wildlife Watching
Winter is an excellent time to observe Yellowstone’s diverse wildlife, as animals like wolves, elk, and bison often congregate in the lower valleys and grasslands during the colder months. Snowcoach tours and guided wildlife-focused tours offer the best opportunities to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Transportation Options in Yellowstone National Park During Winter
Snowcoach Transportation
Snowcoaches are the primary mode of transportation within the park during the winter season. They are available for both guided tours and transportation to hotels like the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Snowmobiles
Snowmobiles are another option for exploring Yellowstone in the winter, either through guided tours or the non-commercially guided snowmobile program.
Shuttle Services
Some tour operators and lodges offer shuttle services from nearby airports, such as the Bozeman Airport, to help visitors avoid the expense of renting a vehicle.
Tour Operators and Details
Yellowstone Vacation Tours
Yellowstone Vacation Tours offers daily snowcoach tours from West Yellowstone, including visits to iconic destinations like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Reservations can be made by calling 800-426-7669.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Yellowstone National Park Lodges provides snowcoach tours and transportation to the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, as well as shuttle services from the Bozeman Airport.
Yellowstone Wild Tours
Yellowstone Wild Tours offers private, single-day, and multi-day winter tours with a focus on wildlife, particularly wolves, as well as photography workshops.
Important Dates and Times
- Winter Season: December 15, 2024, to March 15, 2025.
- Winter Travel Hours: 7 am to 9 pm.
- Road Closures: Most park roads close to regular traffic in early November, with oversnow travel available from mid-December to mid-March.
Cost and Reservations
- Snowcoach Tours: Prices vary depending on the tour operator and the length of the tour. Half-day scenic snowcoach tours can cost less than $100 for adults and less than $50 for children.
- Reservations: It is recommended to book snowcoach tours and accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak winter season.
Additional Tips
- Dress Warmly: Winter weather in Yellowstone can be cold, so it is essential to dress in layers and bring warm clothing.
- Boxed Lunches: Consider purchasing boxed lunches in advance, as food services within the park are limited during the winter.
Reference Links
- https://www.yellowstonevacations.com/tour/west-yellowstone-snowcoach-tours/
- https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/adventures/winter-adventures/
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/winter-activities/winter-tour-yellowstone/
- https://www.yellowstonewildtours.com/winter/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/snowmobiles-snowcoaches.htm