Majority of Yellowstone NP closes November 1

The last day for visitors to drive most of Yellowstone National Park’s roads will be Thursday, October 31. The West, South and East entrances and nearly all roads will be closed to regular vehicle traffic as of November 1.

Every year the park closes roads at this time of year to prepare them for the winter season. Snowmobile and snowcoach travel will begin December 15.

Weather permitting, the road from Tower Fall to Canyon Village (Dunraven Pass) will remain open through October 31.

Roads that are open while majority of Yellowstone closed

With the majority of Yellowstone closed, the only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana. This entrance is via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley.

Advice from Yellowstone staff

Visitors planning to drive in the park during the fall and winter should:

• Prepare for changing weather conditions.
• Have flexible travel plans.
• Expect limited services. Check “Operating Dates” for details.
• Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions.
• Check for temporary travel restrictions or closures that can occur at any time without notice.

You can stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone by visiting the park website and checking the section “Park Roads.” You can also get Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). Or you can call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.

With the majority of Yellowstone closed, there are still area opportunities

All communities near Yellowstone are open year-round, with local businesses offering a wide range of fall and winter recreation opportunities.

• For information about communities in Montana (Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City and Silver Gate), click here.
• For information about communities in Wyoming (Cody and Jackson), click here.
• If your travel plans take you through Idaho, click here.

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